WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW: Despite slow start, Clark Fork girls basketball has the pieces to put together a playoff run

CLARK FORK – The Wampus Cats compiled seven wins last season, tied for their most wins in a season since the 2019-20 season, and captured the 1A D2 North Star League title. Ultimately, the Cats fell to Deary and Leadore at the 1A state championship, and although competitive in those matches, Clark Fork will certainly be looking to make a deeper run this year – and they have the offensive and defensive weapons to do it.

To be frank, Clark Fork is once again favored to win the district title by a large margin. Kootenai was not able to form a team for the 2023-24 season; Mullan has had struggles with turnout as well. Last year, the Wampus Cats defeated Mullan, 58-24 in the district championship match held at North Idaho College.

Three seniors who were vital parts of last year’s championship team, Amari Printz-Hay, Eloise Shelton, and Lilly Reuter all return this season. The trio scored 38 out of the Wampus Cats’ 58 points in the title win over Mullan. Twelve out of the remaining 20 were scored by another returner, junior Hanna Thompson.

This year, the girls will once again be coached by longtime head coach Jordan Adams. She had lots of great things to say about the team’s work ethic and ability to lead this season. Specifically, Adams said Shelton was the definition of a true leader, and praised her ability to take control of the team during crucial moments.

In addition to Shelton, Adams said the all-around play from Reuter and Printz-Hay will help fuel the team this season. She said since Printz-Hay, a 6-0 power forward/center who moved from Noxon to Clark Fork two years ago, has developed her game immensely in a short amount of time. Adams also complimented Reuter for her ability to see the floor and for her shooting abilities behind the arc. Reuter and Shelton are undoubtedly Clark Fork’s biggest 3-point threats this season.

Junior guard Hanna Thompson also brings a lot to the table. She has great speed, is stellar on the defensive end, and can score from everywhere on the floor. Sophomores Piper Scarlett and Amie Matteson also have seen plenty of time to start the season, both making starts in the team's most recent game against Lakeside. Adams said the two show great promise and are adapting to the speed of varsity play. In a 38-30 loss to Genesis Prep earlier this year, the two both scored five points each. 

After three games this year, Printz-Hay is leading the team in scoring with 7.3 points per game. She has also been active on the glass, hauling in 16 rebounds in a 37-33 loss to Priest River in this year’s season opener. After the first two games of the season, Reuter (7 points/game) and Shelton (6 points/game) are off to hot starts as well.

Junior Jamie Herrick and freshman Nora-Jean Hoy have also seen time early this season, and their contributions have not gone unnoticed. Although playing more complimentary roles, they will be vital to the team's success this season.

Although off to a slow start with three losses, one to a skilled Lakeside team, and two to Priest River and Genesis Prep in games that came down to the very end, this is a team that has a lot of fight and will progress as the season continues. Eventually, all the pieces will come together.

CFHS Girls Basketball

11/14 vs. Priest River 7 p.m.

11/21 @ Genesis Prep 6 p.m.

11/28 vs. Lakeside 6 p.m.

12/1 vs. Troy (Mont.) 7 p.m. (MST)

12/5 vs. Genesis Prep 6 p.m.

12/7 @ Lakeside 7 p.m.

12/12 @ Bonners Ferry 7 p.m.

12/14 vs. Mullan 7 p.m.

12/18 vs. Wallace 7 p.m.

12/21 @ Priest River 7 p.m.

1/9 vs. Noxon 7 p.m.

1/11 vs. Bonners Ferry 7 p.m.

1/16 @ Mullan 7 p.m.

1/20 @ Troy (Mont.) 12 p.m. (MST)

1/23 @ Wallace 7 p.m.

1/24 vs. Noxon 7 p.m.

1/30 @ Noxon 5:30 p.m. (MST)

2/6 @ Sandpoint (JV) 5:30 p.m.

2/8-2/9 Districts @ NIC

2/15-2/17States @ Nampa