High school boys basketball: Class 3A team-by-team preseason capsules

Morgan’s boys basketball team celebrates winning the 3A state championship in a win over Richfield at the Sevier Valley Center. | Dave Anderson

Morgan is the defending state champion in Class 3A and one of the three region favorites along with Richfield and Juab this preseason

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 3A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.

The region rankings are based on coaches preseason projections.

There are six new head basketball coaches in 3A this year: Jared Butler (Carbon), Carson Christensen (South Sevier), Robb Collins (Grantsville), Jack Ballard (Providence Hall), Levi Thompson (South Summit), Robert Davis (Union).

Here are the 3A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.

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Region 12

1. Richfield Wildcats

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Rand Janes (14th year)

2018-2019 record: 17-8 (first in Region 15 with a 9-3 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Morgan, 63-54, in the 3A championship

Additional information not provided.

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2. San Juan Broncos

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Travis Black (second year)

2018-2019 record: 13-10 (sixth in Region 15 with a 5-7 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Providence Hall, 79-55, in the 3A first round

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

• Jaxon Torgerson, G, Sr. — 17.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.1 spg
• Randall Flavel, C, Sr. — 11.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.7 spg
• Ryan Imlay, F, Sr. — 8.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.0 spg
• Shaw Nielson, G, Sr. — 8.1 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.6 apg, 0.8 spg

Coach comment: “This is one of the biggest, fastest, and most athletic teams San Juan has had in recent years. Lead by a core group of seniors with a solid supporting bench, we expect to get over the play-in hump and make a deep run in this year’s state tournament.”

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3. Emery Spartans

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Todd Jeffs (32nd year)

2018-2019 record: 18-8 (tied for fourth in Region 15 with a 6-6 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Richfield, 81-57, in the 3A semifinals

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

• Brax Jensen, PG, Sr. — 13.2 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 7.4 apg, 2.3 spg
• Kyler Wilstead, F, Sr. — 7.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.3 spg
• Jordan Ekker, G, Sr. — 2.4 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 0.5 apg, 0.2 spg
• Justin Rasmussen, F, Sr. — 1.9 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.2 apg
• Seth Justice, F, Sr. — 1.0 ppg, 0.4 rpg, 0.2 apg
• Riggs Griffin, F, Jr.

Coach comment: “Small, quick good shooters. Should score a lot of points.”

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4. South Sevier Rams

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Carson Christensen (first year)

2018-2019 record: 19-6 (tied for second in Region 15 with an 8-4 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Morgan, 48-37, in the 3A quarterfinals

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

• Brandt Williams, F, Sr. — 13.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.7 spg
• Brennen Hunt, F, Sr. — 2.7 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.4 spg
• Tracen Winkel, G, Sr.

Coach comment: “Our team has a lot of potential this year, but that is all it is, potential. The boys have been working hard to be prepared for this season. Our three seniors are great leaders and examples and are ready for the challenges ahead. The underclassmen, freshman — juniors, are pushing for playing time. The coaching staff is excited for the season and we have high expectations for our boys.”

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5. Grand Red Devils

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Scott Horton (sixth year)

2018-2019 record: 16-8 (tied for fifth in Region 15 with a 6-6 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Emery, 77-56, in the 3A quarterfinals

Returning starters: 0

Returning contributors:

• Kaine Allred, G, Sr. — 4.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.6 spg
• Luke Williams, G, Sr. — 1.2 ppg, 0.6 rpg, 0.5 apg
• Milo Birdwell, G, Sr. — 0.1 ppg, 0.3 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.3 spg
• Eli Hazlett, G, Sr. — 1.1 ppg, 0.3 rpg
• Ryelan, Jones, G, Jr.

Coach comment: “Starting five new players on varsity will be a challenge, but they have been playing together for the last three years so I know we will compete at both ends of the floor.”

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6. Carbon Dinos

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Jared Butler (first year)

2018-2019 record: 8-15 (fifth in Region 14 with a 5-7 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Morgan, 74-38, in the 3A first round

Returning starters: 0

Returning contributors:

• Kaleb Nelson, F, Sr.
• Brady Gagon, G, Sr.
• Preston Condie, F, Jr.
• Keenon Hatch, C, Jr.
• Merrick Morgan, Jr.

Coach comment: “We are young but should compete. I am excited to get the season underway.”

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Region 13

1. Morgan Trojans

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Brad Matthews (sixth year)

2018-2019 record: 20-5 (first in Region 13 with an 8-0 record)

2019 postseason: Beat Richfield, 63-54, in the 3A championship

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

Seth Hadley, G, Sr. — 9.0 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.2 spg

Sam Hansen, G, Jr. — 6.1 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.2 spg

Carter Thackeray, F, Sr. — 6.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.0 apg

Jack Cameron, G, Sr. — 3.9 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 1.0 apg

Coach comment: “We are excited for another year of basketball. With a strong senior class and some underclassman that have the ability to play, we are hoping to gel quickly as a team. The competition in 3A is going to be intense this year. It is going to be a fun year.”

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2. Judge Memorial Bulldogs

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Tim Gardner (fourth year)

2018-2019 record: 15-13 (third in Region 13 with a 4-4 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Richfield, 58-43, in the 3A quarterfinals

Returning starters: 4

Returning contributors:

• Makaiah Tarver, F, Jr. — 12.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.3 spg
• Deng Mayar, F, Sr. — 7.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 0.9 apg, 1.1 spg
• Dom Burns, G, Jr. — 8.1 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.7 apg, 0.8 spg
• Got Daw, F, Soph., 5.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 0.5 apg, 0.5 spg
• Josh Iciasano, G, Jr.

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3. Grantsville Cowboys

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Robb Collins (first year)

2018-2019 record: 6-17 (fourth in Region 13 with a 3-5 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Manti, 59-40, in the 3A first round

Returning starters: 4

Returning contributors:

• Jackson Sandberg, G/F, Sr. — 8.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.5 spg
• Ammon Bartley, G/F, Sr. — 5.5 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.7 apg, 0.7 spg
• Davin Eakins, F, Jr. — 2.4 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.2 spg
• Carter Killian, G, Soph., 4.3 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.4 spg

Coach comment: “As the new head coach at Grantsville, I am excited to be in the new classification. Getting familiar with the new teams is tough, but our program is excited to face those challenges and compete every single night. Grantsville graduated a large senior class and we will be young, but they are talented and committed to the game. So we are excited to see where we stand with the rest of the talented 3A class.”

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4. South Summit Wildcats

2019-2020 Schedule

Head coach: Levi Thompson (first year)

2018-2019 record: 14-8 (second in Region 13 with a 5-3 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Emery, 73-64, in the 3A first round

Returning starters: 0

Returning contributors:

• Gabe Harry, PG, Sr. — 2.7 ppg
• Payton Sanderson, SG, Jr. — 1.4 ppg
• Jayce Crystal, F, Sr.
• Brigham Skinner, G, Jr.
• Dawson Broadbent, C, Jr.

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5. Providence Hall Patriots

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Jack Ballard (first year)

2018-2019 record: 19-5 (first in Region 14 with a 12-0 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Manti, 74-56, in the 3A quarterfinals

Returning starters: 0

Returning contributors:

• Griffin Henrie, SG, Jr. — 4.5 ppg, 0.9 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.8 spg

Coach comment: “Providence Hall is going to be a young program this year, graduating all five starters and only returning one senior and one player that saw varsity time. We are excited about our kids and feel like we will be a good second half of the season team once we have had a chance to teach them our system.”

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6. Summit Academy Bears

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Jeff Baird (second year)

2018-2019 record: 8-13 (fifth in Region 13 with a 0-8 record)

2019 postseason: Did not qualify

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

• Zack Englebright, G, Jr. — 11.7 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.9 apg, 0.6 spg
• Cannon Fehrenbach, P, Sr. — 1.1 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 0.2 apg
• Austin Hicks, W, Sr. — 1.0 ppg, 0.6 rpg, 0.2 apg
• Cody Knight, P, Jr.
• Kelly Wilson, G, Sr.

Coach comment: “We are very excited about the direction our program is going in. We have a team with great chemistry and strong senior leadership and are excited about what we can become.”

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Region 14

1. Juab Wasps

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Kamron Wright (third year)

2018-2019 record: 10-13 (fourth in Region 14 with a 7-5 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to South Sevier, 68-54, in the 3A first round

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

• Ty Allred, F, Jr. — 11.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.7 apg, 0.6 spg
• Zac Cowan, F, Sr. — 12.3 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.7 apg, 0.9 spg
• Kollin Robertson, C, Sr. — 8.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.1 spg
• Tyler Dinkel, G, Sr. — 3.6 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.5 apg, 0.3 spg

Coach comment: “Juab high school is very excited about the upcoming season and the new additions to the region. The region should provide a lot of competitive games. Our team has had a group of players who have worked very hard in the off season in order to improve. A very challenging schedule early will test us and hopefully prepare our team for the region battles.”

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2. Manti Templars

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Devin Shakespeare (sixth year)

2018-2019 record: 20-7 (tied for second in Region 15 with an 8-4 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Morgan, 48-41, in the 3A semifinals

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

• Travis Thomson, G, Sr. — 10.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.2 spg
• Grady Thompson, G, Jr. — 12.6 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 5.0 apg, 1.6 spg
• Conner Christiansen, F, Sr. — 4.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.1 spg
• Kevin Clark, G, Sr. — 5.7 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.4 spg

Coach comment: “We are coming into this season with returning experience and enthusiasm to compete each day. It will be fun to have guys pushing each other for opportunities in practice and games. We have a team who gives great effort and is unselfish. It is fun to see them take pride in getting teammates opportunities.”

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3. Delta Rabbits

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Kurtis Topham (fourth year)

2018-2019 record: 13-8 (tied for second in Region 14 with an 8-4 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Judge Memorial, 64-60, in the 3A first round

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

• Derek Smith, G, Sr. — 26.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.7 spg
• Trey Brough, F, Sr. — 3.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.9 spg
• Cade Smith, G, Sr.
• Austin Topham, F, Jr.
• Britt Smith, G, Jr.
• Oran Finlinson, F, Jr.

Coach comment: “With so many talented teams in 3A this and with only two returning starters, we hope get gain experience as fast as we can. With Derek Smith a four-year starter leading the way, we feel like we can compete.”

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4. Union Cougars

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Robert Davis (first year)

2018-2019 record: 11-11 (tied for second in Region 14 with an 8-4 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Grand, 76-65, in the 3A first round

Returning contributors:

• Jayden Gardner, 1.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 0.7 apg
• Keaston Young, 6.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.4 spg
• Jobe Rust
• Rhett Nebeker
• Tanner Miles
• Lincoln Labrum

Coach comment: “There’s a saying made famous that discusses the strength of the wolf, the strength of the pack, and the relationship that exists with each other. There is a lot of truth to this. For a basketball team, it’s not about the strength of the individual players, the strength of the coaches, the strength of the parents, and the strength of the community — it’s all about the strength of the entire unit and how they all function and work together. We are still working on discovering just how strong we really are.”

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5. North Sanpete Hawks

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Chris Hoopes (ninth year)

2018-2019 record: 4-17 (seventh in Region 15 with a 0-12 record)

2019 postseason: Did not qualify

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

• Scott Hatch, F, Sr. — 14.8 ppg, 0.4 rpg
• Trevin Morley, G, Jr. — 6.0 ppg, 0.5 rpg, 0.4 apg
• Dallon Steadman, F, Jr. — 2.4 ppg, 1.0 rpg

Coach comment: “We are excited for the new challenges of the upcoming season. Our team has worked extremely hard this offseason and are ready to show it on the court. With the change of regions, it will be a challenge to prepare for new teams. Our lineup will be young and upcoming and as a team we will look to several underclassman to contribute. To win games our success will be determined on how we defend and handle the ball, and as a program we will be focusing on these things.”

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6. American Leadership Eagles

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: David Reichner (second year)

2018-2019 record: 2-19 (tied for sixth in Region 14 with a 1-11 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Maeser Prep, 54-49, in the Region 14 play-in game

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

• Norman Rentchler, 3.7 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.5 spg
• Colton Davis, 1.0 ppg, 0.9 rpg
• Marcus Kempt, 3.6 ppg, 0.9 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.3 spg

Coach Comment: “ALA lost four graduating seniors. Also, top freshman college prospect Caden Reichner moved to Timpview, he led all freshman with most varsity points and top in state. Last year’s leading scorer, Hayden Shockley retired from basketball and football participating in no sports his senior year. Top returning 3-point shooter, senior Kavin Lunt opted to focus on getting associates degree and 6-foot-3 240 O-line man Sam Huff opted to rest from football season.”

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7. Maeser Prep Lions

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Mas Watabe (10th year)

2018-2019 Record: 8-17 (tied for sixth in Region 14 with a 1-11 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Richfield, 69-35, in the 3A first round

Additional information not provided.

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