Sherwood and Chiefs: Bring your orange and black

Ronan opened up the season with their offense notching 80 points and looking to improve on last year's season, which saw the Chiefs finish fifth in conference play. In the offseason, Ronan hired George Sherwood as its new head basketball coach after being an assistant coach for three sports at the school.

"I think we gained lots of experience last year and had winning records on two of three levels," Sherwood said. "This season, I expect to be competitive at every level and compete for our conference title and put ourselves in a good position for the postseason."

The Chiefs return four starters from last year, including three-year starters Ted Coffman and Marlo Tonasket.

"We will rely on their experience to help us in some big games this year," Sherwood said.

Josia Misa also returns after a big sophomore year, and he has been showing a lot of promise. Sophomore Kolby Finley is recovering from a football injury and will join the Chiefs' roster later in the season.

"It starts up top for us," Sherwood said. "Our leaders do right and work hard. They put in the time and lead by example; most of all, they are selfless. Another strength of our team is we are deep. We have 10 guys that I believe can play at the varsity level. Lastly, I have surrounded myself with a bunch of coaches who work well together and have the same common goal."

Ronan's junior varsity went 16-2 last year, and naturally, they'll be competing for playing time at the varsity level. Seniors Davonne Curley and Keyan Pretty On Top will be impact players, and Laurance Lozeau was last year's sixth man and has high expectations.

Guards Wade Qualtier, Tayen Edmo and Connor "Hoka" Durglo should see playing time, while Teddy Spotted Eagle will be big as a reserve player. Trey Samsel, Chad Higgins and Austin Webster are also expected to push for some minutes. Sean Smalls, who is long and athletic, also looks to be a standout two-way player.

Sherwood predicts the Northwest A conference will be deep, and every game could be a dogfight. Columbia Falls returns the bulk of their team after winning the conference last year, including the Co-Conference Player of the Year. Browning also returns their Co-Conference Player of the Year as well.

"Whitefish got better and better as the year went on and gained tons of confidence and respect in my eyes," Sherwood said. "Bigfork has gotten used to winning, and you can't coach that. They returned some key players and had a solid football season."

Polson will always be a team that interests Ronan in the conference since the two are close Lake County rivals.

"I am intrigued to see how they do," Sherwood said. "They were coached well last year and are continuously competitive in all sports.

Sherwood also expects Coach Bean in Libby to come up with wrinkles to have the Loggers play productive basketball.

"Libby is as well-coached a team as you will find in the state," Sherwood said.

Sherwood said the team had a successful summer, and is ready for the season ahead.

"If you want to watch a group of young men who are passionate and incredibly talented, stop on by the event center this winter and bring your orange and black gear," Sherwood said.