Breaking Down the Favorites and the Sleepers
5A Favorite
Pleasant Grove, Vikings (11-1) lead by So. 7’4 Matt Van Komen and Kahuku, HI transfer 6’4 Keanu Akina are the current favorites in 5A but 6’4 Stockton Shorts has put Copper Hills on his back and they are coming off of a big win against Bingham. Lone Peak has 6’6 Nate Harkness who is an underrated talent along with 6’0 Jr. Steven Ashworth. Bingham is still in the mix but the sure miss Samuta Avea who returned to Hawaii. This is the time for 6’11 Utah signee Branden Carlson to prove he’s the best player in the state.
Sleeper
Sky View (9-2) has the Falsev Brothers that are a hand-full but Freshman Mason Falsev is playing very well and they can pose a problem in the tournament.
4A Favorite
Olympus, Titans (11-2) lead by a crop of talented players such as 6’2 So. Jeremy Dowedell, 6’0 So. Rylan Jones, 6’4 Sr. Matt Lindsey and 6’7 Sr. Travis Wagstaff they have posed a problem for many teams. Timpview will be a tough out especially with Adam Santiago and Hunter Erickson playing well but they do lack height. Anyone can agree that they do not want to play Woods Cross and Trevin Knell.
Sleeper
Corner Canyon (8-2) the Chargers sure look good on paper and Michael Sheffner is playing well. They already have 1 region loss to Alta, but we think they can regroup.
3A Favorite
Dixie, Flyers (13-0) the defending 3A State Champions have 3 teams in their way, Juan Diego and Ridgeline. Other than those teams Richard Guymon and Kaden Elzy and their depth is too much to handle.
Sleeper
Pine View (10-2) 6’7 Sr. Trey Farrer is out there eating as he is averaging 21 ppg. and 7 rpg. They will need Mckay Lambert to shoot that 3-ball better.
2A Favorite
Emery, Spartans (11-1) this is the year of the Spartan as familiar foes are down such as Layton Christian, Summit Academy and Beaver. Koby Butler is averaging 18 & 12 his brother Kolton Butler is averaging 10 & 7 and Bowdie Jacobsen 11 ppg. and 7 ast.
Sleeper
South Sevier (7-5) the Rams have a great pre-season schedule and they have played some good teams that will help them in the long run. They have a new coach and new life. Good luck to anyone that draws them in the 1st round.
1A Favorite
Panguitch, Bobcats (10-0) have 2 players nearly scoring 20 ppg. in Trey Barney an Jayce Eyre would’ve liked to see them play a team like Emery, Beaver or Pine View. They could go 25-0
Sleeper
Piute (7-3) good solid team that has played every team this year well. They have some size for a 1A school.