Jeffres named NSL's MVP

Teammate Martin also named to team

CLARK FORK — Clark Fork senior wing Cameron Jeffres was named the North Star League's Most Valuable Player on Tuesday as the All-NSL team was announced, as voted on by league coaches.

Jeffres displayed an all-around game, able to score by driving to the basket or pulling up from long range, often times scoing in bunches when he heated up. The honor is a show of respect from opposing coaches.

"Very quick and athletic; when he got going he could shoot outside and he was a great defensive player," said Cats' coach Brian Powell of Jeffres.

Jeffres said the highlight of his season was when he found 'the zone' during a rarely-seen scoring binge against Lakeside. In less than four minutes of play he erupted for 20 points, including five 3-pointers, the last of which resulted in a four-point play as the half time buzzer sounded. The award came as a bit of a surprise for Jeffres.

"It's really cool," he said of winning MVP. "I didn't expect it before the season started."

Mike Martin received the second most votes among players, finishing just behind Jeffres for MVP honors. At 6-foot-1, the junior point guard created match-up problems for opposing coaches, and ran the offense with precision, rarely turning the ball over.

"He was real steady all year for us," said Powell. "If he gets stronger and shoots the ball more, he could be MVP next year."

Jeffres is the only starter for the league champion Cats not returning next season, when they figure to be the team to beat in the NSL. Powell said the experience from this year's state tournament has the team excited for next year and a chance to win some games at state.

ALL NORTH STAR LEAGUE

MVP - Cameron Jeffres, Clark Fork; Mike Martin, Clark Fork; Chris Shaw, Charter; David Baker, Charter; Josiah Menzies, Charter; Austin Folnagy, Charter; Anthony Cranford, Kootenai; Cody Kraack, Kootenai; Derrick Holquist, Wallace; Nick Arthun, Wallace.