64th NORTH IDAHO SPORTS AWARDS BANQUET: Chase, Carr, Jackson, Yarbrough, Miller among top award winners

COEUR d’ALENE — Bryan Chase, who guided the St. Maries High boys basketball team to a state 3A championship during a trying an inspirational season, was named high school coach of the year for 4A-1A boys sports at the 64th annual North Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame Awards Banquet held at The Coeur d’Alene Resort on Saturday night. 

Chase, who was diagnosed with pancreatic liver cancer last summer, didn’t miss a game as the Lumberjacks posted a 21-3 record, had win streaks of 10 and 11 during the season, and won their final 11 games by an average of 15.5 points. 

Emry Carr, the Coeur d’Alene cross country coach, and Greg Jackson, the Sandpoint swimming coach, shared high school coach of the year honors in 6A-5A boys sports. 

Under Carr, Coeur d’Alene’s boys won their third straight state title, with four finishers in the top six, all under 14 minutes and 50 seconds. Coeur d’Alene finished with 30 points at state, 62 points ahead of the second-place team. 

Jackson led Sandpoint’s boys (and girls) to state swimming titles. The Bulldog boys had four individuals either win two relays or an individual event in winning the state title by 82 points. Sandpoint had 11 swimmers place fourth or better. In relays, Sandpoint had two firsts, a second and a fourth. 

Sandpoint junior Brock Yarbrough, a two-sport star who was named first-team All-Idaho in 5A football on offense and defense, and first team all-league in basketball, shared 6A-5A high school male athlete of the year honors. 

Timberlake senior Malia Miller, the state 4A player of the year in girls basketball, shared 4A-1A high school female athlete of the year honors. She also placed seventh at state golf, and 19th at state cross country. 

Alex Pribble and Arthur Moreira, who guided their Idaho men’s and women’s basketball teams, respectively, to the NCAA tournament, were named college coach of the year for male and female sports, respectively. 

Idaho offensive lineman Nate Azzopardi was named college male athlete of the year, and Vandal women’s basketball player Hope Hassman was named college female athlete of the year. 

More than 800 people attended the event, which honors local high school and college athletes from the 2024-25 academic spring season and the 2025-26 fall and winter seasons. 

Also during the night, the NIAHOF inducted four members into its Hall of Fame — former Lewiston High and University of Idaho football standout Jake Scott, former longtime college football assistant coach AJ Christoff, and longtime college and high school officials Roger Stewart and Corky Fazio. 

The fifth annual Duane Hagadone High Character Award winners were awarded to a nominated female and male athlete from each high school. It is named after Duane Hagadone, who founded the North Idaho Hall of Fame 64 years ago. In defining the award, it recognizes a student-athlete who excels in the classroom and as a teammate, has outstanding work ethic and integrity, displays sportsmanship and true character in all walks of life, and is just an all-around good individual. Civic and community involvement is a bonus.  

An award that started four years ago, the Continued Outstanding Athletic Performance After High School Award, went to former Lake City High basketball player Blake Buchanan. Buchanan, who played his first two collegiate seasons at Virginia, transferred to Iowa State this past season. The 6-foot-10 junior forward averaged 8.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists and shot 63.6 percent in helping the Cyclones make it to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.  

COLLEGE WOMEN 

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR 

Hope Hassmann, Idaho basketball: Hassmann, helped the Vandals win both the Big Sky regular season and conference tournament title, giving Idaho a berth in the NCAA Tournament. A first-team all-Big Sky selection, she averaged 14.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. She also led the team with 143 assists.  

Other finalists: Hanna Tait, Idaho track; Maya Salvitte, Idaho diving; Allie Ferrin, North Idaho College volleyball; Juliana Forgach Aguilar, Lewis-Clark State College volleyball. 

COACH OF THE YEAR 

Arthur Moreira, Idaho basketball: Moreira was the unanimous Big Sky Coach of the Year as the Vandals won both the Big Sky Conference’s regular season and tournament titles.  

Other finalists: Caelyn Orlandi, Lewis-Clark State basketball; Katie Palmer, Lewis-Clark State volleyball.

TEAM OF THE YEAR 

Idaho basketball: The Vandals posted 24 regular season victories and 17 conference victories, both of which are the most in school history.  

Other finalists: Lewis-Clark State College basketball, Lewis-Clark State College volleyball 

COLLEGE MEN 

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR 

Nate Azzopardi, Idaho football: Azzopardi anchored a solid offensive line for the Vandals. He was a first-team all-Big Sky selection and started every game. In five games, he recorded a pass-block grade of 80 or higher. He also was unanimously voted a team captain prior to the season. 

Other finalists: Keenan Kuntz, Idaho track; John Lustig, LCSC basketball; Sebastiano Casini, NIC soccer; Kolton Mitchell, Idaho basketball; Jackson Rasmussen, Idaho basketball; Isiah King, Idaho football. 

COACH OF THE YEAR 

Alex Pribble, Idaho basketball: Pribble led the Vandals to the Big Sky Conference Tournament title and their first berth in the NCAA Tournament since 1990, where the Vandals eventually fell to Houston. Idaho finished the season with 21 victories, the most of any team in the Big Sky Conference. 

Other finalists: Austin Johnson, LCSC basketball; Derrick Booth, NIC wrestling; Brad Williams, NIC soccer. 

TEAM OF THE YEAR 

Idaho basketball: Despite being the seventh seed in the conference tournament and finishing Big Sky play with a .500 record, the Vandals hit their stride in the conference tournament and captured the title and earned their first NCAA Tournament berth in 36 years. Idaho set a school record for most 3-pointers in a season with 355, which shattered the previous record of 308 set the previous season. 

Other finalists: North Idaho College soccer, North Idaho College wrestling, Lewis-Clark State College basketball 

HIGH SCHOOL 

SPRING SPORTS (2025) 

GIRLS GOLF 

4A-3A 

Malia Miller, Timberlake: Miller won the district title and finished seventh at the state 4A tournament. 

Other finalists: Paityn Yount, Priest River; Addison Crane, St. Maries; Madden Bisbee, Lapwai; Sydney Hinthorn, Bonners Ferry; Aubrey Schaff, Nezperce. 

BOYS GOLF 

4A-3A 

Palmer Coleman, Priest River: Coleman fired rounds of 78 and 74 at state to finish fourth overall in 3A. At the district tournament, he fired a 1-over-par 73 to win by seven shots.  

Other finalists: Eli Blackmore, Bonners Ferry; Byron Hammett, Genesis Prep; Easton Towne, Kellogg; Isaiah Bateman, Genesis Prep; Brodie Robinson, Kellogg. 

GIRLS TENNIS 

Pepper Rickert, Sandpoint: As a sophomore last spring, Piper posted a perfect 24-0 record and won the 5A girls state singles title. She lost just five games at the state tournament. Entering this season, Rickert is 48-0.  

Other finalists: Caitlin Combes, Coeur d'Alene; Lydia Lehosit, Coeur d’Alene Charter; Claire Leahy, Coeur d’Alene Charter; Aubrey Knowles, Sandpoint; Amelia Poulsen, Sandpoint. 

BOYS TENNIS 

Connor Judson, Coeur d’Alene: After having his appendix removed during the state tournament in 2024, Judson came back and won the boys 6A singles title as a senior last year. He finished 21-0 and lost just three games at state, despite being the No. 3 seed. Connor followed his sister Audrey and is now a part of the Whitworth tennis team.  

Other finalists: Grant Johnson, Coeur d'Alene; Tate Burkholder, Coeur d’Alene Charter; Owen Sharp, Coeur d'Alene Charter 

SOFTBALL 

6A-5A  

Layla Gugino, Lake City; and Jenna Barney, Lewiston: Gugino hit .506 and had a league-high 57 RBI. Barney hit .557 with 12 home runs. Both were selected first-team all-state in 6A and 5A, respectively. Barney and finalist Kaci Kiblen are playing softball at Montana. 

Other finalists: Kaci Kiblen, Moscow; Jenna Davenport, Coeur d’Alene. 

4A-1A  

Hayley McNeal, Potlatch: A senior last spring, McNeal, who played center field and catcher, led the Loggers to the state 2A title and was first-team all-state. She had a .738 on-base percentage and 54 stolen bases, and hit .618 and scored 45 runs. McNeal is attending Illinois Wesleyan where she is on the women’s wrestling team and posted a 5-6 dual record this year. 

Other finalists: Kendra Meyer, Genesee; BrieLynn ‘Shae’ Jones, Timberlake; Rilee Diffin, Orofino; Brieanna Winther, Potlatch 

BASEBALL 

6A-5A 

Gavin Helms, Coeur d’Alene; and Tyson Izzo, Moscow: Both were selected MVPs of their respective leagues. Helms, a junior last spring, led all 6A players in the state with a .525 batting average. He also had an .825 slugging percentage with five home runs and 35 RBI. Izzo, a senior catcher last spring and a four-year starter,  hit .433 and had a .611 slugging percentage along with 33 RBI. Both were named first-team all-state by the Idaho Statesman. Tyson is playing baseball at Buena Vista University, a Division III school in Iowa. 

Other finalists: Butch Kiblen, Moscow; Guy Krasselt, Lewiston; Travis Usdrowski, Lake City; Kolbe Coey, Coeur d’Alene; Jack Pierce, Lake City. 

4A-1A  

Aiden Olive, Orofino; and Mahki Durrett, Troy: Olive hit .429 with 37 RBI and 14 stolen bases. He also went 5-3 on the mound with a 4.13 ERA for the 3A Maniacs. He was named first-team all-state for the second consecutive season. Durrett helped Troy to a third-place finish at state in 2A. The catcher/third baseman hit .556 and had a .972 slugging percentage. He finished with 35 RBI, 40 runs scored and 33 stolen bases.  

Other finalists: Eric Wylie, Timberlake; Dominic Holden, Troy; Barak Meyer, Clearwater Valley; Ralli Roetcisoender, Kendrick; Hudson Kirkland, Kendrick; David Goicoa, Grangeville; Waylan Marshall, Potlatch. 

GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD 

6A-5A 

Mattea Nuhn, Moscow: As a sophomore last spring, Nuhn scored the maximum 40 points at the state meet, winning three individual titles and anchoring a winning relay team to lead the Bears to the title. She won the 100 hurdles in 15.71 seconds and the 300 hurdles in 44.96. She also won the high jump at 5-foot-6 and then was part of the winning 4x100 relay team. Mattea’s outstanding showing was a key part of Moscow winning the state track title.  

Other finalists: Kimberlee Priebe, Coeur d’Alene; Sapphire Ruelle, Lakeland; Jetta Thaete, Sandpoint. 

4A-1A 

Naomi Taylor, Logos; Annabelle Carr, Coeur d’Alene Charter; and Regan Meine, Coeur d’Alene Charter: All three won at least three events they competed in, both individually and on relays. Taylor won three events and a relay for 40 points to help Logos to the 2A team title. Naomi won the 100, 200 and 400, and also was on the winning 4x400 relay team.  Carr won the 800 and 1,600 and helped Coeur d’Alene Charter win the 4x400 relay at the 4A level. She also ran a leg on a second-place relay team. Meine captured the 100 and 300 hurdles titles and was on the same relay teams with Carr. 

Other finalists: Helene Rae, Bonners Ferry; Chloe Jankovic, Logos 

BOYS TRACK AND FIELD  

6A-5A 

Maverick Gomez, Sandpoint: After running the second-fastest 100-meter time in school history in the semifinals at state, Gomez was disqualified during the final race. The junior responded by winning the 200 in a school-record 21.94 seconds.  

Other finalists: Max Cervi-Skinner, Coeur d’Alene; Isaac McKeown, Post Falls; Cole Arlint, Lewiston. 

4A-1A  

Dylan Uhlenkott, Prairie: A senior last spring and the third honored athlete to score a maximum of 40 points at the state meet, Uhlenkott won the 100 in 11.15 seconds, the 200 in 22.55 and the 400 in 48.82. He also anchored the winning Pirate 400-relay team, which set a state record.  

Other finalists: John Henry Crapuchettes, Logos; Julien Ceja-Grimaldo, St. Maries; Thomas Bowen, Logos; Ryan Daniels, Logos. 

FALL SPORTS (2025) 

GIRLS GOLF 

6A-5A 

Ella Wilson, Coeur d’Alene: Wilson, a sophomore, won her second state title, shooting a 2-under-par 140 (69-71) to win the 6A individual title and lead the Vikings to a second-place finish.  

Other finalists: Leah Heavener, Coeur d’Alene; Emily Stillert, Coeur d’Alene; Kinsley Meier, Coeur d’Alene; Jossetta Williams, Coeur d’Alene. 

BOYS GOLF 

6A-5A 

Trey Lambert, Lake City: Lambert tied for third at the state 6A tourney with a 2-under-par 140. His first-day 67 was the best of the day. In that round, he bogeyed two of the first four holes but then had six birdies over the final 14 holes, including the final two holes. 

Other finalists: Ben Focke, Coeur d’Alene; Tyler Zachary, Lakeland; Bode Eacret, Sandpoint; Hunter Paquin, Coeur d’Alene 

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY 

6A-5A 

Talia Bonville, Post Falls: Bonville placed eighth at the state 6A meet in 17 minutes 39.8 seconds. She also won the district title and was named co-District 1 runner of the year.  

Other finalists: Olivia May, Coeur d’Alene; Victoria Howard, Coeur d’Alene; Cora Crawford, Moscow 

4A-2A 

Annabelle Carr, Coeur d’Alene Charter: The other co-District 1 runner of the year, Carr won the 4A state race in 17 minutes, 53.5 seconds. Carr, who has signed with Oregon, did not lose a race against 4A competition this year.  

Other finalists: Lola Eggleston, Timberlake; Vanessa McLachlan, Timberlake; Livvi Rench, Logos. 

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY 

6A-5A 

Wyatt Carr, Coeur d’Alene: The junior placed second in the state 6A meet and was one of four Vikings to finish in the top 10. He finished in 14 minutes, 31.3 seconds. Carr was voted the District 1 runner of the year. 

Other finalists: Rowan Henry, Coeur d’Alene; Mitchell Rietze, Coeur d’Alene; Wyatt Morgenstern, Coeur d’Alene; Gabe Heule, Coeur d’Alene. 

4A-2A 

Jonathan Barnhart, Timberlake: Barnhart placed fourth in the state 4A meet in 15:20 but posted the fastest time by over 20 seconds of all the class 4A-2A North Idaho runners. He also won the district title.  

Other finalists: John Henry Crapuchettes, Logos; Ben Farr, Genesee; Manuel Mendez, Timberline. 

GIRLS SOCCER 

Kolbi Kiblen, Moscow; and Avery Lathen, Lewiston: Both were first-team all-Inland Empire League selections in 5A and both were also first-team all-state. Kiblen was selected the Idaho 5A Player of the Year after helping Moscow win the state title. The senior defender and two-year captain also tallied three goals and three assists. Lathen, a junior midfielder and defender, finished the year with 34 goals, which ranked third in the state. Her 85 total points ranked second in Idaho.  

Other finalists: Riley Brazle, Lake City; Cecilia Dignan Omodt, Sandpoint; Alexys Mierke, Bonners Ferry; Lillee Ward, Timberlake. 

BOYS SOCCER 

Taylor Smith, Coeur d’Alene Charter; and Mattis Macmillan, Coeur d’Alene: Smith, a junior, was selected MVP of the Intermountain League and also was a first-team all-state selection for the state champion Panthers. He led the team with 15 assists and also tallied 33 points. Macmillan, a goalkeeper, posted 17 shutouts in 19 games and allowed only two goals all season. Nine of the shutouts were against 4A schools and the team posted an 18-1 record overall, only losing to Sandpoint 1-0.  

Other finalists: Jaxon Fantozzi, Coeur d’Alene; Kyle Wicks, Lewiston; Logan McGrann, Sandpoint; Landon Brinkmeier, Sandpoint. 

VOLLEYBALL 

6A-5A 

Gianna Callari, Coeur d’Alene: Callari was the MVP of the 6A Inland Empire League and also was a second-team all-state selection. She led the Vikings with 3.9 kills per set and the senior middle blocker/opposite side hitter ranked second on the team in blocks with 74. The signee with Division II Point Loma Nazarene in San Diego also added 26 service aces and 211 digs. 

Other finalists: Kaylee Paulson, Coeur d’Alene; Kindell Day, Lakeland; Jolie Warren, Lakeland; Chloe Neff, Lakeland; Avery Balmer, Lewiston; Mia Carr, Post Falls 

4A-1A 

Emma Krogh, Kamiah; and Chloe Grieser, Genesee: Both were MVPs of their respective Whitepine leagues, Krogh at 2A and Grieser at 1A. Krogh, a senior averaged 5.1 kills per set, and had 39 aces and 206 digs. Grieser, a senior outside hitter, helped the Bulldogs place fourth at state. Both players were selected first-team all-state.  

Other finalists: Amarijana Olivieri, Timberlake; Jayda Storro, Priest River; Tylah Lambert, Lakeside; Madison Blazzard, Troy; Madeline Junkin, Coeur du Christ; Tessa Stoner, Troy 

GIRLS SWIMMING 

Quinn Taylor, Lake City; and Ryann Schraufnagel, Lewiston: Taylor won the 100-meter freestyle in 53.39 seconds at the state class 6A meet and also was second in the 100 breaststroke. She also was on two relay teams that placed second — the 400 freestyle relay and the 200 medley relay. Schraufnagel won the 5A 500 individual medley in 5 minutes, 28.08 seconds and was second in the 200 free in 2:05.08. Both finished with four medals at state.   

Other finalists: Tillie Sobek, Lake City; Mia Driggs, Sandpoint; Reina Montecchi, Sandpoint. 

BOYS SWIMMING 

Andrew Ford, Sandpoint; and Noah Crossler, Moscow: Ford won the 100 breaststroke in 1 minute, 1.18 seconds, and was third in the 200 IM in 2:07.10. He also swam on the Bulldogs’ 200 medley relay team, which placed second. Crossler won the 100 butterfly in 52.22 seconds and was third in the 200 freestyle in 1:49.55.  

Other finalists: Lou Foust, Sandpoint; Ikaika Leavitt, Sandpoint; Kale Wright, Sandpoint. 

FOOTBALL 

6A-5A 

Brock Yarbrough, Sandpoint: In the 5A Inland Empire League, he was named the Defensive Player of the Year. On the all-state team, he was a first-team selection on both sides of the ball — at wide receiver and linebacker. He was also second-team all-state as a kicker. The junior averaged just under 100 yards receiving per game and caught nine TD passes. He scored 11 touchdowns overall. On defense, he had 64 tackles, including seven for losses, and added three interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. He also averaged nearly 40 yards per punt.  

Other finalists: Tannar Stern, Coeur d'Alene; Ian Dahlin, Coeur d'Alene; David Scott, Coeur d'Alene; Braden Buckhout, Sandpoint; Peyton Hillman, Lakeland; Parker Bagley, Lewiston. 

4A-1A 

Nathan Tweit, Kendrick: He was the MVP of the Whitepine League and a first-team selection at both wide receiver and defensive back. He was named All-Idaho 1A Player of the Year. Tweit found the end zone 21 times despite only playing only two full games because of blowout scores. He caught 31 passes for 858 yards and 13 TDs. He also rushed for four touchdowns on only four carries, threw for two TDs and returned two of his five interceptions for touchdowns.  

Other finalists: Keenan Maas (Moss), Bonners Ferry; Conrad Hiatt, Bonners Ferry; Colton Kuprienko, Priest River; Brady Hatten, Priest River; Ralli Roetcisoender, Kendrick; TJ Beyer, Deary; Cooper Miller, Wallace; Jon Denke, Coeur du Christ. 

GIRLS BASKETBALL 

6A-5A 

Brookeslee Colvin, Coeur d’Alene: The Idaho Gatorade Player of the Year was the MVP of the 6A Inland Empire League and led the Vikings to the state 6A tournament. The 5-foot-9 junior point guard averaged a state-high 30.9 points per game, as well as 8.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 5.4 steals per game. She also shot 47 percent from the field. She is being heavily recruited and is considered one of top 50 prospects in the class of 2027.  

Other finalists: Karstyn Kiefer, Lakeland; Jessa Skinner, Moscow; Brecken Mire, Sandpoint; Jordyn Tomco, Sandpoint. 

4A-1A 

Malia Miller, Timberlake: The senior point guard was a repeat selection to the Idaho Statesman Class 4A all-state first team. She averaged 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 2 steals per game. She helped Timberlake capture third place at state. 

Other finalists: Macy Murphey, Timberlake; Caryss Barger, Grangeville, Kylie Schumacher, Prairie; Hali Anderson, Kendrick; Madden Bisbee, Lapwai; Kyleigh Wolfe, Lakeside; Avery Lux, Nezperce. 

BOYS BASKETBALL 

6A-5A 

Jordan Carlson, Lake City; and Royce Fisher, Lewiston: Carlson was named the 6A Player of the Year after leading the Timberwolves to the state title. The 6-foot-8 junior also was the Gatorade Player of the Year, averaging 17.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game, along with 1.4 blocks and 1.3 steals. Fisher helped Lewiston place second at the state 5A tournament. The state 5A Player of the Year, Fisher averaged 24 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.0 steals per game. The 6-4 senior guard has signed with Lewis-Clark State College.   

Other finalists: Jaxon Lysne, Post Falls; Josh Watson, Lake City; Caden Symons, Coeur d’Alene. 

4A-1A  

JJ Yearout, St. Maries; and Tyson Charley, Lakeside: Both led their teams to state titles. Yearout was the 3A Player of the Year. The 6-2 senior guard scored 1,143 points in his prep career. He averaged 19.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 3.2 steals per game. Charley was the 2A Player of the Year. It’s the third straight year he has been a first-team all-state selection. He shot 62 percent from the field and averaged 20.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.1 steals and 1.3 blocks per game.  

Other finalists: Peyton Hinthorn, Bonners Ferry; Ralli Roetcisoender, Kendrick; Cooper Miller, Wallace; Sulay Abubakari, Bonners Ferry. 

GIRLS WRESTLING 

Shelby Garten, Timberlake: The senior at 130 pounds rolled to a 50-1 record this season and captured the state title. 

Other finalists: Kassie Voss, Post Falls; Kahli Brown, Post Falls; Ciel Sattler, Deary; Brooklyn Anderson, Coeur d’Alene. 

BOYS WRESTLING 

6A-5A 

Brock Armstrong, Coeur d’Alene: At 190 pounds, Brock posted a 44-0 record, and gave up one takedown all year. The junior won all four matches at state by pins and only the championship match made it to the second round.  

Other finalists: Triston Mendenhall, Post Falls; Rocco White, Coeur d’Alene; Damion Hamilton, Post Falls; Parker Bagley, Lewiston. 

4A-3A 

Colton Storey, Kellogg; Zach David, St. Maries: Storey, a junior, posted a 38-2 record at 113 pounds and won all four of his matches at state with pins. He was the top seed entering the tournament and was ahead by at least seven points in each match at state before recording the fall. David was the No. 1 seed at 150 pounds and scored falls in his first three matches before rolling to an 18-3 technical fall win in the title match. Zach finished the season 54-1 overall as a senior.  

Other finalists: Taylor Dodd, Bonners Ferry; Eian Schwecke, Kendrick; Kelby Harvey, St. Maries 

GIRLS TEAM OF THE YEAR 

6A-5A 

Moscow soccer: The Bears won the school’s first soccer state championship and had a wild ride along the way. Moscow opened the season with a 3-2 loss to Vallivue, but then beat that same Vallivue team 1-0 in double overtime to win the state title. Moscow posted 12 shutouts and allowed only 12 goals during the season.  

Other finalists: Moscow track; Sandpoint swimming 

4A-1A 

Lapwai basketball, Deary basketball: Third-seeded Lapwai outscored its three opponents at state 186-96 in claiming its state-record 12th girls basketball title. Lapwai went 24-1 on the season and 13-1 in league play, only losing to rival Prairie. But Lapwai beat Prairie by double digits in both the district and state championship games for the title. Lapwai’s first-year coach, Lori Mader, was Prairie’s coach a year ago. Deary made the most of its first state championship game appearance in 40 years and captured the program’s first state championship by defeating league foe Nezperce. Deary went 23-2 on the season and lost its two games by a total of seven points. In the semifinals, the Mustangs knocked off No. 1 seed and previously undefeated Salmon River by three points.  

Other finalists: Timberlake cross country, Potlatch softball, Logos track. 

BOYS TEAM OF THE YEAR 

6A-5A 

Lake City basketball: The No. 3 seed at the state 6A tournament took down three Boise-area schools, including top-ranked Owyhee 55-47 in the title game. Lake City won the three games by 34 points and finished the season 19-8 overall. The team started the season 2-3 and then lost 3 of 4 at a Christmas tournament. The Timberwolves responded by winning 12 of its final 14 games, including a key overtime win over Post Falls to force an if-necessary game for the district title. Lake City was able to pull off the state title despite losing its starting point guard during the district tournament.  

Other finalists: Coeur d’Alene cross country, Sandpoint swimming. 

4A-1A 

Kendrick football, St. Maries basketball, Lakeside basketball: Two years ago, Ty Keopp was a senior at Kendrick. Last fall, the 19-year-old first-year head coach went 12-0 this season and only had two games go all four quarters, both against state runner-up and league foe Logos. The Tigers outscored the opposition 893-98 and posted five shutouts. The Tigers averaged 74.4 points per game and held opponents to an average of 8.2 points. Kendrick’s closest game was a 24-point win. St. Maries captured the 3A state title with a 21-3 record. After losing to 5A Sandpoint to start the season, the Lumberjacks won 10 straight before back-to-back losses at the end of January. St. Maries then won its final 11 games by an average of 15.5 points. Lakeside went 22-2, only losing to larger schools Bonners Ferry in overtime and Timberlake by five points. In the second meetings, the Knights won both during a nine-game win streak to end the season. Lakeside was the second seed in the 2A state tournament and defeated both Rimrock and Prairie to face top seed Kendrick in the title game. After falling behind 12-3, the Knights picked up the tempo and outscored the Tigers 50-33 over the final three quarters for the championship.  

Other finalists: Kendrick baseball; Logos track; Coeur d’Alene Charter soccer.  

GIRLS COACH OF THE YEAR 

6A-5A 

Jessica Brown, Moscow soccer: Under Brown, the Bears captured the school’s first state championship in soccer. Moscow fell to Sandpoint in triple overtime for the district title and had to beat Wood River in a state play-in match. Moscow was then seeded fifth at state, but defeated Middleton 1-0, top seed Hillcrest in penalty kicks in the semifinal, and Vallivue in double OT to win it all. The team finished 14-3-3. 

Other finalists: Phil Helbling, Moscow track; Greg Jackson, Sandpoint swimming. 

4A-1A 

Dean Butterfield, Potlatch softball: The Loggers posted a 19-1 record to earn their first state title at the 2A level, defeating two-time defending state champ Genesee 10-7 in the title game.  

Other finalists: Shawn Lawler, Timberlake cross country; Gwen Spencer, Logos track; Lori Mader, Lapwai basketball; Kendra Keen, Deary basketball. 

BOYS COACH OF THE YEAR 

6A-5A 

Emry Carr, Coeur d’Alene cross country; and Greg Jackson, Sandpoint swimming: Under Carr, the Vikings dominated the state meet as it had four runners place sixth or better in the 6A meet, all under 14 minutes and 50 seconds. Coeur d’Alene finished with 30 points at state, 62 points ahead of the second-place team. Jackson led Sandpoint to the state title. The Bulldogs had four individuals either win two relays or an individual event in rolling to the state title by 82 points. In all, Sandpoint had 11 swimmers place fourth or better in events. In relays, Sandpoint had two firsts, a second and a fourth to dominate the meet.  

Other finalists: James Anderson, Lake City basketball. 

4A-1A 

Bryan Chase, St. Maries basketball: Last summer, Chase was diagnosed with pancreatic liver cancer. He didn’t let that slow him down as the Lumberjacks captured the state 3A title. St. Maries posted a 21-3 record, winning their final 11 games by an average of 15.5 points per outing.  

Other finalists: Kyle Jones, Kendrick baseball; Gwen Spencer, Logos track; Craig Daigle, Coeur d’Alene Charter soccer; Ty Koepp, Kendrick football; James Twoteeth, Lakeside basketball. 

FEMALE ATHETE OF THE YEAR 

6A-5A 

Mattea Nuhn, Moscow; Jessa Skinner, Moscow: Nuhn was part of two teams that won state titles. In track, she took four first-place finishes at the state meet as a sophomore. She won the 100 and 300 hurdles, the high jump and was part of the winning 400-meter relay team, all of which helped Moscow claim the state track crown. She also was on the state championship soccer team where she earned first-team all-league honors as a junior last fall. Skinner was a three-sport standout for the Bears. At the state track meet last spring, she took second to Nuhn in the 100 hurdles and also was second in the long jump. Her third placing at state was on the Bears’ medley relay team, which finished sixth. She also earned first-team all-Inland Empire League honors in both volleyball and basketball this school year.  

Other finalists: Karstyn Kiefer, Lakeland; Avery Lathen, Lewiston; Cora Crawford, Moscow. 

4A-1A 

Malia Miller, Timberlake; and Addisyn Vanderwall, Grangeville: In golf, Malia was 4A Player of the Year and league MVP in basketball. In golf, she won the district title and placed seventh at state. In cross country, she was 19th at the state meet. Vanderwall was a first-team all-league and a second-team all-state selection in softball, and then earned first-team all-league honors for both basketball and volleyball. In basketball, she helped Grangeville finish third at state in 3A.  

Other finalists: Chloe Grieser, Genesee; Annabelle Carr, Coeur d’Alene Charter; Kaylee Wood, Deary. 

BOYS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR 

6A-5A 

Brock Yarbrough, Sandpoint; and Parker Bagley, Lewiston: Yarbrough was the only 5A player to earn first-team all-state honors on both sides of the football. He was a first-team wide receiver and a first-team linebacker. He also was a second-team kicker. The junior averaged just under 100 yards receiving per game and caught nine TD passes. On defense, he had 64 tackles, including seven for losses, and added three interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. Yarbrough also was a first-team all-league selection in basketball. Bagley was one of the top defensive linemen in North Idaho last season as a junior. He earned first-team all-league honors. The 6-foot-4, 265-pound edge rusher led Lewiston in tackles for losses and sacks last season, and also played some on the offensive line as well. This past winter, he won the 5A state heavyweight wrestling title, posting a 39-6 record overall.  

Other finalists: Mitchell Rietze, Coeur d’Alene; Wyatt Carr, Coeur d’Alene; Jace Taylor, Lakeland; Nate Bevacqua, Lakeland; Caden Symons, Coeur d’Alene; Connor Carver, Post Falls. 

4A-1A 

Ralli Roetcisoender, Kendrick: Roetcisoender was a first-team all-state selection in football and basketball and second-team all-state in baseball. Last spring, the pitcher/second baseman helped the Tigers to the state baseball title. In the fall, he was a first-team all-state selection at defensive back and a second-team selection at wide receiver, helping the Tigers win the state title. In basketball, the 6-foot-2 senior shot 48 percent from the 3-point line and averaged 19 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.4 steals.  

Other finalists: John Henry Crapuchettes, Logos; Nathan Tweit, Kendrick; Jonathan Barnhart, Timberlake; Taylor Dodd, Bonners Ferry; Blake Barlow, Orofino; Peyton Hinthorn, Bonners Ferry; Isaiah Gustaffe, St. Maries. 

DUANE HAGADONE HIGH CHARACTER AWARD 

BONNERS FERRY — Hallie Ann Thomson, Micah Roy Thomson 

CLARK FORK — Piper Scarlett, Jesse Yanik 

CLEARWATER VALLEY — Josie Graves, Timuni Moses 

COEUR d’ALENE CHARTER — Caitlin Zent, Mattis Macmillan 

COEUR d’ALENE — Grace Callahan, Jackson Oswald 

COEUR du CHRIST — Emma Anderson, Ben Connelly 

DEARY — Kaylee Wood, Blake Clark 

GENESEE — Lizzie Egland, Carsen Warnter-Hall 

GENESIS PREP — Jaycie Wise, Ty Van Meeteren 

GRANGEVILLE — Ila Wilkinson, Koby Beach 

HIGHLAND — Shyanne Stamper, Owen Goeckner 

KAMIAH — Emily Puckett, Tomas Gonzalez-Hernandez 

KELLOGG — Dani Henrikson, Chase Scribner 

KENDRICK — Mercedes Heimgartner, Cade Silflow 

KOOTENAI — Kahlen Tondevold, Ashton Lewis 

LAKE CITY — Tanner Bosworth, Mackian Blomer 

LAKELAND — Karstyn Kiefer, Peyton Sardinha 

LAKESIDE — Julian Moffitt 

LAPWAI — Ella Payne, Dante Davis 

LEWISTON — Avery Balmer, Mason Way 

MOSCOW — Jessa Skinner, Conn Perryman 

MULLAN — Avah Blankenship, Colton Imes 

NEZPERCE — Kairys Grant, Brennen McLeod 

OROFINO — Brynnlee Hanna, Jacob Runia 

POST FALLS — Olivia Hollenbeck, Xander Scholes 

POTLATCH — Kylie Heitstuman, Avery Smith 

PRAIRIE — Kylie Schumacher 

PRIEST RIVER — Jayden Storro, Lucas Mathews 

SANDPOINT — Teagan Newsom, Logan McGrann 

ST. MARIES — Cassia Enson, Brock Barta 

TIMBERLAKE — Malia Miller, Johnathan Barnhart 

TIMBERLINE — Jaimie Binder, Caleb Marshall 

TROY — Tessa Stoner, Remington Moyer 

WALLACE — Aubrey Birdsell, Gus Scott 

    Bryan Chase.
  

    Malia Miller

    Brock Yarbrough

    Greg Jackson

    Alex Pribble

    Arthur Moreira

    Hope Hassmann
 

    Nate Azzopardi