GSL preview boys basketball
Three years ago, the Greater Spokane League was shut out of state. By last season, CV was a state finalist. This year the league, particularly 4A, is strong again and much deeper. Injuries and an early start to a league season that runs a full 20 games will lend to unpredictability. So get out those GSL season passes, get to the gyms early and be ready for a wild and exciting ride.
How about the talent?
There’s loads of it in a league where virtually every 4A coach believes his team can make the district playoffs and all three 3A teams automatically do. Rogers’ Scotty Livengood will finish his career among the all-time top scorers. He leads a senior class that includes Kevin Cameron and Nick Ambrose from CV, Beau Azadganian from Gonzaga Prep, Lucas Ashe from Mead and Cody Hauenstein from NC, for samplers. The junior class, CV’s Luke Clift, Ferris’ Shawn Stockton and Jared Karstetter, Mead’s Brendan Ingebritsen, Mt. Spokane’s Ryan Selland, NC’s Nick Rijon, Rogers’ Andrew Durant and Shadle Park’s Zack Humphrey among them, is experienced and gifted.
Keeping an eye on …
Incoming talent: Shadle Park freshman Aaron Dunn gives the Highlanders an inside presence to go with Anthony Brown, who played up as a freshman last year. Among others to watch are sophomores Mason Johnson at University, who was ineligible for varsity last year after transferring, and Taylor Eglet at LC, who started at quarterback for the Tigers.
Transfers: 6-foot-8 junior DeAngelo Casto (Freeman) and guard Andre Jennings (three years varsity at LC) are at Ferris. U-Hi’s Nate Martin, a 6-5 leaper, moved here from Arizona. Mike Bruce, another 6-5 post who came from Alaska, is trying to become eligible at Gonzaga Prep.
The Rogers Pirates: Coach Brian Kissinger puts his team on a par with anyone thanks to experience, depth and the arrival of 6-foot-4 Danish Junior Team exchange student Thomas Aabo. The Pirates will play their home games at Shaw Middle School. Mead also has an exchange player, Joakim Jorgensen from Norway.
What to expect?
The unexpected. Despite qualifying for state last year, Central Valley (second in 4A), North Central (fifth in 3A) and Ferris (4A) aren’t necessarily locks. Teams like Shadle, Rogers, Mead and Mt. Spokane (now 3A) are likely to make inroads, and LC second-year coach Jeff Norton said he’d be disappointed if the Tigers didn’t reach district with his post talent. G-Prep’s hopes rest on how quickly players from the school’s football semifinalists adapt to basketball.