4A Mr. Basketball Candidates
While there are certainly teams who are more likely than others to win the state title for 4A, there does not appear to be a clear cut favorite at this point. It will take some heroics and a Mr. Basketball candidate to separate himself greatly come tournament time in order for one of the top teams in the state to win the state title. Below are our top candidates for the 4A Mr. Basketball award.
Top 5 4A Mr. Basketball Candidates
James Nelson 6’6 SG/SF 2018 Salem Hills
James Nelson has played lights out this season. While the team is not undefeated, they have arguably played the toughest schedule out of any team in 4A. Further, the team has found a way to compete in all of their games. As of recent, Nelson dropped 26 points in their win over Orem. While Orem and Juan Diego are still two of the top teams in 4A, Salem Hills demonstrated that they are more than ready to compete for the state title with Nelson running the show.
Mason Falslev Mason Falslev 6'1" | PG Sky View | 2020 State #228 Nation UT 6’3 PG/SG 2020 Sky View
Falslev has had a huge sophomore season while leading Sky View. In addition to being a legitimate contender for this award this season, he looks to be a candidate for years to come. His basketball IQ is through the roof comparative to any high school player, regardless of classification. Falslev will need to continue to play top tier basketball down the stretch for Sky View to continue their winning ways.
Ross Reeves 6’3 PG/SG 2018 Orem
Reeves does it all for Orem. His ability to score the basketball and create for his teammates makes him a big time prospect and one of the toughest players to play against in 4A. Orem is physical and athletic. In a one and down format, they have more than enough talent, skill, and toughness to bring home the state title crown. However, in order for them to do so, Reeves will need to continue to play like a Mr. Basketball candidate.
Tanner Cuff 6’6 SG 2019 Dixie
Cuff’s length and skill set makes him a match-up nightmare for opposing teams. He is capable of hurting the opposition in an array of ways. While Dixie has not received the same amount of attention as Juan Diego and Orem, Cuff makes them a legitimate contender for the 4A state title. He is a playmaker who few teams in the state have the personnel to slow down.
Matt Kitzman 6’2 PG 2018 Juan Diego
Kitzman generates a lot of offense for Juan Diego. His ability to pass the basketball makes his teammates better players and puts them in positions where they can be successful. Further, due to his high basketball IQ and willingness to get the basketball out of his hands, help side defense has a hard time deciding what to do. He is more than capable of scoring the basketball himself. Further, he has plenty of talent to kick to. While Juan Diego is stacked, Kitzman makes the team go due to his ability to get himself and his teammates going.
Other Mr. Basketball Candidates
Tucker Peterson 6’3 SG 2018 Desert Hills
Jake Dahle 6’3 SF 2018 Bear River
Jared Bagley 6’1 PG/SG 2018 Logan
Anthony McDade 5’8 PG 2019 Logan
Jason Ricketts 6’6 SF/PF 2018 Juan Diego
Raimoana Tinirauarii 6’2 SG/SF 2019 Juan Diego
Puka Nacua 6’2 SG/SF 2019 Orem