High school boys basketball: 2020 Class 3A team-by-team preseason capsules

Manti’s Grady Thompson (4) attempts to score against Judge Memorial during the 3A boys basketball semifinals at the Lifetime Activities Center in Taylorsville on Friday, Feb. 21, 2020. | Ivy Ceballo, Deseret News

Richfield, Grantsville and Manti open the season as the boys basketball preseason favorites in their respective 3A regions

After a multiweek delay because of COVID-19, the 2020-2021 high school boys basketball season gets underway this week for teams teams in 6A through 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 four new head basketball coaches in 3A this year: Jeff Cisneros (Emery), Nate Austin (Grantsville), Sanjin Kolovrat (Judge Memorial) and Joe Moynier (Union).

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

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Region 12

1. Richfield Wildcats

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Rand Janes (15th year).

2019-2020 record: 19-5 (tied for first in Region 12 with a 9-1 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Manti, 60-54, in the 3A championship.

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

• Will Robinson, Sr., G, 6.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.1 apg, 0.9 spg
• Max Robinson, Sr., G, 4.5 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.3 spg
• Kasey Giddings, Sr., F, 1.4 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.2 spg
• Dallin Stewart, Sr., G, 1.8 ppg, 0.5 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.3 spg
• Gavin Brown, Sr., G

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2. Carbon Dinos

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Jared Butler (second year).

2019-2020 record: 7-15 (fifth in Region 12 with a 2-8 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Judge Memorial, 62-36, in the 3A second round .

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

• Merrick Morgan, Sr., G, 4.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.4 apg, 0.7 spg
• Keenan Hatch, Sr., C, 6.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.4 spg
• Noah Bradford, Sr., G, 4.2 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.5 spg
• Preston Condie, Sr., F, 6.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.7 spg

Coach comment: “We are excited and hope to be competitive.”

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3. San Juan Broncos

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Travis Black (third year).

2019-2020 record: 16-8 (third in Region 12 with a 6-4 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Judge Memorial, 66-63, in the 3A quarterfinals.

Returning starters: 0

Returning contributors:

• Nate Grover, Sr., C, 6.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.4 spg

Coach comment: “Making it to state last year was a big goal for San Juan, this year we’re shooting even higher.”

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4. Emery Spartans

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Jeff Cisneros (first year).

2019-2020 record: 21-4 (tied for first in Region 12 with a 9-1 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Richfield, 58-41, in the 3A semifinals.

Returning starters: 0

Returning contributors:

• Riggs Griffin, Sr., G, 3.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.8 spg
• Trevan Brazier, Sr., G
• Jaxon Madsen, Sr., G
• Beau Cook, Sr., F
• Brett Rasmussen, Soph., C

Coach comment: “I’m very excited to be involved with a program with the tradition that Emery has. Dating back to my playing days at Emery there is one thing that has never changed, the work ethic and hard-nosed attitude. These kids have worked extremely hard in the offseason and are ready to prove themselves. We don’t return any starters from a year ago, but we do return an entire team that is hungry to make their mark. Change is always hard and once we learn a new system I think the results will be exciting.”

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5. South Sevier Rams

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Carson Christensen (second year).

2019-2020 record: 11-14 (fourth in Region 12 with a 4-6 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Emery, 65-51, in the 3A quarterfinals .

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

• Karson Hunt, Sr., F
• Manuel Miramontes, Sr., G
• Landen Payne, Sr., F
• Ridge Tebbs, So., G

Coach comment: “This year we have a solid group of seniors that are ready to work. They will be playing with a good group of sophomores. As a team, we lack varsity experience and will need to learn and grow on the fly. The boys have been working hard in the offseason and are looking to pick up wins and compete with every team we play.”

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6. Grand Red Devils

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Scott Horton (seventh year).

2019-2020 record: 9-15 (sixth in Region 12 with a 0-10 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Emery, 69-42, in the 3A second round.

Additional info not provided.

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Region 13

1. Grantsville Cowboys

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Nate Austin (first year).

2019-2020 record: 15-10 (second in Region 13 with a 7-3 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Manti, 67-54, in the 3A quarterfinals.

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

• Davin Ekins, Sr., F/C, 11.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.2 spg
• Tuhker Mulford, Sr., G, 8.7 ppg, 0.6 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.5 spg
• Carter Killian, Jr., G, 7.0 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.4 spg
• Tate Allred, Jr., G, 2.6 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 1.4 apg, 0.8 spg

Coach comment: “We have a great staff and great players. This group has a lot of potential. I’m eager to see guys work hard, develop and buy in to what we’re doing as a team. Our job is to get better every day, believe in who we are as players and as team and to give absolute best effort. There will be challenges this year, like any year, but our job is to control what we can. If we can do those things, I think this group has the potential to do good things.”

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2. Morgan Trojans

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Brad Matthews (seventh year).

2019-2020 record: 13-11 (third in Region 13 with a 6-4 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Richfield, 41-36, in the 3A quarterfinals.

Returning starters: 1

Returning sontributors:

• Sam Hansen, Sr., G
• Nixon Ordyna, Jr. G
• Branson Saunders, Sr., G

Coach comment: “We are going to be to be young and lacking in experience this year but the kids are excited and ready to prove they have what it takes to compete. We will rely heavily on Sam as a two-year starter.”

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3. Judge Memorial Bulldogs

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Sanjin Kolovrat (first year).

2019-2020 record: 19-8 (first in Region 13 with a 9-1 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Manti, 65-55, in the 3A semifinals.

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

• Dom Burns, Sr., G, 10.8 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.0 spg
• Jace Holmes, Sr., G/F, 4.1 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.2 spg
• Josh Icasiano, Sr., G, 4.5 ppg, 0.9 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.7 spg
• Nico Smith, Sr., G
• Henry Frech, Sr., G/F

Coach comment: “I want to sincerely thank the Judge administration for their faith in me and this opportunity to lead our Judge Bulldogs in another exciting, albeit different, hoops season. I am so impressed with the group that we’ll have this year, especially our fantastic senior class. I look forward to our teams playing fast and scoring a lot of points, led by senior guard Dom Burns who should garner plenty of next level looks from college coaches. More than anything, I have been impressed with the level of work ethic that our guys have displayed, and I look forward to helping continue building a powerhouse program for Judge Memorial.”

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4. Summit Academy Bears

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Jeff Baird (third year).

2019-2020 record: 11-12 (fifth in Region 13 with a 3-7 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to San Juan, 67-54, in the 3A second round.

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

• Zack Englebright, Sr., G, 17.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.6 spg
• Ridge Hymas, Sr., W, 2.0 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.2 spg
• Owen Anderson, Sr., W/P, 2.0 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 0.2 apg
• Cody Knight, Sr., P, 7.0 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.4 spg
• Jackson Ross, Soph., W, 2.4 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.2 spg
• Caden Bird, Sr., G

Coach comment: “We are very excited about this year’s team and the direction of our program as a whole. We have a great group of guys who have really come together. The boys have put in a ton of work and we are excited to see how it all pays off this year.”

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5. South Summit Wildcats

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Levi Thompson (second year).

2019-2020 record: 10-14 (fourth in Region 13 with a 5-5 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Richfield, 62-57, in the 3A second round.

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

• Dawson Broadbent, Sr., C
• Payton Sanderson, Sr., SG
• Brigham Skinner, Sr., G
• Kevin Timothy, Sr., F
• Taylor Limb, Sr., G

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6. Providence Hall Patriots

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Jack Ballard (second year).

2019-2020 record: 1-21 (sixth in Region 13 with a 0-10 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Grand, 61-58, in the 3A first round.

Returning starters: 4

Returning contributors:

• Griffin Henrie, 9.4 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.4 spg
• Dusty Mortensen, 12.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.0 spg
• Aaron Thueson, 11.6 ppg, 7.0 rpgt, 0.7 apg, 1.0 spg

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Region 14

1. Manti Templars

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Devin Shakespeare (seventh year).

2019-2020 record: 25-1 (first in Region 14 with a 12-0 record).

2020 postseason: Beat Richfield, 60-54, in the 3A championship.

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

• Grady Thompson, Sr., G
• Trace Boggess, Sr., G
• Tanner Justesen, Sr., G
• Austin Cox, Sr., G
• Tate Quarnberg, Sr., SF

Coach comment: “After graduating six seniors from last year’s team our underclassman are excited for the opportunity to prove themselves. They have worked hard for the opportunity to play and play at a high level. All the student-athletes are excited to be out playing basketball and it is important for them. We look forward to getting back on the floor to play.”

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2. Juab Wasps

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Kamron Wright (fourth year).

2019-2020 record: 10-12 (fourth in Region 14 with a 7-5 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Morgan, 61-45, in the 3A second round.

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

• Ty Allred, Sr., F, 7.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.6 spg
• Brendan Allred Sr., G, 5.8 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.5 spg
• Jake Bailey, Sr., G, 4.8 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.4 apg, 0.5 spg
• Dawson Olsen, Sr., F, 2.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.5 spg
• Louk Stevens, Sr., G, 1.2 ppg, 0.5 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.4 spg

Coach comment: “This team has a strong group of seniors who are ready to play. With the lack of camps and games this summer, these guys have worked hard and are very excited to compete in the upcoming season. 3A, as always, has a lot of talent and we are excited to see where we stand in our region and the classification.”

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3. North Sanpete Hawks

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Chris Hoopes (10th year).

2019-2020 record: 8-15 (fifth in Region 14 with a 4-8 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Manti, 60-44, in the 3A second round.

Returning starters: 4

Returning contributors:

• Landon Bowles, Jr., F, 6.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.2 apg, 0.8 spg
• Brady Jacobson, Sr., G, 6.2 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.5 spg
• Dallon Steadman, Sr., F, 9.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.9 spg
• Trevin Morley, Sr., G, 6.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.2 apg, 0.6 spg
• Landon Milne, Sr., F, 3.7 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.4 spg

Coach comment: “We are excited for the upcoming season. We expect to have a very competitive region with some really good teams with a lot of returning strong players. As a team have been working hard to improve this offseason and with several returning contributors with size and good ability, we hope to be able to prove ourselves as a competitive strong team.”

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4. American Leadership Eagles

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: David Reichner (thirrd year).

2019-2020 record: 13-9 (second in Region 14 with a 9-3 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Grantsville, 66-45, in the 3A second round.

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

• Colton Davis, Sr., SG/F/C, 3.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.7 spg
• Bryant Farr, Sr., PF, 1.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 0.3 spg
• Andrew Rentshler, Sr., G, 1.1 ppg, 0.5 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.5 spg

Coach comment: “Last year American Leadership Academy had the first winning season, most wins in school history and region runner-up to state champion Manti. This made big news in Utah County as ALA will has a dozen kids transfer in, even seven kids from Timpview High School. With the No. 1 shot blocker (Colton Davis, 6-foot-8) in the state as the only returning starter to protect the paint, with a plethora of talented scorers around him who are feisty defenders, ALA looks to be better than last year and compete for their first ever region and state championships. The boys will wear the ALA jersey much differently after last year’s seniors established a new aggressive defensive culture.

ALA will have tough competition and must build chemistry ASAP. The most difficult thing to do as a former professional head coach is to get very talented players to play together as a team and be selfless. When all these talented boys play together and utilize their 14-deep bench they can compete with anyone. ALA may have the most talent on a varsity bench, but defense wins championships and ALA must duplicate last year’s defensive presence to reach its championship goals.”

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5. Delta Rabbits

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Kurtis Topham (fifth year).

2019-2020 record: 12-9 (third in Region 14 with an 8-4 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to South Sevier, 48-45, in the 3A second round.

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

• Austin Topham, Sr., F
• Britt Smith, Sr., G
• Jake Henrie, Sr., G
• Oran Finlinson, Sr., F

Coach comment: “After losing the leading scorer in 3A, we will need to find those points from where. We have a good core of seniors, led by Austin Topham, Jake Henrie, Britt Smith and Oran Finlinson who all have a ton of varsity experience. But we will need our underclassmen to step up and give us really good minutes. We think we can compete and hope to pull off some upsets along the way.”

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6. Union Cougars

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Joe Moynier (first year).

2019-2020 record: 2-19 (sixth in Region 14 with a 2-10 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to South Summit, 70-48, in the 3A first round.

Returning starters: 0

Returning contributors:

• Joey Sampson, Sr., C, 1.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 0.2 spg

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7. Maeser Prep Lions

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Mas Watabe (11th year).

2019-2020 record: 5-18 (seventh in Region 14 with a 0-12 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to North Sanpete, 56-50, in the 3A first round.

Returning starters: 0

Returning contributors:

• Adam Cho, Sr, SG
• Aaron Cho, Sr., PG

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