Week 3: 6 Most Surprising Starts

With Week 3 nearly in the books, we are evaluating the 6 teams, one from each classification, who has surprised us with their strong start. There have been a number of teams who, to this point in week 3, have exceeded the expectations that were placed before them. Here is our list of 6:

Week 3: 6 Most Surprising Starts

6A: Weber

Weber is 4-0; however, their schedule gets a lot tougher going forward. Box Elder will be an interesting test with an even bigger one coming next Tuesday against Jordan, who is coming off of a close lose to West Jordan. With that said, they beat a talented Logan team in the first game of the season and have beaten everyone who has been put in front of them. Part of Weber’s success has been their ability to control the glass. Braedon Anderson, Ryken Nye, and Austin Bartholmew are all averaging over 6 rebounds per game. Further, Hudson Schenck is doing a great job of facilitating and putting teammates in spots where they can be successful. Lastly, Brandon Capener has shot the basketball at an extremely high rate. They look solid early, but it will be interesting to see how they continue to perform as the schedule strengthens.

5A: East

It is not surprising that East is doing well. They have plenty of talent. However, the way they have gone about their business is particularly impressive. Hillcrest is a talented team and East took care of business. In addition, they won a close game against Hunter and had an extremely strong victory over Judge Memorial. Mikey Frazier is a game due to his size and skill set. In addition to Frazier, Taylor Zwick has done his job well and done exactly what many thought he would do. He is a knock down shooter. However, the X-Factor for the group has been Andrea Mulibea. Mulibea has managed the tempo of the game well and provided a scoring threat. This team has a lot promise going down the stretch.

4A: Spanish Fork

Spanish Fork is off to a fast with a huge win against Timpanogos. Bridger Noles has played a huge role this season for the team. He is averaging over 20 points per game. At 6’6, he has been a beast in the paint early in the season. Further, to aid in giving Noles space to operate, Brandon Congdon has shot the basketball well from deep and provides another scoring threat for the group. Spanish Fork has a long ways still to go in the season, but their strong play has earned them a spot in the week 3 report.

3A: Richfield

Richfield has had a really strong start to the season. Their only lose was a close battle with 4A Pine View. In addition to being 6-1, they are impressive because of their ability to win close games. Winning is extremely hard. Every year, there are good teams that lose a number of close games and makes their record inaccurate to an extent. Richfield is finding a way to win those games early. Further, part of what is difficult about playing Richfield is their balanced scoring attack. Their primary scoring threats are: Hunter Peterson, Emmitt Hafen, Keldon Anderson, and Morgan Albrecht. In addition to being balanced, they play a number of shooters who can spread the court.

2A: Rowland Hall

Rowland Hall’s start has been nothing short of impressive. Although 3-3 is not the most attractive looking record, their wins over ICS, Manila, and American Leadership Academy are strong. Even more impressive is a 1 point lose to Judge Memorial, a close lose to Roy, and another close lose to Maesar Prep. Although close doesn’t count in basketball, the types of teams they are competing with says a lot.  Isaiah Adams Isaiah Adams 6'7" | PG Rowland Hall | 2020 State UT  has been a nice piece to Rowland Hall’s success. His double-doubles have been crucial. In addition to Adams, Jack Dischmann has played as expected. Lastly, Trey Provost has done a good job of facilitating for the team.

1A: Milford

Ty Netto has been the leading scorer this season. Although it is really early and the vast majority of 1A teams have only played a couple of games, Milford has done surprised many with their solid start. Although we will learn a lot more about this team as the season progresses, their win against Piute stands out.