5A Eastern Idaho Preview 2020-21

<p>The east side of the state of Idaho has produced a lot of great basketball players in prior years and the 2020-21 season should produce another line of solid players. Eastern Idaho has the potential to make a run at the state tournament title this season and should not be overlooked. Continue reading for my breakdown of the 5A schools in eastern Idaho.</p> <p><strong>Idaho Falls Tigers: </strong>Idaho Falls will make the jump to the 5A division for the 2020-21 season. Last season, the Tigers went 20-8 with a 12-0 conference record in the 4A under coach Howard Hart. The Tigers had a lot of seniors on the roster last year combined with lots of juniors bringing game experience with them. I expect Idaho Falls to take a few games to adjust to the 5A level before they continue winning. Look for [player_tooltip player_id="969600" first="Jaxon" last="Sorenson"], a 6’4" forward to shoulder a lot of the weight this season for the Tigers on their transition to the 5A.</p> <p><strong>Highland Rams: </strong>The Rams struggled last season under coach Tyler Pearson and will look to return to their winning ways in 2020-21. Highland has a young roster with lots of varsity experience that will provide a solid foundation for close games this season. The Rams can break through this season with great mix of talent across the board which should allow them to throw lots of different looks at opposing teams. Watch for Easton Durham, a gifted scorer with a quick release, and Mason Mickelsen, a 6’7" guard/forward with excellent footwork and an athletic approach to the game.</p> <p><strong>Thunder Ridge Titans:</strong> After finishing 2019-20 at 10-16, the Titans will look to produce a winning record in hopes of winning the conference and making a run at the state tournament under head coach Lee Toldson. One of the newest high schools in the state of Idaho, the Titans are still finding their way and figuring out their core concepts as a team. Look for Lloyer Driggs, a point guard with tight handles and a deadly jumper off the dribble to lead the way for Thunder Ridge.</p> <p><strong>Madison Bobcats:</strong> The Bobcats finished the 2019-20 season under head coach Travis Schwab with an 18-12 regular season record, and a 6-2 record in conference. Madison has a storied tradition of being a powerhouse basketball program in the state of Idaho and this upcoming season provides an excellent opportunity to return to their winning ways. Watch for [player_tooltip player_id="919694" first="Taden" last="King"], a 6’3" lefty guard with solid handles and a deadly jumper from anywhere to lead the Bobcats.</p> <p><strong>Rigby Trojans:</strong> Arguably the best team in the east, Rigby finished the 2019-20 season under head coach Justin Jones with a record of 29-3 and a 6-0 conference record. The Trojans will be losing a lot of their scoring and production from graduating seniors, but they will try to regroup to make another run at the state title. Watch out for Kaden Dabell, a flashy point guard with great handles and the ability to knockdown 3’s consistently. </p>