How they did last year: Every game between these teams was an all out fight. Post Falls was the favorite but not by much. In the end, Post Falls and Lake City made it to the state tournament. Post Falls would end up winning the state title beating Vallivue, Madison and Eagle on the way. Lake City lost their first two games to Borah and Rocky Mountain.
What to expect this year: A lot more of the same. Post Falls loses Shawn Reid (Montana) and some other leadership but have some youngsters that are more than capable of stepping in. Lewiston was down last year following their state title run but are bouncing back nicely. Lake City looks tough and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Coeur d’ Alene competing for a top spot. But, you have to give the nod to the defending state champs to repeat this year.
The IEL player of the year will likely come done to Marcus Colbert (Post Falls), Connor Hill (Post Falls), Chris Wheelock (Lake City) and Deon Watson (Coeur d’ Alene).
*Coeur d’ Alene – The Vikings will be led by junior Deon Watson and senior Jake Matheson. Watson was an all IEL selection last year while Matheson was voted the co-newcomer of the year. Last year they finished second in the IEL regular season but after being upset by Lake City and beating Lewiston, the guys were overmatched by Post Falls in the consolation game. Certainly Watson and Matheson know how close they came to returning to state and will use that as fuel to their fire to get Coeur d’ Alene back to the big dance.
*Lake City – Last year was the first time since 2002 that the Timberwolves had been to state, thanks to a couple of upsets in the district tournament. This year they bring back two starters from that team along with some other help. Chris Wheelock (5’10 senior) averaged 14 points at last year’s state tournament while Mark Smyly (6’3 senior) averaged 12 points and 7 rebounds per game. We also expect to see guys like seniors Brady Smith, Andy Mitchell, Scott Turner, Colton Carlson and Clint Hartz, junior Kaleb Mitchell and sophomore Mitch Bevacqua.
*Lewiston – For the Bengals, last season first year head coach Corey Williams was essentially starting from scratch with only Justin Podrabsky giving varsity experience. This season, the second team all state Podrabsky is gone and Lewiston will rely on several players that are new to the varsity level.
Post Falls – These guys are going to be solid. The 5A defending champs bring back their second and third leading scorers from last year, both tough as nails and play with a hard edge. Marcus Colbert is as tough as they come and the 5’11 junior is capable of big outbursts. He was an all IEL first team selection and first team all-state. Connor Hill is a 6’2 senior and is the perfect compliment to Colbert on the perimeter. Frighteningly, the quick guard has added 12 pounds of muscle in the offseason to go along with his speed. Plus they get back contributors Matt Lickfold (6’4 senior) and Damon Gonzales (5’9 senior). Also look for newcomers senior Kyle English and juniors Seth Anderson, Luke Thoreson and Scott Benner. English was a two year starter at Lakeland prior to transferring to Post Falls.
Head Coach Mike McLean likes his team’s ability to pressure the ball 94 feet and constantly defend teams baseline to baseline. Their goal is to impose their will on the their opponents at all times and attack the basket on offense.
*I did not hear from these team’s coaches