How they did last year: Madison was the lone team out of the 5A High Country to go to state last season.
This year’s outlook: With Madison moving down to the 4A classification, the conference is wide open. But these three teams are competing for one spot at the state tournament. Skyline appears to be the early favorite.
The player of the year race will likely come down to Zach Smith (Skyline), Tanner Bodily (Skyline), Sean McCarthy (Idaho Falls), Daniel Craig (Idaho Falls) and Tanner Nielsen (Highland).
*Highland – The Rams are mostly known as a football school but they will try and make some noise on the court this year. They will be lead by Daniel Craig and Tanner Nielsen.
*Idaho Falls – The focus at I.F. is also mostly on football and unfortunately basketball sometimes takes a back seat. However, they do have some potentially big time players including junior Sean McCarthy. McCarthy, a 6’1 guard, can shoot, drive and is as strong as anyone on the court. Head coach Darin Monk will rely heavily on him for success this year.
Skyline – The Grizzlies will probably be able to outshoot anyone in the conference this season. Head coach Ty Shippen brings back four impact players from last year. Zach Smith (senior, point guard) is a three year lettermen. He is great in the open court and will make a huge impact as a floor leader. Braden Lott and Boston Murdoch are seniors that understand the game and can spread people out with the 3 pointer. Tanner Bodily (senior, post) has developed his game inside and out. They also have a couple of newcomers that will make contributions in Vincent Carrillo and Greg Barton.
Skyline will push the ball this year and they will be able to spread the defense with their shooting. They are not very big, however, so they will have to find a way to defend the post and have a back up plan if shots aren’t falling.
*I was not able to make contact with these team’s head coaches