Westside Hoops: Players and Programs to Watch This Season

The Westside of the Salt Lake Valley has several programs preparing for an intriguing high school basketball season. From programs with championship aspirations to teams looking to make major improvements, there are plenty of players worth putting on the radar.   Prep Hoops Utah caught up with coaches and players from Cyprus, Hunter and West Jordan to get an early look at some of the players, storylines and expectations heading into the season.   Cyprus   Cyprus enters the season with high expectations. Head coach Tre Smith described the team's mentality simply: “Next guy up.”   “We're super hungry this year, and we're ready for region,” Smith said.   Smith believes the Pirates' biggest strengths are their size and length, scrappiness on defense, ability to play fast, and overall versatility.   Cyprus Players to Watch    Rogers is one of the players Smith expects to make a significant impact this season. His ability to contribute will be an important part of Cyprus' overall success.     Hadzialijagic describes himself as a point forward with a high basketball IQ and a versatile, European-style game. He believes he can play anywhere from the 1 through the 5, handle the ball, score, pass and create for teammates.   “I like to play unselfish basketball and make the right play,” Hadzialijagic said.   This offseason, he has focused on his post fades, inside jump shots and playing above the rim. His versatility is the part of his game he's most excited to showcase.   Hadzialijagic also sees himself taking on a leadership role for Cyprus.   “I want to be someone my teammates can depend on and lead by example,” he said.   He's also entering the season with plenty of confidence in his team.   “We're the team to beat.”   Hadzialijagic said Cyprus expects to compete for a state championship.   The 2028 prospect is also beginning to generate college interest. He said he is hearing from several schools, hopes to visit Liberty University this fall, and knows Westminster plans to attend some Cyprus practices.   His goal for the season is to show college coaches that he can lead a team, make good decisions and make his teammates better.     Niu is the player Smith believes has made the biggest jump since last season.   Smith pointed to Niu's improved ability to shoot the basketball and said he's been “super impressive” while taking the game more seriously.    Smith also named Sam Ellsworth (2027) and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kalou-ruot/">[player_tooltip player_id='3183318' first='Kalou' last='Ruot']</a> (2028) as players he expects to make an impact for the Pirates this season.   Smith also pointed to Cam Tingey, a junior who continues to put in significant work in the gym.   Smith said Tingey works hard, is receptive to coaching and is “always in the gym.”   <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/raymond-williams/">Ray Williams</a> is another important piece for Cyprus. Smith highlighted Williams' leadership and vocal presence, saying teammates look to him as a leader and follow his example.   What Cyprus Needs to Improve   Despite the talent and versatility, Smith believes the Pirates still have work to do defensively.   The focus is on being more detailed, taking every possession seriously and staying locked in throughout the game.   For Cyprus, the talent is there. The next step will be turning that talent and versatility into consistent defensive execution.   Hunter   Hunter enters the season looking for a major improvement.   Head coach KJ is expecting a winning record and hopes the Wolverines can make a run at state.   “We're looking at a 12-and-11 record,” KJ said, while expressing how excited he is about this group.   Hunter Players to Watch    Francom enters his senior season after averaging around 17 points per game last season.   KJ believes Francom has an improved support system around him this season, particularly with 2027 point guard [player_tooltip player_id='3726403' first='Terrell' last='Brown'] joining the program.   KJ described Francom as a “bulldog.”   He highlighted Francom's patience, ability to get two feet in the paint, and his ability to get to his spots whenever he wants.   With another capable playmaker alongside him, Francom could be in position for another productive season.     Duro averaged around five points per game last season, but KJ expects a significant jump.   The biggest key is confidence and becoming a consistent shooter.   KJ said Duro has made a big jump over the summer and is locked in defensively. His length and athleticism give him the ability to impact the game on that end while also spacing the floor offensively.   KJ compared Duro's potential to Jaren McCain, particularly with his shooting and floor-spacing ability.     Brown is returning to Hunter as a transfer and gives the Wolverines an important piece in the backcourt.   KJ praised Brown's point guard IQ and pure scoring ability, while also highlighting his ability to shoot and space the floor.   His decision-making and scoring should give Hunter another player capable of creating opportunities on the offensive end.     Rohovit is another Hunter player to watch heading into the season, and KJ believes the 2027 transfer could have a big season.   Rohovit sees himself bringing shooting, defense and floor spacing to the Hunter group. He describes himself as a 3-and-D player who can knock down shots from three while creating space for his teammates to attack.   “I'm also ready to defend, compete, and do whatever the team needs to win,” Rohovit said.   Rohovit wants Prep Hoops subscribers and college coaches to know that he is a team-first player who works hard and understands his role.   “I'll knock down open shots, defend, communicate, and make the right play,” he said. “My main focus is being a great teammate and contributing to Hunter's success.”   Rohovit is excited to play with his new teammates and compete against everyone in Region 4. He also credited Coach KJ for the support he has shown him and is looking forward to helping Hunter compete at a high level during his senior season.    When asked to name a player outside of Hunter who could have a breakout season, KJ pointed to [player_tooltip player_id='2675052' first='Samiu' last='Taukiuvea'].    Taukiuvea brings a strong basketball IQ and a back-to-the-basket game while also showing the ability to pass and facilitate.   KJ was extremely high on his potential, describing him as a “beast” and “monster.”   That combination of size, skill and passing ability makes Taukiuvea a player worth monitoring as the season approaches.    West Jordan   West Jordan will also have an intriguing new piece entering the program.    Rhay enters his senior season at West Jordan with clear goals for himself and his new team, bringing a skill set that should immediately impact the program.   A tall, athletic wing who can shoot the ball at a high level and defend at a high level, Rhay has the tools to be a true two-way difference maker. He has the ability to stretch the floor offensively while also guarding multiple positions and setting the tone defensively.   He wants to be a shooter, space the floor and facilitate for his teammates, but the biggest goal is team success.   “We want to win region,” Rhay said.   Rhay is excited about playing alongside [player_tooltip player_id='2477797' first='Brooks' last='Halterman'] (2027) and [player_tooltip player_id='2881577' first='Linkon' last='Hall'] (2028).   For West Jordan, Rhay believes the biggest priorities heading into the season are getting in shape and developing chemistry.   “I'm excited to see what we can do this year,” he said.   Rhay describes himself as a shooter who is versatile, long and athletic. He has spent the summer in the gym working on his bounce and has also been doing hot yoga as he prepares for his senior season.   From a scouting perspective, Rhay is a player who could make a significant jump this year and generate college interest with his combination of size, shooting ability and defensive versatility.   Most importantly, Rhay is excited about the opportunity ahead.   “I'm excited to work with these coaches, and I'm excited for my senior year.”    Westside Players to Keep on the Radar   The Westside has several players who could make significant jumps this season, and coaches around the area are already identifying names worth watching.   Smith pointed to three players outside of Cyprus who he believes could have breakout seasons:   ● <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/terrell-brown/">[player_tooltip player_id='3726403' first='Terrell' last='Brown']</a> | 2027 | Hunter ● <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/will-tidwell/">[player_tooltip player_id='2737177' first='Will' last='Tidwell']</a> | 2027 | Granger ● <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/noah-francom/">[player_tooltip player_id='3726397' first='Noah' last='Francom']</a> | 2027 | Hunter   KJ added [player_tooltip player_id='2675052' first='Samiu' last='Taukiuvea'] | 2028 West High School as another player outside of Hunter who could make a major impact.   With multiple programs featuring returning veterans, transfers and developing young talent, the Westside should provide plenty of storylines throughout the upcoming season.   Final Take   Cyprus enters the season with championship expectations and a group of players who believe they can compete at the highest level.   Hunter is looking to make a major jump behind Francom, Brown, Duro, and Rohovit, while West Jordan adds Rhay to a group that believes winning region is within reach.   The common theme across all three programs is clear: expectations are high, and players are hungry to prove themselves.   Prep Hoops Utah will continue to monitor the Westside throughout the season as these players look to turn offseason work into production on the court.

The Westside of the Salt Lake Valley has several programs preparing for an intriguing high school basketball season. From programs with championship aspirations to teams looking to make major improvements, there are plenty of players worth putting on the radar.