The 2025-26 Deseret News boys basketball players of the year were some of the state’s best scorers. While not all earned a state championship, they all had strong playoff performances.
Every player of the year provided dynamic play that drew the attention of opposing teams all season. Here’s a look at the 2025-26 Deseret News boys basketball players of the year.
6A Player of the Year
Luke West, Bingham, 6-2, G, Sr.
6A Player of the Year Luke West will leave quite a legacy at Bingham High.
In his time at Bingham, West became the school’s all-time leading scorer and passed former BYU star Yoeli Childs for the single-season scoring record this year. West has been a contributor at the varsity level all four years and finished his high school career with 1,511 points. He was named to an all-state team every year, and capped off his career with a 6A Player of the Year award.
In his senior season, West was an offensive powerhouse. He averaged 21.6 points per game while dishing out four assists. His explosiveness was on full display in the postseason as he led the Miners to the 6A state championship game.
During the three-game run at the 6A state tournament at the University of Utah, West averaged 29.3 points per game. He led in close wins over Mountain Ridge and American Fork in the quarterfinals and semifinals, where he scored 42 points and 32 points, respectively. He was also strong on the board and recorded a double-double in both games.
West has multiple DI offers, including from Weber State and Utah Tech.
“What makes Luke such an outstanding player is his selflessness,” said Bingham coach Kyle Straatman. “He fully bought into what the team needed to achieve our goals and didn’t care about his personal stats. Luke has grown so much over the past four years, which is a testament to his work ethic. He is a great leader who shows our younger players how the game is supposed to be played — with competitive passion, joy, and a team-first attitude.”
5A Player of the Year
Dean Rueckert, Timpview, 6-7, F, Sr.
This year, everyone knew Timpview was the team to beat, thanks in large part to Dean Rueckert.
Rueckert’s resume precedes him. He was a 5A all-state first team member his freshman and sophomore year, and he is now the back-to-back 5A Player of the Year. He led Timpview in scoring with 20.5 points per game and was strong defensively with 1.5 steals per game and 1.2 blocks.
At 6-foot-7, Rueckert made a name for himself as a dynamic scorer. He can shoot it from deep, which is shown in his 2.88 3-pointers per game, but he can also put it on the floor and score from inside.
He is one of the top prospects in the state and received offers from a plethora of DI schools. However, the four-star recruit decided on his hometown school of BYU.
“Dean Rueckert was fearless all year long and to do what he did night in and night out truly makes him a special player,” Timpview coach Brad Kitchen said. “He led our team with confidence and poise and always seemed to come through for us in clutch moments.
“In regard to his abilities on the floor, he shouldered the responsibility of scoring the ball while being a willing playmaker to help us get great shots as a team. His ability to play all 32 minutes at a high level of pace and tempo truly set him apart; a testament to the work he put in to be able to be in a position to help his team win every single night.
“Most importantly, Dean is a great kid that is kind and selfless. The entire program will miss Dean. We love him and will be cheering him on as he takes on this next chapter of his life at BYU.”
4A Player of the Year
Makai Allen, Provo, 6-2, PG, Sr.
Makai Allen proved all year that he was one of the state’s premier scorers. However, what made him really stand out was how well he managed to adjust his game when it mattered.
Allen’s shooting and scoring prowess are obvious. He is a high-scoring guard who averaged 22.2 points per game, which led the 23-4 Provo Bulldogs all year.
But in the state tournament, when defenses tighten and scoring becomes harder, Allen managed to impact the game without just scoring.
In close quarterfinal and semifinal wins over Sky View and Dixie, Allen made an impact by playmaking and being active on defense. Then, in the 4A state championship, Allen scored 17 points and dished out eight assists in a dominant win over Hurricane.
Allen’s growth throughout his senior year was a huge boon for Provo in ending its 18-year championship drought. He will play at the next level and is committed to Snow College.
“Makai is an incredible basketball player with a unique combination of athleticism and skill,” said Provo coach Chris Collinsworth. “He was so fun to coach because he could shoot, pass, break a press, guard and rebound — he does it all. My favorite part about Makai, though, is how relentlessly he worked to be a better player. He led from the front and helped rebuild that culture and bulldog mentality here at Provo High.
“After our semifinal game, he felt like he was struggling. That evening, after we got back, he spent hours in the gym working on his shot, and then a couple of hours the next morning before we left for the state championship game. With most guys, I would’ve been concerned about their stamina, but not with Makai.
“He just puts in the work, and he has learned that results follow. In the state championship game, he hit back-to-back 3-pointers to blow the game open for us. Hard work works, and he is the epitome of that.”
3A Player of the Year
Bracken Saunders, Morgan, 6-5, F, Sr.
Morgan’s Bracken Saunders showed in his senior year that he is both an inside and outside threat. The now back-to-back 3A Player of the Year averaged 23 points per game while shooting 37% from distance.
The Trojans have also enjoyed a lot of success while Saunders was on the roster. They earned back-to-back 3A state championships. Above all, Saunders showed he performs when the pressure is at its highest.
Saunders dominated the 3A state tournament. He continued to be a major scoring threat while pulling in the rebounds. In the state tournament game against American Heritage, he went off for 28 points, with three 3-pointers and six rebounds.
Saunders is also committed to Snow College.
“Bracken Saunders was the catalyst for our team and is an incredible basketball player,” said Morgan coach Scott Hunt. “His stats speak for themselves. Twenty-three points, eight rebounds, four assists and 2.5 steals per game. He is very coachable and was always willing to do what it took for the team to be successful. He is deserving of any accolades he may receive.
“However, his on-court performances were expected because of the hard work he put in and the athleticism and talent he possesses. I have been impressed with so much of what Bracken has done throughout his high school career, but one thing that stands out is the humble demeanor he carries himself with and his desire to make everyone feel like they mattered and were important.
“The way he spoke to and helped the younger players on the team was special. He never made them feel like they weren’t valued members of the team. He would teach them, help them, encourage them and cheer them on during games and practices.
“The greatest leaders are those who work the hardest and make those around them feel included. Bracken definitely did that, and he was and is an incredible leader. Bracken’s combination of talent, character and leadership can lead a team to a championship-level performance. He certainly has done that for the Morgan Trojans the past two seasons.”
2A Player of the Year
Raidon Barney, South Sevier, 6-8, C/F, Jr.
If Raidon Barney’s season showed anything, it’s that South Sevier has good reason to be excited about next season.
At 6-foot-8, Barney was routinely one of the best scorers and rebounders in the state this season. The mobility at his size and his ability to get to his spots set Barney apart from the pack.
Barney had a dominant state tournament with three double-doubles, while averaging 23.5 points per game en route to a 2A state championship. If his junior year is any indicator, next year South Sevier could be dangerous.
“Raidon played a pivotal role in our team’s success this season, impacting the game on both ends of the floor,” said South Sevier coach Carson Christensen. “Early in the year, we relied heavily on him as our primary scorer, and he consistently delivered.
“As the season progressed and opponents adjusted with a variety of defensive schemes, Raidon evolved — embracing his role as a playmaker and consistently finding open teammates to create high-quality scoring opportunities.
“Defensively, Raidon was the anchor of our team. Whether in our base schemes or the adjustments we made throughout the season — especially during the state tournament — his presence in the paint altered games and set the tone for our defense.
“Beyond his performance, Raidon is an exceptional teammate. He could have easily tried to take over games individually, but instead, he trusted those around him and prioritized team success, always working to create the best possible shot.
“He holds his teammates accountable while also being the first to encourage and recognize their efforts. Raidon embodies everything a coach looks for in a player. His competitiveness is unmatched, and his coachability sets him apart. Simply put, he is the type of player every coach wants to have in their program.”
1A Player of the Year
Ridge Lundgren, Rich, 6-1, G, Sr.
After two consecutive seasons of reaching the 1A championship game and falling short, Ridge Lundgren led Rich to its first state championship since 2015.
Lundgren is the prototypical modern guard. A great scorer, great playmaker and excellent shooter. Lundgren averaged 20.3 points per game this year and was extremely efficient. He shot 59% from the field, including 41% from distance.
In one last championship bid, Lundgren led the Rebels with 22 points while sinking two 3-pointers.
“Ridge Lundgren is a special player,” said Rich coach Lex Cornia. “It was a privilege to coach him. He is the type of leader who elevates everyone around him. Through his consistency, toughness, great attitude and willingness to do whatever the team needed, Ridge raised the standards both on and off the court in our program.
“Ridge has been a huge factor this year, and also in our previous three seasons. He is a 4.0 student, student body president, and represents what is best about high school sports.”