The 2025-2026 high school girls 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 two new head basketball coaches in 1A this year: Katy Nebekar (Monticello) and Esaton Syrett (Monticello).
Here are the 1A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.
Region 19
1. Whitehorse Raiders
Head coach: Joni Dickson (5th year).
2024-25 record: 18-5 (first in Region 19 with a 6-0 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 5 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Wayne, 47-29, in the 1A quarterfinals.
2025 offense: 52.5 ppg (No. 2 in 1A)
2025 defense: 39.4 ppg (No. 6 in 1A)
Returning starters: Two
Returning contributors:
- Hannah Clark, Guard, Sr.
- Keiarra Martin, Guard, Jr.
- LaKyara Begay, Forward, Jr.
Key newcomers:
- Keira Chee, Center, Sr.
- Mateja Joe, Forward, Sr.
- Kelaigha Nakai, Guard, Jr.
- Malia Sam, Forward, Jr.
Coach comment: Although we placed fifth last year, we are a whole different team that have made slight adjustments to our goals. Our dynamics and preparation is going to be different. We are focusing on where we are now and not where we were last season.
We have two top starters returning and a handful of upcoming players who have the opportunity to make a big impact on our team. We look forward to a tough schedule we set up for our team to prepare us for the state tournament. Consistency, leadership, and growth are a few words we will focus on throughout the season.
As coaches, we are going to focus on the process because it’s all about our daily work.
2. Monument Valley Cougars
Head coach: Vanessa Russell (2nd year).
2024-25 record: 9-8 (second in Region 19 with a 4-2 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 8 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Rich, 52-27, in the 1A quarterfinals.
2025 offense: 49.1 ppg (No. 7 in 1A)
2025 defense: 42.8 ppg (No. 10 in 1A)
Returning starters: Four
Returning contributors:
- Dakotah Cly, forward, Sr.
- Ayainna Cly, point guard, Sr.
- Malaya Blackmountain, guard, Jr.
- Taylor Stanley, forward, Sr.
Coach comment: We are looking forward to the upcoming season. Our experience from last year will help us build on this season so we are looking to improve and we also have some high expectations for our returning starters.
3. Monticello Buckaroos
Head coach: Katy Nebeker (1st year).
2024-25 record: 5-19 (third in Region 19 with a 2-4 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 19 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Rich, 52-16, in the 1A second round.
2025 offense: 29.7 ppg (No. 17 in 1A)
2025 defense: 49.9 ppg (No. 16 in 1A)
Additional info not provided
4. Green River Pirates
Head coach: Bryan Meadows (2nd year).
- Did not participate last year
Additional info not provided
5. Pinnacle Panthers
Head coach: Jake Hardy (4th year).
2024-25 record: 7-16 (fourth in Region 19 with a 0-6 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 20 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Monticello, 38-37, in the 1A first round.
2025 offense: 32.7 ppg (No. 14 in 1A)
2025 defense: 39.7 ppg (No. 7 in 1A)
Additional info not provided
Region 20
1. Panguitch Bobcats
Head coach: Nadine Owens (9th year).
2024-25 record: 20-6 (second in Region 20 with a 6-1 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 2 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Tabiona, 36-31, in the 1A semifinals.
2025 offense: 51.2 ppg (No. 3 in 1A)
2025 defense: 38.9 ppg (No. 4 in 1A)
Returning starters: Three
Additional info not provided
2. Wayne Badgers
Head coach: Kerry Stevens (5th year).
2024-25 record: 17-7 (first in Region 20 with a 7-0 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 4 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Rich, 53-46, in the 1A semifinals.
2025 offense: 55.3 ppg (No. 1 in 1A)
2025 defense: 42.7 ppg (No. 9 in 1A)
Returning starters: Four
Returning contributors:
- AJ Vandyke, Jr.
- Timber Wood, Sr.
- Lilly Morrill, Jr.
- Bree Torgerson, Sr.
Key newcomers:
- Jenna Erickson, So.
Coach comment: Really looking forward to some good things this season from this group of girls, they play really good together and have good chemistry.
3. Piute Thunderbirds
Head coach: Tim Westwood (8th year).
2024-25 record: 14-10 (tied for fourth in Region 20 with a 4-5 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 9 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Monument Valley, 48-44, in the 1A second round.
2025 offense: 46 ppg (No. 8 in 1A)
2025 defense: 39.2 ppg (No. 5 in 1A)
Returning starters: Three
Returning contributors:
- Kazlee King, Sr., guard
- Kenadi King, Sr., guard
- Taesi Morgan, Sr., guard
Coach comment: Our team will consist of three seniors and a bunch of freshman and sophomores. We expect good competition each and every game that we will play this year.
4. Valley Buffaloes
Head coach: Easton Syrett (1st year).
2024-25 record: 16-10 (third in Region 20 with a 5-3 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 6 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Tabiona, 45-43, in the 1A quarterfinals.
2025 offense: 43.6 ppg (No. 10 in 1A)
2025 defense: 38.9 ppg (No. 3 in 1A)
Returning starters: Four
Returning contributors:
- Maddie Cox, G, Sr.
- Andee Anderson, F, Sr.
- Lindsey Franklin, F, Jr.
Coach comment: These girls are great. Have a ton of talent, and I’m excited to see how they play this season.
5. Milford Tigers
Head coach: Mitch Dalton (3rd year).
2024-25 record: 14-12 (tied for fourth in Region 20 with a 4-5 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 11 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Valley, 45-38, in the 1A second round.
2025 offense: 45.2 ppg (No. 9 in 1A)
2025 defense: 41.2 ppg (No. 8 in 1A)
Returning starters: Two
6. Bryce Valley Mustangs
Head coach: Kameron Roundy (2nd year).
2024-25 record: 6-17 (sixth in Region 20 with a 1-6 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 13 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Wayne, 58-34, in the 1A second round.
2025 offense: 37 ppg (No. 12 in 1A)
2025 defense: 46.6 ppg (No. 15 in 1A)
Returning starters: Three
Coach comment: Looking forward to a great year of working hard.
7. Escalante Moquis
Head coach: Ryan Cottam (6th year).
2024-25 record: 6-14 (seventh in Region 20 with a 0-7 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 10 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Manila, 63-48, in the 1A second round.
2025 offense: 34.2 ppg (No. 13 in 1A)
2025 defense: 44.4 ppg (No. 13 in 1A)
Returning starters: Three
Returning contributors:
- Taylie Carlisle, guard, Sr
Coach comment: We’ve got a great group of girls this season — hard-working, coachable, and committed to getting better every day. They play well together, they support each other, and they’re building strong chemistry on and off the court. We’re excited about the progress they’ve made and look forward to competing with intensity and teamwork all season long.
8. Water Canyon Wildcats
Head coach: Ben Klepper (2nd year).
2024-25 record: 8-13 (sixth in Region 18 with a 2-10 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 16 in 2A.
2025 postseason: Lost to North Summit, 68-24, in the 2A second round.
2025 offense: 39.5 ppg (No. 16 in 2A)
2025 defense: 51.8 ppg (No. 27 in 2A)
Returning starters: Three
Returning contributors:
- Esther Nielson PG, Sr.
- Joann Barlow, G, F, PF, C Sr.
- Tammy Johnson SG, G, Sr.
- Mindy Jessop, G, SG Sr.
Key newcomers:
- Miryam Barlow
Coach comment: I’m excited for the upcoming season. It’s good to be playing 1A again. That’s where we belong until at and is a level we can be more competitive. We lost our height down low. So we will play a different style of game this season. One that suits the strengths of the talented and athletic players we have. I’ve seen tremendous growth this offseason in many players. I think we are in a position to challenge teams and compete at a high level.
Region 22
1. Rich Rebels
Head coach: Cody Lundgren (10th year).
2024-25 record: 25-2 (first in Region 22 with a 10-0 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 1 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Tabiona, 40-38, in the 1A championship.
2025 offense: 49.8 ppg (No. 6 in 1A)
2025 defense: 34.1 ppg (No. 1 in 1A)
Returning starters: Three
Returning contributors:
- Molly Weston, Guard, Jr.
- Paige Smith, Guard, Sr.
- Braylyn Pugmire, Post, Jr.
- Lacey McKinnon, Guard, Jr.
Key newcomers:
- Dottie Morse, Post, Jr.
- Hazelle Scott, Guard, So.
- Madison White, Post, Sr.
- Lyda Taylor, Post, Jr.
Coach comment: Have a great group of girls coming back, in addition to some talented girls coming in. Hard work ethic and great leadership. Looking forward to the season.
2. Tabiona Tigers
Head coach: Jake Fabrizio (11th year).
2024-25 record: 21-6 (tied for second in Region 22 with a 7-3 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 3 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Rich, 40-38, in the 1A championship.
2025 offense: 50.3 ppg (No. 4 in 1A)
2025 defense: 36.1 ppg (No. 2 in 1A)
Returning starters: Two
Returning contributors:
- Joy Gines, Guard, Jr.
- Maecie Hagman, Post, Jr.
- Kaidence pippy, Post, Jr.
- Taylea Allred, Guard, Jr.
Key newcomers:
- Bella Gines, Guard, So.
- Jazzlyn Jenkins, Post, Sr.
- Elizabeth Gines, Post, Jr.
- A’dree Fabrizio, Guard, So.
- Khloie Pippy, Guard, So.
- Kayla Gines, Post, Jr.
- Destiny Jones, Guard, Jr.
Coach comment: Looking forward to another fun year. We lost two seniors last year that were a big success of our year. We have a great bunch of girls back this year that love basketball. We will be working hard every night In the gym preparing for the season excited to see how the girls level out and play great basketball.
3. Wendover Wildcats
Head coach: Manny Alvarez (2nd year).
2024-25 record: 6-20 (fourth in Region 22 with a 3-7 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 12 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Whitehorse, 50-42, in the 1A second round.
2025 offense: 39 ppg (No. 11 in 1A)
2025 defense: 51.5 ppg (No. 17 in 1A)
Returning starters: Four
Returning contributors:
- Pheonix Duboise, F Sr.
- Tabey Bateman, G Sr.
- Millie Hicks, F Sr.
- Natalie Alvarez G Sr.
Key newcomers:
- Carly Robles, G Sr.
- Aleysha Hernandez, F Sr.
- Samantha Ramirez, G Jr.
- Cora Stewart, G Jr.
Coach comment: We are looking forward to start right where we left off last season. We have a great group of girls with a ton of experience under them and they really, really want to be a power house team and win for each other, the school and town of Wendover. We are really excited for this season to start and see how far we can go. Watch out for the Ladycats of Wendover.
4. Manila Mustangs
Head coach: Valorie Draper (2nd year).
2024-25 record: 14-12 (tied for second in Region 22 with a 7-3 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 7 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Panguitch, 56-38, in the 1A quarterfinals.
2025 offense: 50.1 ppg (No. 5 in 1A)
2025 defense: 46 ppg (No. 14 in 1A)
Returning starters: None
Returning contributors:
- Viviana Gibson, Power forward, Sr.
- Anna Davis, Shooting guard, Sr.
Key newcomers:
- Kassali Wall, Guard/Power Forward, Sr.
- Gradie Pendleton, Power Forward/Center, Sr.
- Sara Fernandez-Martinez, Power Forward, So.
Coach comment: Manila has some great potential this season with the new girls coming in. If they keep themselves healthy and are willing to show incredible teamwork and grit, we could end with impressive results.
5. St. Joseph Jayhawks
Head coach: Masen White (4th year).
2024-25 record: 16-7 (second in Region 17 with a 9-2 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 8 in 2A.
2025 postseason: Lost to North Summit, 61-25, in the 2A quarterfinals.
2025 offense: 43.4 ppg (No. 11 in 2A)
2025 defense: 32.9 ppg (No. 3 in 2A)
Returning starters: None
Returning contributors:
- Eliza Berg, Center, Sr.
6. Tintic Miners
Head coach: Kambie Eva (2nd year).
2024-25 record: 7-15 (fifth in Region 22 with a 2-8 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 14 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Tabiona, 51-19, in the 1A second round.
2025 offense: 32.4 ppg (No. 15 in 1A)
2025 defense: 43.8 ppg (No. 11 in 1A)
Returning starters: Four
Returning contributors:
- Jordy Conder, Sr.
- Kailee Carter, Sr.
- Kyah Farr, Jr.
- Analeigh Despain, Jr.
- Marissa Gout, Jr. (missed most of last season due to injury; excited to see what she brings this year)
- Kendall Snell, So.
- MaKenna Underwood, So.
- Zoe Warbourton, So.
- Rylie Larsen, So.
Key newcomers:
- Brooke Steinfeldt, So.
- Emily Terry, Fr.
- Bristol Underwood, Fr.
Coach comment: We’re looking forward to building on the progress made last year. This group is hardworking, competitive, and eager to prove themselves. Our focus is on consistent improvement, playing together, and competing every game.
7. Altamont Longhorns
Head coach: Whitney Wilkerson (2nd year).
2024-25 record: 4-19 (sixth in Region 22 with a 1-9 record).
2025 RPI ranking: No. 15 in 1A.
2025 postseason: Lost to Panguitch, 45-25, in the 1A second round.
2025 offense: 30.4 ppg (No. 16 in 1A)
2025 defense: 44 ppg (No. 12 in 1A)
Returning starters: Two
Returning contributors:
- Jada Miles, Forward, Sr.
- Chezney Bywater, guard, Jr.
- Lauren Thacker, guard, Jr.
Key newcomers:
- Claudia Perez, guard, So.
- Allie Layton, Forward, Jr.
Coach comment: We are still building and growing as a team and with that really focusing on a growth mindset. I am hopeful that the strides made over the last year will allow to be competitive this season.