Region Preview: Region 9
Region 9 is full of talented teams from the St. George area. Often times forgotten due to their distance from Salt Lake City, these teams are disciplined and quite talented. Region 9 will be as tough as any region in the 4A classification. Due to the top teams who are in this region being quite senior heavy last year, there are a lot of questions that need to be answered in this group. With that said, expect this to be a talented region with a number of close and exciting games.
Region Preview: Region 9
1. Canyon View
Canyon View had some up and down moments last year. However, they found success and have three of their top players returning to the mix. Further, they have the most talented player in the region and one of the most talented players in the state. Brantzen Blackner will be a force to be reckoned with all season. The 6’4 SG is a playmaker who makes his teammates better. Although he is more than capable of scoring the basketball, he gets on the glass and creates opportunities for his teammates as well. In addition to Blackner, keep an eye on Joey Lambeth, a high IQ point guard who does a good job of getting his teammates in spots where they can have success.
2. Dixie
Dixie is going to be solid, once again. Although they lost a number of talented seniors to graduation, they have plenty of depth to fall back on. Much like Desert Hills, they will most likely reload instead of rebuild. With a number of new faces playing key varsity roles, it might take this group a little bit of time to mesh and figure out their spots. With that said, the Tanner Cuff will most likely be the key to this team’s success. Although he will only be a Junior, he played meaningful minutes last year and is quite talented. With Cuff running the show, it will only be a matter of time before the other talented prospects on this team step up and make names for themselves
3. Desert Hills
Desert Hills will rely heavily on Tucker Peterson as well as Tyson Marz and Ryan Marz. Peterson, a 6’3 PG/SG, will be responsible for managing the tempo of the game and taking on more of a scoring role. Further, Tyson Marz and Ryan Marz provide nice length for the team and are capable shooters. This group will have some growing pains. However, they bring back a lot of depth in their 2018 group. Their length and depth should be a huge positive for the team in their 2017-2018 campaign.
Region 9: Other Key Contributors
4. Pine View
Key Contributors: Taylor Tobler and Jacob Farish
5. Snow Canyon
Key Contributors: Braden Baker, Cameron Webster, and Bryson Childs
6. Hurricane
Key Contributors: Jackson Last and Reagan Marshall
7. Cedar City
Key Contributors: Dallin Grant Dallin Grant 6'8" | SF Cedar City | 2021 State #212 Nation UT and Ethan Boettcher