Buckle up, basketball fans—Lewis-Clark State College's squads are gearing up for a thrilling season filled with high hopes, fresh faces, and the kind of challenges that could redefine what it means to build a winning team from scratch. It's a story of resilience and reinvention, where returning stars clash with the harsh realities of modern college sports. But trust me, you'll want to stick around to see how it all unfolds.
Let's dive into the men's side first. On a recent Thursday morning, head coach Austin Johnson crunched the numbers and painted a stark picture of the Warriors' offseason losses. 'We said goodbye to six of our top eight scorers,' he explained with a sigh. Statistically speaking, the team is only bringing back about 32% of last year's total minutes played, 28% of the scoring output, and a mere 22% of those crucial 3-point makes. In simpler terms for newcomers to the game, that means a massive shake-up—imagine rebuilding a puzzle but with most of the key pieces missing. The Warriors did manage to retain just six players from their NAIA Tournament-bound squad, including seniors John Lustig from Colfax and Grayson Hunt from Pullman. It's a daunting start, but Johnson is optimistic about turning potential into performance.
Now, shift gears to the women's team, where the vibe is entirely different. They're hanging onto the vast majority of last year's roster, including six of their top eight scorers. Leading the charge are seniors Sitara Byrd, Darian Herring, and Peyton Hymas, who bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the court. Coach Caelyn Orlandi raves about them, saying, 'I absolutely love everything about this group.' She emphasizes that the strongest teams are those driven by the players themselves, and this season could showcase one of the finest examples of that philosophy in action. Picture it like a well-oiled machine where everyone's pulling in the same direction—efficient, powerful, and hard to stop.
The opening games are just around the corner: The women kick things off against Dickinson State at 5:30 p.m. on October 24 in Lewiston, while the men head to Arizona Christian at 6 p.m. the same day. These matchups promise to be early litmus tests for both squads.
But here's where it gets controversial—enter the transfer portal, that double-edged sword of modern athletics. Even though the NAIA hasn't adopted the NCAA's name, image, and likeness (NIL) rules, the broader landscape of college sports is forcing schools like LC State to adapt or risk falling behind. Johnson doesn't mince words: 'The transfer portal and NIL have dealt a blow to LC State.' Over the past two seasons, they've seen five players jump to Division I programs—a trend that highlights how talent can slip away in an instant. Take their top scorer from last year, forward Alton Hamilton, who's now suiting up for Eastern Washington in the Big Sky Conference. It's a reminder that in today's game, anyone can recruit anywhere, leveling the playing field in ways that small programs often struggle with.
Johnson admits he underestimated the recruiting grind this time around. Typically, the Warriors aim to wrap up signings by late April or early May, but their last commitment didn't come until June. 'At a place like LC, we've always focused on finding high-character kids who also happen to be skilled in basketball,' he shares. 'Then, we coach them up from there.' He's concerned about rebounding and size issues, especially after some key forwards bolted last year, leaving gaps that were tough to fill. They settled for the next best options based on character, regardless of height—whether a player stands at 6 feet or 6-6. To illustrate, think of it as choosing team chemistry over a flashy stat sheet; it might not wow on paper, but it builds lasting strength.
This offseason, the Warriors bolstered their ranks with six transfers and three true freshmen. One standout addition is Dallon Morgan, a transfer from Eastern Arizona College with roots in Salem, Oregon. Unfortunately, he'll be sidelined for at least the first month—and possibly longer—due to a foot fracture. On the bright side, junior guards Jamare Childs (also from Eastern Arizona) and Brandon Suber (from California's Citrus College) are expected to log significant minutes right away. The rest of the newcomers are still battling it out for their spots, which adds an exciting layer of competition to the preseason.
Johnson sums up LC State's approach beautifully: 'If you prioritize relationships and player development, we check those boxes like anyone else in the country.' They're not about flashy gimmicks or high-budget bells and whistles; instead, they're a blue-collar operation where loyalty and hard work pay off. The players who've stuck around have embraced this ethos, contributing to their past successes. With Hamilton's departure, returning sophomore center Josh Salguero steps into a bigger role at the five-spot. The offense will evolve, relying less on big men for scoring and more on a balanced attack. This shake-up affects everyone, from leadership duties for Lustig to the rise of sophomore Dylan Skaife, who's transforming from a bench player to a key contributor thanks to his improved 3-point shooting late last season.
Over on the women's side, Ellee Brockman is a fresh addition after two seasons at Division II's Western Washington. Coach Orlandi was impressed by her highlight reel sent during the offseason. 'Her length, size, and athleticism fit perfectly with what we do here,' Orlandi notes. They nearly signed her out of high school the first time, so this feels like a destined reunion.
The Warrior women are keeping things remarkably stable, bringing back 10 players for the 2024-25 season. Peyton Hymas captures the spirit: 'It's a fantastic program to join, win or lose. But let's be real—we're always in the winning column.' Imagine walking into any local spot and seeing their posters everywhere; that's the level of community pride. With so many familiar faces, players like Tatum Brager, Lindsey Wilson, and Kendall Wallace from Clarkston are poised to elevate their games. Wallace's role is especially pivotal as they fill the shoes of Ellie Sander, who retired with over 1,000 career points—a feat that's tough to replicate.
And this is the part most people miss—Sander isn't disappearing entirely; she's staying put in Lewiston as an assistant coach. Orlandi, who began her coaching journey as an assistant under her own mentor, Brian Orr, sees this as a seamless transition. 'Ellie understands the expectations here,' she explains. 'She can jump in to guide and learn alongside assistant coach Cali Moore and me.' Defense remains a cornerstone of their strategy, with Byrd and Hymas dominating one side of the court so effectively that opposing teams might as well avoid it altogether.
Looking ahead, ambitions are sky-high. After exiting the NAIA Tournament in the second round last year, the women are unapologetic about their goals. 'We have what it takes to go all the way,' Byrd declares. The men, despite their first-round loss, are eyeing redemption. Lustig is clear: 'I want to rack up wins, start by defeating Arizona Christian, and aim for the national tournament and conference title.' Both teams fell short in their conference championships last season, but with the men facing defending champ College of Idaho and the women tackling a grueling schedule, the road to glory is paved with tough opponents.
'I'm pumped to challenge other teams,' Byrd adds. 'This squad is going to shine brightly.'
Now, let's stir the pot a bit—does the transfer portal truly democratize college sports, giving underdogs a fair shot, or does it just widen the gap between big programs and small ones like LC State? Some might argue it's a necessary evolution for athlete empowerment, while others see it as a disruption that undermines team loyalty. And what about NIL's absence in the NAIA? Is it a protective bubble, or a missed opportunity for players to capitalize on their talents? I'd love to hear your thoughts—do you think schools should adapt more aggressively to these changes, or stick to traditional values? Agree or disagree in the comments below; let's keep the conversation going! Reach out to Taylor at 208-848-2268, staylor@lmtribune.com, or follow on X or Instagram @SamCTaylor for more updates.
