Region Preview: Region 8
Region 8 will be an interesting region due to a number of the teams being senior heavy last year. The top returning player in the region has to be Matt Normon. However, there will be a lot of opportunity for under the radar players to step forward and play crucial minutes for their teams due to so many players graduating.
Region Preview: Region 8
1. Timpanogos
This region had a number of senior heavy teams last year. Thus, with one of the top 2019 prospects in the state returning in Matt Norman, Timpanogos has to have the early advantage as far as winning this region is concerned. In addition to Norman, this group has the most returning firepower and the least amount of questions that need to be answered. They will also have Derik Eaquinto, who brings decent length, gets on the glass well, and shoots the basketball well from deep. Lastly, Tyler Walker, a 6’5 SF-C, will provide versatility and length for the group.
2. Springville
Springville had a solid season last year. However, they have a lot of question marks looming due to the strong senior presence that they had last year. With that said, they will return somewhat of a safety blanket in Ben Schreiner. Schreiner does a little bit of everything well. Although he is a capable shooter, he prefers to attack the rim and create for himself. In addition to Schreiner, Mark Gallagher, who played some varsity minutes last year, will be expected to step up as well as the 2019 and 2020 prospects who were on the team last year. This group should be fine, but it will be interesting to see how the pieces fall together and who steps up as key contributors and role players.
3. Maple Mountain
Maple Mountain, much like Springville, had a good year last year but will lose a lot of senior leadership. Fortunately, this group has a lot of talent. Thus, they will regroup instead of rebuild. With that said, a number of prospects will have their opportunities to step up and make an impact. If they can find a way to have success early while their team finds their new leaders and contributors, this team has the ability to be dangerous down the stretch.
Region 8: Other Key Contributors
4. Wasatch
Key Contributors: Tyler Eaton and Brandon Maxwell
5. Skyridge
Key Contributors: Ryan Reid and Ethan Ilunga
6. Provo
Key Contributors: Maddux Wright