Williams named All-Idaho Player of the Year
Asher Williams at the 3A Idaho State Championship boys basketball game.
Photo by JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY
Braeden Blackmore at the 3A Idaho boys basketball state championship game.
Thomas Bateman goes up for a layin against Sugar Salem at the 3A State Championship on March 4.
Ridge Williams protects the ball against Sugar Salem at the 3A State Championship game.
Bonners Ferry sophomore Asher Williams was voted the 3A All-Idaho Boys Basketball Player of the Year by the state’s coaches. It is not known if a Bonners Ferry boys basketball player has ever received this honor.
The All-Idaho teams are chosen by each classification’s coaches. The Idaho Statesman hosts the voting process and publishes the results.
Why he is player of the year: After growing 4 inches, the 6-foot-4 sophomore guard led the Badgers to their first state championship game appearance in program history.
He was a near automatic bucket, shooting 60% from the floor to rack up 18.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
Coach’s comment: “(He) is a tremendous player who can score inside, outside and midrange. He has great court vision, and brings energy and confidence to the court,” Bonners Ferry coach Nathan Williams said.
What others are saying: “He seemed to hit every big shot when they needed it most,” Kimberly coach Daren Garey said.
"I'm honored and grateful for my family and friend and community helping me get [this recognition]," Williams said. "God blessed me with this achievement and it helped me get recognized."
He thanked his teammates for pushing him in practices and her coach and father Nathan Williams for putting in time to make practice plans, watch film and do scouting reports for every team.
What’s next: He’ll return for his junior season trying to lift Bonners Ferry to new heights again.
Other All-State players included: Jaxon Dines, Homedale; Luke Higginson, Snake River; Stanton Howell, Marsh Valley; Koy Sanderson, Sugar-Salem.
COACH OF THE YEAR: SHAWN FREEMAN, SUGAR-SALEM. He led the Diggers to a 23-3 record and their fourth state title in the past seven years.
3A Boys IML All-League
Braeden Blackmore (Sr.) — Four time IML All League player, 1,000 point scores and first Badger to play in the Idaho State All-Star game.
Ridge Williams (Sr.) — Three time IML All League player, two time All State Tournament Honorable Mention at second team All State Tournament in 2023.
Thomas Bateman (Soph) — 2023 IML All League player and All State Tournament Honorable Mention
Asher Williams (Soph) — Two time IML All League player, second team All State Tournament and first Team All State Tournament, 2023 Idaho 3A Player of the Year.
