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 5A.
Every coach was invited to participate and submit information. The region rankings are based on coaches' preseason projections.
Region 1 Capsules
Head Coach: Mark Larsen (3rd year)
2011-2012 Record: 17-5 (2nd in Region 1 with 7-3 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Brighton in the 5A first round, 62-45
Returning Starters: 2
Returning Contributors:
Hayden Schenck, Sr., Guard, 19.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 4.7 apg, 3.2 spg
Jordan Jones, Sr., Center, 4 ppg, 5.1 rpg
Garrett Beckey, Sr., Forward, 2.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg
Coach Comment: “Like everyone else, we are excited to get going. Everyone is wondering how Hayden’s return from offseason ACL surgery is going to turn out. I’m excited about this year’s group. With Hayden hopefully returning to form to lead this team and our starting center and sixth man back we feel like we have good experience. I am also excited to mix in a couple of senior shooters on the perimeter and two athletic juniors to help complement our team. As always, Region 1 will be a dogfight and most of the games are decided by five points or less every night. We look forward to putting our team out there to compete.”
Head Coach: Jay Welk (23rd year)
2011-2012 Record: 13-9 (Tied for 3rd in Region 1 with 6-4 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Alta in the 5A first round, 58-46
Returning Starters: 2
Returning Contributors:
Braden Koelliker 5.5 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 0.9 apg
Abel Porter, Jr., Guard, 8.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.1 spg
Cole Hally, Sr., Forward, 4.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg
Alex Morrell 12, Center, 1.4 ppg, 0.9 rpg
Coach Comment: “We are excited about the upcoming season and the potential of our team. Region 1 will be, once again, very competitive.”
Head Coach: Kelby Miller (4th year)
2011-2012 Record: 8-13 (5th in Region 1 with 2-8 record)
2012 Postseason: Did not qualify
Returning Starters: 3
Returning Contributors:
Mike Hibbert, Jr., Center, 11.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg
Marcus Kemp, Sr., Forward, 6.1 ppg, 3 rpg
Dallin Johnson, Sr., Guard, 3.8 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 1.3 apg
Head Coach: Chad Sims (2nd year)
2011-2012 Record: 14-9 (1st in Region 1 with 8-2 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Lone Peak in 5A quarterfinals, 56-36
Returning Starters: 2
Returning Contributors:
Preston Christensen, Sr., Forward, 10.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.0 spg
Jesse Armitstead, Sr., Guard, 1.8 ppg
Dallas Bond, Sr., Forward
Davy Adams, Sr., Guard, 1.4 ppg, 1.2 rpg
Jake Bigler, Jr., Guard, 2.5 ppg
Head Coach: Justin Nelson (6th year)
2011-2012 Record: 6-15 (6th in Region 1 with 1-9 record)
2012 Postseason: Did not qualify
Returning Starters: 2
Returning Contributors:
Diante Mitchell, Sr., Guard, 10.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.6 spg
Daniel Pehrson, Sr., Center, 2.1 ppg, 1.1 rpg
Michael Phelps, Jr., Guard, 1.2 ppg,
Dualton Whatcott, Sr., Forward, 1.6 ppg, 0.8 rpg, 1 apg
Coach Comment: “The Titans are looking for senior leadership from Diante Mitchell and big man Daniel Pehrson. Syracuse will look to push tempo and play fast, but will rely on defensive intensity and effort to be successful. With steady play from Daulton Whatcott and Michael Phelps the Titans will look to make a splash in Region 1.”
Head Coach: Corey Melaney (4th year)
2011-2012 Record: 12-10 (Tied for 3rd in Region 1 with 6-4 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to West Jordan in the 5A first round, 68-38
Returning Starters: 0
Coach Comment: “We are really young but I love my team. If we mature and grow up fast, we could be good.”
Region 2 Capsules
Head Coach: Jeff Emery (15th year)
2011-2012 Record: 12-10 (1st in Region 2 with 10-0 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Riverton in the 5A first round, 52-51 (OT)
Returning Starters: 2
Returning Contributors:
Jarom Tye, Sr., Guard, 9.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.6 spg
McKay Richins, Sr., Forward, 5.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg
McKay Butler, Jr., Guard, 4.7 ppg, 1.2 rpg
Aaron Dalton, Jr., Center, 0.7 ppg
Coach Comment: “We have a couple of returning players with varsity experience, but we are not very big at any position this year. We will definitely need to shoot the ball well on the offensive side and find different ways to defend the post and rebound on the defensive end.”
Head Coach: Dave Filimoehala
2011-2012 Record: 12-10 (2nd in Region 2 with 7-3 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Bingham in 5A first round, 59-45
Returning Starters: 3
Returning Contributors:
Trevon Johnson, Sr., Guard, 12.0 ppg
Noah Togiai, Fr., Guard, 10.0 ppg
Brandon Davies, Jr., Forward, 5.8 ppg
Head Coach: Dan Cosby (5th year)
2011-2012 Record: 9-13 (Tied for 3rd in Region 2 with 4-6 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Lone Peak in the 5A first round, 62-36
Returning Starters: 1
Returning Contributors:
Dayon Goodman, Sr., F/C, 18 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 1 apg, 1.6 spg
Tanner Westenskow, Jr., Forward
Bushmen Ebet, Soph., Forward
Henry Rodriguez, Sr., Guard
Coach Comment: “Kearns is a team that will rely on speed, quickness and being scrappy. Could have big numbers from returning center Dayon Goodman, one of the state’s top scorers and rebounders. A few players with varsity experience and possibly a freshman running the point guard position, Tayler Marteliz.”
Head Coach: Jim Boyce (3rd year)
2011-2012 Record: 4-17 (5th in Region 2 with 3-7 record)
2012 Postseason: Did not qualify
Returning Starters: 3
Returning Contributors:
Sid Freeman, Jr., Guard, 10.7 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 1.2 apg
Jevin Warren, Jr., Guard, 8.3 ppg
Kia Delacerna, Jr., Forward, 6.1 ppg, 2.3 ppg
Manuel Evangelista, Jr., Forward, 4.2 ppg
Coach Comment: “We are still young, but have a core group of good talent. We expect to make the playoffs this year.”
Head Coach: Mike Matheson (2nd year)
2011-2012 Record: 5-17 (Tied for 3rd in Region 2 with 4-6 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to American Fork in the 5A first round, 63-40
Returning Starters: 2
Returning Contributors:
Holani Olive, Sr., Center, 3.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg
Austin Kenner, Sr., Guard
Tyrelle Jamison, Sr., Forward
Denziel Latu, Jr., Guard, 4.5 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.3 apg
Coach Comment: “I am very pleased at the work the core of the team did during the offseason led by our captains. The effort was consistent — months long — and I expect this to pay off in February.”
Head Coach: Bernie Graziano (2nd year)
2011-2012 Record: 4-16 (6th in Region 2 with 4-16 record)
2012 Postseason: Did not qualify
Returning Starters: 0
Returning Contributors:
Makol Mawien, 10, Center, 1.8 ppg, 1.9 rpg
Arob Mandang, Sr., Forward, 2.2 ppg, 1.9 rpg
Anthony Amiker, Jr., G
Davion Jones, Jr., Forward, 1.1 ppg, 1.1 rpg
Coach Comment: “We are a team that lacks experience, but we will always play hard, try to improve daily and most importantly compete.”
Region 3 Capsules
Head Coach: Jeff Gardner (2nd year)
2011-2012 Record: 17-8 (3rd in Region 3 with 6-4 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Lone Peak in the 5A state championship, 68-38
Returning Starters: 3
Returning Contributors:
Brandon Miller, Sr., Guard, 21.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.5 apg
Travis Devashrayee, Forward, 11.6 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.9 apg
Bryce Callahan, Forward, 8.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.3 apg
Zach Bernardo, Guard, 2.7 ppg, 1 apg
Brock Miller, Guard
Coach Comment: "Returning a solid nucleus from last year’s runner-up team we are excited to get going and see how we stack up against the other talented teams in the state"
Head Coach: Jim Barker (5th year)
2011-2012 Record: 17-6 (2nd in Region 3 with 7-3 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Riverton in 5A quarterfinals, 65-59
Returning Starters: 2
Returning Contributors:
Trevor Hill, Jr., Guard, 5 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 1.5 apg
Landon Albrecht, Jr., Forward, 5.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg
RJ Beard, Sr., Guard, 4.7 ppg, 1 rpg
Head Coach: Scott Briggs (14th year)
2011-2012 Record: 21-3 (1st in Region 3 with 9-1 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Lone Peak in the 5A semifinals, 68-56
Returning Starters: 0
Returning Contributors:
Parker Brown, Sr., Forward, 4.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg
Brent Beales, Jr., Center, 1.6 ppg, 1.3 rpg
Brayden Bennett, Sr., Guard, 1.2 ppg
Carson Cutler, Jr., Forward, 0.5 ppg, 0.5 rpg
Coach Comment: “We are excited about the upcoming season. We believe that we have quality guys who are talented and will be competitive. We look forward to the challenge of keeping the tradition of West Jordan basketball at a high level.”
Head Coach: Rob Geertsen (6th year)
2011-2012 Record: 11-10 (5th in Region 3 with 3-7 record)
2012 Postseason: Did not qualify
Returning Starters: 0
Returning Contributors:
Chandler Smith, Sr., Guard, 3.3 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 2.1 apg
Brandon Pasker, Sr., Center
Coach Comment: “We are very excited about this year’s team. Even though we do not return a single starter, we have a good group of seniors that will lead our team. We had the best offseason we have ever had working in the weight room, conditioning and attending various offseason camps. It should be a fun and exciting year for Jordan basketball.”
Head Coach: Andrew Blanchard (1st year)
2011-2012 Record: 12-9 (4th in Region 3 with 5-5 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Northridge in 5A first round, 43-41 (OT)
Returning Starters: 0
Returning Contributors:
Darius Maluia, Sr., Forward, 1.9 ppg
Austin McCombs, Sr., Guard
Head Coach: Cory Martin (3rd year)
2011-2012 Record: 4-17 (6th in Region 3 with 0-10 record)
2012 Postseason: Did not qualify
Returning Starters: 0
Returning Contributors:
Region 4 Capsules
Head Coach: Quincy Lewis (10th year)
2011-2012 Record: 22-3 (Tied for 1st in Region 4 with 9-1 record)
2012 Postseason: Beat Brighton in the 5A championship, 68-38
Returning Starters: 3
Returning Contributors:
Nick Emery, Sr., Guard, 21.6 ppg, 4 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.4 spg
TJ Haws, Jr., Guard, 17.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.5 spg
Talon Shumway, Sr., Forward, 9.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.7 apg 1.2 spg
Conner Toolson, Sr., Guard, 5.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg
Coach Comment: “We are excited for the year. We have a good blend of experience and overall talent.”
Head Coach: Doug Meacham (11th year)
2011-2012 Record: 19-3 (Tied for 1st in Region 4 with 9-1 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Brighton in the 5A quarterfinals, 59-53
Returning Starters: 0
Returning Contributors:
Ryan Andrus, Jr., Center, 5.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg,
Tyler Rawson, Jr., Forward
Christian Wells, Sr., Guard
Taylor Larson, Sr., Forward
Kyle Line, Sr., Guard
Coach Comment: “I like the progress our guys have made in the offseason. This group of guys is an unselfish group and are willing to compete on the defensive end. Our hope is to be battle-tested and ready for our region come January because each game will be a huge challenge.”
Head Coach: Steve Galley (14th year)
2011-2012 Record: 13-11 (Tied for 3rd in Region 4 with 4-6 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to Brighton in 5A semifinals, 61-56
Returning Starters: 3
Returning Contributors:
Stephan Holm, Sr., Guard, 13.8 ppg
Bryce Stone Sr., G/F, 8 ppg
Richard Worsham, Sr., Forward, 5.7 ppg
Coach Comment: “We are a pretty well-balanced team with a good mix of quickness, shooting and inside play. Our success against the best teams will be predicated upon our ability to defend.”
Head Coach: Mark Dubach (10th year)
2011-2012 Record: 9-14 (Tied for 3rd in Region 4 with 4-6 record)
2012 Postseason: Lost to West Jordan in the 5A quarterfinals, 73-50
Returning Starters: 0
Returning Contributors:
None
Coach Comment: “Young team that is working very hard. A ton of potential that will need to grow quickly to compete in our league.”
Head Coach: Randy McAllister (11th year)
2011-2012 Record: 4-17 (6th in Region 4 with 1-9 record)
2012 Postseason: Did not qualify
Returning Starters: 2
Returning Contributors:
Forrest Pincock, Jr., Guard, 7.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.9 apg
Riley Court, 10, Guard, 3.1 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 1 apg
Ben Lee, Sr., Forward, 1.2 ppg, 1 rpg
Mark Sheffield, Jr., Forward
Head Coach: Bob Barnes (9th year)
2011-2012 Record: 11-10 (5th in Region 4 with 3-7 record)
2012 Postseason: Did not qualify
Returning Starters: 2
Returning Contributors:
Blake Cleveringa, Sr., Guard, 9.6 ppg, 5 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.1 spg
Jordan Peck, Sr., Guard, 4.5 ppg, 1 rpg
Tanner Pittard, Forward, 5.9 ppg, 4 rpg
Gavin Rassmussen, Center
Coach Comment: “We have some returning starters who will provide us with experience along with some young players who are working hard to compete in a very tough region. One of our strengths this year will be our depth at each position.”
Deseret News prep writer Andy Sorensen contributed to these capsules