Top Players from Idaho's 4A State Tournament

Congrats to the players who participated in another great season of 4A basketball in Idaho. Preston High took 1st, Moscow High took 2nd, and Middleton High took 3rd.   [player_tooltip player_id="969605" first="Luke" last="Smellie"]- 6’2 G, Preston 2020 The do everything guard for Preston put up a staggering 12 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists during the state tournament to lead his squad to a 4A title (Preston’s 4th title in the last 5 years). Smellie is a classic point guard. He has good length and exudes poise on the court. It is no wonder why DI programs have been after his services. He can score attacking the hoop and can make an open 3. However, it is his ability to get his teammates involved and lead a team that has DI programs looking his way. Defensively, he can compete with any guard on the court. His leadership and competitive nature are impressive and will be a great asset to whatever program he ends up choosing.   [player_tooltip player_id="917694" first="Benny" last="Kitchel"]- 6’4 G, Moscow 2021 Kitchel projects as a versatile wing player at the next level. During the course of the season, Kitchel was called upon to be the primary playmaker as sophomore guard Jamari Simpson worked his way into that role. By the tournament, Kitchel was able to operate outside of being the primary ball handler and was able to focus his energy on his elite ability to score. Kitchel has an all-around game as a perimeter player. He can make the deep ball but has the size and physicality that allow him to drive the ball inside. He can finish through contact, over size, and can pull-up in the lane. When it was “winning time” throughout the season, the Bears of Moscow High looked to Benny to be the closer. Kitchel is an underrated prospect who should garner a larger spotlight next season. The junior guard has the opportunity to continue his growth and should be a force once again for Moscow.   [player_tooltip player_id="553031" first="Tyler" last="Robinett"]- 6’7 F, Middleton 2020 After a slow start in the 3rd place game, Robinett exploded for a massive 2nd half to lead Middleton to a win in Robinett’s final game. A commit at NAIA powerhouse, College of Idaho, the big man from Middleton can score with efficiency in the paint. He can make an open 3 if one is presented to him. Robinett is an offensive force when he is on the block being able to score with finesse and skill around the hoop. Defensively, Robinett can use his elite length to change any shot that comes his way. College of Idaho has found a good recruit in Robinett.   [player_tooltip player_id="917656" first="Ty" last="Hyde"]- 6’7 C, Preston 2020 The big man from Preston is a true force down-low. He can score with power but also was surprisingly nimble for his size. He exhibited finesse out of the post when the situation called for it. Defensively, Hyde made his presence felt early and often throughout the tournament. No loose rebound was safe when Hyde was around. Unfortunately for basketball fans, Hyde has committed to play DI football at Dixie State University. However, you have to assume that the basketball coaches at Dixie would want to have a conversation with Hyde about playing two sports for his first couple of years at the school.   [player_tooltip player_id="919669" first="Sean" last="Austin"]- 6’2 G, Kuna 2021 Austin is one of the better scorers in the state, averaging over 21 points a game. When you watch Kuna play, that should come as no surprise as they run their entire offense through Austin. Austin, an exceptional quarterback during football season who led Kuna to an undefeated season and state championship, is the team’s primary ball handler. Kuna runs a video game style offense through Austin. He dribbles up the court, there is a screen, if the defender goes under the screen, then Austin is talented enough to take and make 3s at will. If that defender goes over the screen, then Austin uses that defender’s displacement and scores with ease at the rim. If the help defender switches, Austin is exceptionally fast off the bounce and can go right around the defender. If the help defender hedges, Austin uses his QB vision to find the rolling offensive player with precision. There is not much a team can do to stop Austin from putting up numbers. He has the physicality of a football player on defense that you would want from a wing defender. Ausin is an intriguing point guard prospect.   [player_tooltip player_id="917664" first="Kasen" last="Carpenter"]- 6’5 F, Minico 2020 The College of Southern Idaho commit can put up some points. With a great combination of size and length, Carpenter can get his shot off over almost anyone. Which, when Carpenter does get his shot off, it usually goes in. He has proved to be a great sharpshooter who can also use his length and athleticism to score inside. Carpenter can grab boards and is able to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Another good season for this particular marksman who should find success at CSI next season.   Kenynion Clark- 6’6 F, Idaho Falls 2020 As was mentioned earlier, Preston High has won 4 of the last 5 4A Idaho State titles. The one that they did not win, that was last year in overtime losing to Idaho Falls lead by Clark. He is a versatile forward with good size, good scoring ability, good athleticism, and a solid playmaker. Clark is the type of player who can go on to have a successful college career. One of the best scorers at the 4A level, Clark had a great season for Idaho State.   [player_tooltip player_id="917727" first="Cooper" last="Hobson"]- 6’3 G, Preston 2020 A marksman through and through. During the course of the three game weekend, Hobson put up eight 3s including five in the championship game. A spark plug off the bench for Preston, Hobson stretched the court from the minute that he checked into the game. His ability to heat up from beyond the arch in the biggest game of the year for his squad earned him the right to be on this list.   Honorable Mention:   [player_tooltip player_id="919692" first="Cash" last="Cowdery"]- 6’3 G, Middleton 2021   [player_tooltip player_id="969621" first="Jett" last="Shelley"]- 6’2 G, Blackfoot 2020   [player_tooltip player_id="969661" first="Nick" last="Wolter"]- 6’3 G, Bishop Kelly 2020   Rylan Chandler- 6’0 G, Minico 2020   Dylan Seely- 6’4 F, Idaho Falls 2021   [player_tooltip player_id="923087" first="Aidan" last="McGarvin"]- 6’3 G, Bishop Kelly 2022   [player_tooltip player_id="921074" first="Tyler" last="Medaris"]- 6’6 F, Middleton 2022

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Top Players from Idaho’s 4A State Tournament

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