Kreager crowned Co-MVP; Barrett, Nortz garner all-league honors

PRIEST RIVER — After claiming its first district title since 2011 and ending a decade-long state drought, the Priest River boys basketball team had three players receive All-Intermountain League honors.

Trentyn Kreager was named Co-MVP along with Kellogg's Logan Jerome, and Jordan Nortz and Blake Barrett claimed spots on the all-league team.

The team was released to the media on Monday.

Kreager, who earned all-league honors last year as well, was the Spartans leading scorer this season and his offensive skill set gave opponents guarding him nightmares.

"He's a dynamic offensive threat," head coach Kevin Wylie said. "He can shoot the ball outside and he stretches the floor so well for us."

Kreager's quick first step allowed him to blow past defenders and get to the rim, Wylie said, and his strength and versatility in the post was tough to contain.

"He can go to work from anywhere," Wylie said.

Barrett moved across the border from Newport High during the offseason and had an immediate impact on the Priest River program.

Wylie said Barrett's tool set is eerily similar to Kreager's, and the junior did a great job of elevating his game when the team needed him most.

"When Trentyn was fighting those injuries later in the season," he said, "Blake really stepped up and provided that offense that we were lacking when Trentyn was trying to get back into the groove and get healthy."

Nortz also transferred to Priest River this past summer. The junior quickly became associated with pulling up from Steph Curry range on the court, but his defensive intensity and energy level on every possession was tough for anyone to match.

"Everyone kind of knows that Jordan is a very confident shooter and very capable of hitting from 5 feet behind the 3-point line," Wylie said, "but what I think goes unnoticed is his ability to play at such a hard, fast pace for 32 minutes a night ... He plays with so much passion and heart."

Wylie also wanted to recognize the efforts of point guard Travis Mathews this season. Wylie nominated Mathews for all-league, but unfortunately he just missed out on earning a spot on the team.

Wylie said Mathews is a "true old school point guard." He chooses to facilitate rather than score and his impact on the team on and off the court goes well beyond the box score.

"In my opinion, he's the best point guard in the league," Wylie said.

Wylie was also named Coach of the Year. He said the award isn't about him, it's about the players who worked tirelessly to make this season one to remember.

"Everybody was a pivotal part in what we were able to accomplish this year," he said, "so it's a great honor, but at the same time, it's more important to me for our team to be successful and our kids."

After falling to Fruitland in a consolation game on Friday and finishing their state run with an 0-2 record, Wylie said the Spartans sat in the locker room and immediately began thinking about what it will take to get back to the tourney next spring.

"It was a good taste of what we need to do to get better for next season," Wylie said.

INTERMOUNTAIN LEAGUE

COACH OF THE YEAR — Kevin Wylie, Priest River.

CO-PLAYERS OF THE YEAR — Trentyn Kreager, jr., Priest River; Logan Jerome, sr., Kellogg.

ALL-LEAGUE — Braeden Blackmore, so., Bonners Ferry; Ridge Williams, so., Bonners Ferry; Riply Luna, so., Kellogg; Kolby Luna, so., Kellogg; Blake Barrett, jr., Priest River; Jordan Nortz, jr., Priest River; Zach Yetter, jr., Timberlake; Ethan Riley, so., Timberlake; Hunter Higgins, so., Timberlake.