The 2016-17 high school basketball season gets underway this Tuesday with 35 games around the state. To prepare fans for the upcoming 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.
Here are the 3A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.
Region 9 capsules
1. Dixie High School
Head coach: Ryan Cuff (9th year)
2015-16 record: 23-4 (1st in Region 9 with a 9-1 record)
2016 postseason: Beat Juan Diego, 65-57, in the 3A championship game
Returning starters: 2
Returning contributors:
Richard Guymon, Guard, Sr., 8.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.0 apg, 0.5 spg
Kaden Elzy, Guard, Sr., 2.2 ppg, 0.8 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.6 spg
Ty Curtis, Guard, Sr., 0.2 ppg
Coach comment: "This team loves defense. They work hard every day. They are committed to get better together. They are very coachable and really love each other.”
2. Pine View High School
Head coach: Ryan Eves (1st year)
2015-16 record: 14-10 (Tied for 2nd in Region 9 with a 6-4 record)
2016 postseason: Lost to Desert Hills, 62-51, in the 3A consolation bracket
Returning starters: 2
Returning contributors:
Kade Moore, Guard, Sr., 7.6 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 2.6 apg
Trey Farrer, Center, Sr., 7.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.2 apg
Dylan Hendrickson, Forward, Sr., 4.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg
Mckay Lambert, Guard, Sr., 0.7 ppg
Coach comment: “We have a lot of senior leadership this year and a great group of kids that worked really hard this offseason. We are excited to build on the success that our football team has had and look forward to competing at a high level also. Our strength will be our post presence and the ability we have to surround our big guys with good shooters. It should be a really fun year.”
3. Desert Hills High School
Head coach: Wade Turley (5th year)
2015-16 record: 18-7 (Tied for 2nd in Region 9 with a 6-4 record)
2016 postseason: Lost to Logan, 48-34, in the 3A 5th-place game
Returning starters: 2
Returning contributors:
Logan Hokanson, Guard, Sr., 14.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3.7 apg, 2.0 spg
Tanner Turley, Guard, Sr., 7.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.4 spg
Jake Mathews, Guard, Sr., 1.5 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.4 spg
Cam Clayton, Center, Sr., 2.6 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.6 spg
Coach comment: "We have the talent to be competitive. If we play together, it could be a special year.”
4. Cedar High School
Head coach: Russ Beck (1st year)
2015-16 record: 8-12 (5th in Region 9 with a 3-7 record)
2016 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning starters: 5
Returning contributors:
Keenan Nielson, Guard, Sr., 17.0 ppg
Ethan Boetcher, Guard, Jr., 2.4 ppg
Parker Haynie, Forward, Sr., 8.5 ppg
Mason Fakahua, Forward, Sr., 10.8 ppg
Ethan Fletcher, Forward, Sr., 2.5 ppg
Braden Garrett, Guard, Sr., 3.4 ppg
Coach comment: “We are very excited about what we have here at Cedar High. After 12 years coaching college ball, my family and I are so excited for the opportunity to be back in Utah and here to grow the basketball program here at Cedar High. We have a tremendous group. Hard working and talented and we have some phenomenal younger players coming up through the program. The future is bright, and coach Craig Cardon, my predecessor, and his staff have set the table for us here very well.”
5. Hurricane High School
Head coach: Todd Langston (4th year)
2015-16 record: 9-14 (6th in Region 9 with a 2-8 record)
2016 postseason: Did not qualify
Additional information not provided
6. Snow Canyon High School
Head coach: Jamison Sorenson (1st year)
2015-16 record: 9-14 (4th in Region 9 with a 4-6 record)
2016 postseason: Lost to Logan, 87-63, in the 3A consolation bracket
Returning starters: 0
Returning contributors:
None
Coach comment: " We are really excited for this season. We know we don’t have any returning starters or contributors to our varsity program, but we are excited to see how the players develop, execute and ultimately play free, tough, smart basketball. We look forward to a great year in Region 9 and competing with all the other great teams in our league.”
Region 10 capsules
1. Grantsville High School
Head coach: Brian Detweiler (3rd year)
2015-16 record: 12-12 (2nd in Region 10 with a 6-2 record)
2016 postseason: Lost to Pine View, 56-48, in the 3A first round
Returning starters: 2
Returning contributors:
Trevor Colson, Forward, Sr., 11.0 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.6 spg
Jared Roberts, Forward, Sr., 6.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.2 spg
Gavin Eyre, Forward, Sr., 1.5 ppg, 0.7 rpg
Brady Arbon, Forward, Sr., 1.6 ppg, 0.8 rpg
Coach comment: "The Cowboys feature a deep frontcourt and will look to some underclassmen and seniors to provide leadership in the backcourt in hopes of a region title."
2. Stansbury High School
Head coach: Joseph White (1st year)
2015-16 record: 5-19 (4th in Region 10 with a 2-6 record)
2016 postseason: Lost to Dixie, 59-39, in the 3A first round
Returning starters: 1
Returning contributors:
Jase Wanlass, Guard, Sr., 14.5 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.5
Casey Robert, Guard, Sr., 5.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 0.8 apg, 1.0 spg
Josh Jenkins, Guard, Jr., 1.8 ppg, 1.3 rpg
Drake Schlappi, Forward, Jr., 1.2 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.3 spg
Coach comment: “As a team, we hope to build on our first appearance in the state tournament last year."
3. Tooele High School
Head coach: Josh Johnson (2nd year)
2015-16 record: 13-10 (3rd in Region 10 with a 5-3 record)
2016 postseason: Lost to Desert Hills, 56-49, in the 3A first round
Returning starters: 2
Returning contributors:
McKay Pollman, Guard, Sr., 4.1 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.7 spg
Lincoln Powers, Guard, Sr., 3.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.5 spg
Kyler Hymas, Guard, Jr., 4.0 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.8 spg
Mitchell Bunn, Guard, Jr., 0.5 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 0.5 apg
Dawson Banks, Forward, Jr., 1.6 ppg, 0.7 rpg
Coach comment: "Our team will be very fast-paced this year, so we can take advantage of our team speed and overall athleticism. We need our defense to create some of our offense this year.”
4. Union High School
Head coach: Gordon Garrett (2nd year)
2015-16 record: 13-10 (1st in Region 10 with a 7-1 record)
2016 postseason: Lost to Snow Canyon, 55-42, in the 3A first round
Returning starters: 0
Returning contributors:
Austin Jaramillo, Guard, Sr., 1.0 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.4 spg
Coach comment: "We have an inexperienced group of players willing to rely on chemistry and fundamentals to have a successful season."
5. Park City High School
Head coach: Mike Doleac (1st year)
2015-16 record: 1-21 (5th in Region 10 with a 0-8 record)
2016 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning starters: 1
Returning contributors:
Jack Lecher, Guard, Sr., 8.6 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 0.3 apg
Coach comment: "I’m excited to be taking over as head coach of our team this season. After struggling last season, the boys are looking forward to the opportunity to grow and improve."
Region 11 capsules
1. Ridgeline High School
Head coach: Graydon Buchmiller (1st year)
New school
Returning contributors (stats from Mountain Crest):
Jaxon Brenchley, Guard, Sr., 18.8 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 5.0 apg, 1.9 spg
Landon Jenson, Guard, Sr., 9.9 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.0 apg
Theron Wallentine, Forward, Sr., 8.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.0 apg
Coach comment: "As players and coaches we are excited to be starting new traditions at a new school. Players have high expectations, and we as coaches will be pushing them to reach those expectations. It is hard to know being a new school in a new region where we will stack up. We should be bringing the same competitiveness, work ethic and determination that has brought success to these players before and hopefully that gets us an opportunity to be playing our best and making a run in the state tournament at the end of the year.”
2. Logan High School
Head coach: Logan Brown (7th year)
2015-16 record: 18-8 (2nd in Region 11 with a 6-2 record)
2016 postseason: Beat Desert Hills, 48-34, in the 3A 5th-place game
Returning starters: 2
Returning contributors:
Jared Bagley, Guard, Jr., 12.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.5 spg
Cody Brimhall, Guard, Sr., 4.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.8 spg
Anthony McDade, Guard, So, 4.5 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.7 spg
Brayden Roberts, Guard/Forward, Jr., 2.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 0.5 apg, 0.4 spg
Coach comment: "We will have a young team that is eager to prove ourselves. Our biggest strength is that we have a number of players that experienced the varsity level last season and worked hard this past offseason. We have an opportunity to be tested with an impressive preseason schedule that will challenge us and prepare us for a fun region.”
3. Juan Diego High School
Head coach: Drew Trost (4th year)
2015-16 record: 18-9 (1st in Region 11 with a 7-1 record)
2016 postseason: Lost to Dixie, 65-57, in the 3A championship
Returning starters: 3
Returning contributors:
Essliey Tan, Guard, Sr., 7.7 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 2.3 apg, 0.6 spg
JD Ahlstrom, Guard, Sr., 7.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.9 spg
Steven Price, Forward, Sr., 4.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.5
Brennan Fabry, Forward, Sr., 4.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 0.3 apg
Matt Kitzman, Guard, Jr., 7.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.1 apg, 0.5 spg
Coach comment: We return five out of our top eight from last year's team that lost in the state championship game. We have a lot of size, talent and experience. On paper, we should be very good. Our success will ultimately come down to whether or not we consistently play defense and give championship-level effort.
4. Bear River High School
Head coach: Scott Hunt (2nd year)
2015-16 record: 17-8 (3rd in Region 11 with a 5-3 record)
2016 postseason: Beat Canyon View, 65-61, in the 3A 3rd-place game
Returning starters: 2
Returning contributors:
Mike Litchford, Forward, Sr., 12.9 ppg
Gunner Sorensen, Forward, Sr., 8.8 ppg, 0.3 rpg
Gavin Fronk, Guard, Sr., 0.0 ppg
Caleb Jensen, Guard, Sr., 4.8 ppg,
Riley Fonnesbeck, Guard, Sr., 0.5 ppg
Jake Dahle, Guard, Jr., 2.2 ppg
Mark Huber, Guard, Fr.
Coach comment: "Bear River will be a solid team that plays in a very competitive Region 11 this season. We will be a team that has a nice mix of experienced players coupled with some younger players that are hungry and excited. Not necessarily a big team but one that has some kids that are capable scorers. In order for us to compete in what could be the best region in 3A this season, we are going to need to find ways to slow down some prolific scoring teams. Defense and rebounding will need to be our calling card as we will be up against some of the best teams and individual players in the state night in and night out.”
5. Morgan High School
Head coach: Brad Matthews (3rd year)
2015-16 record: 7-15 (4th in Region 11 with a 2-6 record)
2016 postseason: Lost to Canyon View, 49-46, in the 3A first round
Returning starters: 2
Returning contributors:
Trevor Rose, Guard, Sr., 9.1 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.9 spg
Cade Russell, Guard, Jr., 11.1 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.2 apg
Tucker Skinner, Guard, Sr., 2.6 ppg
Dallin Snyder, Center, Sr., 1.9 ppg, 1.6 rpg
Coach comment: “The expectations are high for this year’s Morgan team. We have a lot of seniors that will provide needed leadership and toughness as well as some underclassman that will contribute as well. Our athleticism should deliver some exciting basketball.”
6. Ben Lomond High School
Head coach: Kable Smith (2nd year)
2015-16 record: 2-21 (5th in Region 11 with a 0-8 record)
2016 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning starters: 3
Returning contributors:
Ben Mendoza, Forward, Sr., 10.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.4 apg, 0.7 spg
Jackson Zundel, Forward, Sr., 6.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 0.5 apg, 0.3 spg
Adrian, Perez, Guard, Sr., 3.9 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.3 spg
Kenyon Harris, Guard, Sr., 4.6 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.4 spg
Coach comment: "The kids had a good summer and are anxious to show their improvement from last year. We are also excited about some of our younger kids and look forward to seeing them take on a more prominent role at the varsity level.”
Region 12 capsules
1. Juab High School
Head coach: Jake Downard (5th year)
2015-16 record: 10-12 (Tied for 4th in Region 12 with a 2-6 record)
2016 postseason: Lost to Juan Diego, 71-58, in the 3A first round
Returning starters: 4
Returning contributors:
Aaron Clark, Forward, Sr., 14.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.5 apg, 0.6 spg
Jakota Snow, Forward, Sr., 3.3 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 0.3 apg
Ryker Osborne, Guard, Sr., 5.9 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.5 spg
Payton Bowring, Guard, Sr., 2.0 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.4 spg
Jason Christensen, Guard, Sr., 0.5 ppg
Coach comment: "We are returning quite a bit of varsity experience this year. A good offseason has created some good depth. These guys work hard and have great team chemistry. This group is really excited to get going, the potential is there for a successful season.”
2. Richfield High School
Head coach: Rand Janes (11th year)
2015-16 record: 13-9 (2nd in Region 12 with a 6-2 record)
2016 postseason: Lost to Bear River, 51-50, in the 3A first round
Returning starters: 1
Returning contributors:
Stetson Southwick, Guard/Forward, Sr., 5.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.3 spg
Reggie Hinck, Guard, Sr., 0.8 ppg, 0.7 rpg
Jeron Stewart, Guard/Forward, Sr., 0.5 ppg,
Wyatt Jensen, Guard, Sr., 0.2 ppg
3. Canyon View High School
Head coach: Rob Potter (6th year)
2015-16 record: 18-9 (1st in Region 12 with a 7-1 record)
2016 postseason: Lost to Bear River, 65-61, in the 3A 3rd-place game
Returning starters: 1
Returning contributors:
Brantzen Blackner, Guard, Jr., 11.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.9 spg
Joey Lambeth, Guard, Jr., 4.5 ppg, 0.8 rpg, 0.9 apg, 0.7 spg
Porter Miller, Forward, Jr., 1.2 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.3 spg
Abe Huxford, Guard, Sr.
Coach comment: "We lost seven seniors from a region champion and state final four team. But we bring back a core of young players who were in the mix last year and will take what they learned from those seniors and look to make the same run this year.”
4. Carbon High School
Head coach: Kyle Wilson (1st year)
2015-16 record: 12-12 (3rd in Region 12 with 3-5 record)
2016 postseason: Lost to Logan, 73-52, in the 3A first round
Returning starters: 2
Returning contributors:
Kyle Quinton, Forward, Sr., 9.4 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.9 spg
Gage Daugherty, PG, Sr., 7.0 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.9 apg
Jamin Jensen, Guard. Sr., 3.5 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 1.0 apg
Chase Morgan, Guard, Sr., 2.1 ppg, 1.2 rpg
Coach comment: “We have a great group of seniors that play well together, we are very unselfish and have some good juniors that contribute. I expect great things for us this year.”
5. North Sanpete High School
Head coach: Chris Hoopes (6th year)
2015-16 record: 10-11 (Tied for 4th in Region 12 with a 2-6 record)
2016 postseason: Lost to Juab, 60-57, in the Region 12 play-in game
Returning starters: 0
Returning contributors:
Kaleb Bailey, Forward, Sr., 0.3 ppg, 0.6 rpg
Shawn Taylor, Guard, Jr., 0.8 ppg, 0.4 rpg
Coach comment: Losing several players who played significant varsity minutes for us last year, and with no returning starters, some would call this a rebuilding year. We however expect to be a tough team that is competitive every night. We do not have a lot of size, but we have hard-working players that can shoot the ball and play tough defense. We look forward to the challenge of a competitive region and we know that we will have to be ready to play every night to be successful.
James Edward is the Deseret News prep editor and Real Salt Lake beat writer. EMAIL: jedward@deseretnews.com