Lacrosse is a relatively new sport in Utah, and that is clearly evident in Utah Valley, where most high schools have been fielding teams for only a few years.
In those few years, though, there has been some significant talent and quality play.
This year, Timpview appears to be the team to beat in the Division B South standings as the Thunderbirds have jumped out to a hot start.
"The team has come a long way in only three years of its existence," said Timpview coach Rod Sclater. "Our record is 6-1 thus far, with our lone loss coming in double overtime. The kids are wise beyond their years and plan to play one game at a time. Though thoughts of the playoffs beckon, each game is the biggest of the year for Timpview."
Also destined to challenge for a division title are teams like Lone Peak, Pleasant Grove and West Jordan — the division also has teams from Salt Lake County.
West Jordan's Regan Bushnell is the leading goal scorer in the state while Pleasant Grove has Mickell Walker and Mark Schow forming a powerful one-two punch.
Lone Peak's offense is also a good one, but junior Mike Camp's play in goal is probably going to be the biggest factor in the Knight's playoff hopes.
"The defense plays a tight zone and (is a) tough defense to score against," said Lone Peak coach Randy Stout. "The defense is led by team captains Aaron Stout and Taylor Van Leeuwen. Stout is a very aggressive hitter and Taylor is a very good defender away from the goal."
Orem could also sneak into the picture, as could East and Timpanogos.
Boys Lacrosse Division B South
COTTONWOOD: The Colts are a work in progress. Winless so far, Cottonwood coach Nelson Angam is trying to get his team to score a few more goals as the Colts have scored two or less in six games including a pair of shutouts. Lara Fernando has the task of stopping shots in goal, while Ben Zuckerman is the top Colt scorer.
EAST: The Leopards opened the season with a rough stretch of games but have bounced back nicely with a couple of wins before spring break. Led by the scoring of Greg Ostler and Taylor Hiatt, East seems to have found an offense that was missing early. Matt Anderson is the keeper and has allowed just five goals in the two most-recent wins.
LEHI: The Pioneers have a young team and the results this season indicate they're still learning the game. Zac Durrant leads the team in goals scored, but AJ Cuevas can also score when called upon. Lehi uses a three-headed monster in goal with Cam Rogowski, Dillan Jackson and Tyler Russell each seeing time in net. Coach Michael Cuevas wants to see his team finish the year strong. Logan Kupits and Brett Parkinson are the team's top defenders.
LONE PEAK: The Knights, according to coach Randy Stout, will be one of the top teams in the division. Led by junior goalie Mike Camp — who leads the state in save percentage — Lone Peak uses defense to stay in games with Aaron Stout and Taylor Van Leeuwen providing strong play on the back line. Preston Plowman is the top scorer with about four points per game, while Zak Anderson, Devin Burns and Mitch Francis form the rest of the attack.
OREM: Coach Dan Mortimer likes what he's seen so far this year. Herchel Ott and Brian Loomis lead the way on offense while Alex Hamblin is joined by Alex Lewis as the top defenders on the team. Grant Kendall, a senior, is the keeper.
PLEASANT GROVE: So far, so good for the Vikings. Coach Andrew Schultz said sophomore goaltender Keegan Maurer is developing quickly and allowing the offense to score in bunches. Mickell Walker is the top scorer while Mark Schow is right there with him. Senior Marc Miller is a tough midfielder and Sam Szabo is paired with Tanner Henriksen as strong defenders.
TIMPANOGOS: Karl Arnold's team has shown a nice mix of offense, defense and toughness in close games so far. Led by Kent Mann and Jake Stone, the Timberwolves have two goal scorers that take advantage of the playmaking of Mike Nelson and Michael Arnold. Micah Melville is the keeper and has had brilliant games this season.
TIMPVIEW: The Thunderbirds have lost only once in their first seven games and figure to be a top state title contender in Division B. Coach Rod Sclater counts on the stingy defense of goalie Kyle Hill while Tyler Wilson and Devon Fitzgerald are two of the top offensive weapons in the state. Both have more than 30 goals this year. Justin Hewlett and Ethan Franson also have strong offensive games for the T-Birds.
WEST JORDAN: The Jaguars are scoring lots of points and even finding their defense rounding into shape. That means coach Gary Byington's squad will be a tough playoff contender. Regan Bushnell is an offensive dynamo with more than 40 goals scored. He's joined by Travis McKell, Zach Lee and Andrew Christensen on the attack.
E-mail: jeborn@desnews.com