Arlee boys ready to tackle loaded league

The Arlee Warriors finished fourth at state last year, with its only losses during the regular season coming at the hands of the eventual state champion: Loyola. This year, the Warriors will be without nine seniors they had last year but have a great group of younger players ready to fill in.

“I think we can be a very different team in late February than we are early on this season,” Arlee Head Coach Jason Maki said. “We do not have a lot of experience like we did last year, but we have a great group of boys that are very coachable, hard-working and eager to learn every day.”

Arlee’s No. 1 returner, Kaiden Ostby, will be out with an injury until January, meaning Arlee could get a late-season boost as the postseason hits.

“We will be a good defensive team,” Maki said. “This team is very willing to get down and work on D and that will be our strength. The other strength will be the balance. We will attack and get production from a variety of people and positions.”

While Ostby was the guy with the most experience and will be counted on later in the season when he fully returns from his knee surgery, there are some other players to keep an eye on. Darius Tewawina played a defensive role last year and will be asked to continue his great defensive play while adding some scoring punch. Aiden Swab will be counted on to be the team’s "rock" at point guard.

“He will play the point and is super solid and will hit some big shots this year,” Maki said.

Gavin Swaney and River Gray both saw limited time last year, but their roles will be greatly expanded in 2024, and they will be asked to provide toughness, leadership, rebounding and defense.

Junior Josh Horn will provide athleticism, a scoring punch and energy. Sophomore Dainian Marceau has a chance to be a very good player for the Warriors. Aiden Martel-Adams and Kade Dix are also working into the rotation.

“There are a couple of other guys who could move up the depth chart if they string together some good practices and games,” Maki said.

The Western 6B is a tough league, and Maki said he expects it to be a jumble between second and sixth place where anyone can beat anyone on a given night. On top though, is defending state champion Loyola.

“Loyola has not lost in two years,” Maki said. “They return three starters and add two transfers that would be starting on the AA team they left. They will have a chance to go undefeated again and win their third straight state title.”

Anaconda is another solid program in the league but lost some key pieces like Arlee and will be working with kids stepping into new roles. Florence will be a big, strong, and physical presence in the league, while Deer Lodge and Darby will be better than last year with most of their key pieces back.

Arlee also lost assistant coach Anthony Whiteman Runs Him in an automobile accident earlier this fall, and they lost a former teammate almost a year ago.

“These boys are a very resilient and tight group,” Maki said. “They have already been through a lot in life.”

“They are a fun group to coach because they show up to work hard and be team-oriented every day,” he added. “I really think we will be a team that improves every month of the season, and hopefully, we will be playing our best basketball at districts and divisionals.”