NORTH IDAHO SPORTS BANQUET: Johnson, Strock honored as top high school athletes

COEUR d’ALENE — Lake City High boys basketball, Coeur d’Alene High girls basketball, Sandpoint High girls basketball and North Idaho College men’s basketball were among the big winners at the 61st annual North Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame Awards Banquet on Saturday night at The Coeur d’Alene Resort.

Nearly 800 people attended the banquet, which honors student-athletes, coaches, and teams from North Idaho high schools and colleges. They were honored for the athletic season that included the 2022 spring and fall sports seasons, and the 2022-23 winter sports season.

The undefeated Lake City High boys basketball team and coach Jim Winger captured the High School Boys Team of the Year and Coach of the Year honors for Class 5A-4A, respectively, while three-sport standout Zach Johnson, also of Lake City, was named the Boys High School Athlete of the Year for 5A-4A.

The state champion Coeur d’Alene High girls’ basketball squad won the 5A-4A Girls Team of the Year, while Sandpoint coach Will Love was the 5A-4A Coach of the Year after leading the Bulldogs to their first-ever state basketball title. Basketball and soccer standout Aliya Strock of Sandpoint was the 5A-4A Girls High School Athlete of the Year.

Among the college awards, Idaho football coach Jason Eck, UI quarterback Gevani McCoy, and the North Idaho College basketball team won the male awards on the college side, while the female winners were Lewis-Clark State basketball coach Brian Orr, UI basketball player Beyonce Bea, and the Vandal soccer team.

The finalists and winners were honored at the banquet, along with this year’s four inductees into the Hall of Fame — former Lakeland High standout Sky Pruitt, former Idaho football players Kasey Dunn and Rick DeMulling, and former UI trainer Barrie Steele.

Along with athletic performance honors, the 3rd annual Duane Hagadone High Character Award winners were announced at the banquet. This award goes to a nominated female and male athlete from each school. It is named after Duane Hagadone, who founded the North Idaho Hall of Fame 61 years ago. In defining the award, it recognizes a student-athlete who excels in the classroom and as a teammate, has outstanding work ethic and integrity, displays sportsmanship and true character in all walks of life, and is just an all-around good individual. Civic and community involvement is a bonus.

Following the awards ceremony there were drawings for eight $500 scholarships for the high school student-athletes. In order to win one of the drawings, a student-athlete had to be nominated for an award and be present at the banquet.

The nominations, finalists and winners are selected by the North Idaho Hall of Fame committee, composed of members from various communities in North Idaho.

FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Beyonce Bea, Idaho basketball: Bea was a first-team all-Big Sky selection after she led the conference in seven statistical categories, five of which she also ranked in the top 10 in the NCAA. She averaged 23.1 points per game and had 11 double-doubles. She led the conference in field goals made, free throws made, and tied for the top spot with her 11 double doubles. She scored at least 10 points in every game but one this season.

Other finalists: Addie Kiefer, North Idaho basketball; Tereza Ledezma, North Idaho soccer; Callie Stevens, Lewis-Clark State basketball; Jennah Carpenter, Lewis-Clark State track

MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Gevani McCoy, Idaho football: He won the Jerry Rice Award as the top freshman player in the FCS Division. He finished the year completing 203 of 297 passes for a school-record 68.4 completion percentage. He threw for 2,791 yards and 27 touchdowns with just seven interceptions in 11 games. He was also named the Big Sky Conference’s Freshman of the Year. Gevani was selected to the Hero Sports All-American Freshman Team as well.

Other finalists: Julius Mims, North Idaho basketball; Clayton Van Dyke, Lewis-Clark State track; Hayden Hatten, Idaho football; Brant Porter, North Idaho wrestling.

FEMALE TEAM OF THE YEAR

Idaho soccer: Despite being picked to finish fifth in the Big Sky Conference, the Vandals posted 12-3-3 overall record, which tied the program record for most wins in a season. The team went 6-2 in conference play to finish third in the regular season; the Vandals then made it to the championship match of the Big Sky tournament where they suffered a heartbreaking loss in a shootout. The team set a school record by posting 14 shutouts during the year.

Other finalists: Lewis-Clark State basketball; North Idaho soccer; North Idaho volleyball

MALE TEAM OF THE YEAR

North Idaho basketball: The Cardinals had a dominating regular season, running off 28 straight victories before losing in the conference playoffs. They finished the season outscoring opponents by an average of 21 points per game. The team averaged more than 94 points per outing, and scored 100 or more points in 10 games. Overall, NIC shot nearly 52 percent from the field and 41.9 percent from the 3-point line.

Other finalists: Idaho football; Lewis-Clark State baseball; North Idaho golf; Idaho tennis; North Idaho wrestling

FEMALE COACH OF THE YEAR

Brian Orr, Lewis-Clark State basketball: The Warriors posted a 30-4 record and made it to the Sweet 16 of the NAIA National Tournament. Its only losses during the season were to other teams ranked in the top 15 of the NAIA. The Warriors went 21-1 in Cascade Collegiate Conference play to tie for the regular-season title. The 30 wins is his third-highest total in his 22 years at the college. It also marked his final year at the college as he announced his retirement after the season. In his 22 seasons at LC State, Orr was 548-176 (.754 winning percentage).

Other finalists: Kellsi Parsons, North Idaho soccer; Kesley Stanley, North Idaho volleyball; Jeremy Clevenger, Idaho soccer

MALE COACH OF THE YEAR

Jason Eck, Idaho football: In his first season as Vandals head coach, he guided Idaho to a 7-5 record and the Vandals’ first FCS playoff appearance since 1995.

Other finalists: Corey Symons, North Idaho basketball; Russell Grove, North Idaho golf; Jake Taylor, Lewis-Clark State baseball; Daniel Hangstefer, Idaho tennis; Derrick Booth, North Idaho wrestling

CONTINUED OUTSTANDING ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

AWARD (honors a graduate from a North Idaho high school who has gone on to compete outside of North Idaho and is worthy of recognition).

Bella Murekatete, Washington State women’s basketball: Murekatete, a graduate of Genesis Prep Academy in Post Falls, averaged 13.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.6 assists per game for the Cougars, who won the Pac-12 Conference Tournament and earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament. She was named to the All Pac-12 Tournament team and also was a All-Pac-12 honorable mention pick for the season.

HIGH SCHOOL AWARDS

DUANE HAGADONE HIGH CHARACTER AWARD

Winners by school

Bonners Ferry: Neveah Elliston, Dillon Mai

Coeur d’Alene Charter: Caitlin Combes

Coeur d’Alene: Alyssa Randles, Jacob King

Clark Fork: Emily Myers, Hank Barnett

Deary: Triniti Wood, Kalab Rickerd

Genesee: Shelby Hanson, Nolan Bartosz

Kellogg: Madison Cheney, Makai Peak

Kendrick: Rachel Olson, Ty Koepp

Kootenai: Tuesday Glessner, Michael Nyman

Lake City: Allie Bowman, Zach Johnson

Lakeland: Ellie Carlson, Brady Hanna

Lewiston: Sydney Arellano, Nathan Renzelman

Logos: GraceAnn Vanderploeg, Jack Atwood

Moscow: Megan Poler, Zac Skinner, Caleb Skinner

Nezperce: Faith Tiegs

Orofino: Grace Beardin

Post Falls: Anna Peters, Trevor Miller

Potlatch: Jordan Reynolds, Logan Amos

Prairie: Kristin Wemhoff, Lee Forsmann

Priest River: Allison Barton, Luke Butler

Sandpoint: Kelsey Cessna, Parker Pettit

St. Maries: Berkli McGreal, Ethan Kolar

Timberlake: Ciara Soumas, Hunter Higgins

Troy: Alaura Hawley, Eli Stoner

Wallace: Kynadee Gilmore, Brad Tesky

SPRING

GIRLS GOLF

Braylyn Bayer, Bonners Ferry: Bayer finished second in the state 3A tournament at the River Bend Golf Course in Wilder. She shot 78-77—155, just two shots behind the overall winner. She also posted the best score at districts among all north Idaho female golfers with an 83.

Other finalists: Mollie Seibly, Lewiston; Avery Bayer, Bonners Ferry; Taylor Potter, Coeur d’Alene; Paige Crabb, Coeur d’Alene

BOYS GOLF

Archie Rauenhorst, Kellogg; Cole Jaworski, Coeur d’Alene: Rauenhorst placed third in the state 3A golf tournament at the River Bend Golf Course in Wilder. He shot 74-71—145, 1 over par. Jaworski shot 74-77-—151 at the state 5A tourney. Both placed second at districts.

Other finalists: Seth Swallows, St. Maries; Carson King, Lewiston; Jack Seibly, Lewiston; Grant Potter, Coeur d’Alene

GIRLS TENNIS

Caitlin Combes, Coeur d’Alene Charter: Combes was the only singles player in North Idaho to place at state in any classification. She posted a 2-2 record at state in 3A and tied for fifth. Seeded fourth in the tourney, she fell in her opening match but battled back through the consolation bracket, winning two matches before falling in the consolation semifinals. Combes

also won the district title.

Other finalists: Morgan Moran, Lewiston; Allison Olson, Lewiston; Eleah Swan, Clearwater Valley; Ashlyn Ledeboer, Clearwater Valley

BOYS TENNIS

Dylan Gomez, Lewiston: Gomez finished second at the state 5A tourney. After winning his second straight district title, Dylan was seeded second in the state tournament and won his first three matches at state, including two in three sets, before falling to the top seed in the championship match. In district play, he went undefeated and didn’t lose more than three games in any match. Gomez now plays tennis at Lewis-Clark State College.

Other finalists: Oskar Hepworth, Coeur d’Alene Charter; Lynnsean Young, Moscow; Josh Francis, Clearwater Valley

GIRLS SOFTBALL

Class 5A-4A

Taryn Barney, Lewiston: Barney was selected the co-MVP of the 5A Inland Empire League and also was a second-team all-state selection by the Idaho Statesman. In her final regular-season game, the senior catcher went 6-for-9 with three home runs, a double and scored eight runs in a doubleheader sweep. She is now playing softball at the University of Texas-Tyler.

Other finalists: Megan Highfill, Moscow; Kailey Cramer, Post Falls; Alyssa Krause, Post Falls; Hope Bodak, Lake City; Kate Banks, Lewiston

3A-1A

Rebecca Butterfield, Potlatch: Butterfield posted a 16-1 record with a 1.92 earned run average and 164 strikeouts in 82 2/3 innings for the state 1A champions. Opponents had a batting average of just .121 against her, which led all of the 1A classification. She also was named the Idaho Statesman’s 1A Player of the Year.

Other finalists: Logan Walsh, Timberlake; Lilly Freitas, Priest River; Taci Watkins, St. Maries

BOYS BASEBALL

5A-4A

Chris Ricard, Lewiston: Ricard was selected the 5A Inland Empire League’s Player of the Year and also was a first-team all-state selection by the Idaho Statesman. The infielder hit .385 with 16 extra-base hits, including three home runs. His 38 RBI were the second most in the state among 5A players.

Other finalists: Ryan Schneider, Coeur d’Alene; Cruz Hepburn, Lewiston; Joe DuCoeur, Lake City; Langan Naylor, Post Falls; Auggie Lehman, Sandpoint; Colin Roos, Sandpoint; Mike Kiblen, Moscow

3A-1A

Cameron House, Troy: House was selected as the Idaho Statesman’s 1A Player of the Year. On the mound he went 5-0 with a 0.92 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 45 1/3 innings for the state 1A champions, and also held opponents to a .117 batting average. At the plate, he hit .412 with 25 stolen bases and 27 runs scored.

Other finalists: Trey Bateman, Bonners Ferry; Teigan Banning, Bonners Ferry; Silas Naranjo, Orofino; Dylan Larson, St. Maries; Nate Guinard, Genesee

GIRLS TRACK

5A-4A

Samantha Wood, Post Falls: Wood won two events and was second in a third for the Trojans at the state 5A meet. She won the 3,200 by 12 seconds over her teammate Annastasia Peters, and then won the 1,600 title by five seconds. She finished second in the 800 meters. In all, she scored more than half of Post Falls’ team score of 52.5 points, which placed the Trojans fourth at state.

Other finalists: Annastasia Peters, Post Falls; Hanna Marcoe, Moscow; Ziya Munyer, Lakeland; Kenna Simon, Lakeland; Emily Collins, Lewiston

3A-1A

Asha Abubakari, Bonners Ferry: Abubakari competed in four events and took

home two first-place finishes at the state 3A meet. She won the discus with a throw of 120 feet, 2 inches, winning by two inches. Her winning throw in the shot put covered 38 feet, 11.5 inches. She also finished eighth in the long jump and 17th in the triple jump.

Other finalists: Clara Anderson, Logos; Lindi Kessinger, Orofino; Morgan Burt, Bonners Ferry; Alexis Herrera, Lapwai; Kadence Beck, Highland; McKenna Kozeluh, Coeur d’Alene Charter

BOYS TRACK

5A-4A

Rusty Lee, Sandpoint: Lee placed fourth or better in four events at state in 4A for the Bulldogs. He was second in both the 100 and 300 hurdles, and then was fourth in the high jump. He also ran on the Sandpoint medley relay team which placed fourth. In all, Lee had a hand in scoring 24 of Sandpoint’s 40 team points at state.

Other finalists: Thor Kessinger, Lewiston; Will Hurst, Sandpoint; Dylan Rehder, Moscow; Trevor Cogley, Lake City; Caleb Skinner, Moscow

3A-1A

Reid Thomas, Orofino: Not only was Thomas the only winner of an event from North Idaho, he won two events at the 2A meet. He threw a personal best of 57 feet, 4.75 inches in the shot put, which was the best mark among all classifications at the state meet. He also set a personal best with a 155-7 throw in winning the discus.

Other finalists: Brady Cox, Kamiah; Wyatt Johnson, Potlatch; Tucker Malloy, Orofino; Matyus McLain, Priest River; Wyatt MacArthur, Timberlake; Luke Trogden, Mullan; Nick Graham, Orofino; Jack Wilkins, Kamiah

FALL AWARDS

GIRLS GOLF

5A-4A

Taylor Mire, Sandpoint: Mire had the lowest score of all North Idaho golfers at state with a 152 total on the Sage Lakes Golf Course. With rounds of 75 and 77 she finished at 12 over par and in seventh place helping the Bulldog girls place third.

Other finalists: Mollie Seibly, Lewiston; Hayden Crenshaw, Coeur d’Alene; Alexa Tuinstra, Sandpoint

BOYS GOLF

5A-4A

Carson King, Lewiston; and Brady Hanna, Lakeland: Both shot two-day totals of 147 at their respective state tournaments. After placing fourth in the district tournament, Carson came on at state and placed seventh in 5A. After an opening round of 78, he shot the second-best round of the tournament on the second day with a 3-under-par 69 at the Teton Lakes Golf Course in Rexburg. Hanna placed eighth in the 4A tournament on the par-70 Sage Lakes Golf Course in Idaho Falls. He had rounds of 73 and 74 at state. Hanna also won the district title.

Other finalists: Trey Nipp, Coeur d’Alene; Grant Potter, Coeur d’Alene; Chase Lovell, Moscow.

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

Annastasia Peters, Post Falls: Peters absolutely dominated the state meet, winning the overall title by more than 50 seconds. Her time of 16 minutes, 56.7 seconds was a course record and was nearly 35 seconds faster than any other female runner in all classifications at the meet. She is the first female runner in Trojan history to win the state cross country title. Peters, who has signed to run at the University of Utah, also won the district meet by nearly a full minute.

Other finalists: McKenna Kozeluh, Coeur d’Alene Charter; Olivia May, Coeur d’Alene; Hazel Kunkel, Lake City; Talia Bonville, Post Falls

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Max Cervi-Skinner, Coeur d’Alene: Cervi-Skinner posted the top time of all male runners

from North Idaho at the state meet in Lewiston, covering the course in 15 minutes and 2.4

seconds, 13 seconds faster than any of his teammates. He helped the Vikings place third at state. He also won the 5A district title by more than 12 seconds.

Other finalists: Lachlan May, Coeur d’Alene; Zack Cervi-Skinner, Coeur d’Alene; Jacob King, Coeur d’Alene; Jacob Barnhart, Timberlake

GIRLS SOCCER

Georgia Whitehead, Lake City; and Elliotte Kortus, Lake City: Along with being teammates, the two were selected as co-MVPs in the Inland Empire League and both also have signed to play at Washington State. The two helped Lake City to a third-place finish at state this year after they captured the title their junior years. Whitehead was selected as a first-team all-state forward by the Idaho Statesman, while Kortus was picked as a second-team forward.

Other finalists: Lilliana Brinkmeier, Sandpoint; Kesley Cessna, Sandpoint; Aliya Strock, Sandpoint; Rebekah Hines, Coeur d’Alene Charter.; Maddie Daigle, Coeur d’Alene Charter; Alexa Sheppard, Coeur d’Alene Charter; Taylor Miller, Lake City.

BOYS SOCCER

Cooper Prohaska, Coeur d’Alene; Evan Dickinson, Sandpoint: Prohaska was named MVP of the 5A Inland Empire League and helped the Vikings to a fifth-place finish at state. In the Vikings’ season opener this year, he scored six of the team’s seven goals, including four in the first half. He also was named to the Idaho Statesman all-state team. Evan helped the Bulldogs to a fifth-place finish at state. He, too, was the MVP of the Inland Empire League for 4A and also a first-team all-Idaho Statesman selection as a defender.

Other finalists: Jacob Molina, Lake City; Gavin Schoener, Lake City; Connor Jump, Lake City; Henry Barnes, Sandpoint; Eoin Eddy, Sandpoint; Greyson Sands, St. Maries; Nick Eastman, Bonners Ferry

VOLLEYBALL

5A-4A

Kylie Munday, Post Falls: Munday was selected the MVP of the 5A Inland Empire League. For the second straight season, Kylie also was selected to the first-team all-state squad by the Idaho Statesman as a setter. The junior and University of San Diego commit helped the Trojans to a third-place trophy at state.

Other finalists: Ellie Carlson, Lakeland; Ella Hosfeld, Lake City; Katy Wessels, Lewiston; Morgan Claus, Moscow

3A-1A

Paige Valliere, Clark Fork; and Jolee Ecklund, Troy: Valliere was voted MVP of the North Star League and was an honorable mention selection to the Idaho Statesman’s Class 1A Division II all-state team. In one match this year, she recorded 29 assists and 10 service aces. The senior captain played setter for the Wampus Cats and helped lead the team to the district title and a berth in the state tournament. Ecklund led Troy to the state title in 1A Division I. She was the MVP of the Whitepine League. The junior middle blocker also was selected as the Idaho Stateman’s Class 1A Division 1 player of the year. In the district championship game, she racked up 16 kills and 24 digs in a three-game sweep. Jolee led the Trojans in almost every statistical category.

Other finalists: Linley Howard, Timberlake; Grace Beardin, Orofino; Savannah Smith, Wallace; Kenadie Kirk, Deary; Hailey Taylor, Kendrick.

GIRLS SWIMMING

Gabby Garasky, Lake City: Garasky captured the title in 100 butterfly in a state-record time of 56.24 seconds. She won the race by more than a second. The junior then followed up that performance by winning the 100 backstroke in 57.99 seconds, again winning the race by more than 1 second. In her other two events, both relays, Gabby took seconds. She swam the third leg of the 200 medley relay and then the anchor leg of the 400-yard freestyle. The Timberwolves also won the state team title.

Other finalists: Quinn Taylor, Lake City; Demi Blaylock, Lake City; Trista Slife, Lake City; Ryleigh Bamer, Sandpoint; Emily Ballard, Sandpoint; Pema Anain, Lake City

BOYS SWIMMING

Steven Griffith, Lake City: Griffith was the only one to win an individual event at state. He captured the title in 500 freestyle in 5 minutes and 9.31 seconds, capturing the title by more than eight seconds over his nearest competitor. In addition, he was on the third-place freestyle relay team and was ninth in the 200 yard freestyle swim.

Other finalists: Isaac Thorpe, Coeur d’Alene; Noah Crossler, Moscow; Ben Linford, Lake City; Caleb Norling, Sandpoint; Luke Mastroberardino, Lewiston.

FOOTBALL

5A-4A

Zach Johnson, Lake City: Johnson showed his versatility throughout the season at both tight end and linebacker. He was one of the top receivers for the Timberwolves and his size and speed made him a tough matchup for opponents. Johnson, who will play football for Idaho next fall, averaged 10 tackles per game on defense. He also set a school record with an astounding 23 tackles in one game.

Other finalists: Trevor Miller, Post Falls; Jake Bustamante, Post Falls; Jackson Lathen, Lewiston; Parker Pettit, Sandpoint; John Cornish, Lakeland.; Wes Benefield, Sandpoint; James White, Lewiston

3A-1A

Kolby Luna, Kellogg; and Ty Koepp, Kendrick: Luna was the player of the year in the Central Idaho League where he was a first-team selection at both wide receiver and defensive back. He finished with 94 catches for 1,753 yards and 21 touchdowns. As a defensive back, he had 44 tackles, seven interceptions and four forced fumbles. Those numbers earned him first-team all-state in 2A on both offense and defense. He will continue his playing career at the University of Miami. Koepp, a junior quarterback, threw for 2,001 yards and 32 touchdowns, and also rushed for 567 yards and 10 touchdowns. He put up this numbers despite sitting out most of the second halves this season as Kendrick rolled to an undefeated season and its second straight state 1A Division II title. He also was the Whitepine League’s MVP.

Other finalists: Cleo Henslee, sr., Bonners Ferry; Blake Rice, sr., Bonners Ferry.; Hunter Higgins, sr., Timberlake.; Charles Henslee, sr., Bonners Ferry; Riply Luna, Kellogg; Porter Whipple, Kamiah.; Jagger Hewett, Kendrick; Caleb Ball, Mullan/St. Regis.

WINTER

GIRLS BASKETBALL

5A-4A

Teagan Colvin, Coeur d’Alene; and Aliya Strock, Sandpoint: Colvin, a junior guard, already is being heavily recruited. She was named MaxPreps Idaho High School girls Basketball Player of the Year and was a first-team all-state 5A selection by the Idaho Statesman. She averaged 18.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, 4.2 steals, and 3.8 assists per game for the state 5A champ Vikings this season. Strock averaged 14.3 points, 4.6 steals, 4.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game for the Bulldogs, who won their first state title in program history. Strock was a first-team selection to the Idaho Statesman’s Class 4A all-state team.

Other finalists: Capri Sims, Post Falls; Madi Symons, Coeur d’Alene; Avery Waddington, Lake City: Kelsey Cessna, Sandpoint; Lila Kiefer, Lakeland

3A-1A

Malia Miller, Timberlake: Miller, the daughter of Timberlake head coach Matt Miller, averaged nearly 16 points, 4.3 rebounds. 5.2 assists and 4.0 steals as a freshman for the Tigers, who finished the season with a 22-3 record and a second-place finish in the 3A state tournament. She also tied the school’s single-season assist record with 130.

Other finalists: Britany Phillips, Wallace; Eloise Shelton, Clark Fork.; Asha Abubakari, Bonners Ferry; Grace Beardin, Orofino; Jaelyn McCormack-Marks, Lapwai; Ciara Soumas, Timberlake; Rose Stewart, Kendrick

BOYS BASKETBALL

5A-4A

Blake Buchanan, Lake City: Buchanan, who has signed with Virginia, was chosen as the Gatorade Idaho Boys Basketball Player of the Year and the Idaho Statesman’s Class 5A Player of the Year this past season. The 6-foot-11 senior averaged 15.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.9 steals, 3.2 blocked shots, and 3.0 assists per game. In the state championship game, he had 26 points and 11 rebounds as the Timberwolves finished the season undefeated at 26-0 and won the first state title in program history.

Other finalists: Kolton Mitchell, Lake City; Carson Way, Lewiston; Alexander Nipp, Coeur d’Alene; Nathan Hocking, Lake City; Zach Johnson, Lake City; Scotty Hocking, Lakeland; Deacon Kiesbuy, Lake City

3A-1A

Kase Wynott, Lapwai: Wynott, a 6-5 guard/forward, averaged 35.6 points and 15 rebounds per game while shooting 69 percent from the field. His scoring average ranked eighth in the

country, according to MaxPreps. He had a double-double in points and rebounds in every game

but one this season and had three-triple doubles, also reaching 10 or more assists. In one

game, he had a rare quadruple double with 37 points, 19 rebounds, 12 assists and 10 steals.

He put up those numbers while often playing only in about three quarters of each game and

often being double or triple teamed. He was the Idaho Statesman’s Class 1A Division I Player of the Year.

Other finalists: Asher Williams, Bonners Ferry; Ridge Williams, Bonners Ferry; Braeden Blackmore, Bonners Ferry; Greyson Sands, St. Maries; Vander Brown, Lakeside.; Austin Zingler, Mullan.; Jagger Hewett, Kendrick

GIRLS WRESTLING

Alyssa Randles, Coeur d’Alene: Randles posted a 39-4 record, but all four of her losses were to male wrestlers. At state, wrestling in the 126-pound classification, Randles won all four of her matches either by technical fall or with pins.

Other finalists: Joely Slyter, Lewiston; Nevaeh Therrien, Bonners Ferry; Skyla Zimmerman, Moscow; Kadence Beck, Highland; Hayley McNeal, Potlatch

BOYS WRESTLING

5A-4A

Jose Laguna, Post Falls: Laguna, wrestling at 170 pounds, posted a 40-1 record. He was the top seed at the state tournament in one of the tougher brackets. He won his first match by pin and the next three by decision to claim the crown in 5A.

Other finalists: Rider Seguine, Post Falls; Hoyt Hvass, Lewiston; Trevor Miller, Post Falls

3A-1A

Jaeger Hall, Kellogg: Hall, wrestling at 132 pounds, was the top seed in his weight class at the 2A tournament and proceeded to win four straight matches, including two by pins, to capture the state title. Hall finished 48-7.

Other finalists: Matyus McLain, Priest River; Kaden Schaff, Nezperce; Sean Larsen, Orofino; Eli Prather, Potlatch; Caeden McLaimtaig, Priest River

TEAM AWARDS

GIRLS TEAM OF THE YEAR

5A-4A

Coeur d’Alene basketball: The Vikings went 24-2 with their only losses coming to the No. 1-ranked team in the country Sierra Canyon and then to Mater Dei at a tournament in Las

Vegas. The Vikings went 6-0 in league play and won those games by an average of 21.7 points

and then increased that average to 28.5 points in the district tournament. The team won its final

14 games of the season and blew away Rocky Mountain 65-27 in the state 5A title game.

Other finalists: Lake City swimming; Sandpoint basketball

3A-1A

Potlatch softball: The Loggers posted a 19-2 record and

won their final 18 games en route to the state 1A title. Potlatch suffered early season losses to 4A Moscow and 2A St. Maries before rolling. The Loggers had six players make the Idaho Statesman’s All-State first team for 1A — pitcher Rebecca Butterfield, who went 16-1, infielder

Emma Chambers, who hit .444, infielder Josie Larson, who stole 43 bases, catcher Tava

McKinney, who hit .403, outfield Haylee McNeal, who hit .368 and outfielder Jaylee Fry, who

stole 37 bases.

Other finalists: Troy volleyball; Logos cross country Timberlake basketball

BOYS TEAM OF THE YEAR

5A-4A

Lake City basketball: The Timberwolves won the first state hoops title in program history and went undefeated as well, posting a 26-0 record. They became only the third 5A team to go undefeated since 1995. The Timberwolves had only two games that were decided by less than 20 points and those came in a nine-point semifinal win over Madison and then a 14-point win over Meridian for the state title.

Other finalists: Post Falls wrestling: Lake City swimming

3A-1A

Kendrick football: The Tigers went undefeated in capturing the 1A Division II title. Along the way to its 12-0 record, Kendrick defeated eventual 1A Division 1 state champion Oakley. Kendrick also defeated Washington state 1B champion Liberty Bell 30-0 in a game that ended at halftime because Liberty Bell didn’t want any of its players to get hurt. At one point during the season, the Tigers scored 418 consecutive points — they shut out teams for 31 straight quarters. Kendrick shut out eight of its 12 opponents and outscored the opposition 923-96.

Other finalists: Troy baseball; Kendrick basketball; Lakeside basketball

GIRLS COACH OF THE YEAR

5A-4A

Will Love, Sandpoint basketball: Love led Sandpoint to its first state title in basketball — boys or girls. Sandpoint finished the year 20-5 and was the No 3 seed at the state tournament. Four of its losses came against larger 5A schools.At state, Sandpoint won its opener by five, then its semifinal game by 15, and then beat top-ranked and No. 1 seed Shelley 69-65 for the state crown. Love, a Sandpoint alum, also was selected the state’s 4A coach of the year by the Idaho Statesman.

Other finalists: Shelly Sobek, Lake City swimming; Nicole Symons, Coeur d’Alene basketball

3A-1A

Deborah Blazzard, Troy volleyball: Troy won the state 1A title a year ago, but lost several key players. It was basically a new team with six new starters and just one senior. Under Blazzard, the Trojans went 14-0 in league and also went undefeated in postseason play. The team finished 29-5 with four of the losses coming to teams in the 3A classification or higher. It was the Trojan’s and Blazzard’s fourth state title in the past five years.

Other finalists: Dean Butterfield, Potlatch softball; Paula Casebolt, Logos cross country; Matt Miller, Timberlake basketball

BOYS COACH OF THE YEAR

5A-4A

Jim Winger, Lake City basketball: Winger led Lake City to its first state hoops title in program history and also an undefeated season at 26-0. The Timberwolves had only one game that was decided by less than 10 points and only two games decided by less than 20 points. Winger also was named the 5A Coach of the Year by the Idaho Statesman.

Other finalists: Pete Reardan, Post Falls wrestling: Shelly Sobek, Lake City swimming

3A-1A

Travis House, Troy baseball; and Zane Hobart, Kendrick football: House led the Trojans to the state 1A title where they outscored the opposition 27-5. The team finished the season at 15-6. Hobart led the Tigers to their second consecutive state 1A Division II title. Zane is the son of former UI quarterback Ken Hobart.

Other finalists: Tim Silflow, Kendrick basketball; James Twoteeth, Lakeside basketball

FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

5A-4A

Aliya Strock, Sandpoint: Strock earned all-state honors in two sports. In basketball, she was not only the 4A Inland Empire League Player of the Year, but a first-team all-state selection for 4A by the Idaho Statesman. She helped the Bulldogs capture the program’s first state title and averaged 14.3 points, 4.6 steals, 4.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.. She also shot 47 percent from the field. In soccer, she was first-team all-league and a second-team all-state selection. She helped the Bulldogs to a fourth-place finish at state.

Other finalists: Annastasia Peters, Post Falls; Madi Symons, Coeur d’Alene; Kenna Simon, Lakeland; Kelsey Cessna, Sandpoint

3A-1A

Asha Abubakari, Bonners Ferry: At the state 3A track meet last spring, Abubakari placed first in the shot put, first in the discus, eighth in the long jump and 17th in the triple jump. She also earned first-team all-Intermountain League honors in both volleyball and basketball. The junior averaged 16.0 points and 7.2 rebounds per game and shot 46 percent from the field. She was a second-team all-state selection in the 3A classification.

Other finalists: Berkli McGreal, St. Maries; Mia Blackmore, Bonners Ferry; Kadence Beck, Highland; Grace Beardin, Orofino; McKenna Kozeluh, Coeur d’Alene Charter; Taci Watkins, St. Maries; Tara Schlader, Prairie; Britany Phillips, Wallace

MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

5A-4A

Zach Johnson, Lake City: Last spring, Johnson finished seventh at state in the 200 meters. In the fall, he was named the 5A Inland Empire League’s Defensive Player of the Year for football where he was a standout at both tight end and linebacker. He averaged 10 tackles per game and was a first- team all-Idaho Statesman pick at linebacker. In basketball, he was a starter on the Lake City team that went undefeated. He earned first-team all-5A Inland Empire League honors as well in hoops.

Other finalists: Trevor Miller, Post Falls; James White, Lewiston; Rusty Lee, Sandpoint,; Jose Laguna Post Falls; Dylan Rehder, Moscow

3A-1A

Matyus McLain, Priest River: McLain was third in the discus, sixth in the shot put, sixth on the 400 relay and also 10th in the 100 meters at the state 3A track and field meet last year. Priest River dropped to 2A this year and in football, he was the Central Idaho League’s Lineman of the Year. He also earned first-team all-league honors as a tight end and defensive lineman. The Idaho Statesman also selected him as first-team all-state on the defensive line where he had 112 tackles and seven sacks. In wrestling, he won the 2A state title at 220 pounds. He was the No. 1 seed at the state tournament and won three of his four matches by pin to finish the season 49-9. Maytus will join Johnson on the Vandal football team this fall.

Other finalists: Jagger Hewett, Kendrick; Ty Koepp , Kendrick; Kolby Luna, Kellogg; Riply Luna, Kellogg; Trey Bateman, Bonners Ferry