Great Western Classic: Preview
In this article:
It’s that time of the year when we are gearing up for the GWC as it has turned into one of the best early summer tournaments out West. In the past some of the top schools in the country have…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIt’s that time of the year when we are gearing up for the GWC as it has turned into one of the best early summer tournaments out West. In the past some of the top schools in the country have come through Utah to play against the local best. Here is a preview of what we can expect June 3rd-8th.
New Look Teams
Pleasant Grove
Pleasant Grove High School is a team that we are excited to track as they get things started off with a new coach and system. Last season they probably shot more three’s than any other team inthe state and they had a few players that were solid but they did sub 5 out most of the year trying to maximize playing time and their style of play. Ty Palmer Ty Palmer 6'0" | PG Pleasant Grove | 2025 State UT is going to be a must watch player as he was electric from deep at times. He could get more looks now as they look to run a different system. Ryker Mikkelsen Ryker Mikkelsen 6'3" | CG Orem | 2025 State UT was really good last year and he is having a really good Spring so he is another player that you need to keep ab eye on. Mikkelsen is also a really good football player. Andrew Anderson is another player that could really go off. Keep an eye on Clay Hansen, Jaxon Brown Jaxon Brown 6'5" | CG Pleasant Grove | 2026 State UT and Parker Van Dorn Parker Van Dorn 6'2" | PG Pleasant Grove | 2025 State UT .
Powerhouse Programs
Owyhee (ID)
Owyhee is a reigning champ out in Idaho that has been stacking players over the past few years and they have been able to get them great minutes and experience and even though they lose a lot of talnt they should be a team to watch and have been a power for a few years now. Logan Haustveit is an electric PG that can play defense up and down the floor and he has a smooth lefty game you need to keep an eye on.
Judge Memorial
People can be mad all they want at Judge, they play where they are told and usually have a killer pre-season schedule. Last Years 3A State Champions return almost everyone and the local talent they have is just a step above teh rest. They will be lead by JJ Apathjang JJ Apathjang 6'5" | CG Judge Memorial Catholic | 2025 State UT a smooth, shifty lead guard that has a big time reach and handle that knows how to get separation. Kid continues to prove himself this Spring. Deng Deng Deng Deng 6'5" | CG Judge Memorial | 2025 State UT and Longar Alor Longar Alor 6'6" | SF Judge Memorial | 2025 State UT are two players that could continue to rise this coming year. Aj Peek has been playing well and he will continue to contribute. Aymen Ismail Aymen Ismail 6'3" | CG Judge Memorial | 2026 State UT is the kid you need to keep tabs on because he is set to go off.
Timpview
Last season they surprised everyone with a solid run at state and they return everyone and Dean Rueckert Dean Rueckert 6'7" | SF Timpview | 2026 State UT is turning heads nationally and is highly rated for a reason. Mason Ford Mason Ford 6'1" | PG Timpview | 2026 State UT is solid and will continue to do his thing, but they hve so many players that have potential and could ened up having 5 dudes on the team that will play ball at the next level for sure.
Players Excited to Watch