Why did virtually every coach in 5A tab Brighton as the team to beat? After all, the Bengals finished last season with a sub-par 10-11 record.
Apparently, those coaches saw the discrepancy in the numbers.
With first-year coach Lyndon Johnson taking over, and a bevy of talented players returning, most coaches must have figured there was too much potential not to succeed.
Four games into the season, the Bengals haven't disappointed.
"The last couple of years they've struggled a little bit for whatever reason, " said Johnson, who coached the past two seasons at Roy. "Morale was down, but the first thing we had to do was improve the kids' confidence."
That didn't take long. When Johnson first met with the team, he informed them of the up-tempo style of basketball he ran, and the players immediately began licking their chops.
"Most teams in Utah don't like pushing the ball," said Johnson. "It's high-risk, high-reward on defensive. Offensively, it lets the kids play a bit."
With the talent at his disposal, letting the Bengals open it up is probably the best coaching move he could make.
Most people know about 6-foot-10 center Brayden Bell. The highly-recruited junior is strong, can run the floor and shoot. It's the seniors surrounding Bell that make Brighton the Region 2 favorite.
"We've got 10 seniors," said Johnson. "They're very athletic, with good size, and they shoot the ball well. But more importantly, they work hard."
Conner Nielson, a 6-foot-6 forward, has the ability to dominate games. Through four games this year, he's averaging a double-double. Against Oakland Tech, Calif., in the Smith's Ragu Classic last week, he tallied 20 points, 13 rebounds and six assists.
"It's just so much fun this year," said Nielson.
Point guard Tyler Moss and shooting guard Derek Pearson also play key roles.
Many coaches believe Brighton's stiffest challenge will come from within its own region.
Defending champion Alta returns two starters, and five key contributors. In addition to experience, those players bring size and athleticism. Through five games this year, Alta is 2-0 against Utah teams, and 0-3 against out-of-state competition.
In each of those games, the Hawks played without starting point guard Blake Boardman. They only enjoyed the services of 6-foot-7 center Devin Matagi in one game.
When the Hawks get healthy, they'll give the Bengals a serious run at the region title.
"With a few breaks, we could get back to the state tournament and make some noise," said Alta coach Dave Pimm.
The list of Region 2 contenders doesn't end there. Thanks in large part to junior forward Joseph Darger, Riverton was picked to finish ahead of Alta in the preseason coaches poll.
"He is the real thing," said Riverton coach Steve Gailey. "He is becoming a more complete player. His work ethic is incredible and he has developed into a more athletic and explosive player over the offseason."
Jordan, West Jordan and Bingham could also make the state's toughest region interesting.
As far as Region 1 is concerned, most coaches believe it's a wide-open crap shoot.
Clearfield received four of seven first place votes.
"We believe we have good speed, excellent strength and good depth," said Clearfield coach Jim Mossel. "We have excellent leadership and feel our strength lies on defense."
Defending champion Fremont returns just one senior, but they have looked great during the preseason. Northridge received two first-place votes, while Viewmont received one.
In Region 3, Cottonwood is the consensus favorite among coaches with starting guards Weston Anderson and Andre Carter bringing back their combined 32 points per game.
6-foot-8 senior center Carl Swanigan and 6-foot-4 senior forward give Hunter and tremendous inside presence this year.
Skyline will rely on returning starters Cameron Freed and Dan Dickson, while Taylorsville will count on point guard Colby Vranes.
E-MAIL: jedward@desnews.com