Season Preview: 4A Mountain League

2024-2025 Standings   Green Valley - 17-10 (9-1 In Conference Play)   Valley - 14-14 (7-3 In Conference Play)   Faith Lutheran - 15-13 (6-3 In Conference Play)   Basic Academy - 11-13 (5-5 In Conference Play)   Bonanaza - 6-14 (2-8 In Conference Play)   Sunrise Mountain - 5-20 (1-9 In Conference Play)     New Additions To The Mountain League   Canyon Springs - 11-15 Last Year (Previously In The 4A Lake League)   Cheyenne - 4-21 Last Year (Previously In The 4A Desert League)   Legacy - 24-5 Last Year (Previously In The 4A Sky League)   Somerset Losee - 14-12 Last Year (Previously In The 4A Desert League)   Shadow Ridge - 14-13 Last Year (Previously In The 4A Sky League)   Somerset Sky Pointe - 11-13 Last Year (Previously In The 4A Desert League)   Western - 8-16 Last Year (Previously In The 4A Sky League)     Predictions   1. Somerset Losee Academy - Right now, Somerset Losee is my pick to win the 4A Desert League. The Lions added two of the top freshmen in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='2477281' first='DJ' last='Hunter'] Jr. and Jake Bunyan, immediately raising their ceiling. Hunter Jr. will be tasked with running the show on offense. And despite his youth, he plays with impressive poise and control. Bunyan, at roughly 6'7", gives Losee a valuable size advantage. Even if he comes off the bench, he should still log significant minutes and make an impact on offense + defense.   Losee also features a strong 2028 duo in [player_tooltip player_id='2618949' first='Yasin' last='Musa'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2412305' first='Nick' last='Odum'], a transfer from Valley. Musa averaged 7.9 PPG last season and is ready to take another step forward. Odum has the tools to be a double-digit scorer as well, provided he gets to his spots and plays with confidence.   Alongside this talented underclassmen core, the Lions return a solid group of contributors in Daniel Bristol, [player_tooltip player_id='1741615' first='Kieran' last='Daniel'], [player_tooltip player_id='1668928' first='Reno' last='Gilbert'], [player_tooltip player_id='2115822' first='Quincy' last='Shows'], and Zamir Banks. Their blend of experience and young upside makes them one of the most well-rounded teams in the league.   As the season progresses, Somerset Losee should continue to improve. And if everything comes together, they not only project as league champions. But also as a playoff team capable of making a legitimate run at a state title.   2. Legacy - The Legacy Longhorns were one of the top teams in 4A last season, dropping only five games and finishing fourth in the 4A Southern Region. This year presents a new challenge, however as they graduate two of their top three scorers (D'Anthony Rabb and Aaron Duke) . To maintain their winning trajectory, Legacy will need their returning players to elevate their play.   [player_tooltip player_id='2635490' first='Grayson' last='Williams'], [player_tooltip player_id='2806784' first='Zayden' last='Jeffries'], [player_tooltip player_id='1945332' first='Lennox' last='Grayson'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2288366' first='Jordyn' last='Perdue'] will be asked to shoulder a larger load. Williams has looked great in the preseason and appears ready to lead. Jeffries is one of the top seniors in the conference. Grayson is an impact player with big-moment capability (hit a game-winner at Section 7 this summer). Perdue brings high-level athleticism that can shift the momentum of the game.   The Longhorns will also benefit from consistent production from [player_tooltip player_id='2654786' first='Jordan' last='Troya'], [player_tooltip player_id='2611918' first='Ramon' last='Troya'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2127131' first='Marlin' last='Miles'], each of whom has the skill and touch to make scoring contributions.   For now, Legacy projects as a contender in the conference. A second place finish seems realistic, and I believe that they'll likely be a playoff team again.   3. Shadow Ridge - Shadow Ridge should be in position to finish above .500 again this season. Especially if they can get steady, reliable production from their guards and consistent toughness from their forwards in the paint. The projected starting backcourt of [player_tooltip player_id='2635516' first='Jaden' last='Williams'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2673607' first='Demarion' last='Johnson'] gives the Mustangs a strong foundation. Williams is a dynamic offensive weapon who excels at slipping into gaps and exploiting defensive breakdowns. While Johnson is the team's floor general and he'll be doing much of the facilitating.   The Mustangs also have good depth at the guard spots. [player_tooltip player_id='1936155' first='Carter' last='Knight'], Caleb Willoughby, [player_tooltip player_id='2673903' first='Troy' last='Fields'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2673609' first='Connor' last='Fife'] all showed promising flashes in the Fall League.   Up front, [player_tooltip player_id='1965087' first='Marcus' last='Jennings Jr']. will be counted on to provide scoring punch and control the glass. Given the roster's guard-heavy makeup, Shadow Ridge will likely roll out small-ball lineups throughout the year. Which should allow them to play faster, create tempo, and press when necessary.   Overall, Shadow Ridge has the pieces to put together another winning season. So it will come down to execution and team chemistry.   4. Canyon Springs - Canyon Springs has the potential to be a true dark horse in the 4A Mountain League. The Pioneers boast a roster with multiple offensive threats, including [player_tooltip player_id='2423332' first='Mehki' last='Carter'], Jayden Johnson, [player_tooltip player_id='2889031' first='Carlos' last='Fergueson'], Ayden Jackson, [player_tooltip player_id='2912155' first='Keith' last='Carter'], Gregoy Paige and [player_tooltip player_id='2973106' first='Nolan' last='Bach'].   [player_tooltip player_id='2423332' first='Mehki' last='Carter'] is bound to be one of the league's top players once again, and defenders will struggle to slow him down. Johnson stretches the floor as a perimeter shooter and has the vision to set up teammates with precision passing. Fergueson, a 6'5 forward, can score both inside and out, giving Canyon Springs valuable versatility. [player_tooltip player_id='2912155' first='Keith' last='Carter'] adds another dimension as a downhill guard who can finish through contact or get to the free-throw line. Paige averaged 9.3 PPG last year and also dropped some dimes. Bach, at 6'7, is still developing, but he's a capable producer who can step out and knock down threes.   Defensively, the Pioneers may rely heavily on their speed and athleticism to create chaos. If they can consistently generate steals and push the pace, they'll be able to turn defense into offense at a high rate.   While I currently predict that they'll finish around fourth in the league, their potential is clear. With the right progression and cohesion, Canyon Springs absolutely has the ability to break into the top three.   5. Somerset Sky Pointe - Unlike most teams in the conference, Somerset Sky Pointe lost very little production from last season. [player_tooltip player_id='2806767' first='Ja'cory' last='Gory'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2027031' first='Emmitt' last='Bell'], last year's leading scorers, both return, and there's a real possibility they could combine for 40+ PPG if they're hitting their shots.   The Eagles will also feature Michael Zitnansky, Kayden Jackson, and Mavier Weatherspoon in the rotation. While none of them posted big numbers a year ago, their added experience and maturity should allow them to contribute more consistently on both ends of the floor.   Outside of the names listed above, Sky Pointe will likely bring up several players from last season's JV team. And more newcomers could emerge once the season is fully underway.   At this point, I predict the Eagles to finish fifth the conference.   6. Western - Western enters this season looking to improve on last year's 8–16 finish. The Warriors return a decent core that includes [player_tooltip player_id='2877378' first='AC' last='McDowell'], [player_tooltip player_id='2813415' first='Shem' last='Greene'], [player_tooltip player_id='2884017' first='Richard' last='Batey'], [player_tooltip player_id='3027268' first='Jaeven' last='Glass'], Jaelonn Davis, and Cameron Stephen.   McDowell and Greene are expected to be the primary offensive engines. Both possess slashing ability and can get to the rim when they attack with purpose. In the frontcourt, Batey provides a major interior presence with his size and length (6'7 w/o shoes + 7'1 wingspan) allowing him to control the paint on both ends.   Glass, Davis, and Stephen bring defensive versatility and quickness, giving Western multiple on-ball disruptors who can make life difficult for opposing guards.   At the moment, I predict that Western will finish sixth in the 4A Mountain League. Still, with their returning experience and defensive potential, it wouldn't be shocking to see them pull off an upset or two along the way.   7. Cheyenne - Cheyenne went through some growing pains last season, finishing 4–21, but this year brings reason for optimism. With Ron Childress entering his second season at the helm, the roster should be more comfortable in his system and better aligned with his style of play.   [player_tooltip player_id='2812145' first='Phoenix' last='Dalton'] averaged 9.9 PPG last year, and he's a strong candidate to take a leap. Potentially averaging closer to 15 points with an expanded role. Cheyenne should also return several contributors from last season, including [player_tooltip player_id='2779000' first='Igniz' last='Segovia Gonzalez'], Julian Smith, [player_tooltip player_id='2359077' first='Jonathan' last='Castile'], and Justin Albert. Giving them a more experienced core to build around.   As this group matures and settles further into Childress' system, Cheyenne may be a team that collects a few more wins than last season.   8. Bonanza - Bonanza is the lone team remaining in the 4A Mountain Conference from last year. They finished with a record of 6-14 and ended up going 2-8 in in conference play. In order to avoid another losing season, they'll need to find players who can get to the hoop on offense. And they'll need to play with some physicality and grit on defense.   Considering they will have very few guys returning, I believe Bonanza will finish 8th in the standings.     Top Returning Scorers   [player_tooltip player_id='2806767' first='Ja'cory' last='Gory'] - 22.8 PPG - Somerset Sky Point   [player_tooltip player_id='2027031' first='Emmitt' last='Bell'] - 15.4 PPG - Somerset Sky Point   [player_tooltip player_id='2806784' first='Zayden' last='Jeffries'] - 13.8 PPG - Legacy   [player_tooltip player_id='2423332' first='Mehki' last='Carter'] -12.8 PPG - Canyon Springs   [player_tooltip player_id='2635516' first='Jaden' last='Williams'] 10.6 PPG - Shadow Ridge   [player_tooltip player_id='2812145' first='Phoenix' last='Dalton'] - 9.9 PPG - Cheyenne   [player_tooltip player_id='2618949' first='Yasin' last='Musa'] - 7.9 PPG - Somerset Losee   [player_tooltip player_id='2635490' first='Grayson' last='Williams'] - 7.0 PPG - Legacy   [player_tooltip player_id='1741615' first='Kieran' last='Daniel'] - 6.6 PPG - Somerset Losee   [player_tooltip player_id='2288366' first='Jordyn' last='Perdue'] - 6.3 PPG - Legacy   [player_tooltip player_id='1965087' first='Marcus' last='Jennings Jr']. - 5.2 PPG - Shadow Ridge     All-Conference Team Projections   First Team   [player_tooltip player_id='2423332' first='Mehki' last='Carter'] - Canyon Springs   [player_tooltip player_id='2806767' first='Ja'cory' last='Gory'] - Somerset Sky Point   [player_tooltip player_id='2477281' first='DJ' last='Hunter'] Jr. - Somerset Losee   [player_tooltip player_id='2635516' first='Jaden' last='Williams'] - Shadow Ridge   [player_tooltip player_id='2806784' first='Zayden' last='Jeffries'] - Legacy   Second Team   [player_tooltip player_id='2618949' first='Yasin' last='Musa'] - Somerset Losee   [player_tooltip player_id='2889031' first='Carlos' last='Fergueson'] - Canyon Springs   [player_tooltip player_id='2117590' first='Jaylin' last='Trotter'] - Somerset Losee   [player_tooltip player_id='2412305' first='Nick' last='Odum'] - Somerset Losee   [player_tooltip player_id='2635490' first='Grayson' last='Williams'] - Legacy     Superlatives (While some prospects fit the bill for multiple superlatives, I am only putting them down for one)   Best Freshman - [player_tooltip player_id='2477281' first='DJ' last='Hunter'] Jr.   Best Sophomore - [player_tooltip player_id='2618949' first='Yasin' last='Musa']   Best 3-Point Shooter - [player_tooltip player_id='2806784' first='Zayden' last='Jeffries']   Best Rebounder - [player_tooltip player_id='2117590' first='Jaylin' last='Trotter'] - Somerset Losee   Best College Prospect - [player_tooltip player_id='2423332' first='Mehki' last='Carter']   Best Scorer - [player_tooltip player_id='2806767' first='Ja'cory' last='Gory'] - Somerset Sky Point   Best Defender - [player_tooltip player_id='1741615' first='Kieran' last='Daniel'] - Somerset Losee   Most Improved Player - [player_tooltip player_id='2635490' first='Grayson' last='Williams'] - Legacy

2024-2025 Standings