New Coaches, New Moves: Potential Starting Line-ups.

There are several programs around Salt Lake and Utah County entering the season with new leadership on the sidelines. Here's a look at the fresh faces taking over as head coach and the rosters they'll be working with, along with the potential impact these players could have in their first year under new direction.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Copper Hills</h2>   Morganne Madsen takes over at Copper Hills this season, and while the Grizzlies are working with an almost entirely new roster, don't expect them to be any less of a threat in Region 2 or across 6A. With a mix of young talent and developing leaders, this lineup has plenty of upside.   PG – [player_tooltip player_id='796851' first='Sela' last='Ama']. Though she saw limited minutes last year, Sela is a quick, crafty guard with excellent court vision. She's a bit of an unknown heading into the season, but her ceiling is high, and she could turn into a reliable floor general for the Grizzlies.   SG – [player_tooltip player_id='1206007' first='Abby' last='Bush']. Abby gained valuable varsity experience even on a senior-heavy squad last season. She's a sharpshooter from deep, and her length allows her to be disruptive on defense. With her leadership potential, she'll be a key piece in helping Copper Hills find its new identity.   CG – [player_tooltip player_id='1238745' first='Elise' last='Southworth']. Elise has long been the heartbeat of this program, even when her minutes were limited. This year, she'll get the chance to bring that same energy onto the court, and her hustle and intangibles could translate into consistent production.   SF – [player_tooltip player_id='922382' first='Ella' last='Creer']. Ella finally gets the opportunity to settle into her natural stretch-4 role. She can handle the ball, knock down shots from the outside, and put pressure on defenders with her drive. Expect her versatility to shine as she becomes a matchup problem for opponents.   C – [player_tooltip player_id='1248994' first='Makayla' last='Staker']. Mak has made huge strides in her short time on the hardwood. She's strong, physical, and improving quickly in the paint. Her rebounding presence and toughness down low could make her a sneaky big-school recruit if she continues to develop at this pace.   With a roster full of new faces stepping into bigger roles, Copper Hills may be young, but they'll be dangerous. If this group gels early, the Grizzlies could be a serious problem come postseason play.   Other potential starters:   Kynzie Petter   [player_tooltip player_id='952652' first='Riley' last='Greenwood']   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">American Fork</h2>   At American Fork, the new leadership belongs to Rob Harmon. The Cavemen lost several key seniors and saw a few players transfer out, but they've also brought in move-ins and transfers of their own, making them one of the bigger unknowns heading into the season. Here's our projected lineup:   PG – [player_tooltip player_id='1240502' first='Morgan' last='Felix']. The glue of this team, Morgan, steps into a leadership role that could bring her full game to light. Her length and ability to get downhill make her a tough cover, and she could surprise teams with her versatility on both ends of the floor.   SG – [player_tooltip player_id='1249685' first='Julia' last='Fugal']. Julia could emerge as AF's new top scorer. A vocal leader and competitor, she brings energy on defense and the ability to score in multiple ways on offense. Her senior year success will depend on how quickly this new roster gels.   CG – [player_tooltip player_id='1051328' first='Jalise' last='Chatman']. A transfer from Washington with a 6'1” wingspan, Jalise is a stat-stuffer. She can drive and dish, rebound over smaller guards, and create mismatches with her length. Expect her to be one of the more consistent producers for AF.   SF – [player_tooltip player_id='1306836' first='Sarah' last='Jacob']. Another new face for the Cavemen, Sarah is still a bit of a question mark, but her size and athleticism give AF options. She could even slide into the 5 spot depending on matchups, making her role one to watch this year.   C – Open. The center position remains wide open. With several players vying for minutes but none yet cementing themselves, this spot could be critical for AF's growth. Whoever steps up could tip the scales for the Cavemen's season.   With new leadership, fresh talent, and plenty of question marks, American Fork might just be one of the most intriguing storylines in 6A this year.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mountain Ridge</h2>   Another player/parent coaching dynamic this season will be at Mountain Ridge, where Matthew Montgomery takes over as head coach. With nearly the entire roster returning—outside of the previous coach's daughter and one senior—the Sentinels bring back a seasoned group that should only benefit from continuity and leadership at the helm. Here's how their starting lineup could shape up:   PG – [player_tooltip player_id='805788' first='Kaylee' last='Montgomery'] – After a strong season last year, Kaylee now fully steps into the role of floor general. She's poised to be a selfless playmaker who elevates the entire lineup, distributing the ball effectively while also being a scoring option when needed.   SG – [player_tooltip player_id='866703' first='Jada' last='Jangard'] – Known for her vision and ability to thread passes to cutters and post players, Jada is the facilitator who keeps the offense flowing. On defense, she's disruptive in the passing lanes, often turning steals into quick points. She's the glue piece for Mountain Ridge, even if her impact isn't always measured in scoring.   CG – [player_tooltip player_id='805789' first='Cailin' last='Kehl'] – The fiery, gritty competitor of the group, Cailin plays with relentless energy. Every season she's taken another step forward, and this could be her breakout year. Expect her to set the tone defensively and provide toughness when the Sentinels need it most.   SF – [player_tooltip player_id='805787' first='Josephine' last='Lombardi'] – The biggest unknown in the starting five, Josephine is set to see significantly more minutes this season. Her length and versatility could be an X-factor as she grows into her role, especially if she finds consistency on both ends of the court.   C – [player_tooltip player_id='796847' first='Jessica' last='Maynard'] – A staple of Mountain Ridge basketball over the last three years, Jessica anchors the paint. She's a reliable scoring option inside and an absolute force on the glass, pulling down double the rebounds of anyone else on the roster. Look for her to continue dominating the boards and controlling the paint.   With veteran experience, solid depth, and a balanced lineup, Mountain Ridge has all the tools to make noise this year. If the younger players step into their expanded roles, this could be one of the Sentinels' strongest seasons yet.   Other potential starters:   [player_tooltip player_id='805790' first='McKinley' last='Stowell']   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pleasant Grove</h2>   Pleasant Grove's coaching change this offseason has reshaped the entire program. With Angela Villa stepping in as head coach, her daughter [player_tooltip player_id='873276' first='Sutton' last='Villa'] followed, immediately shifting the Vikings into title-contender territory. Add in a roster that looks like an all-star squad, and PG could realistically be playing for a championship in Angela's first year at the helm.   Here's a projected starting lineup and what each player brings to the floor:   PG – [player_tooltip player_id='796499' first='Janiece' last='Sikander'] – A floor general with speed to push tempo and a clean jumper from anywhere on the court. Her size is her only limitation, but she makes up for it with quickness and efficiency.   SG – [player_tooltip player_id='796473' first='Zuri' last='Nordstrom'] – A proven winner who has already shone under the brightest lights. Twice in state finals, she provided the spark that helped Lone Peak secure the title. At PG, expect her to bring the same clutch factor.   CG – [player_tooltip player_id='873279' first='Siri' last='Burgess'] – Another Lone Peak transfer who adds length and smooth shooting. Her size in the guard spot not only helps stretch the floor but also gives PG a defensive edge on the perimeter.   SF – Tabitha Clark - While her height slates her into the forward role, Tabi plays with the agility of a guard. She can knock down shots beyond the paint, which keeps defenders on their heels, unsure whether to play her inside or outside.   C – [player_tooltip player_id='873276' first='Sutton' last='Villa'] – At 6'6”, she's a matchup nightmare. Few in Utah can contend with her size, and her improved footwork, speed, and defensive presence make her a threat on both ends of the floor. Expect her to dominate the paint while also stretching her impact beyond the block.   With this lineup, Pleasant Grove isn't just reloading—they're leveling up. This team has the firepower and depth to run deep into the postseason.   Other potential starters:   [player_tooltip player_id='879706' first='Cash' last='Connors']   [player_tooltip player_id='832982' first='Reagan' last='Lambourne']   [player_tooltip player_id='1049025' first='Amaiya' last='Kennerly']   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other programs with new coaches: </h2>   Corner Canyon   Grantsville

There are several programs around Salt Lake and Utah County entering the season with new leadership on the sidelines. Here's a look at the fresh faces taking over as head coach and the rosters they'll be working with, along with the potential impact these players could have in their first year under new direction.