Prospects Galore: Who Are The Deepest Teams In The State?
This season has shown yet again the incredible depth in terms of talent across the state of Idaho, in fact, new prospects seemingly pop up on our radar even at this stage in the season with a string of excellent performances to their credit. However, some teams in the state bolster a laundry list of skilled players creating depth that has led to success in the standings. When teams can feature up to four players who can take over a game, it makes the opposition’s task even more difficult in terms of game planning.
We have searched through and created a list of teams who we think have the deepest rosters in terms of production in the state. The list features teams coincidentally either at the top or near the top of the rankings as well. One can gather that not only does depth lead to success, but it also can raise the game of each teammate ultimately creating an excellent culture in which prospects can play up to their full potential.
Check out our list of the deepest teams in the state of Idaho thus far this season…
Preston
Brayden Parker, Derek Wadsworth, Britten Atkinson, Chance Hart
When talking about depth, we have to start with currently undefeated and the reigning back to back 4A state title champions. Preston’s depth, especially given that it is very much experienced at that along with a head coach in Tyler Jones who is in his 8th season is impressive. Brayden Parker was 4A All-State Player of the Year last season and is certainly looking the part once again this year for the Indians (in his last outing, Parker dropped 25 points in a win over Century). Teammate Derek Wadsworth was All-State First Team, Britten Atkinson was All-Conference Second Team and Chance Hart was All-Conference Honorable Mention. Wadsworth, Atkinson and Hart are all turning in great seasons once again which has helped Preston stay unblemished on the year.
Boise
Paul Pennington, Lucas Centeno, Emmett Plummer, Cole Alton
Head coach Manny Varela’s defensively stout Boise Braves have shown that they can get production out of a number of players this season. Paul Pennington (15.9 points per game), Cole Alton (15.0 points per game), Lucas Centeno (11.6 points per game) and Emmett Plummer (7.1 points per game) are the top four scorers on the team and Pennington and Centeno entered the season off some impressive accolades last year. The four players have helped Boise to a 16-1 record and remain a force at the 5A level. This bunch will be incredibly fun to watch come district tournament time as well as the state tournament where they are certainly a favorite to win it all.
Rocky Mountain
Tyler O’Donnell, Hunter Ranstorm, Briggs Ranstorm, Brayden Hamilton, Cooper Frith
Head coach Dane Roy had six returning players from last season’s state title winning squad and they have gone out and proven their value once again as the Grizzlies sit with just three loses on the season and look primed for another state title run. Led in the scoring department by senior Tyler O’Donnell who is averaging 15.9 points per game, Rocky Mountain also bolsters both Hunter Ranstorm and Briggs Ranstorm. Combined, the brother tandem helps their team out in a number of categories while Briggs has moved up our 2020 rankings to the our top spot. Returner Brayden Hamilton as well as newcomer Cooper Frith help round out a very deep and skilled team.
Skyview
Chris Kielman, Cayden Wright, Jayson Hibbard, Seth Richins
The trio of Chris Kielman, Cayden Wright and Jayson Hibbard have proven to be a tough task for opposing teams to handle as each of the three players performed well for the Hawks last season too. With 4 losses to their credit, Skyview is enjoying a great season thus far and with the experience as well as the added contributions from Seth Richins, whom has turned it on lately for the team, expect this well-rounded group to continue to be a factor late in the season. Any particular player can lead the team in scoring and/or rebounds on any given occasion, they have been a fun bunch to follow this year and are very worthy of earning a label as one of the deepest teams in the entire state.
Vallivue
Steele Hadlock, Amoro Lado, Caleb Rhoton, Gabe Childs, Gabe Gallegos, Sy Eaton, Mike Fitts, Jayden Moran
Vallivue has a series of weapons offensively and a young team that is gaining valuable experience this season as they head into the latter part of the season. With the skilled offensive players in Steele Hadlock (tremendous three point shooter), and Amoro Lado (can get to the bucket with ease and ultra aggressive), head coach Ryan Lundgren’s group has impressive depth who seems to play together very well. We expect this group to continue to gel together and add more to their win column as we progress late in the season.
Burley
Ryan Bagley, Andrew Ferrin, Jackson Hill, Jace Whiting
Burley has been red hot lately ripping off nine straight wins following a defeat back in late December to Preston. Head coach Trent Whiting has his group rolling and it is certainly because this team can get production from a number of its players. Of course, returning conference MVP Ryan Bagley is at again for this team, averaging 17.6 points per game this season. Andrew Ferrin, Jackson Hill and Jace Whiting are all ranked players in our database respectively and have shown that they can lead the team in certain statistical categories whenever needed. This group looks hungry and it will be exciting to see how they finish down the stretch.
Borah
Ellis Magnuson, Austin Bolt, DeVaughn Williams, Biggie Bergerson
Borah remains an elite team at the 5A level as this young and very deep team has been impressive this season. Led by their stud guard Ellis Mangnuson who is averaging 15.1 points and 5.8 assists per game, the Lions also feature a top 2020 player in Austin Bolt who can put up a double-double at the drop of a hat. Bolt is averaging 11.1 pointer and 12.8 rebounds a contest thus far. DeVaughn Williams does a little bit of everything while the confidence of Biggie Bergerson and a tendency to hit some big shots makes Borah a very dangerous team to face.
Ririe
Michael Ure, Jace Johnson, Daeton Wheeler, Ryker Parkinson
Ririe’s Michael Ure is averaging just under 20 points (19.3) on the season so far but his supporting cast is nothing to ignore either. Jace Johnson is averaging 16.8 points per game while Daeton Wheeler is chipping in with 8.8 points a contest. Fellow senior Ryker Parkinson gives this group some experience while being deep at the same time as they look to make a final push to close out the regular season. In the highly competitive 2A ranks, Ririe will need to get all they can from this group.
Other notable deep teams: Hillcrest, Madison, Fruitland