The 2025-2026 high school boys basketball season gets underway this week with the official start of the season on Tuesday. To prepare fans for the upcoming season, the Deseret News has put together capsules for every team in 1A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.
The region rankings are based on coaches preseason projections.
There are five new head basketball coaches in 1A this year: Orlando Thompson (Whitehorse), Craig Radford (USDB), Jesse Wickel (Altamont), Adam Jones (St. Joseph) and Kaden Peterson (Wendover).
Here are the 1A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.
Region 19
1. Green River Pirates
Head coach: Greg Parsons (2nd year).
2024-25 record: 19-7 (first in Region 19 with a 8-0 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 6 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Bryce Valley, 49-47, in the 1A second round.
2025 offense: 67.4 ppg (No. 1 in 1A)
2025 defense: 48.5 ppg (No. 3 in 1A)
Returning starters: Three
Returning contributors:
- Jason Hernandez, Guard, Sr.
- Rolando Anguiano, Forward, Sr.
- Cristian Mendoza, Forward, Sr.
Key newcomers:
- David Mendez, Guard, Jr.
- Gabe Quintana, Guard, Jr.
- Jesus Escalante, Forward/Center, So.
Coach comment: The Pirates return a great core of athletes from last year’s team. The team is excited to be on the court and build on the successes from last season. The team has been working hard and are ready for the challenges ahead. We look to be very competitive and hope that our hard work will take us to great success.
2. Monticello Buckaroos
Head coach: Josh Keyes (6th year).
2024-25 record: 13-10 (second in Region 19 with a 6-2 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 8 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Piute, 60-43, in the 1A second round.
2025 offense: 55.1 ppg (No. 10 in 1A)
2025 defense: 49.2 ppg (No. 4 in 1A)
Returning starters: Three
Returning contributors:
- Kooper Nielson, Guard, Sr.
- Jackson Keyes, Forward, Sr.
- Cache Young, Guard, Jr.
Key newcomers:
- Kord Young, Guard, So.
- Brandt Mack, Guard, Fr.
- Tom Morrison, Forward, Sr.
- Seth Taylor, Forward, Sr.
- Jaeden Camacho, Guard, Sr.
Coach comment: Our team returns a solid foundation of experience and leadership, which provides a promising starting point for the upcoming season. However, to compete effectively within the highly competitive 1A ranks, we must demonstrate significant improvement in both our physical conditioning and defensive execution. I am encouraged by the leadership we have returning, yet the true measure of our success will depend on their willingness to elevate their commitment and fully embrace the process required to achieve excellence.
3. Whitehorse Raiders
Head coach: Orlando Thompson (1st year).
2024-25 record: 11-13 (third in Region 19 with a 4-4 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 12 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Tabiona, 76-42, in the 1A second round.
2025 offense: 60 ppg (No. 6 in 1A)
2025 defense: 55.5 ppg (No. 15 in 1A)
Returning starters: Five
Returning contributors:
- Hyatt Thomas, Guard, So.: After earning a starting spot as a freshman, Hyatt Thomas enters his second year with a noticeable shift in demeanor. Having successfully navigated the demands of varsity play last season, Hyatt now carries a quiet confidence onto the court. We anticipate his increased experience will translate directly into more effective playing skills and a significantly elevated impact on both ends of the floor this year
- Adam Joe, Forward, Jr.: Adam Joe is poised to be our anchor in the paint this season. His sheer dominance on the boards is transformative—he doesn’t just grab rebounds, he ends possessions for the opponent and creates second, chance opportunities for us. This physical impact fuels his growing confidence, which in turn dictates our success. His belief translates directly into defensive stops and helps establish an aggressive, reliable presence on the offensive end.
- Brayden John, Guard, Sr.: Our Sr. leader is a crucial veteran presence. While he is a quiet and humble leader, his actions set the standard. His experience is essential to managing the flow of our offense and directing the team on the defensive side of things.
- Tristan Black, Guard, Sr.: As a senior, Tristan Black is our undisputed speedster. He is critical to our system, offering unmatched quickness to get up and down the floor and instantly shift the momentum of the game. Tristan’s pace is the engine of our transition offense, creating fast, break opportunities. Equally important is his speed on defense, allowing him to close gaps quickly and be a relentless perimeter defender.
- Elam Etsitty, Guard, Sr.: Completing our Sr. backcourt speed threat is Elam Etsitty. Elam is the other half of our speedster duo, but his defining trait is his relentless high motor and unparalleled hustle. He is a player who simply never quits on a play, demonstrating his commitment from the opening tip to the final buzzer. His speed, especially on defense, is crucial—allowing him to recover quickly, pressure the ball, and maintain the intense pace we want to play at all game long.
Key newcomers:
- Aiden Hamm, Forward, Sr.: As a Sr., Aiden is expected to provide significant help for our bigs (forwards and centers) in controlling the glass. His strength and positioning make him a reliable rebounder, especially on the offensive end. This rebounding prowess directly translates into second, chance opportunities, giving the team extra possessions and easy scoring chances off of misses, which can be a difference, maker in tight games.
Coach comment: I am truly excited about the opportunity to lead the high school varsity basketball team in my first year as head coach. Before we look ahead, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the former head coach Evan Grant for their service and commitment to the team. I’d be lying if I didn’t say there’s some anxiety bubbling up as the season approaches, but I am genuinely looking forward to tackling the challenge that comes with this new role.
4. Pinnacle Panthers
Head coach: Jake Hardy (2nd year).
2024-25 record: 8-16 (fourth in Region 19 with a 2-6 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 16 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Altamont, 61-45, in the 1A first round.
2025 offense: 51.4 ppg (No. 15 in 1A)
2025 defense: 63 ppg (No. 20 in 1A)
Returning starters: Three
Returning contributors:
- Brody Howell, Point Forward, Sr.
- Dominick Vigil, Forward, Sr.
- Diego Contreras, Center, Sr.
- Santiago Alamillo, Guard, Jr.
5. Monument Valley Cougars
Head coach: Ramsey Sewingyawma (2nd year).
2024-25 record: 0-12 (fifth in Region 19 with a 0-8 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 21 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Whitehorse, 100-33, in the 1A first round.
2025 offense: 32.5 ppg (No. 20 in 1A)
2025 defense: 85.1 ppg (No. 22 in 1A)
Additional info not provided
Region 20
1. Panguitch Bobcats
Head coach: Clint Barney (24th year).
2024-25 record: 25-3 (first in Region 20 with a 9-0 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 2 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Beat Rich, 50-40, in the 1A championship.
2025 offense: 60.4 ppg (No. 4 in 1A)
2025 defense: 48 ppg (No. 1 in 1A)
Returning starters: None
Returning contributors:
- Trenton Virga, Center, Sr.
- Camden Englestead, Forward, Sr.
- Taycen Ramsay, Guard, Sr.
- Blaize Anderson, Guard, Sr.
- Casey Walter, Forward, Jr.
- Traiger Ramsay, Guard, Junio
- Kaden Bailey, Guard, Jr.
Key newcomers:
- Coby Bentley, Guard, Jr.
Coach comment: We are excited to get started. We don’t have any starters coming back from a year ago, but we have a great group of boys looking to get an opportunity to play. Look for us to improve as the season goes along.
2. Piute Thunderbirds
Head coach: Eric Jessen (9th year).
2024-25 record: 15-12 (fifth in Region 20 with a 3-5 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 9 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Rich, 47-35, in the 1A quarterfinals.
2025 offense: 53 ppg (No. 12 in 1A)
2025 defense: 51.2 ppg (No. 8 in 1A)
Returning starters: Three
Returning contributors:
- Brodee Montague, shooting guard, Sr.
- Blake Gleave, Post/Guard, Sr.
- Kolton Myers, Guard, Jr.
Key newcomers:
- Gage Eliason, guard, Sr.
- Gunner Eliason, guard, Sr.
- Braige Millett, post, Sr.
- Carlos Mar, guard, Sr.
- Andres Nevarez, post Sr.
Coach comment: Very excited to get the season underway. We feel we will have as much depth as we have had for several years. We feel we have bigs and guards that can play multiple positions. If we can play solid defense and team ball we feel we will be a hard out for 1A.
3. Bryce Valley Mustangs
Head coach: Gary Syrett (13th year).
2024-25 record: 12-16 (sixth in Region 20 with a 2-6 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 11 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Panguitch, 54-46, in the 1A semifinals.
2025 offense: 53.7 ppg (No. 11 in 1A)
2025 defense: 51.7 ppg (No. 10 in 1A)
Returning starters: One
Returning contributors:
- Rustyn Chynoweth
Coach comment: We are excited for the upcoming year.
4. Valley Buffaloes
Head coach: Owen Hoyt (11th year).
2024-25 record: 17-7 (third in Region 20 with a 4-3 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 4 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Tabiona, 56-35, in the 1A quarterfinals.
2025 offense: 59.2 ppg (No. 7 in 1A)
2025 defense: 52.9 ppg (No. 13 in 1A)
Returning starters: Two
Returning contributors:
- Holden Harris, Center, Jr.
- Amare’ House, Guard, Jr.
Key newcomers:
- Keenan Chamberlain, Guard, Sr.
- Payson Harris, forward, Jr.
- Tay Young, Guard, Sr.
Coach comment: We have a solid senior and Junior class and should be able to compete at a high level. We will play in a tough region which will test us throughout the season to prepare us for the state tournament.
5. Wayne Badgers
Head coach: Jason Jackson (6th year).
2024-25 record: 8-16 (fourth in Region 20 with a 4-4 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 10 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Tintic, 57-51, in the 1A second round.
2025 offense: 49.4 ppg (No. 16 in 1A)
2025 defense: 52.3 ppg (No. 11 in 1A)
Returning starters: Two
Returning contributors:
- Blake Peterson, F, Sr.
- Hunter Robins, C, Sr.
- Tristin Martinez, F/C, Sr.
Key newcomers:
- Traeson Brown, G, Jr.
Coach comment: We look forward to seeing what the season has in store for us. We have a mixture of experience and youth this season so it will be fun to watch kids hopefully rise to the challenge.
6. Milford Tigers
Head coach: Michael Barnes (2nd year).
2024-25 record: 21-6 (second in Region 20 with a 5-1 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 3 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Bryce Valley, 53-48, in the 1A quarterfinals.
2025 offense: 64.3 ppg (No. 2 in 1A)
2025 defense: 51.4 ppg (No. 9 in 1A)
Returning starters: One
Additional info not provided
7. Escalante Moquis
Head coach: Kevin Griffin (4th year).
2024-25 record: 10-15 (seventh in Region 20 with a 0-6 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 14 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Milford, 81-39, in the 1A second round.
2025 offense: 52.7 ppg (No. 14 in 1A)
2025 defense: 55.1 ppg (No. 14 in 1A)
Additional info not provided
8. Water Canyon Wildcats
Head coach: Brad Garrett (11th year).
2024-25 record: 3-15 (seventh in Region 18 with a 0-12 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 24 in 2A.
2025 postseason: Lost to APA West Valley, 67-48, in the 2A first round.
2025 offense: 43.8 ppg (No. 26 in 2A)
2025 defense: 63.2 ppg (No. 25 in 2A)
Returning starters: One
Returning contributors:
- Dynonte Blackmore, Forward, Sr.
Key newcomers:
- Kairo Barlow, Forward, So.
- Josiah Simpson, Guard, Jr.
- Greg Hammon, Guard, Sr.
- Dominick Andrade, Forward, So.
Coach comment: We are looking forward to getting better every day. We lost a few key seniors from last year’s team, but we have a few newcomers ready to fill their spots.
Region 21
1. Dugway Mustangs
Head coach: Milford Tiafal (6th year).
2024-25 record: 7-10 (second in Region 21 with a 4-2 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 18 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Wendover, 79-25, in the 1A first round.
2025 offense: 40.9 ppg (No. 19 in 1A)
2025 defense: 52.8 ppg (No. 12 in 1A)
Returning starters: Three
Returning contributors:
- Vincent Pace G/F Sr.
- Quaid Elton F Sr.
- Gary Williams Jr. G/F/C So.
Coach comment: Excited to see returners lead and younger, new players learn and grow.
2. Mount Vernon Patriots
Head coach: Mike Lambson (19th year).
2024-25 record: 3-17 (third in Region 21 with a 2-4 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 20 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Manila, 62-12, in the 1A first round.
2025 offense: 28.6 ppg (No. 21 in 1A)
2025 defense: 61.4 ppg (No. 18 in 1A)
Returning starters: Three
Returning contributors:
- Thayne Van Allen, Forward, Jr.
- Hovhannes Mikayelyan, Forward, Jr.
- Mustafa Jalili, Center, Jr.
Key newcomers:
- Noah Adams, Forward, Fr.
- Harrison Staples, Fr.
Coach comment: We should be much more competitive this year with three starters returning and a few incoming freshmen that will add some depth. I look forward to a fun season.
3. Telos Titans
Head coach: TBD
2024-25 record: 6-15 (first in Region 21 with a 6-0 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 19 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Escalante, 80-39, in the 1A first round.
2025 offense: 42.3 ppg (No. 18 in 1A)
2025 defense: 66.6 ppg (No. 21 in 1A)
Additional info not provided
4. USDB Eagles
2025-26 Schedule
Head coach: Craig Radford (1st year).
- First-year competing
Additional info not provided
Region 22
1. Rich Rebels
Head coach: Lex Cornia (6th year).
2024-25 record: 20-3 (first in Region 22 with a 10-0 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 1 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Panguitch, 50-40, in the 1A championship.
2025 offense: 62.7 ppg (No. 3 in 1A)
2025 defense: 48.1 ppg (No. 2 in 1A)
Returning starters: Two
Returning contributors:
- Ridge Lundgren, G, Sr.
- Carter Scott, G, Sr.
- Dylan Fonnesbeck, F, Sr.
- Jett Holmes, PG, Sr.
- Karter Groll, F, Sr.
Key newcomers:
- Aiden Weston, G, Sr.
- Dylan Wasden, F, Sr.
- Kade Nelson, F, Sr.
- Paxton Nicolodemus, G, Jr.
- Bode O’Mealy, F, Jr.
- Conrad Carillo, G, Jr.
Coach comment: We graduated a lot of experience and athleticism from last year, but we bring back some key players from last year’s team. We think we can be competitive if we stay healthy and stay connected.
2. Altamont Longhorns
Head coach: Jesse Wickel (3rd year).
2024-25 record: 4-19 (six in Region 22 with a 0-10 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 17 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Rich, 61-35, in the 1A second round.
2025 offense: 42.5 ppg (No. 17 in 1A)
2025 defense: 60.2 ppg (No. 17 in 1A)
Returning starters: Three
Returning contributors:
- Breyden Jessen, Sr. Point Guard
- Briggs Wall, Sr. Power Forward
- Case Sorensen, Sr. Center
Coach comment: I’m optimistic about this season, and am excited to see what happens.
3. Manila Mustangs
Head coach: Mike Hughes (10th year).
2024-25 record: 14-14 (fifth in Region 22 with a 3-7 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 13 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Valley, 55-52, in the 1A second round.
2025 offense: 52.8 ppg (No. 13 in 1A)
2025 defense: 49.5 ppg (No. 6 in 1A)
Returning starters: One
Returning contributors:
- Teague Goodman, Forward, Sr.
Key newcomers:
- Camden Hughes, Guard, So.
- Hudson Bair, Guard, So.
- Kale Chowning, Guard, Jr.
Coach comment: Young team with a lot of enthusiasm and potential. Improvement throughout the season will be key.
4. Tabiona Tigers
Head coach: Lee Gines (38th year).
2024-25 record: 21-6 (second in Region 22 with a 7-3 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 5 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Rich, 81-68, in the 1A semifinals.
2025 offense: 60.3 ppg (No. 5 in 1A)
2025 defense: 49.4 ppg (No. 5 in 1A)
Returning starters: None
Returning contributors:
- Cayse Thomas Sr.
- Stran Giles Sr.
- Carson Curry Sr.
- Jaxon Olsen Jr.
- Rocky Rhoades Jr.
Key newcomers:
- Cayse Thomas
- Carson Curry
- Stran Giles
- Rocky Rhoades
- Jaxon Olsen
Coach comment: We are excited to for the upcoming season. We are going to play hard and improve every game. Many new players playing varsity this year. It will be a fun season.
5. Tintic Miners
Head coach: Connor Patten (2nd year).
2024-25 record: 17-9 (third in Region 22 with a 6-4 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 7 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Panguitch, 53-32, in the 1A quarterfinals.
2025 offense: 58.3 ppg (No. 8 in 1A)
2025 defense: 51 ppg (No. 7 in 1A)
Returning starters: One
Returning contributors:
- Haygen Jameson, SG, Sr.
- Braylon Jones, PF/C, Jr.
- Luke Hansen, SF/PF, Jr.
Key newcomers:
- Alex Conder, PG/SG, Jr.
- Kelan Bigler, PF/C, Jr.
- Masen Brown, PG/SG, Sr.
- Chris Chavarria, SF/PF, Jr.
- Tau Lauti, SG, Jr.
Coach comment: Tintic has put themselves in a situation to play some great competition and we ultimately see ourselves being a state competitor again.
6. Wendover Wildcats
Head coach: Kaden Peterson (1st year).
2024-25 record: 10-16 (fourth in Region 22 with a 4-6 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 15 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Panguitch, 63-46, in the 1A second round.
2025 offense: 55.7 ppg (No. 9 in 1A)
2025 defense: 56 ppg (No. 16 in 1A)
Returning starters: One
Returning contributors:
- Angel Mendoza, PG/SG, Sr.
- Keanue Duboise, SG/SF, So.
Key newcomers:
- Marcus Gomez, SF/PF, Sr.
- Lavar Tom, SF/PF, Sr.
Coach comment: Looking forward to creating a winning culture and bringing a 110% type of attitude and gri and grind mentality.
7. St. Joseph Jayhawks
Head coach: Cole Carpenter (1st year).
2024-25 record: 6-18 (sixth in Region 17 with a 1-9 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 23 in 2A.
2025 postseason: Lost to San Juan, 68-43, in the 2A first round.
2025 offense: 49.8 ppg (No. 22 in 2A)
2025 defense: 60.3 ppg (No. 22 in 2A)
Returning starters: None
Coach comment: First year coaching. Excited to coach these boys and see what we can do