Curtis Barney knows his Panguitch Bobcats are capable of winning another 1A state basketball championship this winter. He also knows that worrying about winning a third title in as many years could be the reason his team falters.
"After winning two straight championships, the girls kind of tend to look to the end (of the season)," he said. "So I put some tougher games on our schedule, to try and keep more intensity throughout the year."
Barney has his Bobcats playing much bigger schools in several preseason tournaments.
"We could lose some of our games because of it," he said, "but I think it will benefit us in the long run to play a tougher schedule."
The Bobcats only lost one starting senior to graduation last season, so most of the coaches in their classification voted them the No. 1 team in the state.
"I don't like being No. 1, but the girls understand that's probably going to be the case when you've won two state championships," he said.
The seventh-year coach said there are plenty of tough teams in 1A, but most of them believe players will have to come up with something special to beat the Bobcats.
"Panguitch is at a whole other level," said ICS coach Bill Postma, whose team was voted No. 1 in Region 17 almost unanimously.
The Lions return all five starters, including center Libby Armstrong, point guard Melisa Blanken, forward Brooke Mahfood, forward Jessica Newhouse and guard/forward Jackie Kopetz.
Postma knows his Lions will have to contend with more than just the Bobcats. Wayne, Rich and Whitehorse all have potential to make it to the season's final game.
Rich could be hurt by the loss of sophomore Kristal Weston, who was severely injured in a car accident just before Thanksgiving. Coach Scott Ferguson isn't sure if she'll be back, as she broke her wrist and her other hand was crushed.
"That leaves us a little short," he said, "but I expect us to be competitive. I'd like a rematch with Panguitch for the state title."
Justin Moon would rather no one know about Whitehorse.
"I kind of want to be a surprise," the coach said. But after placing sixth in last year's state tournament and returning most of his starters, Moon knows most coaches already realize the Raiders shouldn't be taken lightly.
"If we're not in the top five (in the state), I'll be surprised," Moon said.
And no team will overlook Wayne, with Kali Taylor averaging 33 points per game.
E-MAIL: adonaldson@desnews.com