4A All-Idaho boys basketball team names the state’s top high school players
Note: Coaches in each classification select the All-Idaho teams. The Idaho Statesman hosts the voting process and publishes the results.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: SOREN FRAAS, COLE VALLEY CHRISTIAN
The pick: A guard in a forward’s body, the 6-7 sophomore changed the game every time he stepped on the floor. His length and athleticism made him the tip of the state champs’ press, and he got to the basket at will to average 14.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.3 steals.
Coach’s comment: “He was prepared for more heavily than any other player by opposing teams, and (he) showed an immense amount of poise and IQ in response to that, scoring in double figures in all but four games this season,” Cole Valley Christian coach Leif Karlberg said.
What others are saying: “Soren was a problem for anyone who was guarding him,” Filer coach Rob Anderson said.
What’s next: He’ll return for his junior season and another run at a state title.
LUKE NELSON, TETON
Called an “elite competitor,” the 6-1 senior guard led the Timberwolves to a third-place trophy at state as a force on both ends of the floor. He drew every opponent’s top defender and still put up 16.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 3.1 steals per game.
SULAY ABUBAKARI, BONNERS FERRY
He started his career as a deadly 3-pointer shooter. But the 6-7 senior forward ended it as one of the state’s top inside forces and rebounders. He led the Badgers to a fourth straight state title game with an average of 17.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 steals.
JAXSON SMITH, MARSH VALLEY
A second-team pick last year, the 5-8 senior point guard moved up to the first team after leading the Eagles to the state consolation trophy. He was a threat to score at all three levels (21.0 ppg), and he added 4.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.4 steals.
JAMIN HUGHES, COLE VALLEY CHRISTIAN
The 5-10 sophomore settled into a role as a pass-first point guard. But he took on a larger role at state, averaging 12.3 points for the tournament’s MVP honors. His feel for the game allowed him to move between roles and finish the year with 8.6 points and 4.1 assists per game.
COACH OF THE YEAR: LEIF KARLBERG, COLE VALLEY CHRISTIAN
He led the Chargers (22-4) on an 18-game winning streak for their first state title in 14 years.
