SOUTH JORDAN — Bingham's athletic department currently resides somewhere near Cloud Nine, if not on top of it.
The Miners have been revelling in their recent football state championship, which was the tradition-rich school's first since 1946. That title came nine months after Bingham's boys basketball team won last year's championship in thrilling fashion.
In between, the Miners racked up solid finishes in several other sports.
Now the focus shifts to basketball. And the Miners look like they're capable of producing two teams that will challenge for more titles.
However, boys coach Mark Dubach quickly pointed out that his squad won't be defending any championships this year. "We're not defending anything," he said.
"It's a new season."
Still, there's no denying that, on the whole, Bingham's athletic department will be eager to build on its recent successes, especially with two hugely talented basketball teams.
BOYS: Realistically, Dubach and Co. are currently slightly behind all the other 5A powers. That's because of football, which took away six players until just before the basketball season began. Two seniors — Tyler Strong and Jordan Pendleton, the 5A football MVP — were among the six and will be counted on for huge contributions on the basketball court.
However, both players have been through the transition routine before and should be up to speed shortly, if they aren't already.
"One week, then I'm good," said Strong when asked how long it takes him to get back into basketball shape.
Strong — a 6-foot-4 forward — should be a key cog throughout the season.
"I expect Tyler to be a great leader and a great role model," said Dubach.
Look for Strong to be one of several players that lead the way for Bingham at different times this season.
"I don't think we'll ever be in a situation where we have to depend on one kid to win us games," said Dubach. "That's just our style."
Between now and the start of Region 3, Bingham just hopes to improve as much as possible. Last year, the Miners were 6-5 after a tough preseason schedule. Once league play began, they didn't lose again.
"We wanna get better," said Dubach. "I don't care whether we win or lose (in the preseason)."
To that end, being labelled as the classification's favorite doesn't matter much to the Miners, either.
"We're grateful for the recognition, but, at the same time, we don't put any stock in that," said Dubach.
Of course, being labelled the "favorite" means that teams will be gunning for Bingham.
"The games are going to be tougher because we're going to have a target on our back," said senior David Johnson.
GIRLS: More than anything, girls coach Rand Rasmussen enjoys the journey of a high school season. As his team heads into another year, Bingham's longtime coach — as usual — feels nervous about what lies ahead.
"I'll say this," he said. "Although I'm nervous, I don't want the season to go too fast."
One of the main reasons Rasmussen doesn't want this season to fly by is the fact that he returns virtually all his varsity contributors from a year ago. Many of those returners will be playing at the next level. Megan Marks has signed with BYU. Lexe Jacobs with Dixie State. Other Bingham players will also be signing with colleges.
However, as Rasmussen quickly pointed out, those accolades mean nothing once his players step onto the court.
"All those things are not going to win the game," he said.
Asked about contending for the 5A state title — Bingham lost in the semis a year ago — Rasmussen responded, "This team has a chance, but a lot of teams have a chance."
For now, the Miners will spend their time trying to get better. Rasmussen has had a number of outstanding teams down the years, and — for now — he's not interested in comparing this year's edition with those.
"I can't put this team in the level of my state title teams," he said.
BINGHAM MINERS BOYS BASKETBALL
Classification: 5A
League: Region 3
Coach: Mark Dubach, 4th season
Last year's results: 20-5 overall, 5A state champions
Key returning players: Sr. Tyler Strong (forward), Sr. Jordan Pendleton (guard), Sr. Taylor Haberman (post), Sr. David Johnson (guard) and Sr. David Pugmire (forward)
Key newcomers: Sr. Brad Mears (post), Sr. Bradon Fennell (post), Jr. TJ Ford (guard), Jr. Kyle Harrison (guard) and Jr. Parker Jenkins
BINGHAM BOYS BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
Dec. 12 at Payson, 7 p.m.
Dec. 15 Lone Peak, 7 p.m.
Dec. 19 Davis, 7 p.m.
Dec. 26 vs. TBA (at San Diego)
Dec. 27 vs. TBA (at San Diego)
Dec. 28 vs. TBA (at San Diego)
Dec. 29 vs. TBA (at San Diego)
Dec. 30 vs. TBA (at San Diego)
Jan. 3 Hillcrest, 7 p.m.
Jan. 5 Alta, 7 p.m.
Jan. 12 at Copper Hills, 7 p.m.
Jan. 16 Kearns, 7 p.m.
Jan. 19 at West Jordan, 7 p.m.
Jan. 23 Hunter, 7 p.m.
Jan. 26 at Riverton, 7 p.m.
Feb. 2 Copper Hills, 7 p.m.
Feb. 6 at Kearns, 7 p.m.
Feb. 9 West Jordan, 7 p.m.
Feb. 16 Riverton, 7 p.m.
Feb. 20 at Hunter, 7 p.m.
BINGHAM MINERS GIRLS BASKETBALL
Classification: 5A
League: Region 3
Coach: Rand Rasmussen, 37th season overall
Last year's results: 21-3 overall, lost to Skyline in 5A semifinals
Key returning players: Sr. Megan Marks (post), Sr. Lexe Jacobs (post), Jr. Erika Newbold (post), Sr. Jessica Wilcock (post), So. Nicole Yazzie (guard), Sr. Jessica Palmer (guard), Sr. Cami Hymas (guard)
Key newcomers: To be determined.
BINGHAM GIRLS BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
Dec. 9 Spanish Fork, 7 p.m.
Dec. 15 at Brighton, 7 p.m.
Dec. 19 at Davis, 5:15 p.m.
Dec. 21 Weber, 7 p.m.
Dec. 30 Layton, 2:30 p.m.
Jan. 2 Northridge, 7 p.m.
Jan. 4 at Jordan, 7 p.m.
Jan. 9 at Riverton, 7 p.m.
Jan. 11 Copper Hills, 7 p.m.
Jan. 16 at Kearns, 7 p.m.
Jan. 18 West Jordan, 7 p.m.
Jan. 23 at Hunter, 7 p.m.
Jan. 25 Riverton, 7 p.m.
Feb. 1 at Copper Hills, 7 p.m.
Feb. 6 Kearns, 7 p.m.
Feb. 8 at West Jordan, 7 p.m.
Feb. 13 Hunter, 7 p.m.
E-mail: drasmussen@desnews.com