High school boys basketball: 2020 Class 4A team-by-team preseason capsules

Dixie beats Juan Diego during a 4A boys semifinal basketball game at Dee Events Center in Ogden on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. | Ivy Ceballo, Deseret News

Dixie, Juan Diego and Sky View open the season as the boys basketball preseason favorites in their respective 4A 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 4A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.

The region rankings are based on coaches preseason projections.

There is only one new head coach in 4A this year: Chris Allred (Desert Hills)

Here are the 4A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.

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Region 9

1. Dixie Flyers

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Tyler Roberts (third year).

2019-2020 record: 23-3 (first in Region 9 with a 13-1 record).

2020 postseason: Beat Sky View, 62-59, in the 4A championship.

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

• Isaac Finlinson, Sr., G, 16.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, 0.9 spg
• Ethan Bennett, Sr., G, 7.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.3 apg, 0.9 spg
• Jeff Cox, Sr., F, 2.8 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 0.5 apg, 0.2 spg
• Carson Forsey, Sr., PG, 2.9 ppg, 0.9 rpg, 1.7 apg, 0.5 spg
• Alessio DeHart, Sr., C

Coach comment: “I’m very excited about this year’s team. We have the most experience we have ever had returning. If they continue to play together and work hard to be the best defensive team in the state, they will be a fun team to watch this season.”

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2. Cedar City Reds

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Mark Esplin (second year).

2019-2020 record: 17-7 (second in Region 9 with a 10-4 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Desert Hills, 74-51, in the 4A quarterfinals.

Returning starters: 4

Returning contributors:

• Dallin Grant, Sr., F, 12.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.9 apg, 0.6 spg
• Treyton Tebbs, Sr., G, 9.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.3 apg, 0.4 spg
• Luke Armstrong, Sr., C, 9.6 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.4 spg
• Zab Santana, Jr., F, 8.1 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.4 apg, 0.9 spg

Coach comment: “We are excited about what we have returning for this year at Cedar. We feel like this is one of the best groups to come through Cedar and we have high expectations for them as a group. We feel like playing in our region we have an opportunity to play some of the best teams on a nightly basis. We hope to improve on the finish that we had to last season, and as everyone we are just excited to let these boys play.”

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3. Desert Hills Thunder

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Chris Allred (first year).

2019-2020 record: 13-13 (Tied for fourth in Region 9 with a 7-7 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Sky View, 65-44, in the 4A semifinals.

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

• Reggie Newby, Sr., F, 8.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.2 spg
• Justin Judkins, Sr., G, 5.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.9 spg
• Peyton Holmes, Sr., G, 13.0 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.0 spg
• Keegan Munson, Sr., C, 7.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.4 spg

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4. Snow Canyon Warriors

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Doug Meacham (third year).

2019-2020 record: 9-16 (seventh in Region 9 with a 4-10 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Dixie, 58-48, in the 4A second round.

Returning starters: 4

Returning contributors:

• Lyman Simmons, Soph., P/F, 13.7 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.5 spg
• Lincoln Polatis, Sr., G, 3.3 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.3 spg
• Walker Morrison, Jr., G, 8.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.4 spg

Coach comment: “We’ve had the mantra of, ‘enjoy each day we get to play,’ because we’ve learned that it’s a privilege to be able to play together, because it can be taken away in a moment. Our guys have been working hard in preparation. We’ve had a productive fall season and played as much as we could, some great leadership has evolved with our seniors and we look forward to being able to play.”

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5. Crimson Cliffs Mustangs

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Kasey Winters (second year).

2019-2020 record: 10-12 (tied for fourth in Region 9 with a 7-7 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Juan Diego, 62-46, in the 4A second round.

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

• Trei Rockhill, Sr., G, 13.3 ppg, 0.3 apg
• Cole Sampson, Sr., F, 6.6 ppg, 0.5 rpg
• Hudson Hawes, Jr., G, 2.5 ppg, 0.2 rpg
• Jordan Eaton, Soph., F, 1.4 ppg, 0.2 rpg
• Brock Felder, Soph., C

Coach comment: “This is going to be a big year for Crimson Cliffs. Year 1 for our program was solid and we made some progress in the right direction. We return a lot of players that played significant minutes last year. We are excited to get going this year and pick up where we left off last year. We are looking to compete at a high level in one of the toughest regions in the state. It should be an exciting year for the Mustangs.”

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6. Pine View Panthers

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Ryan Eves (fifth year).

2019-2020 record: 13-9 (third in Region 9 with a 9-5 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Desert Hills, 57-56, in the 4A second round.

Returning starters: 0

Returning contributors:

• Justin Hall, Sr., PG
• Josh Bice, Sr., F
• Brennan Shaw, Sr.
• Benson Shepherd, Jr.
• Lucca Mamone, Sr., G

Coach comment: “It has been a crazy offseason to say the least. We have some talent coming back from last year and with the toughness of our football guys we hope to be able to have them ready to go every night in Region 9. This might be the most loaded senior class throughout the region that I have seen in a long time. It’s going to be a grind night in and night out. We are excited to get going.”

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7. Hurricane Tigers

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Todd Langston (eighth year).

2019-2020 record: 13-11 (sixth in Region 9 with a 5-9 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Sky View, 60-55, in the 4A quarterfinals.

Additional info not provided.

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8. Canyon View Falcons

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Rob Potter (10th year)

2019-2020 record: 5-19 (eighth in Region 9 with a 1-13 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Logan, 54-49, in the 4A first round.

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

• Cole Farrow, Sr., G/F, 4.0 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.4 spg
• Brenden Greenhalgh, Sr., G/F

Coach comment: “We are excited that we are going to get to have a season at this point and look forward to competing. After finishing last year with my worst season record-wise as a head coach, myself, my coaches and the players are excited to regroup and improve. Region 9 is really good again, we’ll have to be good every night and great some nights to win games. With about 90% of our statistical contributors from last year graduating, I’m excited to see who steps up.”

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Region 10

1. Juan Diego Soaring Eagles

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Drew Trost (eighth year).

2019-2020 record: 18-8 (first in Region 10 with an 11-1 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Dixie, 52-50, in the 4A semifinals.

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

• Talon Valdes, Sr., PG, 19.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.7 apg, 3.2 spg
• Matt Rohden, Sr., F, 8.6 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.7 spg
• Matty Rodriguez, Sr., G, 5.1 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.7 spg
• David Kinneberg, Sr., F, 2.1 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.3 spg
• Jag Gill-Martin, Sr., G
• Maui Roopinia, Sr., G
• Makeui Lueth, Sr., G

Coach comment: “We are excited to welcome back seven seniors who all look to make a significant impact on the floor. We have a great balance of size and experience along with a couple younger players who may be able to help us as well. Talon Valdes is one of Utah’s very best players and we need him to take a strong leadership role this year as well. 2020 has been tough for everyone and we hope our team will be ready to overcome the challenges and obstacles we are sure to face.”

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2. Cedar Valley Aviators

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Blake Pugmire (second year).

2019-2020 record: 12-12 (tied for second in Region 10 with an 8-4 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Ridgeline, 72-42, in the 4A second round.

Returning starters: 0

Returning contributors:

• Lincoln Roberts, Jr., G, 3.1 ppg, 0.2 rpg
• Ryan Gagnier, Sr., F
• Dalan Larson, Jr., F
• Dallin Rupper, Jr., G
• Jackson Rose, Jr., C

Coach comment: “We are excited to get our second season started. We don’t return any of last year’s starters, so we will have to rely on our lone senior and group of juniors and sophomores to lead our program. We will need to gel quickly and stay healthy in order to compete this season, but the future is bright at Cedar Valley.”

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3. Stansbury Stallions

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Joseph White (fifth year).

2019-2020 record: 15-8 (tied for second in Region 10 with an 8-4 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Green Canyon, 59-44, in the 4A second round.

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

• Dave Spaulding, Sr., F, 8.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 0.9 apg, 1.0 spg
• Landon Giles, Jr., G, 4.3 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.4 spg

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4. Tooele Buffaloes

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Jed Thomas (third year).

2019-2020 record: 13-12 (fourth in Region 10 with a 7-5 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Cedar City, 54-47, in the 4A second round.

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

• Justin Rogers, Sr., PF, 17.8 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.5 spg

Coach comment: “Even though we graduated a lot of players last year and we are a little inexperienced, we have had a strong offseason of work and I am very excited to see what this group of warriors will accomplish. We have our sights set high and look forward to every challenge put in front of us!”

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5. Uintah Utes

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Brandon Johnson (fourth year).

2019-2020 record: 4-17 (tied for sixth in Region 10 with a 2-10 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Tooele, 59-33, in the 4A first round.

Additional info not provided.

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6. Ogden Tigers

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Brock Randall (third year).

2019-2020 record: 4-18 (tied for sixth in Region 10 with a 2-10 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Cedar Valley, 70-47, in the 4A first round.

Additional info not provided.

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7. Ben Lomond Scots

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Tanoka Beard (second year).

2019-2020 record: 6-16 (fifth in Region 10 with a 4-8 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Snow Canyon, 78-46, in the 4A first round.

Additional info not provided.

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Region 11

1. Sky View Bobcats

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Kirk Hillyard (10th year).

2019-2020 record: 21-4 (tied for first in Region 11 with a 9-1 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Dixie, 62-59, in the 4A championship.

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

• Taydem Neal, Sr., F
• Caden Penrose, Sr., PG
• Bracken Schumann, C

Coach comment: “Sky View will be returning a very well balanced group of seniors. They have learned how to compete and make each other better. They are coming from a very good football season and are ready to make some noise in basketball.”

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2. Ridgeline Riverhawks

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Kyle Day (second year).

2019-2020 record: 17-7 (tied for 1st in Region 11 with a 9-1 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Juan Diego, 57-52, in the 4A quarterfinals.

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

• Chase Hall, Sr., G, 7.6 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.6 apg, 0.9 spg
• Kaden Cox, Jr., G, 14.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.5 spg
• Peyton Knowles, Jr., F, 8.7 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.0 apg, 0.9 spg
• Spencer Adams, Sr., G, 2.6 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 1.5 apg, 0.5 spg

Coach comment: “We are really excited about the opportunity to play basketball as a team during this unique time. We have some key guys returning that have started to build a culture here at Ridgeline, but we also have some unproven guys that are going to need to step up into new roles in order for us to reach our potential. As usual, 4A is really good at the top and our region will be intense every night. We are really looking forward to competing each night out.”

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3. Green Canyon Wolves

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Dan McClure (fourth year).

2019-2020 record: 13-11 (third in Region 11 with a 5-5 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Dixie, 61-45, in the 4A quarterfinals.

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

• Jake Lundin, Sr., F
• Cade DeBoard, Jr., G
• Brady Smith, Jr., G

Coach comment: “We’re really excited to get going. While we’ve certainly lost some really good players to graduation the last two years, we feel like we will compete night in and night out. I really like our group of returners and plan to put a highly competitive team on the floor.”

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4. Bear River Bears

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Reggie Shaw (second year).

2019-2020 record: 13-10 (fourth in Region 11 with a 4-6 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Hurricane, 81-67, in the 4A second round.

Returning starters: 4

Returning contributors:

• Jace Jacobson, Sr., F, 5.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.2 spg
• Easton Lish, Sr., F, 3.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.5 spg
• Josh Payne, Sr., G, 3.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.4 apg, 0.7 spg
• Kace Jones, Sr., F, 1.6 ppg

Coach comment: “Athleticism and defense are going to be key for us this year. This is a group that will be able to put pressure on teams by playing tough defense and will look to thrive offensively by finding easy baskets in transition.”

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5. Logan Grizzlies

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Logan Brown (11th year).

2019-2020 record: 8-16 (fifth in Region 11 with a 3-7 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Sky View, 76-38, in the 4A second round.

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

• Jadin Penigar, Sr., G, 14.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.7 spg
• Isaac Tuft, Sr., G, 4.5 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 0.9 apg, 0.5 spg
• Ethan Davis, Sr., PG, 6.5 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.2 spg
• Jaylen Sargent, Sr., G, 2.3 ppg, 0.8 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.2 spg
• Oliver Hashimoto, Sr., G, 2.0 ppg, 0.9 rpg, 0.5 apg, 0.4 spg
• Jaelin Hoth, Jr., G

Coach comment: “We are really excited about this season. We return a team that is very connected as a group and have been heavily invested in basketball and getting better. We will have a team that has experience and depth. We are passionate about proving ourselves and look forward to progressing as a team.”

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6. Mountain Crest Mustangs

2020-2021 schedule

Head Coach: Kevin Andersen (third year).

2019-2020 record: 1-21 (sixth in Region 11 with a 0-10 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Desert Hills, 82-59, in the 4A first round.

Additional info not provided.

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