December Surprise Teams

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><mark>Want to see the full article? Use code&nbsp;<strong>Ziter50&nbsp;</strong>for half off your first billing.</mark></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We take a look at the teams that have climbed into the top tier of the state. Many of the usual contenders remain in the mix, despite some movement in the rankings, but a few new programs have emerged onto the radar. Today, we break down which teams are trending up and what's driving their rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">American Fork Cavemen (7-3)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>American Fork has quietly emerged as a dark horse in 6A, and it's clear their roster is starting to click. After dropping six close games last year, the Cavemen have come out this season sharper, taking on tough tests early against Pleasant Grove and West and showing a different level of poise. The chemistry is there, and it's translating into timely plays when games tighten up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A major addition has been [player_tooltip player_id='1051328' first='Jalise' last='Chatman'] out of Washington, who brings control to the backcourt and a natural feel for reading defenses and setting the table. She has been complemented by players who've grown into versatile, impactful roles. [player_tooltip player_id='1249685' first='Julia' last='Fugal'] uses her length to affect both ends of the floor, whether it's finishing inside, contesting shots, or making plays in transition. [player_tooltip player_id='1240502' first='Morgan' last='Felix'] has also found her rhythm, playing with more confidence and becoming a consistent scoring threat, especially from beyond the arc. Once they add [player_tooltip player_id='1306793' first='Bekah' last='Jacob'] to the lineup in a few games, that could add just an extra dynamic that could further boost AF's game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With this mix of new energy and players settling into expanded roles, American Fork looks more connected and dangerous than a year ago — a team that won't surprise anyone if they keep climbing in 6A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other contributors:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1542894' first='Brooke' last='Grunander'], [player_tooltip player_id='1568557' first='Maya' last='Durrant'], [player_tooltip player_id='1568567' first='Allison' last='Brown'], [player_tooltip player_id='1325017' first='Taylor' last='Jensen']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Kanab Cowboys (11-0)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kanab is anchored by one of the top prospects in the 2026 class, [player_tooltip player_id='790604' first='Rylee' last='Little'], and they've shown they have more than enough around her to make a serious run this year. The Cowboys have opened the season undefeated, knocking off teams up to 4A in non-region play and handling their 2A competition with confidence. They've looked every bit the part of a team that expects to be there at the end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The game circled on their calendar comes after Christmas, when Kanab faces Pleasant Grove in a matchup that could feature two of the tallest players in the state and pit a pair of unbeaten teams against each other. That showdown may finally test Pleasant Grove's depth in the paint and show just how dominant Kanab can be inside. Alongside Little, [player_tooltip player_id='1310851' first='Kaycee' last='Castagno'] has been everywhere on the floor, using quick hands and relentless effort to create turnovers, extend possessions, and keep the ball flowing back into the post. With that inside-out balance, Kanab looks built to stay in the title conversation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other contributors:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1239835' first='Taylin' last='Kelly'], [player_tooltip player_id='1503104' first='Carsyn' last='Cutler'], [player_tooltip player_id='1379816' first='Kenidee' last='Glazier'], [player_tooltip player_id='1379819' first='Tavi' last='Johnson'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1379825' first='Jaydee' last='Houston']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Green Canyon Wolves (7-2)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Green Canyon has burst out to a strong start, with its only two losses coming by narrow margins against a tough Alta squad and a gritty Maple Mountain team. They've already notched an impressive win over a long, physical Ridgeline roster, showing they can compete with size and athleticism. The trio driving their success has been [player_tooltip player_id='812025' first='Talyssa' last='Nelson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1320636' first='Kloey' last='Tensmeyer'], and [player_tooltip player_id='812026' first='Mya' last='Hinds'], who account for most of the production on the stat sheet. Kloey's quickness and ball control keep the offense flowing, while Talyssa's ability to read the floor, control the glass, and finish around the rim anchors them inside. With a demanding region slate ahead against Fremont, Mountain Crest, and Ridgeline, Green Canyon will be forced to sharpen its edge every night — and if this core continues to grow together, it'll only get more dangerous as the season goes on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other contributors:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1377064' first='Claire' last='Brown'], [player_tooltip player_id='1377066' first='Kate' last='Hansen'], [player_tooltip player_id='1242988' first='Britten' last='Maw'], [player_tooltip player_id='1377063' first='Jaylee' last='Blotter'], Liza Seedall and [player_tooltip player_id='1377062' first='Laynee' last='Gibson'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Snow Canyon Warriors (9-3)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Snow Canyon's early-season losses came against two battle-tested 6A programs, but since then, the Warriors have found their rhythm and begun to look like a team coming into its own. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='875186' first='Falynn' last='Randall'] has emerged as the floor general, setting the tone with her presence and production, while freshman [player_tooltip player_id='957124' first='Braylee' last='Chesley'] has injected immediate impact and energy, proving to be a cornerstone for the program's future. This is an exceptionally young roster that is only going to sharpen as chemistry builds and reps stack up. With just a couple of seniors, including steady leader [player_tooltip player_id='1236663' first='Chaylee' last='Andrews'], Snow Canyon is already showing it has the pieces to be competitive now — and the foundation to be a force in the years ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other contributors:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='796500' first='Kaylin' last='Wynia'], [player_tooltip player_id='1569092' first='Piper' last='Mackay'], [player_tooltip player_id='1243046' first='Alyvia' last='Kozlowski'], [player_tooltip player_id='1569093' first='Pearl' last='Fonua'], Claire White, [player_tooltip player_id='1569095' first='Maliya' last='Howard'], Kate Olson, and Erica Jensen</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->