Way too Early 1A Top 5
With the realignments, 1A looks very interesting as many of the top teams in the state reside in Region 20. Further, there are a number of teams with talented and proven prospects who are prepared to continue to assist their teams with being successful. Below are the top teams in 1A Way too Early Rankings.
Way Too Early 1A Top 5
1. Panguitch High School
After winning the state championship last year in dominating fashion, Panguitch has to be considered the top contender in 1A. Further, the team returns their three statistical leaders in points, assists, and rebounds. This group, which is led by Bosten Englestead, Trey Barney, and Acey Orton, can play at an extremely high level. Barney, despite being second in scoring and rebounds while averaging nearly 18 points and 8 rebounds per game, also dictated the tempo of the game due to his high basketball IQ. He constantly put his teammates in a position to be successful as he nearly averaged 7 assists per game as well. Needless to say, it will be an extremely tough task to unseat the current kings of 1A and take their crown.
2. Bryce Valley High School
Much like fellow conference opponent Panguich, Bryce Valley returns the vast majority of their scoring as well. While Panguitch is the clear cut favorite at this point, Bryce Valley looks really strong in a region that is capable of beating up even the best of teams. For Bryce Valley to continue as projected, they will rely heavily on the performance of Austyn Brinkerhoff. Brinkerhoff, a 5’11 2018 prospect, returns to the team after averaging 20 points per game and 5 rebounds. In addition to Brinkerhoff, Bryce Valley returns one of the best shooters in the entire state for 1A in Tate Leech. The last member of the dynamic scoring trio is Easton Syrett. The solid guard play of Bryce Valley will be tough for opposing teams to shut down.
3. Valley High School
Valley has a rich tradition of success on the basketball court. Although they lose a couple of solid players from last year’s team, they do have a couple players back from last year who will hope to help them return to the state championship. Garrett Spencer is a knockdown shooter who can do it off of the catch and off of screens. Further, the team will bring back Cameron Franklin. Franklin played big minutes for Valley last season as he averaged 8 points per game. However, he will need to continue his strong play and then some in order for Valley to continue to have success.
4. Tintic High School
Tintic is the only team in 1A to be in the top 5 rankings that is not from region 20. However, this group has a lot of potential as they only had one player graduate. Jesse Wall will largely be responsible for leading the charge. He is capable of being a walking double-double with points and rebounds. In addition to Wall, Braxten Petersen aids Tintic greatly as he crashing the glass extremely well as well. Between Wall and Petersen do a tremendous job of assisting Tintic in winning the rebounding battler. Lastly, Tintic will rely heavily on David Whitney. Whitney runs the show and dictates the tempo of the game for Tintic. His ability to put his teammates in positions to be successful aids Wall and Petersen greatly in scoring the basketball at a high rate.
5. Piute High School
Piute is the 4th team in their region that is projected to finish the season in the top 5. Despite losing their leading scorer, Piute brings back plenty of talent in Beau Sylvester and Ryan Westwood. Sylvester has the potential to shoot the basketball at a high level and will be relied upon to shoot the basketball well. Further, Sylvester and Westwood are a tough duo due to their ability to take opposing guards off of the dribble. Piute will have to survive the gauntlet that is their region in order to maintain this position, which is no easy task.