Flashback to February

Clark Fork High School basketball teams had remarkable seasons this past winter with both teams reaching the 2023 IDHSAA 1A DII state championship in February.

The boys team went undefeated in the 1A North Star Conference (4-0) with victories over Kootenai and Mullan. They went 12-8 on the season overall and averaged just under 60 points per game. The final game for Clark Fork was against Council High School in which they lost, 71-44.

“The kids worked hard to achieve their goals this year. After winning the league and district titles, we had some setbacks at states and could not accomplish that goal. The boys are hungry and determined to hopefully bring home the title next year,” coach Heath Benson said.

Ethan Howard, Cole Sanroman, Chase Sanroman, and Nathan Shelton were named to the 1A North Star All-League team this season.

“We have a great class coming up and some really good junior varsity players,” Benson said. “The coaches are excited. We will be back.” Benson said.

On the girls team, the Wampus Cats also did well in the 1A North Star Conference (2-1) where they crushed Kootenai and Mullan once each, by an identical score, 58-24. However, they lost in the state tournament, first to Deary, 42-20, and then to Leadore, 60-39.

Emily Myers, Clark Fork’s lone senior, led the team this year with great all-around play. Amari Printz-Hay and Hannah Thompson led the Wampus Cats in the scoring department, coach Jordan Adams said.

“The Clark Fork ladies basketball team this year had one goal, and that was to make it to state. They not only succeeded in doing so, but they blew out their competition to get there. I am so proud of this team,” Adams said. “The games did not go as planned at state, but even in sickness, they played their hearts out and are looking forward to next year.”