The 2012-2013 high school basketball season gets underway this Tuesday with 25 games around the state. To prepare fans what should be another exciting season, the Deseret News has put together capsules for every team in 3A.
Every coach was invited to participate and submit information. The region rankings are based on coaches' preseason projections.
Region 9 Capsules
Head Coach: Wade Turley (1st year)
2011-2012 Record: 21-4 (1st in Region 9 with 10-2 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Hurricane in the 3A championship, 52-49
Returning Starters: 2
Returning Contributors:
Josh Anderson, Sr., F/C, 6.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.1 spg
Ty Rutledge, Sr., Guard 5.8 ppg, 1.9 rpg
Chase Thomson, Sr., G
Coach Comment: “Desert Hills is young and inexperienced with only two returning players that have any varsity playing time. Our coaching staff feels we have talented players, but our success will depend how well we play together as a team. If all goes well and we can stay healthy, Desert Hills can be in the mix for a region championship.”
Head Coach: Ryan Cuff (5th year)
2011-2012 Record: 13-12 (4th in Region 9 with 7-5 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Desert Hills in 3A semifinals, 55-51
Returning Starters: 0
Returning Contributors:
Kyler Smith, Sr., Forward, 4.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.5 spg
Kyle Hansen, Sr., Forward
Dakota Bair, Sr., Guard 1.9 ppg, 1.5 rpg
Cole Critchfield, Sophomore, Guard 1.3 ppg
Head Coach: James Brown (12th year)
2011-2012 Record: 10-10 (5th in Region 9 with 5-7 record)
2012 Postseason: Did not qualify
Returning Starters: 1
Returning Contributors:
Chandler Gines, Sr., Guard 8.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.5 spg
Gabe Jensen, Sr., Guard 3.4 ppg, 1 rpg
Nate Gottfredson, Jr., C, 1.1 ppg, 1 rpg
Kallan Webster, Sr., Guard 1.5 ppg
Coach Comment: “We have good guard leadership and some young bigs that give us some size we have missed the last couple of years. Looking to mature fast.”
Head Coach: Craig Cardon
2011-2012 Record: (Tied for 2nd in Region 9 with 9-3 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Hurricane in 3A semifinals, 44-42
Returning Starters: 0
Returning Contributors:
Dustin Staggs, Jr., Forward, 1.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg
Mike Hourigan, Sr., Guard
Brock Englestead, Sr., Forward
Dason Coronado, Sr., Guard
Head Coach: Robbie Potter (2nd year)
2011-2012 Record: 6-14 (7th in Region 9 with 0-12 record)
2012 Postseason: Did not qualify
Returning Starters: 1
Returning Contributors:
Chad Corry, Sr., Guard 15.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg
Nate Jarvis, Sr., Guard 2.9 ppg
McCoy Johnson, Sr., Guard 2.2 ppg, 0.9 rpg
Brady Barrett, Sr., Guard
Coach Comment: “I really like this group of young men. They love the game and have spent the time in the offseason to improve and come together. We are not big, but it allows us to have interchangeable parts. As usual, nothing will be easy in Region 9, the toughest in the state.”
Head Coach: Brian Vaifanua (2nd year)
2011-2012 Record: (Tied for 2nd in Region 9 with 9-3 record)
2012 Postseason: Beat Desert Hills in 3A championship, 52-49
Returning Starters: 0
Returning Contributors:
Garett Cahoon, Sr., Forward
Cody Labaron, Jr., Forward
Head Coach: Darrell Larsen (4th year)
2011-2012 Record: 9-12 (6th in Region 9 with 2-10 record)
2012 Postseason: Did not qualify
Returning Starters: 2
Returning Contributors:
Dallin Milne, Sr., Guard, 7.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.7 spg
Jack Bangerter, Jr., Guard, 8.4 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.7 spg
Coach Comment: “We are young and untested. We are hoping that we can stay healthy, work hard and we’ll see what happens.”
Region 10 Capsules
Head Coach: Dan Del Porto (3rd year)
2011-2012 Record: 15-7 (1st in Region 10 with 10-0 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Dixie in the 3A first round, 46-41
Returning Starters: 2
Returning Contributors:
Joe Cremer, Sr., Guard, 10.4 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2 apg, 1 spg
Pat Neville, Sr., Guard, 6.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.6 spg
Ryan Pauley, Sr., Forward,
Thomas Oriente, Sr., Center
Coach Comment: “We are relatively inexperienced, but I do think we have potential to be a good team. If we can get the kids to buy in on the defensive end we could surprise some people.”
Head Coach: Lonnie Magnusson (12th year)
2011-2012 Record: 11-11 (2nd in Region 10 with 8-2 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Cedar in the 3A first round, 42-41
Returning Starters: 0
Returning Contributors:
Chris Johnson, Sr., Forward, 2 ppg, 1.6 rpg
Cooper Ballsteadt, Sr., Guard 0.9 ppg
Jake Larson, Sr., Guard 1.4 ppg
Jeff Murdock Jr., Guard 1.0 ppg
Coach Comment: “We should be very competitive. Our strong preseason will tell us where we are at when we enter a very tough region battle.”
Head Coach: Brandon Sluga (3rd year)
2011-2012 Record: 10-13 (Tied for 4th in Region 10 with 3-7 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Desert Hills in 3A first round, 61-55
Returning Starters: 3
Returning Contributors:
Gabe Colosimo, Soph., Guard, 9.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.9 spg
Easton Withers, Sr., Forward, 4.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg
Nick Markosian, Sr., Forward, 5.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.3 apg
Coach Comment: “The balance of power in 3A seems to be spread evenly throughout the regions. Juan Diego will work every night to be our best and reach our potential.”
Head Coach: Scott Mansfield (11th year)
2011-2012 Record: 6-15 (Tied for 4th in Region 10 with 3-7 record)
2012 Postseason: Did not qualify
Returning Starters: 1
Returning Contributors:
Denver Buckalew, Sr., Guard, 7.9 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.9 apg
Braiden Labrum, Sr., Forward
Kaden Shewell, Sr., Forward
CJ Baum, Jr., Guard
Head Coach: Jeff Hanke (12th year)
2011-2012 Record: 4-15 (6th in Region 10 with 1-9 record)
2012 Postseason: Did not qualify
Returning Starters: 4
Returning Contributors:
Jona Wood, Sr., Forward, 10.6 ppg
Stephen Merrell, Sr., Center, 3 ppg
Carver Simkins, Sr., Guard, 1.3 ppg
George Kaufusi, Sr., Forward, 3 ppg
Coach Comment: “If our big guys can rebound to their potential and our shooters continue to develop, this could be the best season at Union in more than a decade. Strong commitments from players during the summer have us practicing at a level beyond what we’ve played for years.”
Head Coach: Caleb Fine (4th year)
2011-2012 Record: 11-11 (3rd in Region 10 with 5-5 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Hurricane in 3A first round, 63-50
Returning Starters: 0
Returning Contributors:
Ryan Sherman, Sr., Forward/Center
Hayden Dailey, Sr., Guard/Forward
Brandon Olsen, Sr., Center
Boston VanDaVeur, Soph., Guard
Sam Kingdon, Soph., Guard/Forward
Coach Comment: “We are not returning a lot of experience, but this group has a chance to be dangerous if they can defend and work hard as a team. We will need to learn quickly, but this group is capable of beating teams if they play together.”
Region 11 Capsules
Head Coach: Jim Wiscombe (26th year)
2011-2012 Record: 21-4 (1st in Region 11 with 12-0 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Hurricane in 3A quarterfinals, 54-43
Returning Starters: 1
Returning Contributors:
Jake Miles, Sr., Forward, 19.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2 apg, 1.7 spg
Matt Murdock, Jr., Guard
Cameron Skinner, Sr., Center, 1.6 ppg
Ben Saunders, Junior
Coach Comment: “Jake Miles will have to lead the team, (as the) one returning starter. Other players will have to step up to fill the shoes of last year’s seniors, especially in the post positions.”
Head Coach: Ryan Wilcox (4th year)
2011-2012 Record: 17-8 (2nd in Region 11 with 10-2 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Desert Hills in 3A quarterfinals, 55-41
Returning Starters: 3
Returning Contributors:
Sterling Brandley, Sr., Guard 8.7 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 6.9 apg, 2.5 spg
Josh Hardin, Sr., Forward, 14 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.4 apg
Sage Eastburn, Sr., Forward, 3.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg
Coach Comment: “Our team has some key pieces coming back this season. We have three returning starters that should all have great seasons. We also have some young guys playing well, and some seniors that have put in a lot of time in the offseason to improve their game. We will be a blue-collar team that is not afraid to get on the floor. Every game should be a battle, and it will be fun to be a part of.”
Head Coach: Kasey Winters (4th year)
2011-2012 Record: 7-15 (Tied for 3rd in Region 11 with 6-6 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Delta in the 3A first round, 49-39
Returning Starters: 2
Returning Contributors:
Wade Miller, Sr., Guard 17.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.7 apg
Kyle Zundel, Sr., Forward, 4.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.5 apg
Austin Miller, Sr., Forward, 2.6 ppg, 2 rpg
Nick Hillis, Jr., Center, 3.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg
Head Coach: Ryan Harris (4th year)
2011-2012 Record: 9-12 (5th in Region 11 with 5-7 record)
2012 Postseason: Did not qualify
Returning Starters: 3
Returning Contributors:
Stone Tia, Sr., Forward, 6.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg
Ryan Robbins, Sr., Guard, 5.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.4 apg
Niko Chacon, Sr., Guard, 1.0 ppg
Coach Comment: “We will have a balanced attack, led by three athletic and versatile seniors, Niko Chacon, Ryan Robbins and Stone Tia. We anticipate juniors Tanner Barton, Taylor Graves, and Tom Griffith will also make significant contributions."
Head Coach: Shawn McQueen (1st year)
2011-2012 Record: 10-11 (Tied for 3rd in Region 11 with 6-6 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Payson in 3A first round, 71-56
Returning Starters: 1
Returning Contributors:
Spencer Smith, Sr., Guard, 15.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.8 apg, 2.0 spg
McKay Smith, Sr., Guard, 2.5 ppg
Larry Rodriguez, Sr., Center, 1.0 ppg
Dayton Wright, Sr., Guard,
Joel Pobanz, Sr., Forward
Coach Comment: "We have a strong group of seniors that love playing together, and they are excited about the opportunity to compete in a very tough region. We feel that if we can compete in our region, then we can make a strong showing in the 3A tournament."
Head Coach: Chris Baker (3rd year)
2011-2012 Record: 4-17 (7th in Region 11 with 1-11 record)
2012 Postseason: Did not qualify
Returning Starters: 4
Returning Contributors:
Devin Adams, Jr., Forward, 11.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.8 apg
Devon Arellano, Jr., Guard, 3.3 ppg, 1.4 rpg,
Caleb Edwards, Sr., Guard, 2.2 ppg, 1.2 rpg
Braydon Hamatake, Sr., Center, 1.6 ppg, 1.7 rpg
Head Coach: Shawn Faux (1st year)
2011-2012 Record: 5-15 (6th in Region 11 with 2-10 record)
2012 Postseason: Did not qualify
Returning Starters: 3
Returning Contributors:
Tyler Woodruff, Sr., Forward/Center, 9.2 ppg
Justin Pollmann, Jr., Guard 12.1 ppg
Tyler Lawrence, Sophomore, Guard 9.3 ppg
Region 12 Capsules
Head Coach: Jeff Cisneros (2nd year)
2011-2012 Record: 12-9 (3rd in Region 12 with 5-5 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Ben Lomond in the 3A first round, 73-52
Returning Starters: 3
Returning Contributors:
Dakota Cisneros, Sr., Guard 6 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 6.1 apg, 2.5 spg
Jordan Blanc, Sr., Forward, 12.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.6 spg
Derek Young, Sr., Center, 8.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.1 spg
Bryce Blackburn, Sr., Guard 2.1 ppg, 1.3 apg
Coach Comment: “We will be a very athletic team that is going to get out and run and play hard, pressing defense.”
Head Coach: Dan Lunt (20th year)
2011-2012 Record: 18-6 (1st in Region 12 with 10-0 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Cedar in the 3A quarterfinals, 54-38
Returning Starters: 1
Returning Contributors:
Kaleb Wright, Sr., Guard/Forward, 7.8 ppg, 4 rpg
Jacob Humphreys, Sr., Forward, 0.6 ppg
Mark Wolf, Jr., Forward
Daniel Reno, Jr., Guard
Coach Comment: “Very young team with only two seniors. Should be a good defensive team that will create a lot of turnovers with its length.”
Head Coach: Jesse Roberts (3rd year)
2011-2012 Record: 10-12 (Tied for 4th in Region 12 with 4-6 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Morgan in the 3A first round, 83-72
Returning Starters: 1
Returning Contributors:
Ty Henry, Sr., Guard/Forward, 1.5 ppg, 1.3 rpg
Taylor Parker Jr., Forward/Center, 1.1 ppg, 3 rpg
Cameron Money, Sr., Forward, 4.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.6 spg
Coach Comment: “Our team had a great offseason and we look forward to the addition of some new faces on the team. We have a great group of upper-class contributors and some young guys with a ton of potential. Our preseason schedule will tell us a lot about who we are. Our goals are to prepare the kids for region play and a state tournament berth.”
Head Coach: Cris Hoopes (2nd year)
2011-2012 Record: 8-13 (Tied for 4th in Region 12 with 4-6 record)
2012 Postseason: Did not qualify
Returning Starters: 2
Returning Contributors:
Jake Bailey, Sr., Center, 11.4 ppg
Jordan Christensen, Sr., Guard, 1.8 ppg
Coach Comment: “Our season will depend on hard work and leadership. We look to our seniors for both.”
Head Coach: Jared Smith (11th year)
2011-2012 Record: 10-12 (2nd in Region 12 with 6-4 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Dixie in the 3A quarterfinals, 52-43
Returning Starters: 1
Returning Contributors:
Taylor Bahr, Sr., Forward, 9.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1 spg
Dallin Christensen, Sr., Center, 1.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg
Hunter Johnson, Sr., Guard, 1.7 ppg
Head Coach: Jake Downard (1st year)
2011-2012 Record: 5-14 (6th in Region 12 with 1-9 record)
2012 Postseason: Did not qualify
Returning Starters: 2
Returning Contributors:
Curtis Orme, Sr., Guard, 4.3 ppg, 1.5 rpg
Kaden Kelson, Sr., Guard, 2.4 ppg, 2.2 rpg
Jeff Rowley, Jr., Guard, 2.0 ppg, 1.5 rpg
Josh Clark, Jr., Forward
Coach Comment: “We are optimistic about this upcoming season. Returning a couple of starters, this team is scrappy and plays with a lot of energy."
Deseret News prep writer Andy Sorensen contributed to these capsules.