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

Matt Herp, For the Deseret News

The 2019-2020 high school girls 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 seven new head basketball coaches in 2A this year: Dan Baldwin (Draper APA), Taylor Smith (Freedom Prep), Alysse Brabson (Merit Academy), Tammy Peck (RSL Academy), Megan Tidwell (Utah Military Camp Williams), Travis Madsen (Wasatch Academy), Jeremy Jones (Layton Christian) and Klint Glover (Kanab).

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

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Region 15

1. Wasatch Academy Tigers

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Travis Madsen (first year)

2018-2019 record: 17-3 (1st in Region 17 with a 12-0 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Kanab, 64-44, in 2A quarterfinals

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

• Nataly Dunka, G, Jr., 18.0 ppg
• Maria Raimundo, G, Sr., 8.3 ppg
• Olivia Jessee, F, Jr., 3.4 ppg
• Albe Ward, G, Sr., 0.2 ppg

Coach comment: “The outlook for this season is very positive. The returning players have worked very hard during the off-season to improve their personal skills. They have already set a team culture of hard work, respect, and unity. This is an amazing group of young women that are capable of accomplishing greatness, both on and off the court.”

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2. American Heritage Patriots

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Paora Winitana

2018-2019 record: first year

Additional information not provided

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3. Merit Academy Knights

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Alysse Brabson (first year)

2018-2019 record: 4-15 (6th in Region 17 with a 2-10 record)

2019 postseason: Did not qualify

Additional information not provided

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4. Draper APA Eagles

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Dan Baldwin (first year)

2018-2019 record: 16-7 (3rd in Region 17 with a 9-3 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Altamont, 53-36, in the 2A first round

Returning starters: 5

Returning contributors:

• Bailey Bergquist, G, So. — 9.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.2 apg, 3.7 spg
• Riley Bluth, G, So. — 14.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.2 apg, 3.3 spg
• Kassie Tui, F, So. — 7.0 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.4 spg

Coach comment: “With our full roster from last year returning, we are excited to build upon the success our program had in our 2018-19 season.”

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5. Real Salt Lake Academy Griffins

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Tammy Peck (first year)

2018-2019 record: first season at varsity level

Returning starters: 4

Returning contributors:

• Riley Massey, G, So.
• Leah Heugly, G, So.
• Sydney Peck, G, So.
• Cora Anderson, F, So.
• Aspen Bullock, C, Jr.

Coach comment: “After taking second place in the USSA Charter League, we decided to make the move up to 2A in UHSAA this year. Not sure what we are in for and if we can compete, but we will give it our best shot. Working around competitive club soccer schedules for 95 percent of the team is going to be a bit tricky, but I have faith in these girls and if anything else it will be fun for them to give basketball a try. I am a true believer in multi-sport athletes. Excited to see what 2A in UHSAA is all.”

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6. Freedom Prep Academy Eagles

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Taylor Smith (first year)

2018-2019 record: first season

Additional information not provided

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7. Utah Military Camp Williams

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Megan Tidwell

2018-2019 record: First season

Additional information not provided

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Region 16

1. North Summit Braves

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Jerre Holmes (fifth year)

2018-2019 record: 24-2 (1st in Region 16 with a 10-0 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Kanab, 58-49, in the 2A semifinals

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

Kennedy McQueen, G, Sr. — 21.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 4.9 apg, 4.0 spg

Gracie Watterson, F, Sr. — 10.2 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.2 spg

Hadley Richins, G, Jr., — 6.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 4.7 apg, 3.0 spg

Alyssa Richins, F, Sr. — 7.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.4 apg, 2.1 spg

Coach comment: “We are excited to have a lot of experience back from last year. We will have five seniors and a good group of underclassmen to challenge each other in practice every day.”

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2. North Sevier Wolves

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Lexa Larsen (28th year)

2018-2019 record: 3-19 (6th in Region 6 with a 3-9 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Wasatch Academy, 42-41, in the 2A first round

Returning starters: 4

Returning contributors:

• Kamree Brunson, G, Sr. — 8.6 ppg
• Brinley Mason, F, Sr. — 7.3 ppg
• Brook Roper, G, Sr. — 5.9 ppg
• Macady Goble, G, Sr. — 4.6 ppg

Coach comment: “We are starting the season with several players out due to injuries in the fall. But we have a great group of returners who love basketball and are eager to compete. We are in a new region with a new playoff system, so there will be new challenges to face. We have narrowly missed the state tournament the last two years, so we plan to change that. What we lack in size we will have to make up in speed and heart and toughness. All I know for sure is that we are going to have a lot of FUN!!”

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3. Duchesne Eagles

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Blair Madsen (second year)

2018-2019 record: 15-9 (2nd in Region 16 with a 4-6 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Enterprise, 53-34, in the 2A quarterfinals

Returning starters: 0

Returning contributors:

• Taylee Giles, G, Sr.
• Oakley Butler, G, Jr.
• Brooke Spencer, F, Jr.
• Bailey Clayburn, G, So.
• Ariyana Hopkins, G, Jr.

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4. Gunnison Valley Bulldogs

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Melissa Sorensen (eighth year)

2018-2019 record: 10-12 (5th in Region 18 with a 3-9 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Duchesne, 39-34, in the 2A first round

Returning starters: 0

Returning contributors:

• Kaylee Dyreng, G, Sr. — 3.5 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.8 apg, 1.1 spg
• Berkley Peterson, F, Sr. — 1.5 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 0.5 apg, 0.5 spg
• Kennedi Knudsen, F, So. — 1.2 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.3 spg

Coach comment: “Although we do not have a ton of varsity experience, I expect our team to be extremely competitive. Our group of seniors have played a lot of basketball together and have been very successful at each level they’ve played. We also have a great group of underclassman that will contribute.”

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5. Monticello Buckaroos

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Kraig Black (fourth year)

2018-2019 record: 9-15 (4th in Region 19 with a 5-5 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Wendover, 43-30, in the 1A first round

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

• Brooklyn Holt, F, Sr. — 6.0 ppg
• Megan Black, F, Sr. — 3.8 ppg

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6. Altamont Longhorns

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Joseph Moynier (second year)

2018-2019 record: 11-11 (4th in Region 16 with a 4-6 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Beaver, 52-23, in the 2A quarterfinals

Returning starters: 4

Returning contributors:

• Gracey Gardner, F, Sr. — 6.3 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 0.3 apg, 1.6 spg
• Alyssa Abbott, F, Sr. — 4.0 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 0.1 spg
• Cassidy Rasmussen, F, Sr. — 4.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 0.9 apg, 1.2 spg
• Aspen Mitchell, G, Sr. — 1.5 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.4 spg
• Madison Zeeman, G, Jr. — 9.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 0.6 apg, 1.8 spg

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Region 17

1. Rowland Hall Winged Lions

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Bill Tatomer (13th year)

2018-2019 record: 16-6 (2nd in Region 17 with a 9-3 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Enterprise, 63-19, in the 2A first round

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

• Sophie Stinnet, F, Sr. — 10.2 ppg
• Micha Nenbee, F, So. — 2.5 ppg
• Anna Jiricko, G, Jr. — 1.4 ppg

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2. Layton Christian Eagles

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Jeremy Jones (first year)

2018-2019 record: 7-15 (3rd in Region 16 with a 5-5 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to MIllard, 59-28, in the 2A first round

Returning starters: 0

Coach comment: “First year we want to establish our defensive style and work ethic.”

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3. Waterford Ravens

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Craig Morris

2018-2019 record: 9-11 (4th in Region 17 with a 6-6 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Kanab, 82-22, in the 2A first round

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

• Jaimeson Meyer, G, Jr. — 15.5 ppg, 7.9 ppg, 1.0 apg, 4.6 spg
• Hanna Bruce, G, Sr. — 5.8 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.3 spg
• Annabelle Reed, F, Sr. — 3.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 0.4 apg, 1.4 spg
• Sarah Child, G, Jr. — 2.2 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.9 spg

Coach comment: “We are excited to see what the year will bring. We have a small but enthusiastic group that will look to improve on the steady progress we have made over the last two years. If we can stay healthy with our small numbers we should get better and better as the season progresses.”

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4. St. Joseph Jayhawks

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Kelsey Henry (second year)

2018-2019 record: 10-12 (5th in Region 16 with a 3-7 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Beaver, 76-33, in the 2A first round

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

• Katie Sugiyama, Post, Sr. — 1.6 ppg

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5. Rockwell Marshals

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Troy Gifford

2018-2019 record: 12-13 (5th in Region 17 with a 4-8 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to North Summit, 87-20, in the 2A first round

Additional information not provided

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6. APA West Valley Eagles

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Kendal Hess

2018-2019 record: 6-19 (7th in Region 17 with a 1-12 record)

2019 postseason: Did not qualify

Additional information not provided

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7. Utah Military Hillfield Thunderbirds

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: David Winkworth (second year)

2018-2019 record: 5-16 (6th in Region 16 with a 0-10 record)

2019 postseason: did not qualify

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

• Adison Felix, G, Sr. — 3.1 ppg
• Alexis Ryan, G, Sr.
• Autumn McBride, F, Sr.

Coach comment: “We as a team are excited about the upcoming season where we expect to have more highs than lows this year with a great team we will have each and every night on the court. We will be ready for all the challenges we will see along the way and it’s going to be a great season!”

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Region 18

1. Millard Eagles

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Melanie Bassett (third year)

2018-2019 record: 16-8 (4th in Region 18 with a 7-5 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to North Summit, 64-53, in the 2A quarterfinals

Returning starters: 4

Returning contributors:

• Kobree Penney, G, Sr. — 9.9 ppg,9.2 rpg, 1.7 apg, 2.6 spg
• Rylee Miller, G/F, Sr. — 8.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.6 apg, 2.2 spg
• Eliza Swallow, F, Jr. — 3.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg

Coach comment: “Excited for what this season will have in store.”

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2. Beaver Beavers

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Jonathan Marshall (24th year)

2018-2019 record: 21-3 (1st in Region 18 with a 11-1 record)

2019 postseason: Beat Kanab, 54-52, in the 2A championship

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

• Brooklyn Crum, G, Sr. — 3.0 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.8 spg

Coach comment: “We lost six very good seniors from last year’s team. We only return one player, Brooklyn Crum, that played any significant varsity minutes. We are extremely young and have a lot of work ahead of us. Our success will depend our ability to defend and how we are able to mature and improve through the season. Hopefully we can get better as the season progresses and by the end of the season we will be able to challenge the top teams in our classification.”

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3. Kanab Cowboys

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Klint Glover (first year)

2018-2019 record: 21-4 (2nd in Region 18 with a 10-2 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Beaver, 54-52, in the 2A championship

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

• Brinley Cornell, F, Sr., 14.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.3 apg, 2.2 spg

Coach comment: “We are returning some strong senior leadership despite losing a great class to graduation. We may not have the number of seniors we had last year but we definitely have some girls that have learned what it takes to win. With support from some talented underclassmen, we could be ready to make a run by the end of the season. Don’t count us out.”

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4. Enterprise Wolves

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Lance Jones (7th year)

2018-2019 record: 15-11 (3rd in Region 18 with a 8-4 record)

2019 postseason: Lost to Beaver, 62-44, in the 2A semifinals

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

• Sofie Shurtliff, F, Jr. — 8.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 0.9 apg, 1.5 spg
• Averie Staheli, G, Sr. — 4.4 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 0.6 apg, 1.2 spg
• Noah Moyle, F, So. — 1.5 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.1 apg, 0.4 spg

Coach comment: “As a coaching staff we are very excited for this season. We have a great group of girls who are willing to work hard and are ready to push for a state title. These girls have spent a lot of time preparing this year. We will be a young team with only one Sr, but we have six girls with varsity experience. We have a good core group of girls that are willing to do whatever it takes.”

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5. Parowan Rams

2019-2020 schedule

Head coach: Casey Sundquist (3rd year)

2018-2019 record: 0-21 (7th in Region 18 with a 0-12 record)

2019 postseason: did not qualify

Returning contributors:

• Brooklyn Pace, G, Jr. — 5.3 ppg
• Madison Mathews, G, Jr. — 2.8 ppg
• Danika Jones, F, Jr. — 7.8 ppg
• Karlee Wood, G, So. — 2.0 ppg
• Kinlee Rowley, F, So.

Coach comment: “I am really excited to see what our team does this year. we have a lot of young girls coming back that have a lot of varsity experience. It should be a very exciting year for us.”

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