Martin named North Star League MVP

Will play in state-wide All-Star game at NIC today

WALLACE - Clark Fork senior point guard Mike Martin was the unanimous selection for Most Valuable Player as the All- North Star League team was announced on Thursday. Teammates Drew Wilkinson, a senior, and Jared Broggi, a junior, joined Martin on the team, gaining the Cats well-deserved recognition from the league's coaches.

Martin, a four-year starter at point guard, used his 6-2 frame and all-around game to average 15 points and five assists per game this year. The three sport star, who recently won the slam dunk competition at the District 1 All-Star game, will play in the state All-Star game at NIC today as the top senior boys and girls from around the state will be showcased. Martin was called a special player by his coach, who admits he'll be missed next season.

“He understood what we were trying to do at both ends of the court and he sees the court very well,” said Cats coach Brian Powell. “He is an outstanding defensive player and handles the ball very well. He's been the leader of the team the last two years and leads by his example of hard work.”

Wilkinson garnered the second most votes of all the NSL players. The streak-shooting two-guard averaged 14 points a game this year, including a season-high 30 in a state tournament win over Clark County. Wilkinson recently made seven out of 10 three-pointers to win the 3-point shooting contest at the District 1 All-Star game.

“Drew has a very quick first step and is a good finisher around the basket,” said Powell of the two-sport athlete. “He worked hard this season on improving his ball handling, his outside shooting and his defensive skills, which made him into a more complete basketball player.”

Broggi, who was nearly unstoppable on the blocks this year, averaged 12 points and eight rebounds and was a near-automatic double-double down the stretch as the Cats won districts and went 2-2 at the state tournament. The two-year starter will be the featured player next year for the Cats, who lose four senior starters.

“Jared improved his quickness this season and has really good hands and footwork for such a big guy,” said Powell of his 6-foot-6, 270 pound post. “Another area of his game that was a big part of our offense this year was his improved range on his jump shot; he's very accurate from the 15 foot range.”

ALL NORTH STAR LEAGUE BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM

CLARK FORK - Mike Martin, sr., MVP.; Drew Wilkinson, sr.; Jared Broggi, jr. WALLACE - Jared Bilaski, jr.; Nick Arthun, jr.; Darrick Holmquist, sr. LAKESIDE - Wyatt Peters, sr.; Merle Bighead, sr.; Jeremiah Brunelle, sr; Merlin Weaselhead, jr. KOOTENAI - Ethan Patzer, sr. HONORABLE MENTION - Jordan Beehner, sr., Wallace,; Tom Norris, sr., Wallace; Bucky Thomas, Kootenai, sr.; Bob Schrack, soph., Coeur d'Alene Charter; Rory Ruskovich, soph., Coeur d'Alene Charter; Anthony Henderson, sr., Mullan.