He has eight players back from his varsity roster a year ago when they placed third in the Greater Spokane League’s American Division and finished the season with a 14-12 record. The Bantams came within one game of making it to the state tournament.

Clarkston will be led by 6-10 Gonzaga commit Josh Heytvelt (21ppg/9rpg). Heytvelt was the only underclassman selected to the All-Greater Spokane League first team a year ago and was an all-state pick as well.

He was the only underclassman selected to the All-GSL team, and was also picked to the Associated Press Class 3A all-state first team.

But Johnson has another D-1 athlete coming back in 6-2 wing Steffan Blume, a Washington State football recruit at linebacker.

6-1 senior guard Allen Tucker, last year’s winner of the “most improved” award, and 5-9 junior guard Jason Curtis also started for Johnson a year ago.

5-7 senior guard Cory Lenz, 5-8 junior guard Ryan Turnbow, 6-0 senior guard Jason Sheppard and 6-2 junior forward James Bennett all were on last year’s varsity roster, giving Johnson more experience.

Clarkston, though a 3A school in size, plays in the combined 3A/4A Greater Spokane League. It makes for some pretty long bus rides over the roads of the Palouse. It is 107 miles from city limit to city limit.

“Our strong suit is our balance,” Johnson told us. But he knows his team will have to peak at the right time to get back to state.

“We had a great summer. Our juniors-to-be improved and that will help us with our balance.”

As for the Greater Spokane League and who to keep an eye on Johnson offered this insight; “Lewis and Clark will be good early; West Valley is always tough in the end.” And he also mentioned North Central as a team that could have a say in who survives the league.