The 2019-20 high school girls basketball season gets underway this week for teams in Class 6A, 5A and 4A. To prepare fans for the upcoming season, the Deseret News has put together capsules for every team in 6A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.
The region rankings are based on coaches preseason projections.
There are four new head basketball coaches in 6A this year: John Satini (West), Gianni Ellefsen (Corner Canyon), Jeanine Reeves (Pleasant Grove), Gabriel Roberts (Skyridge).
Here are the 6A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.
Region 1
1. Fremont Silverwolves
Head coach: Lisa Dalebout (10th year)
2018-2019 record: 21-2 (1st in Region 1 with a 12-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Bingham, 46-42, in the 6A semifinals
Returning starters: 4
Returning contributors:
- Emma Calvert, F, Jr., 16.4 ppg,
- Timea Gardiner, F, So., 13.3 ppg
- Halle Duft, G, Jr., 5.7 ppg
- Averee Porter, G, Jr., 4.7 ppg
- Daycee Townsend, G, Sr., 3.0 ppg
Coach comment: “We are excited to compete against tough competition in the 6A classification this season. This group’s work ethic and commitment to preparation is unique and they come every day with the determination to improve. We have a core group of players that have been battled, tested and bring valuable experience to the floor. They are well-rounded and excel everywhere but especially in the classroom. I flat out love being around them, I feel grateful to be able to coach this team.”
2. Syracuse Titans
Head coach: Braden Hamblin (second year)
2018-2019 record: 14-8 (tied for 2nd in Region 1 with a 7-5 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Westlake, 53-37, in the 6A first round
Returning starters: 4
Returning contributors:
- Baylee Sanders, PG, Jr., 6.5 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 2.1 apg, 2.0 spg
- Rainee Schenck, SG, Sr., 5.6 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.1 spg
- Rachel Godfrey, PF, Jr., 7.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 0.8 apg, 1.0 spg
- Whitney Sorenson, SF, Soph., 1.3 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.4 spg
- Gracie Sorenson, C, Soph., 2.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.2 spg
Coach comment: “Extremely excited for this year, the Titans return a good chunk of the roster from last year with an influx of fresh new talent. Looking forward to continuing to build a winning culture and tradition.”
3. Davis Darts
Head coach: Anne Jones (ninth year)
2018-2019 record: 13-9 (tied for 2nd in Region 1 with a 7-5 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Lone Peak, 54-37, in the 6A first round
Returning starters: 4
Returning contributors:
- Kelsey Leavitt, P, Sr., 5.8 ppg, 0.7 rpg
- Hannah Loveland, G, Sr., 7.7 ppg, 0.4 rpg, 0.2 apg
- Annie Pitcher, P, Sr., 5.6 ppg, 0.4 rpg
- Callie Tolman, G, Jr., 7.2 ppg, 0.2 rpg, 0.2 apg
- Kylee Mabry, G, Soph., 7.2 ppg, 0.2 rpg
Coach comment: “We are excited about this year and are looking forward to see what we can do. We return a lot of experienced players who worked hard in the off season. Region 1 will again be really competitive and a dog fight every night.”
4. Layton Lancers
Head coach: Rob Reisbeck (second year)
2018-2019 record: 14-8 (Tied for 4th in Region 1 with a 6-6 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Bingham, 66-40, in the 6A first round
Returning starters: 2
Returning contributors:
- Kamryn Moore, G, Jr., 4.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.2 spg
- Hailey Cuppett, G, Jr., 6.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 0.9 apg, 0.6 spg
- Cierra Bonham, G, Sr., 2.4 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 0.4 spg
- Anessa Roberts, P, Sr., 0.7 ppg, 0.8 rpg, 0.2 spg
Coach comment: “We are looking forward to the upcoming season. We lost of good players from last year’s team but the girls that are returning are ready to step up and compete this year.”
5. Weber Warriors
Head coach: Mark Hansen (sixth year)
2018-2019 record: 13-9 (Tied for 4th in Region 1 with a 6-6 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Layton, 46-36, in the Region 1 play-in game
Returning starters: 1
Returning contributors:
- Makaylee Nye, P, Sr., 6.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.3 spg
- Katie Nye, P, Sr., 2.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.3 spg
- Lexy Shaw, G, Jr., 3.2 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.5 spg
Coach comment: “We will be inexperienced at the Varsity level as we will be starting four newcomers and relying on newcomers off of the bench. We will continue to improve and should round into a competitive team once we get our feet under us. Our girls are all in and are working hard to improve on a daily basis. We are excited to get the season started.”
6. Northridge Knights
Head coach: Chris Smith
2018-2019 record: 6-15 (Tied for 6th in Region 1 with a 2-10 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Additional information not provided
7. Clearfield Falcons
Head coach: Johnny Caine (third year)
2018-2019 record: 6-15 (Tied for 6th in Region 1 with a 2-10 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning starters: 3
Returning contributors:
- Makailey Cregger, G, Sr., 3.9 ppg, 0.3 apg, 0.2 spg
- Taevey Davis, G, Sr., 7.9 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 0.2 apg
- Emily Soto, G, Sr., 2.7 ppg, 0.4 rpg, 0.2 spg
- Brooke Watson, F, Jr., 1.8 ppg, 0.8 rpg
- Miranda Mansfield, G, Soph., 5.9 ppg, 0.5 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.7 spg
Coach comment: “We return a lot of experience, chemistry and skill. We also have the right mindset and work ethic. We believe in our team and we’re ready to play ball.”
8. Roy Royals
Head coach: Carolyn DeHoff (sixth year)
2018-2019 record: 0-20 (6th in Region 5 with a 0-10 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning starters: 1
Coach comment: “We are excited to take this group into season. We might be overmatched in stature but never in heart. Roy will battle every game.”
Region 2
1. Hunter Wolverines
Head coach: Cameron Gardner (fourth year)
2018-2019 record: 11-11 (Tied for 2nd in Region 2 with an 8-4 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Herriman, 57-25, in the 6A first round
Returning starters: 3
Returning contributors:
- Angel Lui, G, Sr., 12.4 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.6 apg, 2.3 spg
- Olivia Harding, G, Jr., 7.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.5 spg
- Justine Aiono, P, Sr., 4.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 0.3 apg, 1.2 spg
- Eseta Nai, G, Sr., 3.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.5 spg
Coach comment: “We are excited about the girls we have returning and the effort that has been put in this past spring/summer. We believe that we should be competing for a region championship and being competitive at the 6A level. We will be tested early on in preseason and hope to develop our toughness and unselfishness. The goal is to get better each week and be at our peak in February. Go Wolverines!”
2. Taylorsville Warriors
Head coach: Reggie Jewkes (second year)
2018-2019 record: 11-11 (2nd in Region 3 with a 5-3 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Bingham, 63-39, in the 6A quarterfinals
Returning starters: 2
Returning contributors:
- Olivia Ashton, C, Sr., 4.9 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 0.3 apg, 1.0 spg
- Calleigh DeYoung, G, Jr., 6.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 0.5 apg, 1.1 spg
- Ella Huntington, G, Soph., 2.4 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.9 spg
Additional information not provided
3. West Jordan Jaguars
Head coach: Lei Lolohea
2018-2019 record: 4-17 (5th in Region 3 with a 0-8 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Additional information not provided
4. Granger Lancers
Head coach: Shawnee Smith
2018-2019 record: 8-13 (4th in Region 2 with a 5-7 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Copper Hills, 65-39, in the 6A first round
Additional information not provided
5. Cyprus Pirates
Head coach: Chad Stevens (seventh year)
2018-2019 record: 13-8 (1st in Region 2 with a 9-3 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Riverton, 70-30, in the 6A first round
Returning starters: 2
Returning contributors:
- Karina Grayer, PG, Soph., 6.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.1 spg
- Chloe Sharp, G, Sr., 1.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.8 spg
- Talei Pela, F, Sr., 0.6 ppg, 0.7 rpg
- Eva Huber, F, Jr., 1.0 ppg, 0.7 rpg
Coach comment: “We are a young, inexperienced group that is anxious to come in and learn and grow every day. This group loves playing together, and that positive energy has been really evident so far. Can’t wait to see how we match up this season!”
6. Kearns Cougars
Head coach: Andrew Walker (second year)
2018-2019 record: 0-22 (5th in Region 2 with a 0-12 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning starters: 3
Returning contributors:
- Desiree Trujillo, G, Sr., 6.1 ppg
- Camila Hatch, G, Sr., 9.2 ppg
- Sydnee Spray, G, Sr., 6.0 ppg
- Alexi Romero Mortensen, G, Soph., 1.3 ppg
Coach comment: “We return a lot of experience this year and we’ve added several freshmen who will be seeing significant minutes on Varsity. We’re counting on freshmen to fill some major roles and we feel like they can all meet the challenge.”
Region 3
1. Copper Hills Grizzlies
Head coach: Ben Morley (11th year)
2018-2019 record: 23-3 (1st in Region 3 with an 8-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Bingham, 46-41, in the 6A championship
Returning starters: 2
Returning contributors:
- Eleyana Tafisi, G, Sr., 14.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.9 apg, 3.1 spg
- Lenisi Fineanganofo, F, Sr., 10.6 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.5 spg
- Abby McVey, G, Sr., 1.4 ppg, 0.6 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.2 spg
- Carlin Shepherd, F, Sr., 2.3 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 0.4 spg
Coach comment: “The new RPI system has definitely changed the way we approach the season, but being the first year of its implementation, no one has a clear idea about how things will shake out. At Copper Hills we play a brutal non-region schedule, followed by our usual battles in what I believe is the most competitive region in 6A. Hopefully that bodes well leading into the state tournament. This is a highly motivated group of girls eager to compete at the highest level.”
2. Bingham Miners
Head coach: Charron Mason (seventh year)
2018-2019 record: 18-7 (1st in Region 4 with a 7-1 record)
2019 postseason: Beat Copper Hills, 46-41, in the 6A championship
Returning starters: 4
Returning contributors:
- Ameleya Angilau, PG, Sr., 7.9 ppg, 0.6 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.4 spg
- Jaycee Lichtie, P, Sr., 10.3 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 0.2 spg
- Sammy Holman, G, Sr., 7.5 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.2 spg
- Madison Jones, G, Sr., 3.3 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.3 spg
- Chloe Daniels, G, Soph., 0.5 ppg
Coach comment: “Bingham is excited for this new basketball season. The girls are ready to work hard and ecstatic to work together with their team. We are interested to see how the new RPI system will affect girls basketball in Utah. We are looking forward to making fun memories this season!”
3. Riverton Silverwolves
Head coach: Jodi Lee (second year)
2018-2019 record: 12-10 (4th in Region 3 with a 3-5 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Lone Peak, 65-40, in the 6A quarterfinals
Returning starters: 2
Returning contributors:
- Ava Miller, C, Sr., 11.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 0.9 apg, 1.4 spg
- Hailey Burt, G/F, Sr., 3.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.7 spg
- Hanna Roberts, C/F, Sr., 1.1 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.3 spg
- Kinlee Hatfiled, G, Sr., 1.0 ppg, 0.6 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.3 spg
- Grace Barrus, G/F, Sr., 1.2 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.3 spg
Coach comment: “We are entering our second season in a new system and we are so excited about what we’ve seen in our first week of practice. We have tremendous size as well as agile guards. We return a great group of seniors and have a lot of exciting young players. We feel like we can be really tough, specifically on the defensive end of the floor.”
4. Herriman Mustangs
Head coach: Kent Smith (second year)
2018-2019 record: 13-8 (3rd in Region 3 with a 4-4 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Fremont, 56-39, in the 6A quarterfinals
Returning starters: 2
Returning contributors:
- Lexi Jensen, PG, Soph., 6.2 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.9 apg, 0.6 spg
- Ainslee Engar, G, Jr., 5.3 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.7 spg
- Calli Davis, P, Sr., 1.0 ppg, 0.2 rpg
- Jayda VanDyke, W, Sr., 3.0 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 spg
Coach comment: “We will be a solid group of girls who will compete hard every night. If we can learn to rebound the ball and defend, we could be pretty good by the time region gets here.”
5. Jordan Beetdiggers
Head coach: Tallon Robertson (third year)
2018-2019 record: 13-10 (3rd in Region 7 with a 6-4 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Provo, 60-41, in the 5A first round
Returning starters: 2
Returning contributors:
- Emily Moss, G, Sr., 9.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.4 apg, 2.0 spg
- Maile Afoa, G/F, Jr., 7.1 ppg, 5.22 rpg, 0.5 apg, 0.6 spg
Coach comment: “Our program has made some good strides over the past few years. I expect our girls to continue to work hard and do everything we can to continue that trend. The move to 6A will be challenging and we are in a tough region. I look forward to the challenges ahead of us.”
6. West Panthers
Head coach: John Satini (first year)
2018-2019 record: 5-16 (6th in Region 6 with a 2-8 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning starters: 1
Returning contributors:
- Whitney Banz, PG, Sr., 16.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 4.8 apg, 0.9 spg
Additional information not provided
Region 4
1. American Fork Cavemen
Head coach: Jason Herrud (second year)
2018-2019 record: 11-12 (4th in Region 4 with a 3-5 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Fremont, 53-44, in the 6A first round
Returning starters: 3
Returning contributors:
- Halle Nelson, G/F, Sr., 13.0 ppg, 1.0 rpg
- Abby Davis, G/F, Jr., 5.5 ppg, 0.2 rpg
- Savanna Stringham, G, Jr., 3.7 ppg, 0.2 rpg, 0.2 spg
- Camy Balderree, G, Sr., 5.2 ppg, 0.2 apg
- Pyper Cuff, G, Jr., 0.8 ppg
- Bri Rhoton, G, Sr., 2.2 ppg
Coach comment: “This is a competitive group of girls who should make for a fun season. While we lost three athletic seniors from last year’s team, we have gals ready to step up and contribute right away. Many of the girls have hit it hard in the off season and are excited to showcase what they have to offer the team. This group should make for a high paced, up and down tempo that should be fun to watch.”
2. Lone Peak Knights
Head coach: Nancy Warner (seventh year)
2018-2019 record: 14-8 (tied for 2nd in Region 4 with a 5-3 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Copper Hills, 51-34, in the 6A semifinals
Returing starters: 3
Returning contributors:
- Abby Conlee, G, Sr., 9.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.0 spg
- Jane LeRoy, G, Sr., 5.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.8 spg
- Maile Hunt, C, Jr., 4.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 0.6 apg, 1.0 spg
Coach comment: “I’m really excited about my team this year. We have a talented group of girls with several players returning that have significant experience and leadership, as well as some younger players who have shown a lot of athleticism and passion and will make a significant contribution to our team as well. The girls have all worked so hard in the off-season both individually and as a team. I’ve seen them make huge strides since last season and it’s very exciting. I know they’ll continue to work hard and improve each day.”
3. Westlake Thunder
Head coach: Michael O’Connor (fourth year)
2018-2019 record: 17-6 (Tied for 2nd in Region 4 with a 5-3 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Copper Hills, 53-36, in the 6A quarterfinals
Returning starters: 1
Returning contributors:
- Susan Fano, F, Jr., 7.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.6 spg
Coach comment: “We lost eight seniors and are looking to reload and continue building our program. Our preseason schedule will test us and prepare us for region.”
4. Skyridge Falcons
Head coach: Gabriel Roberts (first year)
2018-2019 record: 20-3 (1st in Region 8 with an 8-2 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Corner Canyon, 58-53, in the 5A semifinals
Returning starters: 4
Returning contributors:
- Ally Blackham, PG, Jr., 10.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.2 apg, 2.7 spg
- Brooklyn Lundell, F, Sr., 7.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 0.8 apg, 1.0 spg
- Keylee Melling, G, Sr., 8.3 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 0.9 apg, 1.0 spg
- Kylee Holland, G, Sr., 6.4 ppg 1.9 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.0 spg
Coach comment: “We are an aggressive, fast-paced team that applies pressure full court at both ends!”
5. Corner Canyon Chargers
Head coach: Gianni Ellefsen (first year)
2018-2019 record: 21-6 (Tied for 1st in Region 7 with a 9-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to East, 72-65, in the 5A championship
Returning starters: 0
Coach comment: “We are rebuilding the program from the ground up. We will work hard every day and be committed to our team.”
6. Pleasant Grove Vikings
Head coach: Jeanine Reeves (first year)
2018-2019 record: 11-10 (5th in Region 4 with a 0-8 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Additional information not provided