How they did last year: Skyview took the regular season but in the district tournament, Bishop Kelly pulled the upset and grabbed the number seed at state. This proved crucial as Bishop Kelly got a first round win over Jerome while Skyview lost to Hillcrest. Kuna and Middleton went to overtime in the district tournament, with Middleton winning in OT but lost in their state play-in game the following Saturday.
This year’s outlook: The 4A SIC is wide open. Skyview and Bishop Kelly are early favorites but Middleton is solid. The conference sleeper is probably Mountain Home. Columbia also looks like they are going to be much improved.
Kyle Dranginis will be the player of the year in the 4A SIC. He already has a 54 point outburst in an overtime loss to Vallivue. But, other players may step up to challenge that title. Aaron Hobbs from Mountain Home looks solid and Eric Cotton from Columbia is turning some heads. Dakota Mortensen from Middleton is a fantastic player that put up 23 in his first game against a tough Centennial team (Dakota is also an Idaho Select player).
Each team’s preview will be available through IdahoSports.com. The printed magazine is expected to hit the streets on December 6.