4A All-Idaho boys basketball team: These were the 10 best players in the state this year
Note: The All-Idaho teams are chosen by each classification’s coaches. The Idaho Statesman hosts the voting process and publishes the results.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: TY HYDE, PRESTON
Why he is player of the year: The 6-7 senior center led Preston to its fourth state title in the last five years while averaging 18.1 points as well as 8.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.6 blocks. Hyde’s combination of size and skill made him a tough matchup inside and outside.
Coach’s comment: “He was our No. 1 option and dominated the paint on both ends of the floor. He was our difference-maker,” Preston coach Tyler Jones said.
What others are saying: “(He) was the most dominant player in high school basketball this year. … He’s able to score at all three levels, making him a matchup nightmare,” Mountain Home coach Brion Bethel said.
What’s next: Hyde has signed to play football with Dixie State.
TYLER ROBINETT, MIDDLETON
The SIC player of the year and College of Idaho signee was instrumental in Middleton’s 21-3 season. He took over games at will with his 6-7 size and ability to score from anywhere on the court, averaging 16.7 points and 8.9 rebounds.
JOHNNY RADFORD, WOOD RIVER
One of the best scorers in the state, the senior point guard scored 27.1 points per game, including a 51-point game against Burley and a 47-point game against Kimberly. He did all this on 56% shooting from inside the arc and 36% outside.
LUKE SMELLIE, PRESTON
The 6-2 senior point guard was instrumental in Preston’s state-leading offense with his points (11.5 per game), assists (6.5) and leadership ability. He always made the right play when it was needed and kept his teammates involved.
JACE WHITING, BURLEY
The only Idaho boy nominated to the McDonald’s All-American team averaged 24.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game and is Burley’s all-time scorer with 1,430 points. The senior guard signed to play with Boise State after his LDS mission.
COACH OF THE YEAR: TYLER JONES, PRESTON
He led Preston to its fifth straight title game and won his fourth state title in that time.
SECOND TEAM
| Player | School | Height | Year | Position | Stats |
| Sean Austin | Kuna | 6-2 | Junior | Point guard | 16.9 ppg, 5.9 reb, 2.8 ast |
| Keynion Clark | Idaho Falls | 6-6 | Senior | Forward | 19.0 ppg, 9.6 reb, 3.0 ast |
| Kasen Carpenter | Minico | 6-4 | Senior | Wing | 15.8 ppg, 7.2 reb, 1.6 blk |
| Benny Kitchel | Moscow | 6-4 | Junior | Wing | 12.6 ppg, 3.4 reb, 2.9 ast |
| Isaac Brown | Pocatello | 6-0 | Senior | Guard | 16.0 ppg, 3.9 reb |
This story was originally published April 1, 2020 at 5:00 PM.
