Region 8 Preview
Photo Credit: Daily Herald Region 8- The South Utah Valley Region will be a bit of a mystery for the upcoming year. So many great experienced seniors graduate in 2016. Many coaches around the state believe this will be…
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- Springville- The Red Devils have the most talented team in Region 8 and possibly in 4A. With the size, strength, speed, and experience, the only thing that may hold them back, is a deep run in the Utah High School Football season. Many crucial contributors for the basketball team are currently tied up with football. Josh Elison, Ben Schreiner, and Mason Sumsion are in state championship mode now and are looking to bring the trophy back to Springville for the first time in decades.
- Salem Hills- With just about every player from last years playoff team back, the Sky Hawks are looking to win the region and make noise at the state tournament. Scoring and rebounding machine James Nelson is back, if he stays healthy he could give them 20 points and 10 rebounds on any given night. Salem could be for real this season, especially with their top 5 scorers returning from last years playoff team.
- Maple Mountain- The Golden Eagles will be led by Dawson Beutler and Parker Christensen, but Tyler Boyack could be the difference maker on this years Eagles team. Boyack will be a key contributor to solidify the back court in Mapleton. Boyack can shoot it from deep and finds a way to get everyone involved, but most importantly his ability to be disruptive with his basketball IQ on the defensive end will be huge for their success. There should not be a lack of effort from this years Eagles team.
- Wasatch- Eli Ballstaedt is one of the most complete players in the state. The 6’5 swingman is a good college prospect, but can he play like a great college prospect and lead the Wasps to where the promised land. Will the supporting cast step up and hit open shots? They will get a lot of them playing with Eli this year.
- Spanish Fork- Top two scorers Tanner Argyle and Bridger Noles are back for the Dons. We know Tanner and Bridger can win them a few games, but are they going to win at Springville, or maybe get a season sweep of rival Payson. That will be decided in January and February, but Spanish will be a fun to watch as the season progresses and they show the firepower of Argyle and Noles.
- Uintah- Korbin Gardner and Jon Parker are really solid players. Depth is the key in this region, and the Utes may not have the depth to be in every game they play in January and February. They will take their lumps this year, but getting to .500 and keeping some teams on their heels throughout the region would mean success in Vernal.
- Payson- Payson, Payson, Payson, who are they without Dan Lunt? It has been over 20 years and he is a major figure in their community, but the show goes on. Sure Bryce Wiberg is back, I really like this kid’s game, but Lunt is gone and it’s a beginning of an era for the Lions. We will see how the season plays out, but I think a 3-9 region season is on the horizon for Payson.