High school boys basketball: 2020 Class 6A team-by-team preseason capsules

Layton’s Ethan Potter (35) keeps the ball away from Davis’ Jax Pearce (22) at Layton High School on Friday, Jan. 17, 2020. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Layton, West Jordan, Bingham and Corner Canyon open the season as the boys basketball preseason favorites in their respective 6A 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 6A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.

The region rankings are based on coaches preseason projections.

There is only one new head basketball coach in 6A this year: Duane Bourdeaux (West).

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

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Region 1

1. Layton Lancers

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Kelby Miller (11th year).

2019-2020 record: 21-3 (second in Region 1 with a 12-2 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Fremont, 72-66, in the 6A semifinals.

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

• Ethan Potter, Sr., F, 22.6 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.8 spg
• Preston Squire, Sr., F, 11.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.0 spg
• Carter Mayfield, Sr., F, 3.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.6 spg

Coach comment: “With everything going on in 2020, this should be an interesting season. We are a very talented team with some great returning players and underclassmen that are new to the varsity level. Ultimately, our success this season will depend on our ability to buy in and sacrifice for each other.”

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2. Davis Darts

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Chad Sims (seventh year).

2019-2020 record: 23-2 (first in Region 1 with a 13-1 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Fremont, 55-52, in the 6A championship.

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

• Rex Sunderland, Jr., G, 7.0 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.6 apg, 0.9 spg
• Chance Trujillo, Sr., F
• Austin Frasure, Sr., G
• Spencer Ferguson, Sr., G
• Ben Haggard, Sr., F

Coach comment: “We will be young — but we have some toughness and talent. With one returning starter with varsity experience we will need to use the preseason to get the momentum and experience necessary for a run at the region. If we play together, we will have a great season.”

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3. Weber Warriors

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Landon Cosby (second year).

2019-2020 record: 13-10 (fourth in Region 1 with a 7-7 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Layton, 78-59, in the 6A second round.

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

• Cannon Devries, Jr., G, 11.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 6.4 apg, 1.3 spg
• Quinn Bennett, Sr., F, 7.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.3 spg
• Hunter Ropelato, Sr., G, 3.0 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.4 spg
• Sam Gibby, Sr., F, 2.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.2 spg
• Spencer Hall, Sr., G, 1.1 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.2 spg

Coach comment: “This being my second year at Weber, the players in our program have a better understanding of our culture and what is expected of them. We will look to build on that this year with a great group of guys. With the work they have put into the weight room and gym we should have a chance to be successful.”

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4. Roy Royals

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Scott Hunt (second year).

2019-2020 record: 6-16 (tied for sixth in Region 1 with a 3-11 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Jordan, 58-45, in the 6A first round.

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

• Kobe Schriver, Sr., SG, 14.0 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.4 apg, 0.5 spg
• Easton Bitton, Sr., F, 7.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.1 spg
• Mason Thueson, Sr., F, 10.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 0.9 apg, 0.9 spg
• Preston Anderson, Sr., F, 1.7 ppg, 1.8 rpg
• Dominic Anguiano, Jr., G

Coach comment: “Roy High has some experienced players returning which could lead to a more successful season. We are cautiously optimistic about being more competitive in a very talented Region 1. A commitment to defending, rebounding and playing unselfish team basketball will help continue to build our culture. We really like our players.”

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5. Syracuse Titans

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Troy Anderson (eighth year).

2019-2020 record: 6-17 (5th in Region 1 with a 4-10 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Weber, 55-51, in the 6A first round.

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

• Connor Saunders, Sr., F, 11.5 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.6 spg
• Brock Williams, Jr., PG, 2.9 ppg, 0.4 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.2 spg
• Caleb Rosander, Sr., F

Coach comment: “We will be young and inexperienced with only one returning starter. Fortunately, we do have several players saw some varsity action last year. We will need to be disciplined offensively, but we believe our focus will need to be on the defensive end of the court.”

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6. Northridge Knights

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Andrew Olson (second year).

2019-2020 record: 4-18 (tied for sixth in Region 1 with a 3-11 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Lone Peak, 80-78, in the 6A first round.

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

• Sam Sivulich, Jr., G, 5.7 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 1.5 apg, 0.6 spg

Coach comment: “We are a very young and inexperienced team, but the guys are extremely connected and have really bought in to our program. We are looking forward to seeing what this season will bring.”

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7. Fremont Silverwolves

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Corey Melaney (12th year)

2019-2020 record: 23-3 (third in Region 1 with an 11-3 record).

2020 postseason: Beat Davis, 55-52, in the 6A championship.

Returning starters: 0

Returning contributors:

• Dakota Argyle
• Christian Blanch
• Drake Parker

Coach comment: “We are excited to get in the gym after not being able to get together this spring or summer. We will be a young team that will try to follow the tremendous example of the seniors that graduated last year. This year’s team had a front row seat to a great team and even better group of young men. We hope that it will translate this year as we will require them to grow up quickly. We still have high expectations for our team. We will compete each possession every night.”

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8. Clearfield Falcons

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Curtis Hulse (16th year).

2019-2020 record: 5-17 (tied for sixth in Region 1 with a 3-11 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Pleasant Grove, 90-72, in the 6A first round.

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

• Dawson Hittle, Sr., G
• Grant Marker, Sr., G
• Brad Maisey, Sr., G

Coach comment: “Going to have a young team this year. Excited to see how our young guys develop. Going to ask a lot of our seniors this year. Have some guys that played good minutes last year for us. They know what it is going to take to be competitive in Region 1.”

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Region 2

1. West Jordan Jaguars

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Mason Sawyer (third year).

2019-2020 record: 17-8 (first in Region 2 with a 10-0 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Fremont, 77-54, in the 6A quarterfinals.

Returning starters: 4

Returning contributors:

• Logan Prince, Jr., G, 12.1 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.0 spg
• Boston Farmer, Jr., G, 4.9 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 3.4 apg, 0.6 spg
• Esafe Taufahema, Jr., G, 6.2 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 0.9 apg, 0.4 spg
• Grady Gilbert, Sr., G, 7.4 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.4 spg

Coach comment: “Go Jags!”

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2. Cyprus Pirates

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Tre Smith (seventh year).

2019-2020 record: 15-9 (tied for 2nd in Region 2 with a 7-3 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Riverton, 70-59, in the 6A first round.

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

• Quentin Meza, Soph., PG, 17.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.5 spg
• MJ Tia, Jr., F, 4.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.0 spg

Coach comment: “We will have a very young team this year and not a lot of kids with varsity experience. That should not stop us from competing on a nightly basis. These kids are skilled and have a love and passion for the game, and love to compete. We are looking forward to the opportunities ahead and taking a huge step forward in the program.”

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3. Taylorsville Warriors

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Bernie Graziano (fifth year).

2019-2020 record: 14-8 (tied for 2nd in Region 2 with a 7-3 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Davis, 76-40, in the 6A second round.

Returning starters:

Returning contributors:

• Eric Giang, Sr., PG, 7.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.4 spg
• John Gavin, Jr., G, 6.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 0.6 apg, 1.2 spg
• James Gavin, Jr., F, 9.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 0.9 apg, 1.3 spg

Coach comment “We have some experience returning and several other players who could really contribute to our team having success this season. What a great group of players that I’m honored to coach. They have an excellent work ethic and believe in each other. We are excited to get the season going and have some fun. Go Warriors!”

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4. Kearns Cougars

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Dan Cosby (12th year).

2019-2020 record: 6-18 (fourth in Region 2 with a 3-7 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to West Jordan, 43-41, in the 6A first round.

Returning starters: 4

Returning contributors:

• Iv’rson Lavizzo, Jr.
• Fuad Mowlid, Sr.
• Jonathan Gasologa, Jr.
• Amare Ames, Jr.
• Pual Wanthi, Jr.

Coach comment: “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. If we can play for one another, we should have a chance to win some games.”

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5. Hunter Wolverines

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Harold Moleni (second year).

2019-2020 record: 7-16 (fifth in Region 2 with a 2-8 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Westlake, 80-51, in the 6A first round.

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

• Josh Harding, Sr., G, 8.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 spg
• Nate Suaste, Sr., F/C, 5.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.4 spg
• Hector Colon, Sr., G, 1.2 ppg, 0.3 rpg, 0.2 spg
• Darius Henderson, Jr., G/F, 2.0 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.2 spg
• Andre Green-Lopez, Sr., G

Coach comment: “We hope to improve on last year with a good group of returning players and some young, exciting players moving up to the varsity team.”

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6. Granger Lancers

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Stephen Tidwell (second year).

2019-2020 record: 5-17 (sixth in Region 2 with a 1-9 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Copper Hills, 67-52, in the 6A first round.

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

• Andrew Fleischel, Sr., G
• Jacob Hall, Sr., G
• Ethan Tidwell, Sr., G

Coach comment: “We lose a lot of seniors, but have a new crop of players excited to show people who they are.”

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Region 3

1. Bingham Miners

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Kyle Straatman (second year).

2019-2020 record: 15-9 (tied for first in Region 3 with an 8-2 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Pleasant Grove, 73-61, in the 6A second round.

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

• Jordan Toscano, Sr., PG, 9.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 5.3 apg, 1.5 spg
• Justis Reiser, Sr., SG, 11.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.0 spg
• Kam Dupaix, Jr., F, 5.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.8 spg
• Devin Carlson, Jr., C, 1.3 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.3 apg

Coach comment: “We are looking forward to being able to play basketball again. We will look to get some guys experience at the beginning of the season as we continue to get in shape. We have a good core of talent that can help lead us to the state tournament where we hope to contend for a state championship.”

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2. Copper Hills Grizzlies

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: John Watkins (second year).

2019-2020 record: 14-10 (tied for first in Region 3 with an 8-2 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Westlake, 61-56, in the 6A second round.

Additional info not provided.

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3. Herriman Mustangs

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Lance Gummersall (second year).

2019-2020 record: 15-10 (fourth in Region 3 with a 5-5 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to West Jordan, 51-48, in the 6A second round.

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

• Bodi Nageli, Sr., G, 11.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.0 spg
• Race Young, Sr., G, 5.2 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.7 spg

Coach comment: “Herriman graduated seven seniors last season. Most of them were heavy contributors to the team’s production. Herriman is hoping to find major contributions from some newcomers to the varsity level as well as see Bodi Nageli and Race Young improve on what they did for the team last season.”

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4. Riverton Silverwolves

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Skyler Wilson (seventh year).

2019-2020 record: 12-13 (fifth in Region 3 with a 2-8 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Fremont, 75-45, in the 6A second round.

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

• Cody Nixon, Sr., G, 11.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.5 spg
• Josh Bollinger, Sr., G, 3.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.0 spg

Coach comment: “We are excited for the upcoming season and the challenge ahead. This team didn’t play a single game in the offseason because of the pandemic, so I know our players will cherish every chance they get to play!”

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5. Jordan Beetdiggers

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Trace Bevell (eighth year).

2019-2020 record: 15-11 (third in Region 3 with a 6-4 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Skyridge, 55-54, in the 6A second round.

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

• Dante Martin, Sr., G, 8.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.3 spg

Coach comment: “It will be a rebuilding year for the Beetdiggers. After four successful years, the Diggers are in rebuilding mode. We return only one starter off of last year’s team so it will be a year for new players to step up and carry on the winning ways in a very difficult region and classification.”

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6. West Panthers

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Duane Bourdeaux (first year).

2019-2020 record: 3-21 (6th in Region 3 with a 1-9 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Herriman, 72-55, in the 6A first round.

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

• Eli Crockett, Sr., F, 10.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.0 spg
• Ian Murphy, Sr., G, 5.8 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.6 spg
• Wynn Van Blarcom, G, 2.0 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.3 spg

Coach comment: “Our team has size, and the goal is to come together as a cohesive group that enjoys each other and strives for victories.”

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Region 4

1. Corner Canyon Chargers

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Dan Lunt (fifth year).

2019-2020 record: 16-9 (tied for second in Region 4 with a 6-4 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Lone Peak, 87-73, in the 6A second round.

Returning starters: 5

Returning contributors:

• Trace Ross, Sr., 18.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.9 apg, 0.8 spg
• Carter Welling, Sr., 12.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.4 apg, 0.8 spg
• Sam Jex, Sr., 0.8 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 0.2 spg
• Peyton Call, Sr., 7.4 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 0.9 apg, 0.2 spg
• Tate Staley, Jr., 4.2 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.4 apg, 0.7 spg
• Max Toombs, Soph., 4.4 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.7 spg
• Phil Harris, Sr., 6.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 4.1 apg, 1.3 spgF

Coach comment: “Our success will be based on our willingness to defend and rebound.”

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2. Westlake Thunder

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Nate Carling (seventh year).

2019-2020 record: 15-10 (tied for fourth in Region 4 with a 4-6 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Davis, 62-49, in the 6A quarterfinals.

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

• Hunter Phillips, Sr., C, 15.2 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 0.5 apg, 0.5 spg
• Noah McCord, Sr., F, 11.0 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.0 apg, 0.8 spg
• Oakley Slade, Sr., F, 3.3 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.3 spg
• Keilan Torkornoo, Sr., C, 4.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.5 spg
• Noah Madsen, Sr., PG, 6.0 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.6 spg
• Willy Jensen, Jr., F, 7.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.5 spg
• Kaleb Furey, Sr., G, 2.6 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.3 spg

Coach comment: “Westlake returns a strong core of players from a team that won 15 games and advanced to the state quarterfinals a year ago. We will rely heavily on our depth and experience as we navigate through an uncertain season and an extremely challenging schedule. Scoring the ball should not be a problem with this group as we have great scoring balance inside and out. In the end, it will be our commitment to playing unselfishly and our ability to rebound and defend that will determine our ultimate success.”

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3. American Fork Cavemen

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Ryan Cuff (third year).

2019-2020 record: 10-14 (sixth in Region 4 with a 2-8 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Taylorsville, 67-52, in the 6A first round.

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

• Evan Young, Jr., PG, 5.0 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.0 spg
• Tobey Schmitt, Sr., PF, 10.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.5 spg
• Noah Moeaki, Jr., SG, 13.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.1 spg

Coach comment: “We really love this team. They work extremely hard on both ends of the floor. We have a lot of work to do but we are very excited to get started. We are in a tough region that will prepare us for state. We will look forward to the competition and the opportunity to get better as a team.”

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4. Pleasant Grove Vikings

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Randy McAllister (19th year).

2019-2020 record: 15-11 (tied for second in Region 4 with a 6-4 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Layton, 73-59, in the 6A quarterfinals.

Returning starters: 3

Returning contributors:

• Isaac Vaha, Sr., F
• Jordan Ross, So., PG
• Daniel Mitton, Sr., F
• Dylan Jones, Jr., G
• McCaden Adams, Jr., G

Coach comment: “More than any other year, our team is very excited to get to play and compete this season. We have a pretty young team with a few key seniors that we will count on to help lead the way. The preseason will be a time to grow and learn about our team with whatever games we are able to play. We look forward to region play with Region 4 being as competitive as I’ve ever seen it.”

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5. Skyridge Falcons

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Jeff Gardner (fifth year).

2019-2020 record: 18-7 (first in Region 4 with an 8-2 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Lone Peak, 74-73, in the 6A quarterfinals.

Returning starters: 1

Returning contributors:

• Duncan Reid, Sr., G
• Nick Holland, Jr., G
• Dallin Yates, Sr., C
• Parker Christensen, Sr., G
• Colby Carter, Jr., F

Coach comment: “We are excited for another year of Skyridge basketball. We have a good core of returning players that are excited to pursue a third consecutive region championship and our first state championship. To compete with the top teams in the state we are going to have to play great defense, efficient offense and be physical on the glass. We have great senior leadership and are excited to be able to play and compete in these unique times.”

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6. Lone Peak Knights

2020-2021 Schedule

Head coach: Robert Ross (third year).

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

2020 postseason: Lost to Davis, 63-61, in the 6A semifinals.

Returning starters: 2

Returning contributors:

• Cameron Brimhall, Sr., F, 11.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.4 spg
• Aaron Edwards, Sr., G, 2.9 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.4 spg

Coach comment: “We look forward to another great season. We believe we have players who are willing to play hard and compete in each game.”

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