alt=James EdwardAfter 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 3A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.
The region rankings are based on coaches preseason projections.
There are three new head basketball coaches in 3A this year: Tracy Johnson (South Sevier), Brady Welburn (Juab) and Jared Norris (Maeser Prep).
Here are the 3A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.
Region 12
1. Emery Spartans
Head coach: Lynn Tuttle (sixth year).
2019-2020 record: 11-11 (fourth in Region 12 with a 4-6 record).
2020 postseason: Lost to San Juan, 57-55, in the 3A second round.
Returning starters: 2.
Returning contributors:
- Tembrie Tuttle, G, Jr., 10.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 0.6 apg, 1.1 spg.
- Baylee Jacobsen, G, Jr., 9.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 0.8 apg, 1.2 spg.
- Beth Justice, G, Sr., 3.4 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.6 spg.
Coach comment: “Our team lost some key personnel, especially on the defensive side, but we enter this year with more varsity experience than the previous year and we have some girls that can score the ball. We’ll still be young with only a few seniors on the team but I expect to have some girls step up and provide valuable leadership.”
2. Richfield Wildcats
Head coach: Marc Peterson.
2019-2020 record: 20-6 (second in Region 12 with a 8-2 record).
2020 postseason: Lost to South Sevier, 49-36, in the 3A semifinals.
Additional info not provided.
3. South Sevier Rams
Head coach: Tracy Johnson (first year).
2019-2020 record: 25-1 (first in Region 12 with a 9-1 record).
2020 postseason: Beat Judge Memorial, 47-46, in the 3A championship.
Returning starters: 3.
Returning contributors:
- Presley Chappell, Sr., 12.7 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 1.7 apg, 0.9 spg.
- Leah Torgerson, Sr., 7.7 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.2 spg.
- Cassie Johnson, Sr., 6.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.4 spg.
Coach comment: “South Sevier is excited to play this season with a solid core of returning starters from our championship run last year. New additions to the starting lineup bring the same intense defense, sharp shooting and ‘team first’ attitude that has been the hallmark of Lady Ram basketball.”
4. Carbon Dinos
Head coach: Ted Bianco (ninth year).
2019-2020 record: 18-9 (third in Region 12 with a 6-4 record).
2020 postseason: Lost to Richfield, 50-36, in the 3A quarterfinals.
Returning starters: 1.
Returning contributors:
- Makenna Blanc, G, Sr., 7.9 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.0 apg, 2.4 spg.
5. San Juan Broncos
Head coach: Laura Stearns (third year).
2019-2020 record: 12-11 (5th in Region 12 with a 3-7 record).
2020 postseason: Lost to Grantsville, 49-35, in the 3A quarterfinals.
Returning starters: 1.
Returning contributors:
- Quiana Dishface, G, Sr., 4.4 ppg.
- Sadie Brown, F, Sr., 5.0 ppg.
- Emili Palmer, F, Sr., 2.5 ppg.
Coach comment: “We have a group of seniors that have been playing together for the past five years. They have great chemistry on the court and as a coaching staff we are excited to see what this group can accomplish together. As a team we are ready to get started!”
6. Grand Red Devils
Head coach: Andrea Noyes (second year).
2019-2020 record: 1-20 (sixth in Region 12 with a 0-10 record).
2020 postseason: Lost to Union, 46-17, in the 3A first round.
Returning starters: 4.
Returning contributors:
- Josalyn Murphy, G, So., 7.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.6 apg, 3.1 spg.
- Tenney Cook, F, Jr., 4.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 0.4 apg, 1.9 spg.
- Megan Zunich, F, So., 6.8 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 0.7 apg, 2.7 spg.
- Madison Munger, C, Jr., 2.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 0.1 apg, 0.6 spg.
Region 13
1. Judge Memorial Bulldogs
Head coach: Joshawa Pike (third year).
2019-2020 record: 21-3 (first in Region 13 with a 9-1 record).
2020 postseason: Lost to South Sevier, 47-46, in the 3A championship.
Returning contributors:
- Teya Sidberry, F, Jr., 23.3 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 1.7 apg, 4.7 spg.
- Marika Collins, G, Jr., 5.9 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 2.0 apg, 2.0 spg.
- Emily Gonzalez, G, Sr., 0.6 ppg, 0.9 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.6 spg.
- Maria Martinez, C, Sr., 0.3 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 0.1 apg, 0.2 spg.
- Kate Borgmeier, F, Jr., 1.1 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.2 spg.
Coach comment: “Things have to be difficult before they become easy.”
2. Grantsville Cowboys
Head coach: Megan Vera (eighth year).
2019-2020 record: 21-5 (second in Region 13 with a 8-2 record).
2020 postseason: Lost to Judge Memorial, 40-37, in the 3A semifinals.
Returning starters: 3.
Returning contributors:
- Maison White, C, Sr., 19.3 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.3 apg, 2.6 spg.
- Chloe Butler, F, Sr., 1.8 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 0.9 apg, 0.5 spg.
- Ellie Thomas, G, So., 2.7 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.7 spg.
- Kenzie Allen, G, So., 4.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.8 spg.
Coach comment: “There are big shoes to fill this season and we’ve got another group of our kind of girls that are ready to make their own mark on this program. Our seniors have led as well as any group in our past this offseason and are prepared to help this program compete at the highest level. Our mix of experience and youth should be fun to watch and our athleticism should be a strength. These girls have worked extremely hard, they deserve a shot to play and I can’t wait to see all they accomplish.”
3. Morgan Trojans
Head coach: Sterling Mack (third year).
2019-2020 record: 15-12 (third in Region 13 with a 7-3 record).
2020 postseason: Lost to Judge Memorial, 54-47, in the 3A quarterfinals.
Returning starters: 1.
Returning contributors:
- Janel Blazzard, G, Jr., 7.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.3 spg.
- Alex Trussell, C, Jr., 6.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.9 spg.
- Elena Birkeland, G, So., 0.3 ppg, 0.3 rpg, 0.1apg, 0.2 spg.
- Ruby Farley, F, Sr., 0.6 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.3 spg.
- Camilla Brooks, G, So., 0.6 ppg, 0.2 rpg, 0.1 apg, 0.1 spg.
Coach comment: “I’m very excited for this upcoming season. The girls are ready to ball and I am ready to watch them perform. With our “togetherness,” we are on a mission to accomplish something here in Morgan that hasn’t been done since 2004. We, the Morgan girls varsity basketball team, vows to try our very best every day and do all that we can so that we’re labeled No. 1 on the stand. This community deserves a girls basketball state title. Win, lose or draw, we will be ready to play against any one team while exemplifying what “togetherness” truly means.”
4. South Summit Wildcats
Head coach: Tim Dawson (second year).
2019-2020 record: 11-14 (fourth in Region 13 with a 4-6 record).
2020 postseason: Lost to Morgan, 48-44, in the 3A second round.
Returning starters: 3.
Returning contributors:
- Sadie Eiting, F, Sr., 9.4 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 0.8 apg, 1.2 spg.
- Reagan Sanderson, G, Jr., 14.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.8 spg.
- Averie Snyder, G, Jr., 4.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.5 spg.
- Maleah Brown, G, Jr., 1.0 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.4 spg.
- Alexis Atkinson, C, Jr., 1.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 0.1 spg.
5. Summit Academy Bears
Head coach: Josh Archuleta (second year).
2019-2020 record: 8-16 (fifth in Region 13 with a 2-8 record).
2020 postseason: Lost to Grantsville, 53-31, in the 3A second round.
Returning starters: 3.
Returning contributors:
- Ella Christian, G, Jr., 7.1 ppg.
- Kyrie Alldredge, G, Sr., 10.5 ppg.
- Kayla Hamblin, G, Jr., 6.0 ppg.
Coach comment: “This group has grown tremendously, and has begun to leave their own imprint on the Summit Academy program! They take it one play at a time and choose to compete all 84 feet. Time to lace ’em up, roll it out and see what happens.”
6. Providence Hall Patriots
Head coach: Savanah Border.
2019-2020 record: 3-20 (sixth in Region 13 with a 0-10 record).
2020 postseason: Lost to South Sevier, 52-25, in the 3A second round.
Additional info not provided.
Region 14
1. Manti Templars
Head coach: Brennon Schweikart (third year).
2019-2020 record: 16-8 (first in Region 14 with a 11-1 record).
2020 postseason: Lost to South Sevier, 62-31, in the 3A quarterfinals.
Returning starters: 3.
Returning contributors:
- Kassidy Alder, G, Sr., 6.8 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.9 apg, 2.6 spg.
- Katie Larsen, F, Sr., 8.0 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 1.0 apg, 2.0 spg.
- Allie Bridges, G, Sr., 6.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.2 spg.
- Taylor Chidester, G, Sr., 4.6 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.3 spg.
- Breana Barson, F, Sr., 1.2 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.4 apg.
Coach comment: “We are excited to bring back a lot of experience for their senior year. Our senior class has worked through all sorts of adversity to be able to have their moment. We know that this can be a special year.”
2. Delta Rabbits
Head coach: Jordan Johnson (third year).
2019-2020 record: 13-9 (second in Region 14 with a 10-2 record).
2020 postseason: Lost to Manti, 35-31, in the 3A second round.
Returning starters: 4.
Returning contributors:
- Jadee Dutson, G, Sr., 11.5 ppg.
- Jordyn Nielson, G, Sr., 4.4 ppg.
- Quincee Allred, G, Sr., 3.4 ppg.
- Ashlynd Hunt, G, Jr., 3.7 ppg.
Coach comment: “Looking forward to another year with this group of girls. Returning a lot of experience and a group that enjoys working hard. They are excited to get back on the court and play with each other.”
3. Union Cougars
Head coach: Jessica Thayne (third year).
2019-2020 record: 7-16 (fourth in Region 14 with a 6-6 record).
2020 postseason: Lost to Judge Memorial, 52-23, in the 3A second round.
Returning starters: 3.
Returning contributors:
- Graycee Birchell, F, Sr., 2.0 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.3 spg.
- Dallie Bastian, G, Jr., 3.9 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.7 spg.
- Aubrey Riser, G, Jr., 2.2 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.7 spg.
- Whitnee Birchell, F, Jr., 2.1 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 0.5 apg, 0.6 spg.
- Kinslee Drake, F, Jr.
Coach comment: “We have put in a lot of preparation work coming into this season. We have a great group of girls returning that showcase leadership, commitment, passion and determination. I love the grit and fight that these girls bring to the game and I am excited to see what they accomplish this season.”
4. Juab Wasps
Head coach: Brady Welburn (first year).
2019-2020 record: 8-11 (third in Region 14 with a 7-5 record).
2020 postseason: Lost to Richfield, 57-39, in the 3A second round.
Returning starters: 1.
Returning contributors:
- Valorie Clark, G, Sr., 3.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.8 spg.
- Brynlee Allred, F, Sr., 4.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 0.3 apg, 1.9 spg.
- Hallie Worwood, G, Jr.
Coach comment: “We have a great group of girls who love the game and are excited to play. Our program will have a new look this year and we are looking to surprise some people. Like all the other winter programs, we are just hoping for a season.”
5. North Sanpete Hawks
Head coach: Taylor Christensen (third year).
2019-2020 record: 2-20 (sixth in Region 14 with a 2-10 record).
2020 postseason: Lost to Providence Hall, 42-37, in the 3A first round.
Returning starters: 3.
Returning contributors:
- Melissa Muriollo, C, Sr., 2.3 ppg.
- Eryn Briggs, G, Jr., 5.6 ppg.
- Bree Allred, G, So., 1.2 ppg.
6. American Leadership Eagles
Head coach: Kyle Purvis (fourth year).
2019-2020 record: 11-10 (fifth in Region 14 with a 5-7 record).
2020 postseason: Lost to Carbon, 50-32, in the 3A second round.
Returning starters: 2.
Returning contributors:
- Kenadi Morrill, G, Sr., 5.0 ppg.
- Alexis Webster, G, Jr., 6.9 ppg.
Coach comment: “We’re really excited for this year. The girls worked hard this offseason and they are motivated to get out and play.”
7. Maeser Prep Lions
Head coach: Jared Norris (first year).
2019-2020 record: 1-17 (seventh in Region 14 with a 0-12 record).
2020 postseason: Lost to Summit Academy, 58-24, in the 3A first round.
Returning starters: 3.
Returning contributors:
- Emma Nelson, G, Sr., 3.6 ppg.
- Kelsey Ortega, G, Jr., 2.6 ppg.
- Jamie Norris, F, So., 3.5 ppg.
Coach comment: “We were a young team last year with some of our underclassmen playing significant varsity minutes and I hope this experience will help our team experience success this season.”