Players to Watch:
Adrian Gonzalez, Century
Jordan Wilkinson, Century
Hunter May, Pocatello
Tavin Williams, Pocatello
Cruz Harris, Preston
Reggie Larsen, Preston
Written by: Brandon Baney
The argument to expand Idaho’s state basketball tournaments has been picking up more and more traction over the past several years. Whenever the old topic gets re-visited, Class 5A’s South East Idaho Conference is always used as Exhibit A in favor of the argument.
The three-team conference features Century, Pocatello and Preston. Over the past four seasons, the three teams have combined for an even 200 wins. That’s an average of 16 wins per team. And yet, the league has only received one bid to state each of the past four seasons. It’s led to many deserving teams being sidelined due to factors beyond their control.
Last year was Preston’s turn to sit upon the throne of injustice. The Indians went 18-6 a year ago, including a perfect 4-0 in regular season conference play. But alas, Pocatello nipped Preston when it mattered most, winning twice at districts to advance to state.
And once the Thunder got to state, they took advantage. After falling to Hillcrest in the state championship two years ago, Pocatello exacted revenge last March, toppling the Knights 73-67 to claim their eleventh championship in school history.
Veteran coach Joe Green retired following the win, and Pocatello also said goodbye to eight graduating seniors. Among them were Boise State commit Julian Bowie, and 6-foot-10 center Gage Ontiveros, who is currently redshirting at North Idaho College. Multi-year talents like Kesler Vaughan, Drey Contreras and Parker Smith will also have to be replaced.
First-year head coach Kobi Gardea has a few building blocks in place, though. 5-foot-11 senior Hunter May, 6-foot-2 junior Tavin Williams and 6-foot-3 junior Hunter Cordell all saw varsity time a season ago.
Should Pocatello falter, Preston is more than ready to reclaim the mantle of league champion. “We return three starters and one other player with varsity experience from last year,” says coach Tyler Jones. “We like our squad and we are longer and more athletic than we have been, but we just need to gain some experience as we go with the new guys.”
“Hopefully we can continue to improve as the season goes on,” Jones adds. “The team likes each other and chemistry is good. They’ll play for each other, but they need to learn their roles and do whatever it takes to help the team.”
Senior point guard Jake Schumann, senior wing Reggie Larsen and senior forward Cruz Harris are not just returning starters, but they’re also reigning All-Conference selections. Junior Kasen Bryce saw limited time a year ago, while juniors Tripton Beckstead, Parker Galloway, Branson Smith and Rhett Schumann, and sophomore Carter Perry, are all competing for playing time.
“We want to play faster and in transition more,” says Jones. “We feel like we have some speed and athleticism and want to use that to our advantage. We also always talk about defense and rebounding, and that will be huge for us this year. We need to continue to improve on the defensive end and be able to win the battle on the glass.”
Century struggled to a 5-18 record a season ago. But head coach Ryan Frost is a proven winner who consistently gets the most out of his players.
Frost’s first priority is replacing Elias Blackhawk and Spencer Payne, who departed via graduation. “Elias was a three-year starter at point guard and we will miss his leadership,” Frost says. “Spencer was our glue guy. He always played hard and made his teammates better.”
Among the candidates to fill those roles are senior guard Peja Weed, junior guard Adrian Gonzalez, and junior forward Jordan Wilkinson. Those are three returnees with varsity experience. Up next is a plethora of newcomers eager to earn their spot in the lineup: senior guard Max Agres, senior forward Deagan Crabtree, junior forward Luke Webb, and sophomore guard Justus Mangum.
“Our strength will be playing as a team on offense” says Frost. “And if we decide to play great team defense we will have a chance to beat any team in the state.”
Needless to say, this year’s league race will once again be appointment viewing. Frost sums it up best: “Our league is so tough top to bottom. All three teams will be good enough to make it to the state tournament, but only one gets the bid. Our district tournament will be a dogfight and whoever is playing the best basketball in February will end on top.”