Four Teams Facing Off Friday

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Friday features four teams facing off in must-watch matchups that will impact region standings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game 1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>American Fork vs. Corner Canyon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not only are these schools foes in football, but they also have a rivalry in basketball. American Fork is currently 9-6, but they will face Lone Peak tonight, and anything can happen in this game as well. Corner Canyon is 8-8 and coming off a tough loss to Lone Peak. In 6A, records are thrown out the window because anything can happen. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The player to really watch in this game is [player_tooltip player_id='2089441' first='Jax' last='Clark']. He has been playing exceptionally well, and his ability to read the defense and choose his opportunities to attack is impressive. He will likely see a lot of Mo Brown from Corner Canyon, who is a player capable of matching Clark in every aspect. This should be a great mini-matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The key player that will need to be stopped will be [player_tooltip player_id='1439711' first='Bryce' last='Mella']. Mella has been playing with so much composure, picking teams apart like a quarterback with too much time. While Josh Tollman, the young CCHS kid, might get a shot at him here and there, I suspect CCHS will defend him with everything they have. This could be a must-win game for CCHS as they try to avoid going 0-2 in region play.n play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Players to Watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1278508' first='Dillon' last='Roberts'], CCHS</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1278437' first='Tyler' last='Mortensen'], CCHS</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ashton Hucks, AFHS</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1724369' first='Jax' last='Oyler'], AFHS</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game 2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Highland vs. Alta</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highland enters the game with just 2 losses, while Alta has 3. This matchup is significant for both the region and the 5A classification. Highland has performed well against its expected competition, as indicated by its strength of schedule. Alta suffered one unexpected loss but has shown resilience in the past.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keep an eye on [player_tooltip player_id='1278450' first='Isaiah' last='Drisdom'], [player_tooltip player_id='1278438' first='Dash' last='Reiser'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1598266' first='Jordan' last='Oberholtzer']; their backcourt play will make this game must-watch basketball. Don't be surprised if the score ends up in the 80s.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nash Lundberg and Caleb Anderson could be vital additions, given Highland's depth. With "all hands on deck," the team can rotate through various players and lineups. Conversely, Highland might also see significant contributions from Body Dodge and Grady Lee, who are emerging players to watch and could make a substantial impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This game is going to be great, but Highland might have an advantage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Others Players to Watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1278440' first='Soren' last='Ries'], Highland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hayden Anderson, Alta</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game 3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Juan Diego vs. East</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East has previously defeated Juan Diego this season, and that was when JD was without their head coach. This time around, expect a different atmosphere, as the game will be played at East High School. The matchup between [player_tooltip player_id='2450656' first='Oscar' last='Keegan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2841025' first='Deng' last='Deng'] will be exciting, as these two players will battle each other with their length and athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East has several players with strong shooting abilities, which will be crucial against Juan Diego. Javier Aguiree and [player_tooltip player_id='2722025' first='Trey' last='Nicolodemos'] have been standouts for JDCHS this season. However, the player who needs to elevate his game for Juan Diego is Sam VanSike, one of the best shooters in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a huge game that could go either way. The first meeting was a 5-point game, and this one could be the same.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game 4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>American Heritage vs. Morgan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most anticipated matchups from the small 3A classification should be good. AHHS has been in some really good battles and has lost a few close ones but they have the players to pull off a strong win and Friday could be the day agains the #1 team in 3A in Morgan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morgan, on the other hand, plays a fun style of basketball, and they are led by [player_tooltip player_id='2388587' first='Bracken' last='Saunders'], but he is not alone as they can get some big-time numbers from [player_tooltip player_id='2731117' first='Jake' last='Hansen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1978925' first='Mason' last='Williams']. AHHS will need 5+ three-pointers from Brody Black. Look for [player_tooltip player_id='2277256' first='James' last='Matsen'] and Dallin Kastle to come up huge if they can pull out a win. This matchup promises exciting offensive displays from both teams, with Morgan's dynamic play contrasting with American Heritage's potential for a sharpshooting performance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->