Rankings Update: 6A

<p>The 6A Rankings have changed. Below is an update of the top 5 6A teams in the state. This group is extremely competitive and will create a fun tournament atmosphere.</p> <h2>1. Pleasant Grove</h2> <p>Pleasant Grove was projected to be the top team in the state and little has been done to show otherwise. They have played a tough schedule, that is probably only second to Wasatch Academy's in terms of strength, and have not lost an in-state game to this point.</p> <p>While it is not surprising to see Pleasant Grove at this spot, it will be somewhat surprising to see them maintain their undefeated in-state record in the top region in the state and one of the most competitive in the West Coast. They will have to play at a high level every night in order to maintain success. Further, they have been bit by the injury bug at times during this season. Hopefully, they are able to maintain their health throughout the daunting region play.</p> <p>The group now looks like they are finally at full force with talented guard <strong>Kawika Akina </strong>back in the line-up. Akina will aid in providing the team another skilled guard who can execute the offense and hit open shots. <strong>Casey Brown</strong>, a BYU commit, and <strong>Matt Van Komen</strong>, a Utah commit, will continue to look to lead this well-balanced team.</p> <p><strong>Tyler Fairbanks </strong>is somewhat the unsung hero for this group as he has stepped up considerably during the injuries and provided solid performances for the group which has enabled them to state a top of the 6A rankings.</p> <h2>2. American Fork</h2> <p>American Fork has played a challenging schedule as well and has only one blemish on its record, with a recent lose to Kearns. Unfortunately, like Pleasant Grove, American Fork has had to battle injuries as well, but have managed to be more than competitive.</p> <p>While they are coming in at #2 in these rankings, they will have more than enough chances to show that they are the top team in the state with region play about to start. They will have to wait until February 1 and 19 in order for their opportunity to take on Pleasant Grove.</p> <p>With that said, there are two other teams in this region on this list and Bingham is solid as well. At this point, everyone is well aware of who is going to run the show for American Fork as <strong>Isaac Johnson, Trey Stewart, </strong>and <strong>Tanner Cuff </strong>have had success all year.</p> <p>With that said, one name that gets lost in the bunch is <strong>Hayden Franson</strong>. Franson contributes on the glass, can finish around the rim, and connect from deep. As the season progresses, Franson's ability to be an impact player will be vital to whatever success American Fork has. </p> <h2>3. Westlake</h2> <p>Westlake showed signs last year of what they could be. Needless to say, they have turned that into a reality as they are playing at a high level. As if their previous wins weren't enough, they beat Lone Peak last night.</p> <p>Obviously, <strong>Jared McGregor </strong>is a key part of whatever success this team has. However, the improved play of <strong>Tredyn Christianson</strong>, <strong>Austin White</strong>, and <strong>Drake Allen </strong>is monumental to the improved record. While White played a meaningful role last year, Christianson and Allen are seeing more minutes and for good reason.</p> <p>Their production has been solid and provided Westlake with multiple weapons who can impact a game. Westlake had a more than respectable record, but needed a win against a top team to validate them. They got it last night. Look out for this group down the stretch.</p> <h2>4. Lone Peak</h2> <p>Most teams would be thrilled to be at #4 in the rankings. However, due to the standard that Lone Peak has set, this is below their standard. They are consistently one of the best teams in the nation, year in and year out. They have experienced a couple of unanticipated bumps in the road with loses to Bountiful and Westlake.</p> <p>However, Lone Peak has plenty of talent and they are more than relevant. They have as good of a chance as anyone to hoist the state championship trophy at the end of the season. </p> <p><strong>Jaxon Pollard</strong> has done what everyone expected that he would do this season. In addition to Pollard, Lone Peak has replaced key prospects who departed last year with <strong>Noah Smithson, Josh Jackson, </strong>and <strong>Corbin Zentner</strong>. </p> <p>Like every team on this list, this balance makes them dangerous. Opposing teams are unable to key in on one prospect who can beat them as the whole group is solid and capable of doing damage.</p> <h2>5. Fremont</h2> <p>Fremont is the only team on this list from their region and the only group that does not have a spread out scoring attack. They are led by two primary prospects who can get hot in a hurry. <strong>Dallin Hall </strong>and <strong>Baylor Harrop </strong>are as dangerous as anyone, if not more, on this list in a one and done format.</p> <p>When these two get going, it is a long night for the opposing team. The way these two shoot the basketball from deep can be extremely scary in state tournament play.</p> <p>While Hall and Harrop do handle most of the scoring responsibilities, <strong>Tige Voorhees </strong>provides the team with yet another shooter on the floor. This teams ability to live and die from deep will give opposing coaches plenty of headaches down the stretch of this season.</p>