Thanks to the current IHSAA bracketing rules, one of Idaho’s best Class 2A boys basketball teams stayed home from the state tournament last March.

The same is about to happen again this season.

Arguably two of the best 2A boys teams in the state reside in the Canyon Conference. That means the entire season hinges on a 10-day stretch in mid-February when the double-elimination district tournament is played.

“It’s not ideal only having three teams (in the conference) because in the past it’s left a pretty good club sitting home,” said Glenns Ferry coach Jeremiah Johnston.

Glenns Ferry didn’t sit home last year. After losing to Declo three straight times, the Pilots upset the top-seeded Hornets on back-to-back nights to earn the Canyon championship and earn a state tournament berth. Glenns Ferry went on to finish third at state.

The Pilots figure to be the early favorites as they return four starters — including the top four scorers — from last year’s 21-7 team.

Michael Crane is the most dynamic player in the conference and he’s back for his senior year with the Pilots. Last season he led Glenns Ferry in almost every category, averaging 19.6 points, 14.1 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 3.2 blocks and 3.0 steals per game.

Ross Arellano (14.9 ppg), Gabe Arevalo (9.4 ppg) and Justin Solosabal (7.8 ppg) are the other returning starters. Crane and Arellano were both first-team all conference selections a year ago. Last year’s sixth man Phillip Owsley also returns.

What’s more, Johnston says the Pilots have more depth on the bench than they did last year. However, it’s still too early to tell how good Glenns Ferry might be.

“I don’t have a lot of positives or negatives at this point,” Johnston said. “We’ll get the season started and see how we match up against some teams early. Obviously you’ve got to play well in conference play and our goal is to get back to the state tournament.”

Declo hasn’t been to the state tournament since 2005, when it was in Class 3A. After narrowly missing out on last year’s big dance with a 16-7 record, the seven seniors on the Hornets roster are determined to make it happen.

“These kids have been playing together and winning together for so long that I think they’ll play so well together that we’ll have a good shot,” said Declo coach Dee Lewis.

Declo graduated key players from last season, including point guard and leading scorer Connor Garner. The Hornets appear to be smaller, but more athletic than a year ago. Expect them to press on defense and push the tempo.

First-team all conference selection Tyler Briggs, who averaged 12.2 points and 6.0 rebounds per game, returns to lead a solid group of seniors that includes Dane Janak, McCoy Stoker, Brandon Peterson, Larsen Webb, Jeremy Jenkins and Levi Heward.

Declo and Glenns Ferry each had long playoff runs in football, so it could take a few weeks until they get their basketball legs underneath them.

If the Hornets and Pilots hoard the attention, it could leave the door open for a young, hungry Valley squad to play spoiler. The Vikings return no starters from their 9-11 squad and have just two seniors on the roster, guard Anthony Costello and post Chase Brown.

Glenns Ferry’s season begins Monday at Castleford, while Valley opens Tuesday at Wendell, and Declo tips off Friday Dec. 4 at Aberdeen.