Top 5: 3A-1A Games to Watch

With the season winding down, the stakes get bigger and bigger as everyone is competing to make state and win region titles. On Wednesday, January 17, there are a number of huge region games in the 3A-1A ranks. Below are the top games to watch this Wednesday night.

Top 5: 3A-1A Games To Watch

5. Wendover vs. Milford

Wendover only has one in state lose, which was against Valley in a closely contested game. They have played extremely well and beat Milford in their most recent win.

Jaime Montavo and Saul Valle had a lot of success shooting the basketball from deep which opened up the paint for Gustavo Carillo. In order for Milford to win, they will need to run shooters off of the line and protect the paint.

While Milford struggled in the contest, Cole Wilson was a bright spot. Wilson was able to find scoring opportunities in a game where Milford was able to only generate 43 points. They will need to be more effective on that end. Further, expect more from Jaxon Davis as well.

4. Emery vs. Grand

Emery might have a case for playing the toughest schedule in 3A. They are battled tested and have proven that they can win and be competitive in close games. Grand, on the other hand, has not played a lot of tough opponents. However, they recently had a huge win over South Sevier as they look to assert themselves as one of the top teams in 3A.

Part of what makes Emery tough is that they have so many different guys who can score the basketball and make an impact. Further, they are all capable shooters. The only issue is that teams that live by the 3 can also die by the 3. With that said, when they get going, they are a problem.

Brax Jensen Brax Jensen 6'0" | PG Emery | 2020 State UT  is the engine that makes this team go. He is shooter who can also put the basketball on the floor. Further, he has a good feel for putting his teammates in spots where they can be successful. Containing him and not letting him get others involved is crucial.

Grand is very similar to Emery in that they have a number of options who can score the basketball, but they don’t have one guy who is looking to score at will. Further, they are not looking to shoot it from deep near as much as Emery. However, Alex Williams is a capable scorer and shooter who is the best on this team at getting his teammates involved.

3. Valley vs. Panguitch

The Valley and Panguitch rivalry has gone on for many years. This game will have a huge impact on the 1A rankings as well as implications as far as winning the region title is concerned.

Earlier this season, Valley won in a close game over Panguitch at Valley. However, the location is flipped and this one will take place at Panguitch. This should be another close game with Panguitch favored to win it.

As far as Valley is concerned, as Garrett Spencer goes, so does Valley. Spencer is a knockdown shooter who can create a shot for himself as well as anyone in 1A. In addition to Spencer, Cameron Franklin provides a big body and toughness for the team on the block.

Panguitch is led by Jace Eyre and Acey Orton. The versatility of Eyre and Orton make them special. They are able to play in an array of spots due to their height and skill set. Further, Bosten Englestead and Trevor Wolfley aid this team due to their ability to spread the floor with their shooting.

2. Manti vs. South Sevier

The winner of this one could very easily be crowned as the region and state champion by season’s end. Manti will have their work cut out for them due to having to play on the road.

This season, South Sevier has done a great job of protecting their home court. They have only had one game that was within 20 points, which was their lose to Delta. Brodee Tebbs and Caleb Barton are skilled players who understand the importance of protecting their home court, especially in region play.

Matt Nelson will need to have a huge game to overcome the odds of winning on the road. This is one of the biggest games of his high school basketball career, and he has a knack for having big games in tough games.

In addition to Nelson, Tanner Rasmussen will need to play a key role as an X-Factor in order to pull off the upset. This should be a thrilling region match-up.

1. Grantsville vs. Morgan

Morgan has taken over the top spot in the rankings due to their strong play and South Sevier’s lose to Grand. However, staying in that spot will be challenging due to this tough game with Grantsville.

Grantsville will need to play especially well while on the road if they are hoping to pull this one off and potentially win the region title. Brady Arbon will be Morgan’s biggest concern as he is a walking double-double. He is physical and skilled. His ability to finish on the block and create opportunities on the glass will make him a problem for Morgan.

As far as Morgan is concerned, it will be the guards who dominate. First and foremost, Cade Russell will be on full display. Grantsville will have to find an answer for him. However, it is not easy and few have found a way to do it.

In addition to Russell, Trey Miles, Tyson Hurd, and Laine Carter are all capable shooters who spread the floor so that Russell can create for himself and for them.