Region 4 Preview
REGION 4- Arguably the toughest league in Utah and poised to continuing to be led and dominated by Lone Peak High School. Lone Peak is one of the best basketball programs in the country and has dominated Utah High School Basketball for the last 12 years. The Knights have won 6 of the last 9 state titles in 5A and are looking to get back on track with their winning ways. American Fork will make a push by touting one of the tallest and most talented young teams in the state. Matthew Van Komen, the 7’4 monster in the middle for Pleasant Grove will make his present felt in the state, as well throughout the country as one of the top sophomore prospects in the United States.
1. Lone Peak– Replacing last year Utah Gatorade player of the year, Mcdonald’s All-American MVP, and Duke University starting point guard Frank Jackson will be no easy task, but look to the Knights to reload as they always do. When asking around the state, many people believe there could be up to 10 college basketball players on this years Lone Peak Team. The Knights will be led by Junior standout guard Steven Ashworth, he was 3rd in 2015 in scoring and lead them in assists. 6’4 swingman Nate Harkness is also a valuable returner from last year, as he was second in scoring at 12 PPG.9
2. American Fork– Boasting one of the tallest teams in the state should help, but they will need a lot more than that to replace 5 senior starters from last year, and get over that hump “aka” beating rival Lone peak in February and March. Jake Whitehead and Isaac Johnson will look to put their talents on display this season for the Cavemen.
3. Pleasant Grove– When you get to see Pleasant Grove play, there is always one thing that stands out, the Tallest 10th grader in the Nation, Matthew Van Komen. Matthew is going to dominate every game he plays in as a high school athlete and has an extremely bright future on the next level. How will his supporting cast consisting of Sophomore guard Casey Brown and Senior guard David Peterson perform when lights are brightest.
4. Westlake– How will Coach Nate and Ron Carling replace their top two do-it-all players from last year? With a young core of talent and their returning starting point guard Shamon Willis. Look to Willis to lead the Thunder in points, assists, steals, and clutch shots in 2016-17.
5. Riverton– With senior guard Tanner Thacker back for the Silverwolves, and one of the biggest teams in the state, Riverton will be looking to compete in what appears to be the deepest and most talented region in the state. They are looking to punish people in the paint with their size and length, while also controlling tempo and slowing down the game.
6. Lehi– Ethan Tucket and Dallin Holker look to lead the Pioneers to a playoff birth. The addition of Skyridge High School in Lehi will mean the schools student body, as well as athletic programs are split in half. Lehi is looking to reload as 4 of their top 5 returning player’s have moved on to the Skyridge Falcons.
7. Herriman– 3-9 in Region 4 last year for the Mustangs, but hoping for new results with a brand new team. Look for them to play hard, but just not have the fire power to compete in the best region in the state.