As the upcoming high school basketball season approaches, a comprehensive examination of the girls’ basketball teams in Northern Utah’s 5A Region 5 becomes pertinent. With region games scheduled to commence on January 3rd, an air of anticipation envelops the prospect of an enthralling season of hoops.
BONNEVILLE
The previous season yielded unsatisfactory results for Bonneville, concluding with a 4-16 overall record and an inability to secure a victory in Region 5. The team faced adversity with the departure of their top two scorers, Libby Jensen and Hailee Cherry, due to graduation. Coach Lehman’s team, presently at a 1-1 standing, will compete in the upcoming Burchell Classic tournament in the hopes of rejuvenating their performance after a challenging start to the season.
BOX ELDER
Box Elder encountered a demanding season last year, culminating in an 8-15 record. However, the team harbours optimistic aspirations for the forthcoming season, led by five seasoned seniors, including returning starters Ashlyn Wight and Olivia Godfrey. While concerns regarding the team’s depth linger, Coach Dooley remains sanguine about their assertive defensive play and the creation of scoring opportunities.
CLEARFIELD
After transitioning from 6A Region 1 to 5A Region 5, Clearfield welcomes the return of four starters, offering a ray of hope for the upcoming season. Despite their youthful roster, the Falcons, boasting a 2-0 record, have already demonstrated their promise with comfortable victories over Granger and Ogden.
NORTHRIDGE
With a previous season record of 13-10, Northridge emerged as one of the region’s elite teams. However, the absence of top scorer Madison Hosino poses a formidable challenge for the Knights as they strive to assemble a competitive team for the imminent season.
ROY
Following a two-year tenure in 6A Region 2, Roy now seeks to establish its presence in Region 5. Under the tutelage of first-year coach Hailee Parry, the Royals possess a formidable blend of senior leadership and burgeoning talent, positioning them as a team of significant interest in the region.
RAISING THE BAR
Bountiful, a dominant force in the region, readies itself for another robust season following their triumph in last year’s state championship. Their stature as the team to beat in the region remains unassailable, despite commencing the season with a 1-2 record.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Looking beyond the region, defending state champions Bountiful, alongside Brighton and West, emerge as early favourites for the state title. Moreover, Springville, with a history of prosperous seasons, persists as a formidable contender despite essential adjustments to its lineup.
As the season unfolds, enthusiasts of basketball can anticipate fierce competition and riveting matchups. The journey ahead promises to be captivating for these high school girls’ basketball teams as they strive to etch their mark in Northern Utah’s competitive hoops landscape.