High school boys basketball: Class 2A team-by-team preseason capsules

Layton Christian’s Dominique Ramikson (4) goes up for a layup while guarded by Parowan’s Shaydon Benson (20) in the first half of the 2A Boys State Championship basketball game at the Dee Events Center in Ogden, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019. | Matt Herp, For the Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY — The 2019-2020 high school boys basketball season gets underway this week for teams in Class 3A, 2A and 1A. 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 nine new head basketball coaches in 2A this year: Jake Dastrup (American Heritage), Cameron Koford (Freedom Prep), Brayden Facemyer (Merit Academy), John Moore (RSL Academy), James Taylor (Utah Military Camp Williams), Mike Costa (North Sevier), Richard Wells (Rockwell), Sylvester Daniels (Utah Military Hillfied), Stoney Myers (Millard).

Here are the 2A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.

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Region 15

1. American Heritage Patriots

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Jake Dastrup (first year)

2018-2019 record: First year

Additional information not provided.

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2. Draper APA Eagles

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Darius Beard (third year)

2018-2019 record: 17-6 (second in Region 17 with a 7-3 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Parowan, 56-47, in the 2A quarterfinals

Returning starters: 5

Returning contributors:

• Derek Atkinson, G, Jr. — 14.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.9 spg
• Tyson Chow, F, Jr. — 9.4 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 0.7 apg, 1.2 spg
• Cole Palmer, F, Sr. — 8.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 0.7 apg, 1.5 spg
• Seamus McVicar, F, Jr. — 3.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.3 spg
• Logan Baldwin, G, So., 5.7 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.2 spg

Coach comment: “With the 2A classification growing and with the new RPI for seeding, we feel that it will be a fun and wild season and a great setup for an amazing state tournament. We feel that at least eight teams in our classification can rise up and make some noise and compete for the title.”

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3. Merit Academy Knights

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Brayden Facemyer (first year)

2018-2019 record: 3-15 (sixth in Region 17 with a 0-9 record)

2019 postseason: Did not qualify

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

• Daxton Bunker, G, Sr. — 6.2 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.7 spg
• Spencer Yates, F, Sr. — 4.9 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.3 spg
• Jeht Perry, F, Sr. — 0.4 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 0.2 spg
• Dylan Edwards, G, Jr. — 3.4 ppg, 0.4 rpg, 0.2 spg
• Kekai Palmer, G, Jr. — 0.1 ppg

Coach comment: “We’re excited for the new season to start. We have a number of boys back from last year’s team, and we will look to compete throughout the season.”

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4. Freedom Prep Academy Eagles

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Cameron Koford (first year)

2018-2019 record: First year

Additional information not provided.

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5. Real Salt Lake Academy Griffins

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: John Moore (first year)

2018-2019 record: First year

Additional information not provided.

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6. Utah Military Camp Williams

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: James Taylor (first year)

2018-2019 record: First year

Returning starters: 4

Returning contributors:

• Emmit Wahnschaffe, G, Sr. — 4.8 ppg
• Ethan Jones, G/F, Sr. — 2.2 ppg
• Grant Pendleton, G/F, Jr. — 3.0 ppg
• Luke Chhe, G, Jr. — 3.6 ppg
• Gabe Johnson, G, Sr. — 0.2 ppg

Coach comment: “We are really excited to compete in our first season as a full UHSAA member. This is the first step into hopefully building a successful program and, though it will be challenging, the cadets are really looking forward to competing and representing their school.”

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Region 16

1. North Summit Braves

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Aaron Preece (fourth year)

2018-2019 record: 14-12 (second in Region 16 with an 8-2 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Kanab, 51-48, in the 2A quarterfinals

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

• Cannon Richins, PG, Sr. — 6.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.5 apg, 2.4 spg
• Wade Morrill, F, Jr. — 8.1 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.7 spg
• Quenton Jones, F, Jr. — 13.2 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 0.9 apg, 0.4 spg
• Alex Calderwood, F, Sr. — 2.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.2 spg
• Alec Hunsaker, G, Jr. — 7.8 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.1 spg

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2. Duchesne Eagles

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Billy Hoopes (fifth year)

2018-2019 record: 10-12 (tied for 3rd in Region 16 with a 4-6 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Draper APA, 70-53, in the 2A first round

Additional information not provided.

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3. Gunnison Valley Bulldogs

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Ben Hill (ninth year)

2018-2019 record: 10-12 (sixth in Region 18 with a 4-8 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Rowland Hall, 62-60, in the 2A first round

Returning Starters: 4

Returning contributors:

• Garrett Francis, F, Sr.
• Brandon Tucker, F, Sr.
• Braxton Sylvester, G, Sr.
• Janzen Keisel, F, Jr.
• Creed Mogle, G, Jr.

Coach comment: “We are very excited about this season. We bring back an experienced senior class plus a solid junior class that can flat out shoot and score. We are battling a few injuries and expect major contributors to be ready for the region schedule. Overall the Bulldogs will have good length, solid scorers and a deep bench.”

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4. North Sevier Wolves

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Mike Costa (first year)

2018-2019 record: 8-13 (fifth in Region 18 with a 5-7 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to North Summit, 54-50, in the 2A first round

Returning Starters: 1

Returning contributors:

• Burke Mickelsen, C, Sr. — 15.0 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.6 spg
• Marshall Oakerlund, PG, Jr. — 9.4 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 3.0 apg, 0.3 spg
• Darian Johnson, G, Jr.
• Brodie Butler, G, Jr. — 0.9 ppg, 0.3 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.2 spg
• Ethan Fielding, G, Jr.

Coach comment: “First year with a new coach always brings new excitement. We hope to use that excitement and build on this moment with these excellent young men we have on our team.”

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5. Monticello Buckaroos

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Tony Esplin (ninth year)

2018-2019 record: 16-9 (first in Region 19 with a 9-1 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Panguitch, 57-44, in the 1A quarterfinals

Additional information not provided.

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6. Altamont Longhorns

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Eric Watson (sixth year)

2018-2019 record: 5-19 (tied for third in Region 16 with a 4-6 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Enterprise, 54-39, in the 2A first round

Additional information not provided.

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Region 17

1. Layton Christian Eagles

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Bobby Porter (19th year)

2018-2019 record: 22-6 (first in Region 16 with a 10-0 record)

2019 postseason: Beat Parowan, 43-36, in the 2A championship

Additional information not provided.

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2. Rowland Hall Winged Lions

2019-2020 schedule

Head Coach: Zack Alvidrez (second year)

2018-2019 record: 19-6 (first in Region 17 with a 10-0 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Layton Christian, 76-59, in the 2A semifinals

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

• Isaiah Adams, G, Sr. — 14.7 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.5 spg
• Boston Ballard, G, Sr. — 8.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 3.9 apg, 1.5 spg
• Oscar Percy, G, Sr. — 8.8 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.6 spg
• Galib Ibrahima, G, Sr. — 3.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.3 spg

Coach comment: “We’re returning an experienced and game tested core, looking to improve on the season we had last year.”

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3. Waterford Ravens

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Ryan Judd (eighth year)

2018-2019 record: 10-11 (tied for third in Region 17 with a 5-5 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Beaver, 47-37, in the 2A first round

Additional information not provided.

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4. St. Joseph Jayhawks

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: DeMarkco Armstrong (second year)

2018-2019 record: 10-13 (tied for third in Region 16 with a 4-6 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Parowan, 81-55, in the 2A first round

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

• Sayveon Armstrong, 20.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.7 spg
• Stockton Buckway, 3.7 ppg, 0.2 rpg, 0.2 apg
• C.J. Kierejewski, 6.8 ppg, 0.4 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.5 spg

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5. APA West Valley Eagles

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Mitch Argyle (third year)

2018-2019 record: 13-14 (tied for third in Region 17 with a 5-5 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Kanab, 77-40, in the 2A first round

Returning starters: 4

Returning contributors:

• Javier Prieto, P, Sr. — 10.3 ppg, 0.6 rpg
• Wade Hymas, W, Soph., 9.9 ppg, 0.2 rpg
• Ben Beckstead, W, Sr. — 9.4 ppg
• Memo Chacon, G, Sr. — 3.1 ppg, 0.4 rpg, 0.2 apg

Coach comment: “The team made good improvements last year. This will be the first year the team has most kids coming back. The schedule is more difficult. We are excited to see how they will respond.”

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6. Rockwell Marshals

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Richard Wells (first year)

2018-2019 record: 8-12 (fifth in Region 17 with a 2-7 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Layton Christian, 99-70, in the 2A first round

Returning starters: 0

Returning contributors:

• Austin Robinson, G, Sr. — 4.0 ppg
• Kainen Noble, G, Sr. — 3.7 ppg

Coach comment: “I am excited to see what this group can do. With no returning starters, and only two who contributed on the varsity team last year, it’s wide open for playing time. What we lack in height and experience will be made up for in heart and tenacity. I see a lot of heart in this team. This group has nothing to lose and a lot to prove”

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7. Utah Military Hillfield T-Birds

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Sylvester Daniels (first year)

2018-2019 record: 0-17 (sixth in Region 16 with a 0-10 record)

2019 postseason: Did not qualify

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

• Jonah Howell, SF/PF, Sr. — 1.2 ppg
• James Summers, G/SF, Jr. — 8.9 ppg
• Natarius Smith, PG/SG, Jr.

Coach comment: “We are a young team with new schemes, but I think we may surprise a lot of people this year.”

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Region 18

1. Parowan Rams

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Lance Stubbs (eighth year)

2018-2019 record: 22-4 (first in Region 18 with an 11-1 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Layton Christian, 43-36, in the 2A championship

Returning Starters: 4

Returning contributors:

• Krue Stubbs, F, Jr. — 12.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.5 spg
• Max Topham, F, Jr. — 9.0 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.1 spg
• Nick Goodman, G, Jr. — 3.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.2 apg, 0.8 spg
• Shaydon Benson, C, Soph., 1.7 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.2 spg

Coach comment: “We are very excited to bring back a solid core of juniors and sophomores that have a lot of varsity experience. Our region this year should be tough and should help us all be ready for the postseason.”

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2. Beaver Beavers

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Joe Hillock (ninth year)

2018-2019 record: 13-10 (second in Region 18 with a 7-5 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Rowland Hall, 40-37, in the 2A quarterfinals

Returning Starters: 4

Returning contributors:

• Ky Brown, G/F, Jr. — 14.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.6 spg
• Crayton Hollingshead, G, Jr. — 6.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.0 spg
• McCoy Smith, C, Sr. — 6.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.3 spg
• Nate Brown, F, Sr. — 1.7 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.3 spg
• Turner Williams, G, Soph.

Coach comment: “We return a lot of players who played varsity minutes last season, that will give us a lot of depth that we didn’t have last season. Again, this year like most of the years in the past our region will be the toughest top to bottom in 2A basketball. That will prepare us all very well for the state tournament.”

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3. Kanab Cowboys

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Mickey Houston (third year)

2018-2019 record: 14-10 (tied for third in Region 18 with a 6-6 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Parowan, 51-27, in the 2A semifinals

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

• Sam Orton, G/F, Sr. — 14.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.6 spg
• Nathaniel Houston, PG/G, Sr. — 13.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 3.3 apg, 2.8 spg
• Derek Houston, G, Jr. — 4.0 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.9 apg, 0.9 spg
• Cade Szymanski, C, Sr. — 1.8 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 0.2 spg
• Clay Shakespear, F, Sr.

Coach comment: “Kanab High Basketball looks to build on the 2018-19 season. Our team bought into the game of basketball concept last year and it paid dividends. This season will continue to build our program around it. With Nathaniel and Sam returning starters and a very solid group of senior boys, they will lead us this year. Our depth this year is light but don’t be surprised if u see some freshman play a big role at the varsity level.”

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4. Enterprise Wolves

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Bud Randall (third year)

2018-2019 record: 12-14 (tied for 3rd in Region 18 with a 6-6 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Layton Christian, 78-38, in the 2A quarterfinals

Returning starters: 4

Returning contributors:

• Levi Randall, PG, Sr. — 6.0 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 0.2 apg
• CJ Drake, SG, Sr. — 3.1 ppg, 0.3 rpg
• Tyler Hiatt, F, Jr. — 6.9 ppg, 0.8 rpg, 0.2 apg
• Matt Bowler, SG, Jr. — 4.6 ppg, 0.5 rpg, 0.3 apg

Coach comment: “We have a young team returning from last year and hope to compete at a higher level this year. We are in a tough region and it is a dog fight every night so we hope to compete with the teams in our region.”

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5. Millard Eagles

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Stoney Myers (first year)

2018-2019 record: 5-16 (seventh in Region 18 with a 3-9 record)

2019 postseason: Did not qualify

Returning starters: 4

Returning contributors:

• Tyce Davies, C, Sr. — 8.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.6 spg
• Kael Myers, PG, Sr. — 8.5 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.1 spg
• Brooks Myers, G, Sr. — 4.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.3 spg
• Austin Burraston, F, Sr. — 4.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.9 spg
• Shade Woodard, G, Sr. — 1.8 ppg, 0.5 rpg
• Sam Marshall, F, Sr.
• Braxton Brewer, G, Sr.
• Brock Bartholomew, G, Sr.

Coach comment: “We are excited for the season. This group of boys has played a lot of basketball together over the years. If we can get back to sharing the basketball and playing the type of defense that we are capable of, we will be extremely competitive this year.”

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