Wampus Cats looking to leave mark at state

CLARK FORK — The bad news is that a recent ATV accident broke part of senior Shaina Gustafson’s shoulder blade, shelving Clark Fork’s best player for the past few weeks.

The good news is that in Gustafson’s absence, sophomore Celeste Komanec stepped into the point guard role and thrived, helping lead the Wampus Cats to a berth at state and providing the Cats with another go-to player.

North Star League champion Clark Fork (15-5) tips off the 1A Division II state tournament today against defending champion Richfield (18-4), at 12:15 p.m. at Nampa High School. The Cats boast one of their strongest girls teams in recent memory, and will be looking to bring home the school’s first state trophy since 2002, when they finished fourth.

“I’m pretty sure we can play with anybody down there,” said Cats head coach Dexter Vogel. “The goal is to go down, have fun, compete and not have a major letdown. With those items right there, I’m pretty sure they can win.”

Gustafson is averaging 15 points, six assists and a robust nine steals a game this year, and is arguably the top all-around player in the league. Five times this season she’s reached double digits in steals, including games with 14 and 15, almost unheard of totals. Vogel called her 80 percent healthy at this point, adding that she’s as tough as they come and will play through pain, and said her presence on the floor is essential for a run at a trophy.

“She raises the confidence level of the rest of the girls just having her on the floor,” said Vogel, noting her injury caused everyone to raise their games, including Komanec. “Celeste really stepped up, it (the injury) helped her confidence.”

Komanec had eight assists in the district championship game, many down low to fellow sophomore Brocklynn Thornton, who had a monster double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds as Mullan tried a box in one on Gustafson. Along with Chelsea Macumber, Tessa Vogel, Dimi Kailang and Zara Palmer, the Cats have a host of players capable of stepping up and contributing offensively.

Vogel knows very little about Richfield, which is currently the No. 2 ranked team in the state. Clark Fork is ranked No. 6, but their record is a bit deceiving. Whereas all of Richfield’s four losses came against 1A competition, Clark Fork’s only losses this season came against 3A teams Priest River, Bonners Ferry and Timberlake (twice), and 4A Post Falls JV.

Of course, everyone is 0-0 come state tournament time, and Vogel expects his team’s strong perimeter defense will carry the team wherever they go.

“We’ve worked hard all year and it’s finally paying off,” he said.

n In other regional action, Priest River (16-6) opens the 3A state tournament vs. Fruitland (22-1) at 7 p.m., and No. 2 Coeur d’Alene faces No. 1 seed Boise (22-1) in a brutal draw in the 5A bracket.

All 5A, 4A and 3A games at state can be seen via webcast at “www.IdahoSports.com.” The 2A, 1A Division I and 1A Division II games will be available through audio-only webcasts. All six championship games from the Idaho Center can be seen via webcast.