High school boys basketball: Class 6A team-by-team preseason capsules

Silas Walker, Deseret News

Fremont, Cyprus, Jordan and Skyridge open the season as the boys basketball preseason favorites in their respective 6A 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 6A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.

The region rankings are based on coaches preseason projections.

There are eight new head basketball coaches in 6A this year: Andrew Olson (Northridge), Scott Hunt (Roy), Landon Cosby (Weber), Stephen Tidwell (Granger), Harold Moleni (Hunter), Kyle Straatman (Bingham), John Watkins (Copper Hills), Lance Gummersall (Herriman).

Here are the 6A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.

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Region 1

1. Fremont Silverwolves

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Corey Melaney (11th year)

2018-2019 record: 19-6 (1st in Region 1 with an 11-1 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Pleasant Grove, 72-55, in the 6A semifinals

Returning starters: 4

Returning contributors:

· Dallin Hall, PG, Sr. — 21.7 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 5.2 apg, 1.2 spg

· Baylor Harrop, SG, Sr. — 17.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.6 spg

· Tige Voorhees, SG, Sr. — 10.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 spg

· Mitch Stratford, SF, Sr. — 6.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.7 apg, 0.8 spg

Coach comment: “We like our experience and our depth. We care about each other, we have hard workers and they love to compete. We must block out the noise, stay humble and this team could do some special things.”

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2. Layton Lancers

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Kelby Miller (10th year)

2018-2019 record: 11-11 (3rd in Region 1 with an 8-4 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to American Fork, 80-68, in the 6A first round

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

· Tanner Kofoed, PG, Sr. — 16.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 6.1 apg, 1.8 spg

· Jacob Randall, SG, Sr. — 9.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.4 spg

· Ethan Potter, F, Jr. — 16.3 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 2.0 apg, 0.7 spg

Coach comment: “We are looking forward to a great season of basketball at Layton High School. We have several players returning with varsity experience from last year along with some new faces to the program that should help us on the varsity level. We are excited to play under the new RPI format and interested to see how our usually tough preseason and region schedule translates to seeding in the state tournament.”

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3. Davis Darts

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Chad Sims (sixth year)

2018-2019 record: 18-8 (2nd in Region 1 with a 10-2 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to American Fork, 82-80, in the 6A semifinals

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

· Trevan Leonhardt, G, Sr. — 9.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 4.6 apg, 2.4 spg

· Jake Sampson, G, Sr. — 15.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.9 spg

· Spencer Vernon, F, Sr. — 1.6 ppg, 0.4 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.2 spg

· Dylan Perrenoud, F, Sr.

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4. Weber Warriors

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Landon Cosby (first year)

2018-2019 record: 12-10 (4th in Region 1 with a 6-6 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Pleasant Grove, 80-57, in the 6A first round

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

· Max Triplett, F/C, Sr. — 8.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.8 spg

· Quinn Bennett, F, Jr. — 5.9 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 0.5 apg

Coach comment: “We have the pieces to be competitive in our region. I like our length and athleticism, but our ultimate success will depend on our ability to be tougher than our opponents. If we can play for one another and do the little things, we should have a chance to win some games.”

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5. Northridge Knights

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Andrew Olson (first year)

2018-2019 record: 10-13 (5th in Region 1 with a 5-7 record)

2019 postseason: Did not qualify

Returning starters: 0

Returning contributors:

· Colby Browning, 1.8 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.6 spg

· Trey Simms, 2.8 ppg, 0.9 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.5 spg

Coach comment: “We are very excited for the upcoming season; we have a group of kids that really loves each other and works hard for one another. I’ve never been around a more fun group of kids that has the chemistry that they have. They are a special group of kids that though they are inexperienced at the varsity level, they are very eager for their opportunity. We have a very tough nonregion schedule that will help get us prepared for a very, very good region this year. I know the kids are going to compete and play hard. We are looking forward to the challenge.”

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6. Syracuse Titans

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Troy Anderson (seventh year)

2018-2019 record: 5-18 (Tied for 6th in Region 1 with a 1-11 record)

2019 postseason: Did not qualify

Returning starters: 0

Returning contributors:

· Bridger Hamblin, PG, Sr. — 1.9 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 spg

· Kobe Rush, F, Sr. — 6.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.0 spg

· Conner Saunders, F, Jr. — 0.4 ppg, 0.5 rpg

· Sam Adams, C, Sr. — 0.2 ppg, 0.4 rpg

· Alex Wheeler, SG, 1.6 ppg, 0.3 rpg, 0.3 spg

· Ty Burke, F, 2.4 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.7 spg

Coach comment: “We are a young group with several contributors from last year. Our players have worked hard in the offseason and we have seen some good improvement. With very little varsity experience, we will need to rely on our defense to set the tone for the year. We have an exceptional group of younger kids that have joined our program and look forward to seeing them progress, and possibly help us this year.”

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7. Roy Royals

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Scott Hunt (first year)

2018-2019 record: 6-15 (Tied for 5th in Region 5 with a 2-8 record)

2019 postseason: Did not qualify

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

· Kobe Schriver, G, Jr. — 12.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.0 spg

· Easton Bitton, F, Jr. — 4.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.5 spg

· Justin Kirkland, F, Sr. — 3.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 0.2 spg

· Robert Snow, C, Sr. — 3.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 0.3 apg

· Andrew Foit, G, Sr. — 0.5 ppg

· Mason Thueson, F, Jr. — 0.4 ppg, 0.3 rpg, 0.2 apg

Coach comment: “Roy High School in moving from 5A to 6A and with that change comes added commitment and responsibility required from our staff and players. We fully understand the talent level and physicality that each team possesses and where we need to be in order to compete. Our players are excited and know full well that our margin of error is very small. However, we also understand that with hard work and commitment anything is possible and that is our goal. We strive to get better each day and with discipline and resolve keep looking forward to the possibilities that lie in front of us.”

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8. Clearfield Falcons

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Curtis Hulse (15th year)

2018-2019 record: 5-16 (Tied for 6th in Region 1 with a 1-11 record)

2019 postseason: Did not qualify

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

· Kaden Swanson, G, Sr. — 7.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.1 spg

· Grayson Banks, F, Sr. — 7.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.7 spg

· Zach Gravley, F, Sr. — 2.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 0.3 apg

· Dylan Barnes, F, Sr. — 1.8 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.2 spg

· Matt McGarry, G, Sr. — 2.4 ppg, 0.8 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.3 spg

Coach comment: “The kids have worked extremely hard and are really excited to get the season started.”

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Region 2

1. Cyprus Pirates

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Tre Smith (sixth year)

2018-2019 record: 11-13 (2nd in Region 2 with a 7-5 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Riverton, 64-54, in the 6A first round

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

· Jordan Orozco, G, Sr. — 7.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.4 spg

· Pablo Torres, F, Sr. — 4.0 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.6 apg, 0.3

· Noah Burbidge, F, Sr. — 8.8 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.8 spg

· Jackson Muramoto, G, Sr. — 5.5 ppg, 0.9 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.2 spg

Coach comment: “We are excited about the group of kids we have. They have been playing together for several years and truly enjoy being around each other, and that’s where it starts. Talented group of young men and they are hungry to win. We will be senior-heavy this year and will receive some help from some of our sophomore and freshmen class. Looking forward to this season and the expectations we have put on ourselves.”

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2. Taylorsville Warriors

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Bernie Graziano (fourth year)

2018-2019 record: 5-15 (5th in Region 3 with a 0-8 record)

2019 postseason: Did not qualify

Returning starters: 4

Returning contributors:

· Eric Giang, G, Jr. — 6.4 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.6 spg

· Cameron Millican, G, Sr. — 15.1 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.4 spg

· John Gavin, F, Soph., 5.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 0.5 apg, 0.7 spg

· James Gavin, F, Soph., 5.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.7 spg

Coach comment: “We have everyone back and are excited about the season. We have several players that can contribute to our team’s success. All things considered, this is one of the best group of players that I have had the opportunity to coach in several years.”

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3. Kearns Cougars

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Dan Cosby (11th year)

2018-2019 record: 19-7 (1st in Region 2 with a 10-2 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Davis, 71-52, in the 6A quarterfinals

Returning starters: 0

Coach comment: “This will be the first in a very long time without any returning starters, and only two who had limited varsity minutes. What we lack in height and experience, we will make up with speed and athleticism. Not having any senior leadership will be something new, but excited to see which young player will step into that leadership role. I have a lot of optimism about this group and it will be a fun year to see how much they learn and grow. The one thing we will continue to do and that has always been typical of Kearns basketball is that we will play hard for each other and will be fun to watch.”

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4. West Jordan Jaguars

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Mason Sawyer (second year)

2018-2019 record: 8-16 (4th in Region 3 with a 2-6 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Kearns, 51-42, in the 6A first round

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

· Gabe Evans, SG, Sr. — 7.0 ppg, 0.8 rpg, 0.5 apg, 0.3 spg

· Elijah Reives, F, Sr. — 1.0 ppg, 0.5 rpg, 0.3 apg

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5. Hunter Wolverines

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Harold Moleni (first year)

2018-2019 record: 4-18 (5th in Region 2 with a 2-10 record)

2019 postseason: Did not qualify

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

· Darius Jackson, G/F, Sr. — 11.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.2 apg, 0.9 spg

· Chase Wagstaff, C, Sr. — 2.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.2 spg

· Daisean Cash, G/F, Sr. — 11.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.0 spg

· Tietjen Mantano, G, Sr. — 1.0 ppg, 0.8 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.2 spg

· Nathan Suaste, C/F, Jr. — 1.0 ppg, 1.0 rpg

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6. Granger Lancers

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Stephen Tidwell (first year)

2018-2019 record: 12-10 (3rd in Region 2 with a 6-6 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Herriman, 77-58, in the 6A first round

Returning starters: 4

Returning contributors:

· Jaydon Semeli, G, Sr. — 9.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.3 spg

· Jeremiah Semeli, G, Sr. — 14.2 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.2 spg

· Vuthy Rin, G, Sr. — 5.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.0 spg

· Kamron Languido, G, Sr. — 6.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.6 spg

Coach comment: “We have a decent amount of experience coming back. As a new coach, I am excited to get going with a team that will play hard and make plays.”

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Region 3

1. Jordan Beetdiggers

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Trace Bevell (seventh year)

2018-2019 record: 19-9 (1st in Region 7 with an 8-2 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Corner Canyon, 62-45, in the 5A championship

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

· Dyson Koehler, F, Sr. — 22.8 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.9 spg

· Nate Maiava, PG, Sr. — 6.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.0 spg

· Tevita Mafileo, C, Jr. — 3.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.8 spg

· Dante Martin, G, Jr. — 2.7 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.5 spg

· Micah Ashman, F, Jr. — 2.9 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 0.3 spg

Coach comment: “We are looking forward to a good season. With the jump up to 6A we will be challenged every game. We have a very difficult nonregion schedule as well and look forward to the challenge. It’s going to be interesting on how the RPI plays out this year.”

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2. Bingham Miners

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Kyle Straatman (first year)

2018-2019 record: 10-13 (5th in Region 4 with a 0-8 record)

2019 postseason: Did not qualify

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

· Tyler West, F, Sr. — 3.9 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.4 apg

· Ethan Langston, G, Sr. — 6.2 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.5 spg

· Jordan Toscano, G, Jr. — 8.9 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.4 spg

Coach comment: “I am very excited for this upcoming season. This will be my first season at Bingham, but I am taking over a great group of kids who are very talented and well-coached. We will be led by a few very unselfish scorers in Langston, West and Toscano. We will also be a very deep team and have extremely skilled young guys who will contribute at the varsity level. We expect to compete for not only a region championship but also a state championship.”

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3. Copper Hills Grizzlies

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: John Watkins (first year)

2018-2019 record: 16-8 (1st in Region 3 with a 7-1 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to American Fork, 63-59, in the 6A quarterfinals

Additional information not provided

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4. Herriman Mustangs

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Lance Gummersall (first year)

2018-2019 record: 16-9 (2nd in Region 3 with a 6-2 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Pleasant Grove, 63-42, in the 6A quarterfinals

Returning starters: 4

Returning contributors:

· Kase Peterson, C, Sr. — 7.2 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.4 spg

· LeGrand Burgess, G, Sr. — 8.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.2 spg

· Brock Terry, G, Sr. — 3.7 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.9 spg

· Bodi Nageli, G, Jr. — 2.4 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 0.5 apg, 0.3 spg

Coach comment: “Following up the 2018-2019 season which saw the Mustangs win the most games in school history (16) and returning a core group of seniors, Herriman is looking to make a serious run at the school’s first region title and contend for a state title. The Mustangs will be led by last year’s heavy contributors LeGrand Burgess and Kase Peterson. Herriman will rely on heavy senior experience and strong play from a couple of underclassmen throughout the season.”

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5. Riverton Silverwolves

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Skyler Wilson (sixth year)

2018-2019 record: 14-11 (3rd in Region 3 with a 5-3 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Fremont, 68-55, in the 6A quarterfinals

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

· Parker Applegate, G, Sr. — 12.0 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.8 spg

Coach comment: “We have only one experienced player returning, so this group will have to learn quickly and adjust to the pace of varsity basketball. But we do have some tools to be successful. Parker Applegate should be among the top 3-point shooters in 6A. Cameron Fischer can dominate in the paint. We are excited to see which other players step up and contribute. This group plays hard and has jelled together nicely in the offseason. It should be a fun year.”

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6. West Panthers

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Dan Del Porto (second year)

2018-2019 record: 2-20 (6th in Region 6 with a 1-9 record)

2019 postseason: Did not qualify

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

· Peter Corroon, PG, Sr. — 7.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.0 spg

· Elijiah Crockett, F, Jr. — 2.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.4 apg, 0.5 spg

· Sefa Skipps, G, Sr. — 5.9 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.7 spg

Coach comment: “We have now had a full offseason with the same coach for the first time in quite a while. I believe that will make a difference this season. We have a terrific group of kids with high expectations. 6A and our new league will bring a new set of challenges with both travel and competition.”

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Region 4

1. Skyridge Falcons

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Jeff Gardner (fourth year)

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

2019 postseason: Lost to East, 60-53, in the 5A quarterfinals

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

· Trevon Snoddy, F, Sr. — 20.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.2 spg

· Duncan Reid, G, Jr. — 15.4 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.5 apg, 0.6 spg

· Braden Housley, G, Sr. — 5.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.4 apg, 2.2 spg

Coach comment: “We are excited to begin the 2019-20 season. We return three main contributors from last year’s region championship team and have other newcomers that are ready to step up and give us good minutes. We are a long and athletic team that takes pride in playing great defense. We have been a top defensive team the last two years and expect a similar result this year. We have a great schedule and look forward to competing in 6A.”

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2. Lone Peak Knights

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Robert Ross (second year)

2018-2019 record: 12-11 (4th in Region 4 with a 2-6 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Fremont, 64-53, in the 6A first round

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

· Cameron Brimhall, F, Jr. — 6.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.2 spg

· Corbin Zentner, G, Sr. — 8.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.3 spg

· Josh Jackson, F, Sr. — 8.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.4 spg

Coach comment: “We are excited about our 2019-2020 group. They really share the ball well and play as a cohesive unit. We are looking forward to what they can accomplish this season.”

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3. Pleasant Grove Vikings

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Randy McAllister (18th year)

2018-2019 record: 24-3 (1st in Region 4 with an 8-0 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to American Fork, 66-57, in the 6A championship

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

· Kael Mikkelsen, G, Sr. — 8.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.4 spg

· Preston Bushman, F, Jr.

· Isaac Vaha, F, Jr.

· Andrew Williams, G, Sr.

· Dylan Jones, G, Soph.

· Jamari Egbert, G, Sr.

Coach comment: “We are excited about this year’s team. With only one player returning with any meaningful varsity experience, it will be a work in progress for us all season. We’ll have a nice mix of seniors and underclassmen that we hope will develop and grow through a competitive preseason schedule and be ready for a very challenging Region 4 schedule.”

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4. Corner Canyon Chargers

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Dan Lunt (fourth year)

2018-2019 record: 18-9 (Tied for 2nd in Region 7 with a 6-4 record)

2019 postseason: Beat Jordan, 62-45, in the 5A championship

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

· Trace Ross, G, Jr. — 10.7 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.5 apg, 0.3 spg

· Phil Harris, G, Jr. — 2.2 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 1.6 apg, 0.9 spg

· Carter Welling, F, Jr.

· Josh Chandler, F, Jr.

· Tate Staley, G, Soph.

Coach comment: “Very excited about this team and the challenge we have in front of us. We are looking forward to competing in Region 4. We should be a very good defensive team, with great length. We will have good size and good shooters, should be a very good year.”

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5. American Fork Cavemen

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Ryan Cuff (second year)

2018-2019 record: 24-3 (2nd in Region 4 with a 6-2 record)

2019 postseason: Beat Pleasant Grove, 66-57, in the 6A championship

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

· Noah Moeaki, G, Soph., 5.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.0 spg

· Ike Rutter, G, Sr.

· Evan Young, G, Soph.

· Rome Simonsen, G, Jr.

Coach comment: “We have a group of young men that work hard and play defense. We are excited about the challenges and opportunities in front of us.”

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6. Westlake Thunder

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Nate Carling (sixth year)

2018-2019 record: 16-7 (3rd in Region 4 with a 4-4 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Davis, 62-61, in the 6A first round

Returning starters: 0

Returning contributors:

· Kobe Shaw, G, Sr.

· Parker Nelson, G, Sr.

· Hunter Phillips, C, Jr.

· Noah McCord, F, Jr.

Coach comment: “This season’s Westlake team is young and inexperienced, but they are anxious to prove that they can compete against a challenging preseason and region schedule. To be successful, they must learn to trust each other and compete relentlessly on both ends of the floor.”

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