Region Preview: Region 10
Region 10 has decent depth. However, Orem is the clear cut favorite with Salem Hills being the most likely contender. Although their is not as much depth as there might be in other regions, two of the top teams in all of 4A are in this region. Further, there are a number of talented returners who have key varsity experience that will aid them in potentially pulling off upsets and overachieving.
Region 10
1. Orem
Despite being around .500 last season, Orem is a favorite to win the state championship as well as region 10 this season. They bring back a lot of young talent who competed in the vast majority of their games. In fact, 8 of their loses came by 14 points or less last season with a number of those being overtime games. Although they were not able to pull out some of those close loses, having a youthful team go through those experiences can pay huge dividends. They bring back 6 of their 7 leading scorers from last season. Some of the key players to keep an eye on are Ross Reeves, Puka Nacua, Taylor Hockersmith, and Isaac Richards.
2. Salem Hills
James Nelson is arguably the best player in this entire region. He will fill up the stat sheets and should be the featured player on everyone’s scouting reports. Although Nelson is capable of taking over a game and has demonstrated that over and over again, it will be essential for someone else to step up and aid him. Although Cole Griffin did not provide much of a scoring role last year, he is 6’6 and brings length. Further, he was assertive on the glass. With the length that Nelson and Griffin provide, Tyson Bishop is setup nicely to play a meaningful role as well. He adds length and is capable of playing at this level. His ability to adjust to a bigger role will be crucial to this team’s success.
3. Lehi
Lehi did not have a great season last year. However, they bring back the vast majority of that team. In order for them to live up to this spot, a number of their role players from last season will need to step up and play a bigger role this year. One of those key prospects is Dallin Holker. Holker is capable of scoring from an array of spots on the court and gets after it well on the glass. He will be the focal point for the team this upcoming season. In addition to Holker, Kevin Winsor was the most consistent shooter on the team last year despite his youth. His ability to extend the court will be crucial to the team’s success. Lastly, they have a number of 2018 prospects who played decent minutes last season. Look for one of them to step up and play an X-Factor role for the team.
Region 10: Other Key Contributors:
4. Mountain View
Key Contributors: Brayden Peterson
5. Spanish Fork
Key Contributors: Bridger Noles and Brandon Congdon
6. Uintah
Key Contributors: Jon Parker
7. Payson
Key Contributors: Hagen Wright, Braydon Bahr, and Jake Ford