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2013-14 Boys Basketball Preseason Capsules

 

DIVISION I

ARBOR VIEW

Head coach: Kyle Hageness, fifth season

2012-13 record: 20-8 (8-2 Northwest, first)

Returning lettermen (starters): Six (four)

Top players: G/F Justin Burks (Sr.), G Terrell Butler (Sr.), G Charles Porter (Sr.)

Outlook: Coming off their first league championship, the Aggies appear in good shape to challenge for a second straight crown.

Burks, a second-team all-state honoree last season, leads the list of returnees after averaging 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game last year.

Butler was a first-team All-Northwest League selection and averaged 13 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists last season. Porter also returns after recording 12.1 points and 3.9 rebounds per season.

“We are working hard to build on the foundation this program started last season,” Hageness said.

 

BISHOP GORMAN

Head coach: Grant Rice, 13th season

2012-13 record: 29-3 (10-0 Southwest, first)

Returning lettermen (starters): 10 (three)

Top players: C Stephen Zimmerman (Jr.), F Chase Jeter (Jr.), G Noah Robotham (Sr.)

Outlook: The defending Division I state champions certainly are a favorite to be back on top again this year.

Zimmerman, a 7-foot post, averaged 13 points, 11 rebound and four blocks per game last year, and is on the radar of most college programs.

Jeter, who stands 6-10, is back after averaging eight points and six rebounds per game, and Robotham, a 6-0 point guard, is a threat and averaged 13 points and seven assists per game last year.

“It should be a good year coming off a 29-3 season and a state championship last year,” Rice said. “We have an extremely tough schedule, so we should be tested in December.”

 

BONANZA

Head coach: Eric Markuson, second season

2012-13 record: 6-19 (2-8 Southwest, fifth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Five (two)

Top players: G DeAndre Hicks (Sr.), C Ryan Glasper (Sr.), F DaVonta Price (Jr.)

Outlook: The Bengals are hoping to improve in Markuson’s second season.

Glasper and Price both are 6-feet-4-inches tall and give Bonanza some size. Hicks will be asked to be a leader as the team’s point guard.

“The Bengals will rely heavily on their five seniors to get to the postseason,” Markuson said.

 

CANYON SPRINGS

Head coach: Freddie Banks, third season

2012-13 record: 18-11 (7-3 Northeast, third)

Returning lettermen (starters): Eight (four)

Top players: G/F Gerad Davis (Sr.), G Chris Nelson (Sr.), C/F Jerryon Sueing (Sr.), G Shaquile Carr (Sr.)

Outlook: The Pioneers bring back four starters and have plenty of talent.

“With the returning seniors, we should have good leadership,” Banks said.

 

CENTENNIAL

Head coach: Todd Allen, fifth season

2012-13 record: 23-10 (7-3 Southwest, second)

Returning lettermen (starters): Five (two)

Top players: G Khalil Thompson (Sr.), C/F Eddie Davis (Sr.), G Troy Brown (Fr.), F Garett Scheer (Jr.), F Aaron Turner (Jr.), G Rayquan Stewart (Sr.)

Outlook: The Bulldogs are coming off the best season in the program’s history, advancing to the Division I championship game.

But losing twins Malcolm and Marcus Allen to graduation cut out a large chunk of Centennial’s offense.

“The Bulldogs will be rebuilding,” coach Allen said. “Two returning starters, Khalil Thompson and Eddie Davis, will have big roles to fill. Troy Brown, a highly-ranked freshman, will have an opportunity to make a big impact. Garett Scheer and Aaron Turner will have high expectations.

“Buying into our team philosophy of ‘I’m in’ will be the key to this season.”

 

CIMARRON-MEMORIAL

Head coach: Chris Walker, first season

2012-13 record: 12-13 (5-5 Southwest, fourth)

Returning lettermen: Six

Top players: G Justin Lewis (Sr.), G Austin Garrison (Sr.), F Amani Gill (Sr.)

Outlook: Walker takes over a team that returns six lettermen, including Garrison, who averaged 10.0 points per game last year.

“We want to win games and work hard,” Walker said. “We have room to improve, so hopefully we will have a successful season.”

 

CORONADO

Head coach: Jeff Kaufman, fourth season

2012-13 record: 9-17 (4-6 Southeast, fourth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Three (one)

Top players: G Austin Morgan (Sr.), G Eddie Austin (Sr.), F Marcus Sobaszek (Sr.), F Nick Howard (Sr.), F Nick Kornieck (Jr.), G Trey Austin (Sr.)

Outlook: The Cougars bring back just one starter as they look to make a big improvement this year.

“There are a lot of new face on this season’s team,” Kaufman said. “Seniors Austin Morgan, Eddie Austin and Trey Austin will lead an impressive backcourt, and Marcus Sobaszek, Jake Kaufman and Nick Howard will anchor the big men.

“There are several young players looking to step up this year, including sophomores Jake DesJardins and Travis Boman. The new-look Cougars will feature an uptempo style with the goal of winning the Southeast League, the region and qualifying for state.”

 

DEL SOL

Head coach: Tyler Ehrke, fifth season

2012-13 record: 7-19 (0-10 Southeast, sixth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Six (four)

Top players: G Kyle Collins (Sr.), G Jonross Juhas (Jr.), G Rashaun Lawson (Jr.), F Eduardo Romero (Sr.)

Outlook: The Dragons bring back four starters and hope to make significant improvement this season.

Romero averaged 7.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game last season and is joined by Collins (7.0 ppg), Lawson (6.0 ppg, 2.3 assists per game) and Juhas (5.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg) on a team that is hoping to produce more offense.

 

DESERT OASIS

Head coach: Ryan Fretz, first season

2012-13 record: 6-20 (0-10 Southwest, sixth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Two (two)

Top players: G Jay Esguerra (Sr.), F Kodi Leslie (Jr.), F Deric Hammock (Jr.), G Rodrick Moore (Jr.)

Outlook: Fretz, who coached last season at Cimarron-Memorial, takes over a program hungry for success.

Esguerra averaged 6.1 assists per game last year, but he and Leslie are the only two lettermen back.

“We want to improve on last year’s performance by taking one bite at a time and using the on-court leadership and experience of Jay Esguerra,” Fretz said. “We’re looking for good things from newcomers, junior Deric Hammock and sophomore Aamondae Coleman.”

 

DURANGO

Head coach: DeShawn Henry, seventh season

2012-13 record: 14-11 (7-3 Northwest, third)

Returning lettermen (starters): Four (two)

Top players: G Paris Estrada (Sr.), G Alex Tarkanian (Jr.), Darryl Gaynor, Alex Arias

Outlook: The Trailblazers finished only one game behind Northwest League champion Arbor View last year, but return just two starters.

Estrada, who averaged 10.4 points, 6.4 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game last year, likely will be relied on as a leader.

 

ELDORADO

Head coach: Phil Olsen, 10th season

2012-13 record: 14-10 (7-3 Southeast, second)

Returning lettermen (starters): Five (two)

Top players: G Jayveon Brown (Sr.), F D’Quan Crockett (Jr.), G Darrion Daniels (Jr.)

Outlook: The Sundevils bring back five lettermen from a team that placed second in the Southeast League.

Brown averaged 16 points per game last year and is joined on the returnees list by Daniels (11.0 ppg) and Crockett (9.0 ppg).

“This year’s team is going to have to play really well together to make the playoffs,” Olsen said. “We have some good players returning, and they will need to lead the younger players for us to have success.

“With some early-season injuries, it will provide opportunities for players to get some quality minutes that hopefully will pay off in league play.”

 

FOOTHILL

Head coach: Kevin Soares, 15th season

2012-13 record: 22-6 (10-0 Southeast, first)

Returning lettermen (starters): Eight (two)

Top players: G Jalen Shepard (Sr.), G Austin Starr (Sr.), F Torrance Littles (Jr.)

Outlook: The Falcons have some holes to fill after losing three starters from last year’s squad.

Starr gives Foothill an outside weapon and averaged 12.5 points per game while shooting 41 percent from 3-point range last year.

Shepard likely will be the team’s point guard and averaged eight points and five assists per game, and the Falcons will look for Littles, a 6-foot-7-inch junior, to do damage inside.

“We are looking to win our league, get a number one seed and advance to the regional championship with hopes of qualifying for the state tournament,” Soares said.

 

LAS VEGAS

Head coach: Jason Wilson, sixth season

2012-13 record: 19-10 (8-2 Northeast, first)

Returning lettermen (starters): Four (one)

Top players: F/G Ray Smith (Jr.), G Devon Colley (Jr.), F Tyler Bey (So.), G Patrick Savoy (Jr.), G Roberto Zavala (Sr.)

Outlook: The Wildcats have some work to do after losing eight seniors from last year’s Northeast League champions.

Smith, a 6-foot-7-inch wing, averaged 10 points and 3.5 rebounds per game last year. Colley (7.0 ppg, 3.5 assists per game) and Zavala (4.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg) also hope to contribute more.

“We have some talented players returning, but we will be young,” Wilson said. “The kids will have to identify their new roles early and learn at a quick pace.

“If they can play together and learn quickly from game experience, we hope to be competitive and battling for a home playoff game at the end of the season.”

 

LEGACY

Head coach: Jack Tarango, fourth season

2012-13 record: 19-9 (6-4 Southwest, third)

Returning lettermen (starters): One (zero)

Top players: G Jacob Rainey (Jr.)

Outlook: Rainey, who averaged 1.5 points and one assist per game last season, is the Longhorns’ lone returnee.

Legacy has just three seniors on its 15-player roster.

“It’s an inexperienced by talented group which returns only one player from last season,” Tarango said. “They are hard workers that will face a demanding schedule to get ready for the strong Southwest League.

“They are looking forward to fight for Legacy’s fourth straight playoff appearance.”

 

LIBERTY

Head coach: Quintin Lester, second season

2012-13 record: 10-17 (4-6 Southeast, fourth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Six (two)

Top players: F Elijah Graves (Sr.), F/C Ed O’Bannon (So,), G Tyler Newman (Sr.)

Outlook: The Patriots bring back six lettermen from a team that qualified for the Sunrise Region playoffs.

Graves (10.0 points, 6.0 rebounds per game) is chief among those back and is joined by Newman (8.0 ppg, 2.0 assists per game). O’Bannon (3.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg) gives the Patriots an inside presence.

“Our program will introduce quite a few new faces,” Lester said. “We will be young, but extremely competitive.”

 

PALO VERDE

Head coach: Paul Sanchez, second season

2012-13 record: 13-11 (7-3 Northwest, second)

Returning lettermen (starters): Six (one)

Top players: F Travis Gondrezick (Sr.), G Braxton Richards (Jr.), G Ja Morgan (Jr.), G Chase Ruiz (So.), G Conner Lemmon (Jr.)

Outlook: The Panthers return six lettermen from a team that finished second in the Northwest League.

That’s the good news. The not so good news: Only one of those six started. Most were role players, who combined for only about 20 points per game.

“We’re a young team that graduated four seniors,” Sanchez said. “We’re looking to improve as the season progresses and be competitive in the league.”

 

RANCHO

Head coach: Ronald Childress, first season

2012-13 record: 3-18 (0-10 Northeast, sixth)

Returning lettermen (starters): None

Outlook: Childress inherits a program that can only get better.

“I am not sure what to think; we are very young and inexperienced,” Childress said. “I guess we will let the chips fall where they may.”

 

SHADOW RIDGE

Head coach: Robert Nelson, sixth season

2012-13 record: 9-17 (6-4 Northwest, fourth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Three (two)

Top players: G Seraphin Decker (Sr.), G Jordin Williams (Sr.)

Outlook: The Mustangs have only two starters back from a team that qualified for the Sunset Region playoffs.

 

SIERRA VISTA

Head coach: Keith Ulrich, third season

2012-13 record: 9-16 (2-8 Northwest, fifth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Five (four)

Top players: G Apollo Corley (Jr.), G Mikko Balmes (Sr.), G Nino Flores (Sr.), G Christian Tirol (Sr.), F Giovanni Santana (Sr.), F Dominique Marcy (Jr.)

Outlook: Corley averaged 10.0 points per game last season and Balmes (9.0 ppg), Flores (8.0 ppg), Tirol (7.0 ppg) and Santana (6.0 ppg) also are back to contribute.

“With five returning players with significant varsity experience, we expect to compete for a playoff spot,” Ulrich said. “Four returning guards with starting experience — point guard Christian Tirol and combo guards Nino Flores, Apollo Corley and Mikko Balmes — highlight the backcourt. All four have all-league potential.

“The frontcourt adds good balance with Giovanni Santana’s ability to shoot the 3-pointer and stretch the defense and Dominique Marcy’s rebounding ability and strength inside.”

 

SILVERADO

Head coach: Martin Ferriter, fourth season

2012-13 record: 4-18 (2-8 Northeast, fifth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Four (two)

Top players: G Joe Baldi (Sr.), C Austin Hunt (Sr.)

Outlook: Baldi leads a short list of returnees after averaging 10 points and three assists per game last year.

The Skyhawks are hoping Hunt becomes a bigger weapon after he averaged three points and eight rebounds per game last year.

“We look to return to the playoffs after missing out last season,” Ferriter said. “Joe Baldi looks to lead a veteran team in the tough Northeast League.”

 

SPRING VALLEY

Head coach: Charles Janette, first season

2012-13 record: 0-21 (0-10 Northwest, sixth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Five (two)

Top players: G Ryan Goecke (Jr.), G/F Terrell Lee (Sr.), G DeVante Moten (Sr.), C Mihail Paukovic (Sr.), G Travis Walton (Jr.)

Outlook: Janette inherits a team that is looking for its first win since Feb. 10, 2012.

Five lettermen are back, including Lee (10 points, four assists per game), Paukovic (six points, six rebounds per game), Walton (six ppg, five apg) and Moten (four ppg, three steals per game).

“Spring Valley is beginning a new era in year 10 of the school’s existence,” Janette said. “A new coaching staff on all levels has been assembled to rebuild from the ground up.

“The strength of this team is its juniors (Goecke and Walton) combining with seniors (Lee, Moten and Paukovic) to form a solid nucleus to build on. Guard play should be a strength as Spring Valley relies on an uptempo offense to go along with solid perimeter shooting.

“Six underclassmen at the varsity level allows for continued improvement.”

 

VALLEY

Head coach: Brian Farnsworth, ninth season

2012-13 record: 21-10 (8-2 Northeast, second)

Returning lettermen (starters): Eight (three)

Top players: G/F Spencer Mathis (Sr.), G Cameron Burton (Jr.), F Shea Garland (Jr.)

Outlook: The Vikings return two of their top three scorers from last season in Mathis (15.7 points per game) and Burton (10.9 ppg).

Valley matched Las Vegas at 8-2 in the Northeast, but lost the tiebreaker and was seeded second for the postseason. Being in contention for a league title again this year is realistic.

“This year’s team looks to build on last season’s game and playoff experience to compete at the highest level,” Farnsworth said. “With a very deep conference, no game will be easy.

“We always hold high expectations for ourselves and look to senior Spencer Mathis to lead the way.”

DIVISION I-A

BOULDER CITY

Head coach: John Balistere, third season

2012-13 record: 16-10 (7-5 Sunrise, third)

Returning lettermen (starters): Six (one)

Top players: G Tyler Newby (Jr.), G Xavier Steel (Sr.), G Lane Worrall (Sr.), G Sam Woodbury (Sr.), F Jacorey Dixon (Sr.), F Brooks Roe (Jr.)

Outlook: The Eagles return only one starter and not a ton of scoring.

Roe (8.0 points per game, 6.0 rebounds per game) is the top returning scorer, and Newby (4.0 ppg), Worrall (4.0 ppg) and Dixon (3.0 ppg) will be among those asked to help pick up the scoring slack.

“We will rely heavily on our perimeter guys and continue to be very defensive oriented,” Balistere said. “We hope to compete for the league title.”

 

CHAPARRAL

Head coach: Steven Bentz, first season

2012-13 record: 16-9 (8-4 Sunrise, second)

Returning lettermen (starters): One (one)

Top players: G Tyree McNeal (Sr.), C Maharie Trotter (Jr.), G Marc Silas (So.), G Robin Rosales (So.)

Outlook: The Cowboys placed second in the Sunrise League last year, but has just one letterman back.

McNeal averaged 15 points per game last season.

“We are in the process of building a solid program with a lot of new guys to the varsity level, but we expect to be at the top of our league and compete for a top playoff seed,” Bentz said. “I like the progress we have made already in a short time together.”

 

CHEYENNE

Head coach: Teral Fair, seventh season

2012-13 record: 11-12 (5-5 Sunset, fourth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Three (zero)

Top players: G Jarrell Bell (Sr.), G Javon Peterson (Sr.), C Dominic Jackson-Anasson (Jr.)

Outlook: With no starters back, the Desert Shields will ask a lot of players to increase their production.

Bell, who averaged 3.2 points and 2.3 assists per game, likely will be the team’s point guard. Peterson is back as a combo guard, and Jackson-Anasson, who is 6-feet, 7-inches tall, gives Cheyenne size.

“It’s a very inexperienced team, but has the potential to be very competitive,” Fair said. “We’re hoping to contend for a playoff berth.”

 

CLARK

Head coach: Chad Beeten, fourth season

2012-13 record: 29-3 (10-0 Sunset, first)

Returning lettermen (starters): 12 (four)

Top players: F Diontae Jones (Sr.), F Sherron Wilson (Sr.), G Colby Jackson (Jr.), G Carter Olsen (Jr.)

Outlook: The Chargers were less than a quarter away from winning a state title last year, and bring back four starters from that team.

Jones averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds per game, and should be among the state’s best this year.

Wilson (13.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg), Jackson (8.0 ppg, 5.5 assists per game) and Olsen (8.0 ppg, 3.0 apg) give Clark three more potent weapons.

“We expect to compete for a state championship,” said Beeten.

 

DESERT PINES

Head coach: Mike Uzan, third season

2012-13 record: 28-3 (12-0 Sunrise, first)

Returning lettermen (starters): Five (two)

Top players: G Malik Davis (Sr.), F Re’meake Keith (Sr.), G Coby Myles (Jr.), F Nate Grimes (Jr.)

Outlook: The Jaguars returns two starters from last year’s state championship team, but must find a way to replace Julian Jacobs, who was one of the state’s best players as a senior last year.

“We are a hard-working, young and talented team excited for this season’s challenges,” Uzan said.

 

FAITH LUTHERAN

Head coach: Bret Walter, 17th season

2012-13 record: 13-13 (6-4 Sunset, second)

Returning lettermen (starters): Seven (two)

Top players: F Clayton Holthaus (Sr.), F Mitch Fulfer (Sr.), F John Molchon (Jr.)

Outlook: The Crusaders return seven lettermen, but have to replace their top two scorers.

Holthaus (6.4 points, 6.0 rebounds per game) and Molchon (5.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg) both are 6-feet, 6-inches tall and along with the 6-8 Fulfer (2.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg) make up a formidable front line.

Finding solid guard play will be a key.

 

MOAPA VALLEY

Head coach: Dallas Larsen, sixth season

2012-13 record: 6-19 (2-10 Sunrise, sixth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Six (three)

Top players: F Bunker Wimer (Sr.), F Lance Hilton (Sr.), G Jeremy Waite (Sr.), G Justin Hughes (Sr.), G Andrew Huerta (Jr.)

Outlook: Moapa Valley struggled to gain any momentum last season, but hopes to show significant improvement this year.

“With only two graduating seniors, our team should be more experienced,” Larsen said.

 

MOJAVE

Head coach: Colin Darfour, third season

2012-13 record: 16-11 (6-4 Sunset, third)

Returning lettermen (starters): Five (three)

Top players: G Omar Federico (Sr.), F Malik Abbott (Jr.), F Jordan Glenn (Jr.), G Daryl Adams (So.)

Outlook: The Rattlers made significant progress in Darfour’s second season. With three starters back, the trend could continue.

Abbott was an All-Sunset League honoree last year.

“We have a little more experience this year than we’ve had the past couple years, and we hope it helps us to build on the success of last season,” Darfour said. “This is a competitive group of guys eager to get after it this season.”

 

SUNRISE MOUNTAIN

Head coach: John Teran, first year

2012-13 record: 13-13 (5-7 Sunrise, fifth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Two (none)

Top players: F DaQuwan Doyle (Sr.)

Outlook: The Miners finished a game out of fourth place and a postseason berth last year, but are starting from near scratch this year.

Seven seniors graduated, taking with them about 90 percent of the team’s offense.

“Inexperience will be the biggest hurdle for the Miners to overcome this year,” Teran said. “With a new coaching staff, the Miners are looking forward to the challenge of competing for their first ever playoff berth this year.”

 

TECH

Head coach: Todd Herrick, fifth season

2012-13 record: 12-15 (1-11 Sunrise, seventh)

Returning lettermen (starters): Four (two)

Top players: F Elijah Robertson (Sr.), G Alfonso Sanchez (Sr.), F Crawford Linden (Jr.)

Outlook: The Roadrunners had 12 wins last season, the most in recent memory, but struggled in league play.

Robertson (6.0 points, 7.4 rebounds per game) and Sanchez (4.5 ppg) lead the list of returnees, but the Roadrunners lost a large chunk of their offense.

“The Roadrunners will have a nice combination of size and speed,” Herrick said. “I’m excited about the depth of the team.

“It’s the most complete team I’ve had in five years at Tech.”

 

VIRGIN VALLEY

Head coach: Sean FitzSimons, second season

2012-13 record: 14-11 (6-6 Sunrise, fourth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Five (three)

Top players: G Garrett Leavitt (Sr.), F Dee Bowler (Sr.), F DeVonte Milligan (Sr.), G Trevor Robison (Sr.)

Outlook: Leavitt averaged 15.6 points per game last season and leads three returning starters for the Bulldogs.

Bowler also returns after posting 9.4 points, 2.2 steals and 4.1 assists last season. Milligan hopes to contribute more after averaging 4.2 ppg.

“With a few returning core players, we hope to compete for a playoff spot,” FitzSimons said.

 

WESTERN

Head coach: Rudy Johnson, first season

2012-13 record: 3-22 (2-8 Sunset, fifth)

Returning lettermen: One

Top players: G Keon Lea (Sr.)

Outlook: Johnson takes over a program that returns only one player.

The Warriors may experience some growing pains this season, but are hoping to build.

“We are attempting to improve with one returning player,” Johnson said. “We have a different coach, ststem and players, and we will try to compete well enough to get a few wins this season.”

DIVISION III

LAKE MEAD

Head coach: Jeff Newton, 20th season

2012-13 record: 20-7 (10-4 Division III Southern)

Returning lettermen (starters): Three (three)

Top players: G Drew Ramos (Sr.), G Brendon LeBaron (Jr.), G Dylan Graham (Jr.), G Elijah Pitman (Jr.)

Outlook: The Eagles have plenty of scoring to replace with the loss of Justin Yamzon, who scored 30 points per game, Caleb Pitman (9.6 ppg) and Wesley Brule (8.1 ppg).

Graham (7.8 ppg) was the team’s fourth-leading scorer last year, and LeBaron scored at a 6.4-ppg clip.

“This team is very young and athletic,” Newton said. “They will be challenged by learning a new defensive system. We are looking forward to keeping this team together for several years..

“The Division III Southern League is always challenging, night in and night out.”

 

THE MEADOWS

Head coach: Gary Hannig, seventh season

2012-13 record: 16-13 (8-6 Division III Southern, fourth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Six (four)

Top players: G Eric Hirsberg (Sr.), G Matt Biafore (Sr.), F Brandon Rufty (Sr.), F Brian Fridman (Sr.)

Outlook: The Mustangs have the makings of a solid season with four starters back.

Hirsberg averaged 10.8 points per game, and Biafore, Rufty and Fridman each averaged between 8.6 and 9.0 ppg last year.

“We expect to be very competitive again this season,” Hannig said. “We are experienced and will be very balanced. We hope to make a deep run in the postseason.

 

MOUNTAIN VIEW

Head coach: Raymond LeBoeuf, 18th season

2012-13 record: 11-16 (5-9 Division III Southern, sixth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Eight (three)

Top players: G Jacob Duldulao (Sr.); G Nick Jenkins (Sr.); G Tevin Gray (So.); F Trenton Van Kempen (Sr.); G Connor LeBoeuf (Jr.); F Matthew Larson (Sr.); F Jacob Lee (Jr.); F Travis Wallace (Sr.)

Outlook: The Saints are hoping to make their first playoff appearance since moving up to the Class 2A/Division III level.

LeBoeuf expects the squad to be balanced, and hopes new varsity players Christian Bennett, Cameron Kirk and Bernard Williams can provide additional depth.

 

DIVISION IV

PAHRANAGAT VALLEY

Head coach: Brian Higbee, eighth season

2012-13 record: 15-11 (6-0 Division IV Southern, first)

Returning lettermen (starters): Six (one)

Top players: F Jake Carter (Sr.), G Wade Leavitt (Jr.), G Jordan Cryts (Jr.)

Outlook: The Panthers get their traditional late start to the season as most of the team shifts over after winning a state football title.

With Leavitt (7.0 points per game, 3.0 assists per game) as the only starter back, Pahranagat Valley has some holes to fill.

“We have some key injuries to contend with coming out of football season,” Higbee said. “We have key leadership returning with our only returning senior in Jake Carter and only returning starter in Leavitt.

“We have a solid group of underclassmen in Jordan Cryts, Shawn Wadsworth, Caleb Hansen, Paden Higbee and Joel Holaday and others, with at least three freshmen on the roster.

“Our goal, as always, is to be competitive when league play comes around and put ourselves in a spot to earn a berth in the region tournament.”

 

SANDY VALLEY

Head coach: Brian Kahre, sixth season

2012-13 record: 3-15 (0-6 Division IV Southern, seventh)

Returning lettermen (starters): Eight (three)

Top players: G/F Logan Shelton (So.), G James Rau (Jr.), G Lane Eastham (Jr.)

Outlook: The Sidewinders were young last season and suffered through some growing pains and nagging injuries.

“We look to capitalize on the experience gained last year and make it back into the playoffs,” Kahre said. “We also are expanding our program, adding a junior varsity squad.”

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