Players to Watch:
Nash Gillette, Burley
Jake Seely, Burley
Trey Burk, Jerome
AJ Johnson, Jerome
Jayden McKenzie, Minico
Nate Wayment, Minico
Landon Keener, Mountain Home
Tyler Petersen, Mountain Home
Trey Billings, Twin Falls
Ty Hess, Twin Falls
Wyatt Crego, Wood River
Dylan Schubert, Wood River
Written by: Dallin Fryar
The Twin Falls Bruins have been a stalwart force in the Great Basin Conference the last several seasons, and do not look to slow down this season. The Bruins have won the consolation trophy at the last two state tournaments, and head coach Mac Stannard and the Bruins will have their work cut out for them with a very difficult non-conference slate to start the season.
Despite losing many seniors from last year’s squad, junior sharpshooter and playmaker Ty Hess returns. Watch out for sophomore forward Tre Billings, who has great length and touch down low, and can step outside and shoot the three ball as well.
Even finishing fourth in the regular season standings in the conference in 2023-24 could not stop the Minico Spartans, who got hot at the right time and returned to the state tournament. The Spartans will miss the 2024 senior class this season, but have some important pieces returning from last year's squad in Nate Wayment and Jayden Mckenzie.
Second year head coach Doug Manning is excited about the post presence the Spartans pose for the upcoming season, but stated: “Kids stepping up and hitting shots will be our x-factor. Our guards are unproven” and will be critical to their success. Spartan culture runs deep and their hard nosed man to man defense will keep Minico in nearly every contest.
The last time that the Burley Bobcats had a winning season was four seasons ago. Michael Hill, who was an assistant coach from 2011-2020, has not been a part of the staff the last four seasons. Hill will return this season, this time as the head coach of the Bobcats, looking to return the Bobcats program to the top of the Great Basin standings.
The Bobcats return nearly all varsity players from last season and are very deep in the guard position. Coach Hill said, “We will try to use our speed and athleticism… If we can play hard, smart, and together and not worry about who gets the credit, we have a chance to be really good.” Burley could be the surprise of the conference, keep your eye on them.
Another team that returns nearly everyone is the Jerome Tigers. 2nd Team All-Conference guard Trey Burk will lead a group that longtime head coach Joe Messick is excited about. He said, “Team chemistry and work ethic will be our strengths…This group understands the culture we have built and established over the last 18 years. These kids will compete, battle, and play the right way.”
Defense will be the key to victory for the Tigers, who will look to improve at consistently making shots on the offensive end.
The surprise team of the 2023-24 season was the Wood River Wolverines, finishing 8-4 in the conference. However, conference player of the year Cooper Fife, graduated, along with several other key contributors. Even with these factors, coach Juan Martinez is ecstatic about what this group is capable of.
He said, “This year it really is a restart- we are replacing 97%of the shot attempts. Many of the new attempts will go to players that are the little brothers of the kids that I have had over the last few years. They are chomping at the bit to write their own story. No one expects us to win any games, I love that for us. I think we have our early identity slotted as the underdog. There is no doubt that teams will want revenge in our turnover year.”
Rounding out the GBC is the Mountain Home Tigers. 2023-24 was not a season to remember for the Tigers, but they do return everyone from last year’s squad, along with several additions. The Tigers will rely on senior Tyler Peterson in a big way this season. Coach Brion Bethel, returning for his 13th season at the helm of the Tigers, had this to say about Peterson:
“Old man Petersen is a 6’0” swing player that can play all 5 spots on the court. He’s one of our top outside shooters, best free throw shooter and is unstoppable around the rim. On defense he’s smart enough to play up top and strong and physical enough to guard down low. He’s our most versatile player and a great teammate.”
Of the rest of the team Bethel added, “We’re really excited about the team energy and chemistry we have. Our guys give maximum effort and play hard to the whistle on every possession. Win or lose, other teams will know they’ve been in a tough game with us.”