The 2021-2022 high school boys basketball season gets underway this week for 3A, 2A and 1A teams after the conclusion of the football season this past weekend. To prepare fans for the upcoming season, the Deseret News has put together capsules for every team in 2A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.
The region rankings are based on coaches preseason projections.
There are eight new head basketball coaches in 3A this year: Tyson Moosman (Gunnison Valley), Dakota Shepherd (North Sevier), Cameron Wood (APA West Valley), Phil DeVault (Utah Military Hillfield), Kory Carpenter (Waterford), Matthew May (Merit Prep), Jerron Glazier (Kanab) and Rod Murphy (Parowan).
Here are the 2A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.
Region 16
1. Duchesne Eagles
Head coach: Billy Hoopes (seveth year).
2020-2021 record: 12-9 (first in Region 16 with a 7-3 record).
2021 RPI ranking: No. 7 in 2A.
2021 postseason: Lost to Monticello, 49-44, in the 2A second round.
Returning starters: Two.
Returning contributors:
- Brannon Torgerson, Sr., F — 4.4 ppg.
- Garrett Fabrizio, Sr., G — 5.1 ppg.
- Parker Crum, So., G — 6.5 ppg.
Coach comment: “We have a young team with lots of potential and talent. Playing style will be fast with lots of different players contributing. Defensive pressure will be crucial to help create offense.”
2. Millard Eagles
Head coach: Darin Rhodes (second year).
2020-2021 record: 8-15 fifth in Region 18 with a 0-8 record).
2021 RPI ranking: No. 15 in 2A.
2021 postseason: Lost to Layton Christian, 68-49, in the 2A second round.
Returning starters: Four.
Returning contributors:
- Peyton Rasmussen, F, Sr. — 7.0 ppg, 3.7 rpg.
- James Stephenson, C, Sr. — 8.4 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.2 spg.
- Hunter Rhodes, G, Jr. — 17.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.9 spg.
- Brant Stevens, G, Jr. — 10.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 4.4 apg, 2.0 spg.
- Taylor Davies, F, Jr. — 4.0 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 0.5 apg, 0.5 spg.
Coach comment: “We are returning a good core of players that got a lot of experience last season that should pay off this season, also good to have a few seniors this year compared to none last season. If we can stay healthy I believe we can be very competitive this season and make some noise.”
3. North Summit Braves
Head coach: Aaron Preece (sixth year).
2020-2021 record: 13-9 (Tied for second in Region 16 with a 6-4 record).
2021 RPI ranking: No. 5 in 2A.
2021 postseason: Lost to Enterprise, 61-47, in the 2A quarterfinals.
Returning starters: One.
Returning contributors:
- Trey Pace, G, Sr. — 16.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.4 spg.
- Kandon Mosher, G, Sr..
4. Gunnison Valley Bulldogs
Head coach: Tyson Moosman (first year).
2020-2021 record: 12-10 (Tied for second in Region 16 with a 6-4 record).
2021 RPI ranking: No. 9 in 2A.
2021 postseason: Lost to Beaver, 50-41, in the 2A quarterfinals.
Returning starters: One.
Returning contributors:
- Jon Willden, PF, Jr. — 8.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.1 spg.
- Jack Hansen, C, Sr..
5. North Sevier Wolves
Head coach: Dakota Shepherd (first year).
2020-2021 record: 7-15 (sixth in Region 16 with a 3-7 record).
2021 RPI ranking: No. 16 in 2A.
2021 postseason: Lost to Beaver, 54-27, in the 2A second round.
Returning starters: Two.
Returning contributors:
- Ryker Frischneckt, PF, Sr. — 1.1 ppg, 1.7 rpg.
- Ethan Fielding, SG/SF, Sr. — 11.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 0.7 apg, 1.0 spg.
- Cauy Williams, C, Sr. — 1.2 ppg, 0.6 rpg.
- Keaton Peterson, SF/PF, Sr. — 4.0 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 0.5 apg.
Coach comment: “Stepping into my first year as head coach I am very excited about the potential this team has. We have experience coming back with great leadership. We will have a great balance of inside game and outside shooting. We can feel the energy and can’t wait to get started.”
Region 17
1. Draper APA
Head coach: Darius Beard (fifth year).
2020-2021 record: 12-7 (Tied for first in Region 15 with a 4-1 record).
2021 RPI ranking: No. 6 in 2A.
2021 postseason: Lost to Parowan, 61-51, in the 2A quarterfinals.
Additional info not provided.
2. Waterford Ravens
Head coach: Kory Carpenter (first year).
2020-2021 record: Didn’t participate because of COVID-19.
Returning starters: Two.
Returning contributors:
- Lars Thulin, Sr., G
- Andrew Smaellie, Sr., G/F
- Atticus Benson, Sr., F
- Will Flynn, Sr., G
Coach comment: “Waterford is excited to be back in the mix after a year off due to COVID. Our team loves the game and can’t wait to get started.”
3. Rowland Hall Winged Lions
Head coach: Zack Alvidrez (fourth year).
2020-2021 record: 6-6 (second in Region 17 with a 4-1 record).
2021 RPI Ranking: No. 11 in 2A.
2021 postseason: Lost to Draper APA, 77-62, in the 2A second round.
Returning starters: Four.
Returning contributors:
Sam Andrew, G, Sr. — 12.5 ppg, 13.0 rpg, 0.8 apg, 1.2 spg.
Ozzie Smith, G, Sr. — 14.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.8 spg.
Kai Dowdle, G, Jr. — 9.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.8 spg.
Lorenzo Parker Pillow, G, Sr. — 1.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.0 apg.
Yeshi Tsering, G, Soph. — 2.8 ppg, 0.6 rpg, 0.5 spg.
4. APA West Valley Eagles
Head coach: Cameron Wood (first year).
2020-2021 record: 12-11 (third in Region 17 with a 5-3 record).
2021 RPI ranking: No. 14 in 2A.
2021 postseason: Lost to UMA Hill Field, 72-68, in the 2A first round.
Returning starters: Three.
Returning contributors:
- Wade Hymas, G/F, Sr. — 17.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 3.4 apg, 2.0 spg.
- Kasey Norris, F, Sr. — 11.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.2 spg.
- Anel Hrvat, F/C, Sr. — 6.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.5 spg.
Coach comment: “Looking forward to a great year with a great team. The first year with a new program is always a challenge, but we have a lot of depth and I am excited who will step up and help us compete in our difficult region.”
5. Utah Military Hillfield Thunderbirds
Head coach: Phil DeVault (first year).
2020-2021 record: 6-15 (fifth in Region 17 with a 1-7 record).
2021 RPI ranking: No. 19 in 2A.
2021 postseason: Lost to Parowan, 93-41, in the 2A second round.
Additional info not provided.
6. St. Joseph Jayhawks
Head coach: DeMarkco Armstrong (fourth year).
2020-2021 record: 1-12 (sixth in Region 17 with a 1-8 record).
2021 RPI ranking: No. 21 in 2A.
2021 postseason: Lost to Altamont, 77-37, in the 2A first round.
Returning starters: Two.
Returning contributors:
- Jaxon Harper, Sr., G/F
- Cannon Randall, Sr., G/F
Coach comment: “The 2021-2022 St. Joseph boys basketball program is filled with a wealth of newcomers showing great promise for now and the future. After a shortened season last year we look forward for the opportunity to have a full year of growth and competitive basketball.”
Region 18
1. American Heritage Patriots
Head Coach: Paora Winitana (second year).
2020-2021 record: 11-13 (Tied for first in Region 15 with a 4-1 record).
2021 RPI ranking: No. 13 in 2A.
2021 postseason: Lost to Enterprise, 61-50, in the 2A second round.
Additional info not provided.
2. Rockwell Marshals
Head coach: Richard Wells (third year).
2020-2021 record: 9-12 (fourth in Region 17 with a 5-5 record).
2021 RPI ranking: No. 17 in 2A.
2021 postseason: Lost to North Sevier, 69-54, in the 2A first round.
Additional info not provided.
3. Utah Military Camp Williams
Head coach: James Taylor (third year).
2020-2021 record: 4-12 (third in Region 15 with a 2-3 record).
2021 RPI ranking: No. 18 in 2A.
2021 postseason: Lost to Millard, 89-63, in the 2A first round.
Returning starters: Two.
Returning contributors:
Sterling Hammond, C, Sr. — 2.8 ppg, 2.6 rpg.
Nik Chesakov, G/F, Jr. — 3.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg.
Coach comment: “This is our first true rebuilding year since the school opened. We only have two returning contributors and one returning player who played occasionally. Everyone will have new roles and blending the new players and the older ones will be interesting. If everything gels, I think we can have a lot of fun.”
4. Maeser Prep Lions
Head coach: Mas Watabe (12th year).
2020-2021 record: 1-21 (seventh in Region 14 with a 0-11 record).
2021 RPI ranking: No. 19 in 3A.
2021 postseason: Lost to American Leadership, 46-27, in the 3A first round.
Returning starters: Two.
Returning contributors:
- Trex Davis, Sr., PF
- Talon Townsend, Sr, SF
5. Merit Academy Knights
Head coach: Matthew May (first year).
2020-2021 record: 1-16 (fourth in Region 15 with a 1-3 record).
2021 RPI ranking: No. 20 in 2A.
2021 postseason: Lost to American Heritage, 90-34, in the 2A first round.
Additional info not provided.
6. Freedom Prep Academy Eagles
Head coach: Cameron Koford (third year).
2020-2021 record: 1-7 (fifth in Region 15 with a 0-4 record).
2021 RPI ranking: No. 22 in 2A.
2021 postseason: Lost to Rowland Hall, 69-13, in the 2A first round.
Additional info not provided.
Region 19
1. San Juan Broncos
Head coach: Travis Black (fourth year).
2020-2021 record: 18-8 (second in Region 12 with a 7-3 record).
2021 RPI ranking: No. 5 in 3A.
2021 postseason: Lost to Juab, 54-50, in the 3A championship.
Returning starters: Five.
Returning contributors:
- Ladd Ivins, G, Sr. — 15.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.1 spg.
- Jensen Grover, G/F, Sr. — 10.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.5 spg.
- Cooper Black, G/F, Sr. — 9.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.0 spg.
- Jace Palmer, G/F, Sr. — 9.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.0 spg.
- Jayden Black, G/F, Sr. — 7.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.0 spg.
- Coach comment: “With plenty of returning senior experience and a deep bench, our goal remains the same. We are excited to play teams from around the state from 1A-4A, which we believe will prepare us for another shot at a state championship. While we don’t get to choose our classification, we are excited to be playing back in 2A where we feel like the competition this year (especially in our region) will be every bit as competitive, if not more so, than if we were in 3A.”
2. Parowan Rams
Head coach: Rod Murphy (first year).
2020-2021 record: 11-8 (Tied for second in Region 18 with a 5-3 record).
2021 RPI ranking: No. 3 in 2A.
2021 postseason: Lost to Layton Christian, 50-46, in the 2A semifinals.
Returning starters: Two.
Returning contributors:
- Shaydon Benson, C, Sr. — 10.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 0.9 apg, 1.2 spg.
- Drake Robinson, G, Sr. — 8.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.0 spg.
- Jace Little, F, Sr. — 2.4 ppg, 1.3 rpg.
Coach comment: “As a first-year coaching staff, we are really excited about how hard the players are working, and picking up the vision we have for the team. It is always hard in a transition year, because as a staff, we want those senior to finish the best that they can, there is no next year for them. We owe it to them.”
3. South Sevier Rams
Head coach: Carson Christensen (third year).
2020-2021 record: 8-13 (fifth in Region 12 with a 4-6 record).
2021 RPI ranking: No. 11 in 3A.
2021 postseason: Lost to Judge Memorial, 62-39, in the 3A second round.
Returning starters: Three.
Returning contributors:
- Brayden Staples, G, Sr. — 4.7 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.5 apg.
- Ridge Tebbs, G, Jr. — 14.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.3 apg, 0.6 spg.
- Riley Barney, G, Jr. — 2.8 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.8 spg.
- Emilio Miramontes, G, Jr.
- Carter Abraham, F, Jr.
- Keegon Heath, F, Jr.
Coach comment: “We are a young team that loves to compete. Our region is tough and we are excited about the level of competition. The thing I love about this group of young men is that they are always ready to compete. We are excited for the season and for chance to see where we will end up.”
4. Enterprise Wolves
Head coach: Bud Randall (fifth year).
2020-2021 record: 15-9 (Tied for second in Region 18 with a 5-3 record).
2021 RPI ranking: No. 4 in 2A.
2021 postseason: Lost to Layton Christian, 60-53, in the 2A championship.
Returning starters: One.
Returning contributors:
- Ryland Randall, G, Sr. — 4.4 ppg.
Coach comment: “We lost four starters, so we are in a rebuilding year. We hope to improve as the season progresses in what will be a very competitive Region 19.”
5. Kanab Cowboys
Head coach: Jerron Glazier (first year).
2020-2021 record: 9-9 (fourth in Region 18 with a 4-4 record).
2021 RPI ranking: No. 8 in 2A.
2021 postseason: Lost to Gunnison Valley, 55-52, in the 2A second round.
Returning starters: Two.
Returning contributors:
- Kason Janes, F, Jr. — 16.1 ppg.
- Collin Szymanski, F, Sr. — 2.2 ppg.
- Jordan Cornell, G, Jr. — 9.6 ppg.
Coach comment: “Our team has the potential to be special. Looking for a few key role players to rise up. Super excited to see us grow and improve each week.”
6. Beaver Beavers
Head coach: Joe Hillock (11th year).
2020-2021 record: 18-4 (first in Region 18 with a 6-2 record).
2021 RPI ranking: No. 1 in 2A.
2021 postseason: Lost to Enterprise, 47-42, in the 2A semifinals.
Returning starters: One.
Returning contributors:
- Conner Crum, F, Sr. — 10.5 ppg.
- Boston Black, G, Sr.
- Cobe Carter, G, Sr.
- Trayson Yardley, G/F, Jr.
Coach comment: “We have one returning starter, but a lot of players who contributed to our team last season. We are going to have to find some young players to step up and contribute this season for us to be successful. But for Beaver it always depends on our individual and team defense.”