High school girls basketball: 2020 Class 2A team-by-team preseason capsules

Millard returns just one starter as it looks to defense its 2A girls basketball state championship. | David Anderson

Wasatch Academy, North Summit, Layton Christian and Enterprise open the season as the girls basketball preseason favorites in their respective 2A regions

After a multiweek delay because of COVID-19, the 2020-2021 high school girls 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 2A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.

The region rankings are based on coaches preseason projections.

There are six new head basketball coaches in 2A this year: Derek Maxfield (American Heritage), Nicole Quraishy (Freedom Prep), Courtney Garcia (Merit Academy), Ben Sorensen (Altamont), Marcia Shumway (Monticello) and Mary Saylor (Parowan).

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

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Region 15

1. Wasatch Academy Tigers

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Travis Madsen (second year).

2019-2020 record: 19-5 (first in Region 15 with a 12-0 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Millard, 50-34, in the 2A semifinals.

Returning starters: 2.

Returning contributors:

• Nately Dunka, G, Sr., 16.8 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.6 spg.
• Olivia Jessee, F, Sr., 8.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.6 spg.
• Mattea Wade, G, Sr., 1.7 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.2 spg.

Coach comment: “We are very happy for the opportunity to even play basketball this year. Thank you UHSAA and the state of Utah!”

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2. Draper APA Eagles

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Dan Baldwin (third year).

2019-2020 record: 17-7 (second in Region 15 with a 10-2 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Wasatch Academy, 52-28, in the 2A quarterfinals.

Returning starters: 1.

Returning contributors:

• Riley Bluth, Jr., G.

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3. American Heritage Patriots

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Derek Maxfield (first year).

2019-2020 record: 7-10 (third in Region 15 with a 5-4 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to North Summit, 81-41, in the 2A second round.

Additional info not provided.

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4. Freedom Prep Eagles

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Nicolee Quraishy (first year).

2019-2020 record: 7-12 (fourth in Region 15 with a 5-6 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to American Heritage, 60-39, in the 2A first round.

Returning starters: 5.

Returning contributors:

• Emilia Chan, 4.9 ppg.
• Tameryn Koford., 2.6 ppg.
• Emily Perez, 2.3 ppg.
• Sadie Stilwel.
• Janelle Dadson.

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5. RSL Academy Griffins

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Tammy Peck.

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

2020 postseason: Lost to Gunnison, 72-27, in the 1A first round.

Additional info not provided.

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6. Merit Academy Knights

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Courtney Garcia (first year).

2019-2020 record: 6-12 (sixth in Region 15 with a 2-8 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Duchesne, 52-15, in the 2A first round.

Returning contributors:

• Emma Fisher, G, Sr.
• Brooke Dayley, G, Sr.
• Carmella Bedore, G, Soph.
• Angel Tanner, F, Soph.

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7. Utah Military Camp Williams Marauders

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Megan Tidwell.

2019-2020 record: 0-21 (seventh in Region 15 with a 0-13 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Enterprise, 78-15, in the 2A first round.

Additional info not provided.

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Region 16

1. North Summit Braves

2020-2021 schedule

Head Coach: Jerre Holmes (fifth year).

2019-2020 record: 24-2 (first in Region 16 with a 10-0 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Millard, 77-75, in the 2A championship.

Returning starters: 2.

Returning contributors:

• Hadley Richins, G, Sr., 8.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 4.5 apg, 3.6 spg
• Marci Richins, F, Jr., 6.6 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 0.9 apg, 2.0 spg.

Coach comment: “We have seniors who have waited their turn to play varsity ball. I am excited to see them blend with our two returning starters.”

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2. North Sevier Wolves

2020-2021 schedule

Head Coach: Lexa Larsen (29th year).

2019-2020 Record: 13-12 (second in Region 16 with a 7-3 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Millard, 55-33, in the 2A quarterfinals.

Returning starters: 1.

Returning contributors:

• Allie Cowley, Sr., 2.3 ppg.
• Brook Butler, So., 2.1 ppg.
• Gracee Johnson, Jr., 1.6 ppg.

Coach comment: “We graduated five seniors and most of our team is now sophomores and freshmen, so it may take us a little while to hit our stride. But we expect to compete every year. We may not be the highest-scoring team, but we are going to make you earn every point you get. We don’t have much size and our shooting will need to become more consistent, but we have girls that are willing to get in the gym and do the work. So as long as we expect the unexpected, it should be a really fun season.”

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3. Duchesne Eagles

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Blair Madsen (third year).

2019-2020 record: 12-13 (fourth in Region 16 with a 5-5 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Kanab, 44-25, in the 2A quarterfinals.

Returning starters: 4.

Returning contributors:

• Oakley Butler, G, Sr., 6.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 0.4 apg, 1.9 spg.
• Kelsey Grant, G, So., 6.7 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 0.4 apg, 1.1 spg.
• Brooke Spencer, F, Sr., 3.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.6 spg.
• Bailey Clayburn, F, Jr., 4.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 0.1 apg, 1.1 spg.

Coach comment: “We had a really young team last year and we are returning all but one starter. We gained some valuable experience last year and now hope to use that to be right in the mix of the top teams in 2A this year.”

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4. Altamont Longhorns

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Bev Sorensen.

2019-2020 record: 14-9 (third in Region 16 with a 6-4 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Utah Enterprise, 48-23, in the 2A second round.

Additional info not provided.

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5. Gunnison Valley Bulldogs

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Melissa Sorensen (ninth year).

2019-2020 record: 10-13 (5th in Region 16 with a 2-8 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Millard, 60-43, in the 2A second round.

Coach comment: “We graduated five players from last season’s squad. We will be inexperienced at the varsity level, but I believe we will be competitive. We have a good mix of upperclassman and underclassman who will all contribute. No matter what happens, we will work hard and have a lot of fun.”

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6. Monticello Buckaroos

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Marcia Shumway.

2019-2020 record: 2-20 (sixth in Region 16 with a 0-10 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Beaver, 48-12, in the 2A first round.

Additional info not provided.

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Region 17

1. Layton Christian Eagles

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Jeremy Jones (second year).

2019-2020 record: 19-4 (first in Region 17 with a 12-0 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Duchesne, 58-35, in the 2A second round.

Returning starters: 4.

Returning contributors:

• Patricia Ramirez, G, Sr. 18.9 ppg.
• Celine Mukura, C, Sr., 7.1 ppg.
• Mia Jones, G, Jr., 9.6 ppg.
• Marina Crespi, G, Sr., 5.6 ppg.
• Cati Crespi, G, Sr., 6.8 ppg.

Coach comment: “Girls are really together and focused ready to add to what they learned last year.”

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2. Rowland Hall Winged Lions

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Bill Tatomer (14th year).

2019-2020 record: 15-5 (third in Region 17 with a 8-4 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to North Sevier, 46-32, in the 2A second round.

Returning starters: 2.

Returning contributors:

• Anna Jiricko, G, Sr., 8.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 0.8 apg, 2.1 spg.
• Micha Nenbee, F, Jr., 7.7 ppg, 13.2 rpg, 0.3 apg, 2.0 spg.
• Kaitlyn Bates, F, Jr., 3.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.6 spg.
• Grace Baranko, G, Jr.

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3. Rockwell Marshals

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Troy Gifford.

2019-2020 record: 7-15 (fifth in Region 17 with a 4-8 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Draper APA, 61-27, in the 2A first round.

Additional info not provided.

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4. St. Joseph Jayhawks

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Kelsey Henry (third year).

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

2020 postseason: Lost to Parowan, 56-24, in the 2A second round.

Returning starters: 5.

Returning contributors:

• Sarah Snell, G, So., 14.5 ppg.

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5. APA West Valley Eagles

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Kendal Hess.

2019-2020 record: 8-14 (sixth in Region 17 with a 3-10 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to North Sevier, 69-11, in the 2A first round.

Additional info not provided.

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6. Utah Military Hillfield Thunderbirds

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: David Winkworth.

2019-2020 record: 2-16 (seventh in Region 17 with a 0-12 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Altamont, 72-9, in the 2A first round.

Additional info not provided.

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Region 18

1. Enterprise Wolves

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Lance Jones (eighth year).

2019-2020 record: 17-11 (second in Region 18 with a 5-3 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to North Summit, 53-33, in the 2A quarterfinals.

Returning starters: 4.

Returning contributors:

• Rylee Reber, G, Jr., 2.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.4 spg.
• Noah Moyle, F, Jr., 7.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 0.9 apg, 0.5 spg.
• Allie Hunt, G, Sr., 5.0 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.7 spg.
• Sofie Shurtliff, F, Sr., 10.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.3 spg.

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2. Beaver Beavers

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Jonathan Marshall (25th year).

2019-2020 record: 9-13 (fourth in Region 18 with a 3-5 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Kanab, 52-42, in the 2A second round.

Returning starters: 3.

Returning contributors:

• Avery Brown, F, Jr., 12.4 ppg.
• Kenzlee Carter, G, Jr., 7.6 ppg.
• Halle Hutchings, F, Jr., 6.2 ppg.
• Katlynn Limb, G, Jr., 1.9 ppg.

Coach comment: “We have a lot of returning experience from last year. We started three sophomores last year and our bench was mostly underclassmen. We don’t have any seniors so our underclassmen are going to need to step up and lead. We do have some good young players. Our ability to defend, rebound, and win the tough moments will determine our ability to succeed. With so much youth we expect to get better as the season progresses.”

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3. Millard Eagles

2020-2021 schedule

Head Coach: Melanie Bassett (fourth year).

2019-2020 record: 20-5 (first in Region 18 with a 7-1 record).

2020 postseason: Beat North Summit, 77-75, in the 2A championship.

Returning starters: 1.

Returning contributors:

• Eliza Swallow, C, Sr., 9.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 0.1 apg, 0.5 spg.
• Aubree Lunt, F, Jr., 2.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 0.5 apg, 0.4 spg.
• Paige Cummings, G, Jr., 2.8 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 spg.
• Mary DeGraffenried, G, Jr., 2.7 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 0.5 apg, 0.6 spg.
• McCall Aburto, G, Sr.

Coach comment: “We will have a younger team this season, but we won’t let that slow us down. Several returning girls played pivotal roles on our championship team and even more are eager to step up to the challenge this year. We are looking forward to what the season will hold.”

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4. Kanab Cowboys

2020-2021 schedule

Head Coach: Klint Grover (second year).

2019-2020 record: 16-8 (third in Region 18 with a 4-4 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to North Summit, 44-36, in the 2A semifinals.

Returning starters: 2.

Returning contributors:

• Rylie Anderson, C, Sr., 7.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 0.7 apg, 1.5 spg.
• Grayce Glover, G, Jr., 12.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.0 apg, 2.2 spg.

Coach comment: “We have a lot of early work to do to fill in around returning starters Rylie Anderson and Grayce Glover but by the end of the 20-21 season we hope to be ready to compete with anyone. Our region play is as tough as it gets and if we can keep our focus on getting better while we gain that experience we can be ready by the time playoffs come.”

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5. Parowan Rams

2020-2021 schedule

Head coach: Mary Saylor (first year).

2019-2020 record: 3-12 (fifth in Region 18 with a 1-7 record).

2020 postseason: Lost to Wasatch Academy, 52-28, in the 2A quarterfinals.

Returning starters: 3.

Returning contributors:

• Danika Jones, Sr., C.
• Maddee Mathews, Sr., F.
• Brooklyn Pace, Sr., G.
• McKall Burton, Jr., G.
• Kynlee Rowley, Jr., F.

Coach comment: “As a new coach at a new school, it’s been challenging to face a shortened preseason with COVID, but we’re excited and grateful for the chance to have a season at all. These girls have shown a ton of heart and determination. They work their guts out, and they’re hungry to play.”

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