Breaking Down The Final Three Unbeaten Teams In The Gem State
photo credit: Stanley Brewster/For the Journal
Just a trio of teams remain unbeaten at the prep level in Idaho, and for good reason as they look to be heavy contenders come state tournament time. Coincidentally, each of the three remaining unblemished squads also feature a slew of prospects helping guide them to their noteworthy starts. A quick start is one thing, but to be without a loss still at this point in the season really says something about your club, Prep Hoops Idaho takes a look at what is making each team tick.
Borah, Preston and Snake River all stand without a loss still on the season. Borah is looking to keep their magical season going while Preston and Snake River look to get back to the state title game. For Preston, it would be an amazing three peat while Snake River looks to erase a bitter loss in the title game just a season ago. All three are laced with talented players.
Borah (10-0)
The Borah Lions are having a phenomenal season thus far, and are powered by young talent. There is something special brewing with this group as they held on yet again in thrilling fashion over Mountain View in double overtime 64-61. The team features a number of 2019 prospects that are playing excellent basketball as of late including Ellis Magnuson, DeVaughn Williams, and Biggie Bergerson. All three have contributed in their past two overtime (vs Rocky Mountain) and double overtime (vs Mountain View) wins.
Magnuson has averaged 17 points in the two wins and also handed out 6 assists against Mountain View. He remains a top player in the 2019 class overall and is a dominant force for this Lions team. Williams is seemingly getting more and more polished as the season progresses and is a steady player for this team, last time out against Mountain View he dropped in 11 points. In his game against Rocky Mountain, Williams showed out pouring in 20 points in a big time performance from three point range. Bergerson has been sneaky good too, and has hit huge shots for this team when they have needed them most, as he hit 1 of 2 free throws to push the lead to three points late against Mountain View, and then hit 2 of 2 free throws late in the win over Rocky Mountain to finish with 8 points. He also hit a big time three pointer to help push his team past the Grizzlies as well.
To add to that firepower, Borah has arguably the top producing 2020 prospect in the state with Austin Bolt, who, against Mountain View had an enormous game going for 18 points and 22 rebounds. He is a double-double machine and finds way to impact that game at every level.
Up next for the Borah Lions will be a home game against Nampa Thursday, January 11th at 7:30pm.
Preston (10-0)
We have claimed them to be the top team in the state at any level and the Preston Indians have done nothing to dispel that notion. Firing off 10 straight to open the season, Preston has looked dominant for the most part in doing so. The team’s last win came against Logan (UT) on December 30th where reigning 4A Player of the Year according to the Idaho Statesman, Brayden Parker netted 13 points in the victory. Parker has been bullying his way to top performances for the team again this season and has even added some new dimensions to his game. There is no stopping Parker when everything is clicking and he will remain in the conversation as a top 2018 prospect as the season moves ahead.
Derek Wadsworth (2018), and Britten Atkinson (2018) have been carrying the load in the backcourt for this bunch as they have been dynamic as well and can take over in stretches with ease. This team has experience, depth and the necessary coaching to claim a three peat at the 4A level. Keep an eye on this undefeated streak because in all likely hood it might sustain for the entire season. Up next for the Indians is a matchup with Blackfoot tonight on the road, the game starts at 7:30pm.
Snake River (9-0)
Snake River is led by Clancy Thomas who has averaged 21.5 points per game in their last two wins including the one over Sugar-Salem, Thomas (who has signed on to play for Colorado Mesa) is making his mark at the 3A level once again. This team has experience with a number of Thomas’ teammates returning for the senior seasons and looking set to improve upon their 21-4 record from last year.
In the last state-wide coaches poll held by IdahoSports.com, Snake River took 12 first place votes, a heavy favorite to remain in the top spot of 3A the remainder of the season and entering the state tournament. Next up for the Panthers will be a test against South Fremont, whom Snake River held to just 29 points last time these two teams played in South Fremont’s gym.