High school boys basketball: Class 5A team-by-team preseason capsules

Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Woods Cross, Olympus, Timpview and Wasatch open the season as the boys basketball preseason favorites in their respective 5A regions

The 2019-2020 high school boys basketball season gets underway this week for teams in Class 6A, 5A and 4A. To prepare fans for the upcoming season, the Deseret News has put together capsules for every team in 5A. 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 5A this year: Marc Miller (Cottonwood), Cory Plant (Skyline), Scott Briggs (Mountain Ridge), Shawn Fox (Mountain View), Perry Wildeboer (Orem).

Here are the 5A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.

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Region 5

1. Woods Cross Wildcats

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Jeff Jorgensen (second year)

2018-2019 record: 14-8 (Tied for 3rd in Region 5 with a 5-5 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Olympus, 77-57, in the 5A first round

Additional information not provided

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2. Bountiful Braves

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Mike Maxwell (31st year)

2018-2019 record: 16-9 (1st in Region 5 with a 9-1 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Highland, 71-60, in the 5A first round

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

· Cam Chism, Sr. — 16.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.6 spg

· Rob Whaley, Jr. — 15.6 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.7 spg

Coach comment: “I like this team, there seems to be good chemistry right now. Need to practice better to make a real run at region and state however.”

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3. Farmington Phoenix

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Kasey Walkenhurst (second year)

2018-2019 record: 14-10 (2nd in Region 5 with a 7-3 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Murray, 63-49, in the 5A first round

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

· McKay Thomsen, G, Sr. — 8.7 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.3 apg

· Max Walton, F, Sr. — 4.8 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 0.2 spg

· Josh Wade, G, Sr.

Coach comment: “We are excited about our group for year 2. We have a lot of length and size and some guys that shoot the ball well. If we can continue to build some chemistry and have some desire to guard someone, we could be pretty tough by the time February hits.”

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4. Viewmont Vikings

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Jeff Emery (23rd year)

2018-2019 record: 7-15 (Tied for 3rd in Region 5 with a 5-5 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to East, 54-42, in the 5A first round

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

· Gavin Chowen, G, Sr. — 9.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.8 apg, 0.6 spg

· Henry Morris, G, Sr. — 2.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 0.9 apg, 0.6 spg

· Brash Emery, PG, Jr. — 8.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.1 spg

Coach comment: “The Vikings have a few players with some varsity experience back this year, but don’t have a lot of size and will need to shoot the ball well from the perimeter to compete with the best teams. As always, if we can defend and rebound consistently, we will give ourselves a chance to have a good season. We have a lot of high character student-athletes and just great kids to be around!”

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5. Box Elder Bees

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Jace McKee (eighth year)

2018-2019 record: 4-16 (Tied for 5th in Region 5 with a 2-8 record)

2019 postseason: Did not qualify

Returning starters: 4

Returning contributors:

· Riley Dahlgren, PG, Sr. — 8.3 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 2.1 apg, 0.8 spg

· Parker Buchanan, C, Jr. — 18.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.7 spg

· Jaron Mckee, F, Sr. — 5.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.3 spg

· Clay Mortensen, G, Sr. — 2.3 ppg, 0.9 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.3 spg

Coach comment: “It is always exciting to get back on the court and with four returning starters we have a lot of optimism going into the season. We have a nice inside and outside combination with Dahlgren and Buchanan and a solid core. Our region is going to be really strong and every game will be a competitive one.”

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6. Bonneville Lakers

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Kyle Bullinger (fifth year)

2018-2019 record: 17-7 (2nd in Region 11 with a 9-3 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Bear River, 50-49, in the 4A semifinals

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

· Luke Dixon, PG, Jr. — 5.7 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.9 apg, 0.8 spg

· Tyler Hancock, F, Sr. — 7.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.3 spg

· Jordan Citte, SG, Jr. — 5.4 ppg, 0.4 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.6 spg

Coach comment: “Bonneville returns two starters from last year’s 4A semifinal team in junior PG Luke Dixon and 2018 Region XI defensive player of the year Tyler Hancock. Hancock, the lone senior on the Lakers roster, will be flanked by Jordan Citte and Matt Tesch, two juniors who played key roles for the Lakers as sophomores last season. Bonneville’s coaching staff is excited about the youth in the program, and will rely heavily on Hancock’s leadership as the Lakers’ lone senior.”

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Region 6

1. Olympus Titans

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Matt Barnes (23rd year)

2018-2019 record: 23-3 (1st in Region 6 with a 10-0 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Corner Canyon, 77-69, in the 5A semifinals

Returning starters: 0

Returning contributors:

· Caden Kuhn, C, Sr. — 2.0 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.2 apg

· Zach Alder, G, Sr. — 3.1 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.3 spg

· Ben Krystowiak, F, Jr. — 7.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.9 spg

· Kolton Smith, G, So..

· Nathanial Lowe, G, Sr.

Coach comment: “The Titans will have a new look this year with the loss of Rylan Jones and Jeremy Dowdell. The two played a lot of games the past three seasons. I am very excited about the new group we have this year. Lots of new faces with not much varsity experience. But many good kids. Very excited to see how it plays out. Very tough preseason, so not much time to get all the new pieces in place, but hope to be playing our best basketball in January and February.”

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2. East Leopards

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Mitch Smith (third year)

2018-2019 record: 16-11 (2nd in Region 6 with an 8-2 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Jordan, 60-52, in the 5A semifinals

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

· Andre Mulibea, F, Sr. — 19.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.8 spg

· Brennan Hall, G, Sr. — 3.2 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.4 apg, 0.4 spg

· Stanford Santini, Sr. — 2.9 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.4 spg

Coach comment: “East returns a great senior group led by second-team All-State player Andre Mulibea. Brennan Hall and Stanford Santini will shore up the backcourt. It will take a few weeks to get chemistry down with some new talent.”

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3. Murray Spartans

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Jason Workman (15th year)

2018-2019 record: 12-13 (Tied for 3rd in Region 6 with a 4-6 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Jordan, 61-43, in the 5A quarterfinals

Additional information not provided

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4. Highland Rams

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Jim Boyce (sixth year)

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

2019 postseason: Lost to Corner Canyon, 64-50, in the 5A quarterfinals

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

· Chris Rich, G, Sr. — 5.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.0 spg

· Nate Warr, G, Sr. — 7.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.6 spg

Coach comment: “The Rams are going to be a bit young and inexperienced, but, are working hard to improve. We have already improved a great deal in the fall with our strength and athleticism. That will be the biggest key to our success this season, our ability to continue to improve. Secondly, defensive toughness will likely be another barometer of our success this season. As always we want to be playing our best at tournament time.”

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5. Brighton Bengals

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Garrett Wilson (fourth year)

2018-2019 record: 12-11 (Tied for 5th in Region 7 with a 3-7 record)

2019 postseason: Did not qualify

Returning starters: 0

Returning contributors:

· Alex Clifford, F, Sr. — 1.7 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.3 spg

· Lander Barton, F, So. — 1.0 ppg, 0.3 rpg

Coach comment: “Graduating a senior-heavy group, we are going to rely on some inexperience this year, but the development of our individual guys this offseason has been great. We are really excited about the guys on this year’s team: they are unselfish, play really well together, and have a great work ethic. We have good depth, size and athleticism, and don’t rely on just one or two guys to score for us. Everything feels primed for us to surprise some people and have a really successful year.”

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6. Skyline Eagles

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Cory Plant (first year)

2018-2019 record: 7-16 (5th in Region 6 with a 3-7 record)

2019 postseason: Did not qualify

Additional information not provided

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7. Hillcrest Huskies

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Sanjin Kolovrat (second year)

2018-2019 record: 7-15 (4th in Region 2 with a 5-7 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Copper Hills, 58-44, in the 6A first round

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

· Brox Ashby, PG, Sr. — 15.5 ppg, 0.9 rpg, 0.5 apg

· Nate Berg, G/F, Sr. — 9.8 ppg, 0.9 rpg

· Zac Gallman, G, Sr. — 3.2 ppg, 0.6 rpg

· Elijah Cooper, F, Jr. — 1.9 ppg

· Porter Nielson, G/F, Soph.

Coach comment: “Very excited about our group this season; good mix of young and hungry players along with our returning starters who have helped start a major shift in culture for Hillcrest basketball. I think seniors Brox Ashby and Nate Berg are as good of a duo as any team in the state and teams will have to put focus on them. If we can continue our work and play for each other, I fully believe the sky is the limit for this group. We will work hard every day and hope to provide a great atmosphere at the games for the Hillcrest community. The coaches and I can’t wait to see what our guys can do this season!”

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8. Cottonwood Colts

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Marc Miller (first year)

2018-2019 record: 10-13 (Tied for 5th in Region 2 with a 3-7 record)

2019 postseason: Did not qualify

Returning starters: 0

Returning contributors:

· Jeo Sellers, G, Sr.

· Andre Cooper, PG, Jr.

· Noah Widerberg, SF, Soph.

· Aidan Oliphant, C, Fr.

· Cooper Lindsey, G, Soph.

Coach comment: “We are looking forward to establishing a new tradition here at Cottonwood. Although we are young, we feel we have the talent to win. We are excited about the future of Cottonwood basketball.”

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Region 7

1. Timpview Thunderbirds

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Kevin Santiago (seventh year)

2018-2019 record: 14-10 (Tied for 2nd in Region 7 with a 6-4 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Timpanogos, 61-57, in the 5A first round

Additional information not provided

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2. Timpanogos Timberwolves

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Izzy Ingle (sixth year)

2018-2019 record: 19-6 (Tied for 1st in Region 8 with a 9-1 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Olympus, 62-42, in the 5A quarterfinals

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

Trey Anderson, G, Sr. — 10.5 ppg

Jackson Holcombe, G, Jr. — 1.9 ppg

Coach comment: “We lost a lot of our scoring from last year but return a lot of really talented players who have been working really hard this offseason and play really good together. If we can stay healthy, we have a chance to be really good this year.”

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3. Alta Hawks

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Jim Baker (13th year)

2018-2019 record: 9-15 (4th in Region 7 with a 4-6 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Skyridge, 50-48, in the 5A first round

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

· Hunter Humpherys, G, Sr. — 10.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 4.6 apg, 1.1 spg

· Jaden Brownell, F/C, Jr. — 11.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.8 spg

· Daniel Thomason, F, Sr. — 5.0 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.4 spg

Coach comment: “We could have a really good team this year if we can get healthy. We have a lot of players with nagging injuries right now. Our depth is much better this year because we have a lot of players with varsity experience. If the health issues come around, I think we will be competitive every night.”

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4. Orem Tigers

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Perry Wildeboer (first year)

2018-2019 record: 19-5 (1st in Region 10 with a 12-0 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Bear River, 80-56, in the 4A quarterfinals

Additional information not provided

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5. Lehi Pioneers

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Sean Yeager (fifth year)

2018-2019 record: 14-10 (Tied for 2nd in Region 10 with an 8-4 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Dixie, 66-50, in the 4A first round

Additional information not provided

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6. Mountain View Bruins

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Shawn Fox (2nd year)

2018-2019 record: 8-15 (6th in Region 10 with a 3-9 record)

2019 postseason: Did not qualify

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

· Tai White, G, Sr. — 12.5 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.8 spg

· Ben Mella, G, Sr. — 12.9 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.2 spg

· Drew Hansen, F, Sr. — 1.1 ppg, 0.4 rpg

· Bryce Wilson, G, Sr. — 5.1 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.3 spg

· Duce Anderson, F, Sr.

Coach comment: “I am excited about this year’s team. We have a good group of veterans along with some new move-ins and young players. We look forward to the challenge of playing in a very good and deep region.”

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7. Mountain Ridge Sentinels

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Scott Briggs (first year)

2018-2019 record: New School

Returning contributors:

· Chase Carley, F, Sr.

· Jake Fitton, G, Soph.

· Zach Farmer, F, Jr.

· Cole Saunders, G, Soph.

· Merrick Sherwood, G, Soph.

Coach comment: “Mountain Ridge will be a team that competes and plays hard in its inaugural season. While we will be young, we should be a team made up of good shooters, intelligent players, and hard workers. Looking forward to the challenges Region 7 will bring and will strive to represent Mountain Ridge High with class and competitiveness all season.”

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Region 8

1. Wasatch Wasps

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: James Ballstaedt (second year)

2018-2019 record: 11-14 (3rd in Region 8 with a 4-6 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Corner Canyon, 75-64, in the 5A first round

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

· Will Harris, G, Sr. — 18.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.1 apg, 2.4 spg

· Lance Gehring, G, Sr. — 8.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.3 spg

· Quincy White, G, Sr. — 2.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.0 spg

Coach comment: “We have a few guys back that can make a difference this year. We’ll be smaller but feel like we can compete.”

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2. Maple Mountain Golden Eagles

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Johnny Averett (11th year)

2018-2019 record: 12-12 (Tied for 4th in Region 8 with a 3-7 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Jordan, 56-55, in the 5A first round

Additional information not provided

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3. Springville Red Devils

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Justin Snell (fifth year)

2018-2019 record: 7-15 (6th in Region 8 with a 2-8 record)

2019 postseason: Did not qualify

Returning starters: 4

Returning contributors:

· Paul Terry, G, Sr. — 11.6 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.5 spg

· Cooper Riggs, G, Sr. — 11.5 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.9 spg

· Payton Murphy, G, Sr. — 4.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.1 apg, 0.9 spg

· Austin Mortensen, G, Sr. — 8.8 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.4 apg, 0.7 spg

· Dylan Thomas, G, Sr.

· Zach Visentin, C, Sr.

· Tyler Bieldison, G, Sr.

· Landon Haslem, G, Sr.

Coach comment: “We’re excited about our group this year. We have a senior-heavy team with eight seniors that will play. If we can commit to playing consistent defense and rebounding, we could have a pretty good year.”

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4. Payson Lions

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Anthony Mitchell (fourth year)

2018-2019 record: 16-10 (Tied for 2nd in Region 10 with an 8-4 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Sky View, 70-60, in the 4A semifinals

Returning starters: 0

Returning contributors:

· Hayden Roundy, G, Sr. — 3.2 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.6 apg, 0.9 spg

· Sam Mitchell, F, Sr. — 12.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.9 spg

· Gage Williams, G, Sr.

· Peyton Swasey, G, Jr.

· Parker Larsen, C, Jr.

Coach comment: “I am excited to see what this year’s team can do. We don’t have much returning experience, but we have solid players at all positions. It is vital as a young team to find our roles, and learn from each game, win or loss.”

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5. Salem Hills Sky Hawks

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Blake Francom (second year)

2018-2019 record: 11-13 (4th in Region 10 with a 7-5 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Pine View, 53-46, in the 4A first round

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

· Ty Bailey, G, Sr. — 7.4 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.7 spg

· Derek Burton, C, Sr. — 6.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.3 spg

· Gavin Hardy, G, Sr. — 6.4 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 1.4 apg, 0.3 spg

· Hayden Madsen, G/F, Sr. — 3.5 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.3 spg

Coach comment: “We have an incredibly unselfish group this season. They care only for the success of the team and are highly competitive individuals. We should be a pretty good shooting team with a strong inside presence. We will hang our hat on our effort and focus on the defensive end of the ball. I’m very excited to coach this group and look forward to a very competitive year in 5A and Region 8.”

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6. Provo Bulldogs

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Don Johnson (fifth year)

2018-2019 record: 8-16 (Tied for 4th in Region 8 with a 3-7 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Maple Mountain, 56-55, in the Region 8 play-in game

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

· Gabe Gutierrez — 10.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.0 apg

· Isaac Castagnetto — 3.4 ppg, 1.3 rpg

· Lincoln Prager

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7. Park City Miners

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Mike Doleac (fourth year)

2018-2019 record: 8-13 (5th in Region 11 with a 5-7 record)

2019 postseason: Did not qualify

Additional information not provided

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8. Spanish Fork Dons

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Ryan Kunzler (third year)

2018-2019 record: 8-16 (5th in Region 10 with a 4-8 record)

2019 postseason: Did not qualify

Additional information not provided

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