Last season: 4-14 (0-6 in 2A SIC); 0-2 in 2A District 1-2 tournament

Coaches: Stillman Berkley ('12), head coach, second year; Kyler Rice, assistant coach.

Key returners: Owen Howard, PF/C, sr.; Mateo Cruz, F, jr.; Westin Caven, G/F, sr.; Jesse Yanik, G, jr.

Key newcomers: Bode Scarlett, G, fr.

Key losses to graduation: Evrett Montgomery, G/F.

Outlook: After a solid run in years prior, it was a "start over" year for the Wampus Cats last season. However, a large freshman class coupled with the return of four of five starters has locals feeling excited about the program again. A 4-14 overall record and an 0-6 tally in their 2A Scenic Idaho Conference debut is now in the rear view mirror, and under second-year head coach and alumni Stillman Berkley, Clark Fork is ready to roll.

Returning all-league pick Owen Howard, standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall, will be the center of attention for the majority of opposing squads. The senior standout managed to average a double-double of 14.8 points, 13.7 rebounds and added 1.1 assists, 1.4 steals and 2.9 blocks a game to his totals a year ago. Taking a look at the regular season schedule, Howard, an expert shot-blocker, is bound to be the tallest and quite possibly the most well-rounded player on the court in most of the Wampus Cats' matchups.

Also back in action is senior Westin Caven, who runs the offense. Caven, with a great combination of knowledge and athleticism, put up 9.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 3.9 steals and 0.7 blocks per game a year ago. Mateo Cruz, a junior, is Clark Fork's primary three-point threat but can also get it done on the glass. Cruz tallied a team-high 18 triples as he averaged 11.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game during what was his first full year of varsity action as a sophomore.

Junior Jesse Yanik also returns and will provide some much-needed depth at the guard position while freshman Bode Scarlett, also a guard, has the potential to see time in the rotation and make an impact. Senior Peyton Stevens, who contributes some solid rebounding and defensive skills down low, will also see time.

As for the schedule, contrary to the girls, Genesis Prep was able to field a boys team, so a full conference slate with the Jaguars, Wallace, and Lakeside is in order. Non-league games in Coeur du Christ and Bonners Ferry's junior varsity squad could make for some fun basketball.

Coach's comments:

"He was in the weight room at least twice a week this summer and was going to every basketball-related thing that he could. He's been putting in a lot of work and it will translate into the season. He's just a rebounding machine and has been working on his mid-range jump shot — and it's looking really good. Owen has really bought into basketball and wants to do as well as he can in hopes of getting some opportunities post-high school. He leads by example." — Coach Stillman Berkley on Owen Howard

"His ball-handling skills are still unmatched against a lot of the teams that we play. He'll continue to do well at the point guard spot." — Coach Stillman Berkley on Westin Caven

"His jump shot looks incredible right now and he's come a long way since last year. He'll be a big part of our team and help lead our guys." — Coach Stillman Berkley on Jesse Yanik

"He did a great job at the end of last season. So far, from what I've seen from him in practice, he's a real scoring threat. He's sizeable and athletic and works hard on the defensive side of the ball too." — Coach Stillman Berkley on Mateo Cruz

"This team has all the potential to be really competitive in our league and upset some others if we can hold it together for the whole season. We're solid at all positions and have a deeper bench, so this year is exciting. With what we have, compared to last year, we should be "building" instead of having a "start over" season." — Coach Stillman Berkley on an exciting year to come

Clark Fork Boys Basketball Schedule

12/2 — vs. Coeur du Christ, 6 p.m.

12/9 — vs. Bonners Ferry JV, 6 p.m.

12/10 — at Mullan, 7 p.m.

12/11 — vs. Kootenai Classical, 7 p.m.

12/17 — at Genesis Prep, 6:30 p.m.

12/18 — at Kootenai, 7 p.m.

1/6 — vs. Wallace, 7 p.m.

1/8 — at Kootenai Classical, 6 p.m.

1/9 — vs. Lakeside, 6 p.m.

1/13 — vs. Mullan, 7 p.m.

1/15 — at Bonners Ferry JV, 6 p.m.

1/16 — at Coeur du Christ, 6 p.m.

1/20 — vs. Genesis Prep, 6 p.m.

1/22 — vs. Immaculate Conception, 6 p.m.

1/29 — vs. Kootenai, 7 p.m. 

1/31 — at Lakeside, 2 p.m.

2/5 — vs. Sandpoint JV, 4:30 p.m.

2/11 — at Wallace, 6 p.m.

2024 RESULTS

12/3 —vs. Coeur du Christ, L 75-59

12/5 — at Genesis Prep, L 73-36

12/12 — vs. Noxon, L 79-45

12/19 — vs. Kootenai, FF

1/7 — vs. Wallace, L 60-43

1/9 — at Priest River, L 58-27

1/14 — vs. Mullan, W 52-11

1/16 — at Noxon, L 70-43

1/17 — at Coeur du Christ, L 69-57

1/21 — vs. Genesis Prep, L 73-60

1/23 — vs. Immaculate Conception, W 53-36

1/30 — at Kootenai, W 56-43

2/1 — at Lakeside, L 80-37

2/4 — vs. Priest River JV, W 49-43

2/7 — vs. Lakeside, L 75-45

2/14 — at Wallace, L 58-30

2/17 — at Lakeside, L 89-52

2/19 — at Wallace, L 59-55

    Clark Fork High senior guard Westin Caven converts a left-handed layup over a Coeur du Christ defender during a home game last season.