Girls basketball: Ranking the Treasure Valley’s best small-school players, teams
The Boise area’s 5A and 4A programs draw most of the basketball headlines. But the Treasure Valley’s small schools are packed with talent, too, as evidenced by Melba’s and Tri-Valley’s state championships last winter.
We surveyed coaches in the 3A SRV, 2A WIC, 1A Division I WIC and 1A Division II Long Pin earlier this month. Below is a list of the top players and teams coaches have their eyes on this winter.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Austyn Harris, Parma
A Panther has won the 3A SRV Player of the Year award five years in a row. The 6-foot senior wing stands as the preseason favorite to extend that streak. She can, and will, play all five positions on the floor. Her size and outside shot make her a matchup nightmare. She averaged 10.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals a year ago to earn first-team all-conference honors.
Abbi Roubidoux, Fruitland
The 3A All-State Girls Soccer Player of the Year is also a terror on the hardwood. The junior point guard stuffed the stat sheet last year with 10.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.8 steals and 3.3 assists to land on the all-conference first team. She figures to do the same again as an elite athlete who can get to the rim at will and knows how to get her teammates open.
Tobie Noyer, Weiser
Another returning first-team all-conference pick in the 3A SRV, the 6-foot junior guard racked up 9.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game a year ago. Her athleticism allows her to create, and finish, shots. But it’s her vision, physicality and energy that make her a challenge to defend.
Kendall Clark, Melba
The next in the line of dominant Clark sisters, the 5-10 junior guard started the season on the bench with an offseason knee injury. But the second-team All-Idaho selection has already returned to the lineup. Her athleticism and instincts make her a next-level defender. But she can also fill the bucket and has an offer from NNU after averaging 11.8 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.5 steals last year.
Ellie Fraas, Cole Valley Christian
The 6-1 senior has committed to play volleyball at The Master’s University, an NAIA program outside of Los Angeles. Her length and athleticism shuts down the paint for opponents. But she can also handle the ball and poses a threat all over the floor offensively. She averaged 11.7 points, 3.8 steals and 3.3 assists a year ago for second-team All-Idaho honors.
Eboni Shaw, New Plymouth
The 6-2 senior post paired with Alyssa Christensen last year to form a dominant duo in the paint. Now she steps into a starring role after averaging 10 points and eight rebounds for second-team all-conference honors. Her presence changes the game as she collects rebounds and alters shots all over the floor.
Shae Olsen, Greenleaf
The wing/post turned heads a year ago, earning a second-team all-conference spot in the 1A Division I WIC as a sophomore. She figures to become even more dominant as a junior. She takes charge on the court, getting to the rim with ease, and poses a dangerous long-range threat.
Sydney Nichols, Council
A medical odyssey that saw her tear ligaments in both ankles last year leaves her with screws in both feet. She battled through the pain to earn second-team All-Idaho honors at the 1A Division II level with 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.3 steals per game. The volleyball season left her worn down, leading to some early-season rest. She’ll instantly become one of the state’s top talents the minute she returns.
TEAMS TO WATCH
Parma: The five-time reigning district champ, the Panthers start as the clear favorite in the 3A SRV for another crown. Parma lost a first-team All-Idaho point guard (Grace Jackson) to graduation. But three returning starters, a hard-nosed defense and a pair of impact freshmen (Rylie Calkins, Kaidance Kaiser) have the Panthers gunning for more district and state hardware.
Weiser: After a four-year absence from the state tournament, the Wolverines stand as the top challenger to Parma in the 3A SRV. Junior guard Tobie Noyer and junior forward Mattie Shirts (7.1 ppg, 7.8 rebounds) are two of the league’s top returning players. And senior Ivy Morris (5.4 ppg) adds an outside threat as the third returning starter.
Melba: The Mustangs captured their elusive first state title last year, ending years of heartbreak for the perennial 2A power. They lost Kate Clark, the 2A All-Idaho Player of the Year, to graduation. But Melba also returns four starters, including a pair of first-team all-conference selections in Kendall Clark and Keylee Wilson.
Cole Valley Christian: The Chargers and Melba tied for first in a 2A WIC preseason coaches’ poll, so expect another season-long, see-saw battle between the two. Cole Valley looks to make up for last year’s two-and-out state tournament performance after entering as the No. 1-ranked team. Three starters return to aid that effort, including top-level talent in 6-1 seniors Ellie Fraas (11.7 ppg, 3.8 steals, 3.3 assists) and Lyndsie Krogh (8.8 ppg, 3.9 assists).
Liberty Charter: Madison Hodnett, a four-time All-Idaho selection, graduated. But the Patriots are still the favorite in the 1A Division I WIC, edging Rimrock in a preseason coaches’ poll. Senior guard Ainsley Johnson steps into the top scoring role as a deadly outside shooter. And junior guard Casey Collom pairs with her for a potent backcourt.
Council: The Lumberjacks went young a year ago, starting three freshmen. Now they’ll benefit from all that hard-earned experience. Council is the unanimous favorite in the 1A Division II Long Pin Conference. The return of Sydney Nichols has a lot to do with that. But so does the addition of veteran Long Pin coach Paula Tucker, who was most recently at Salmon River.
Tri-Valley: The reigning 1A Division II state champs hit the reset button after heavy graduation losses. Junior post Maron Hansen stands as the only returning starter. But the 6-foot post gives the Titans a solid piece to build around as she shoulders the scoring and rebounding load. And with plenty of size and a talented freshmen class, don’t count out the Titans yet.
TEAM CAPSULES
Listed in order of predicted finish from preseason coaches’ poll.
3A SRV
1. PARMA
Last season: 17-7, 9-0 3A SRV
Coach: Michael Calkins, 10th season
Players to watch: Austyn Harris, sr., W; Taylor Kaiser, jr., G; Sidney Jackson, so., G; Rylie Calkins, fr., G; Kaidance Kaiser, fr., G
2. WEISER
Last season: 11-13, 6-3 3A SRV
Coach: Laraine Harrison, third season
Players to watch: Tobie Noyer, jr., G; Mattie Shirts, jr., F; Ivy Morris, sr., G
3. FRUITLAND
Last season: 8-16, 4-5 3A SRV
Coach: Amber Drollinger, fifth season
Players to watch: Graycie Huff, sr., P; Abbi Roubidoux, jr., PG; Payton Fritts, jr., G
4. MCCALL-DONNELLY
Last season: 6-6, 4-1 3A SRV
Coach: Cody Hansen, 8th season
Players to watch: Saije Camp, sr., PG; Ashtyn Jones, jr., SG; Catie McCarthey, sr., F; Gabbi Green, so., W
5. PAYETTE
Last season: 9-13, 2-7 3A SRV
Coach: Rashell Rhodes, third season
Players to watch: Madisyn Collingwood, sr., P; Kendyl Parsons, sr., F; Sofie LeBow, sr., PG/G
6. HOMEDALE
Last season: 2-19, 0-9 3A SRV
Coach: Monica White, first season
Players to watch: Amia Aberasturi, sr., PG; Laney Swallow, sr., G/F; Tea Uranga, sr., P
2A WIC
T-1. COLE VALLEY CHRISTIAN
Last season: 17-3, 10-0 2A WIC
Coach: Matt Beglinger, second season
Players to watch: Ellie Fraas, sr., G/F; Lyndsie Krogh, sr., G/F; Julee Caven, sr., G; Riley Traxler, sr., G
T-1. MELBA
Last season: 22-4, 7-3 2A WIC
Coach: David Lenz, sixth season
Players to watch: Kendall Clark, jr., G; Keylee Wison, jr., F; Hallie Arnold, jr., G; Brooklynn Dayley, so., PG
3. NEW PLYMOUTH
Last season: 18-7, 7-3 2A WIC
Coach: Denise Oliver, 22nd season
Players to watch: Eboni Shaw, sr., P; Jane Gibson, jr., G/P
4. NAMPA CHRISTIAN
Last season: 7-12, 4-6 2A WIC
Coach: Rebecca Wilson, second season
Players to watch: Sofia Ganino, jr., G; Olivia Irwin, sr., F; Grace Reeve, sr., P; Liberty Wiles, sr., G
T-5. AMBROSE
Last season: 3-17, 2-8 2A WIC
Coach: Jordan Tucker, fourth season
Players to watch: Ellie Thome, fr., PG; Faith Endebrock, jr., G; Emma Ford, sr., G; Nicole Thompson, jr., PF
T-5. MARSING
Last season: 6-17, 1-9 2A WIC
Coach: Michael Swanson, second season
Players to watch: Emily Vanosdall, jr., G; Mila Astorquia, jr., W
7. COMPASS CHARTER
Last season: 2-8
Coach: Richard Malm, second season
Players to watch: Elise Folk, sr., G; Grace Scott, jr., G; Reanna Byers, fr., G; Monroe Petty, jr., C
8. VISION CHARTER
Last season: 2-6
Coach: Nic Marmon, first season
Players to watch: Jamie Ruiz, jr., G/P; Rylee Baird , sr., P; Arilyn Phillips, so., G
1A DIVISION I WIC
1. LIBERTY CHARTER
Last season: 18-5
Coach: Brad McCain, seventh season
Players to watch: Ainsley Johnson, sr., G; Casey Collom, jr., G
2. RIMROCK
Last season: 21-3
Did not reply to the Statesman’s preseason survey.
3. NOTUS
Last season: 13-6
Coach: Brad Huter, 12th season
Players to watch: Paige Emly, so., G; Allison Grandeen, so., P; Gabi Lowe, sr., P/F
T-4. GREENLEAF
Last season: 10-10
Coach: Jim Bittick, first season
Players to watch: Shae Olsen, jr., W/P; Hannah Ralstin, sr., G
T-4. RIVERSTONE
Last season: 7-5
Coach: Mike Cole, first season
Players to watch: Maud Slots, so., P; Deborah Tadesse, sr., W/P; Kyla Clouthier, sr., PG
6. IDAHO CITY
Last season: 10-8
Coach: Tara Watson, third season
Players to watch: Ruth Heffington, sr., PG; Natalie Luthy, jr., G
T-7. NORTH STAR CHARTER
Last season: 2-11
Coach: Tiffany Doskeland, second season
Players to watch: Eva Young, sr., PG; Ariana Burke, sr., W/P; Abby Ballhagen, sr., W/P
T-7. VICTORY CHARTER
Last season: 6-12
Coach: Mandy Frank, third season
Players to watch: Kimberly Zink, jr., P; Lauraye Pfnister, sr., G; Kaelle Steele, so., G
9. WILDER
Last season: 8-10
Coach: Juan Arias, fourth season
Players to watch: Kimberly Arias, jr., SG; Marissa Puga, jr., G
10. GEM STATE
Last season: 2-15
Did not respond to the Statesman’s preseason survey.
1A DIVISION II LONG PIN
1. COUNCIL
Last season: 10-10
Coach: Paula Tucker, first season
Players to watch: Sydney Nichols, sr., G; Rhianna Iveson, so., PG; Hope Zollman, so., W/P; McKayla Hart, so., P
2. TRI-VALLEY
Last season: 20-3
Coach: Jeff Springer, third season
Players to watch: Maron Hansen, jr., P; Hadley Atnip, jr., W/P; Abigail Atnip, sr., G
3. GARDEN VALLEY
Last season: 11-6
Did not reply to the Statesman’s preseason survey.
4. SALMON RIVER
Last season: 9-8
Coach: Levi Tucker, first season
Players to watch: Raney Walters, so., P; Charlee Hollon, sr., G; Avery Jones, sr., P
5. CASCADE
Last season: 3-12
Coach: Steve Yamamoto, sixth season
Players to watch: Kyler Nitzel, jr., P; Kallyn Rogers, so., PG; Lacy Mack, so., G
This story was originally published November 30, 2021 at 1:11 PM.
