Small School Standouts This Week

Most of the schools along the Wasatch Front are larger programs and tend to draw more attention, but several smaller schools are making noise early and proving they belong in the conversation. A handful of players from those programs have already shown they have real upside and are off to impressive starts to the season.    Jaylah has been a major addition for Draper APA, and through six games, she's already proving why. Coming over from East, she's brought a level of physicality and scoring punch that APA needed—especially her ability to attack the paint, finish through contact, and exploit size mismatches against smaller lineups. She's shown she can create her own looks, push pace, and put pressure on defenses possession after possession.   With APA sitting at 4–2 and their only losses coming to a 6A opponent and a highly disciplined North Summit squad, Jaylah's impact is one of the biggest reasons they remain a real postseason threat. Surrounded by teammates who can also move the ball and score, her presence adds balance and makes APA far harder to scout than a season ago. If this trend continues, APA may have an even stronger path to a title run than last year.   Other impactful players: [player_tooltip player_id='812022' first='Kate' last='Leroy'], [player_tooltip player_id='827420' first='Amin' last='Ajak'], [player_tooltip player_id='879690' first='Bailey' last='Bluth']     Ellie is the engine behind a tough and disciplined North Summit squad, and she continues to prove why she's the headliner for one of the strongest 2A programs in the state. Year after year, North Summit reloads with new talent, but Ellie is the steady force that keeps them competitive, even after graduating players who move on to the next level.   This season, the Braves have opened at 5-1, stacking wins against several higher-classification teams and showing they're built for more than just 2A competition. Their only loss came against a strong 3A Morgan team, and even in that matchup, Ellie's presence and effort were unmistakable. She has been the team's leading scorer throughout the preseason and sets the tone with her hustle, toughness, and ability to impact the game on both ends.   Whether it's knocking down shots, creating plays in transition, or anchoring the defensive intensity North Summit relies on, Ellie is the player that keeps the Braves' ceiling high—and she's a big reason they look primed for a good year.   Other impactful players: [player_tooltip player_id='1415963' first='Kate' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='1494043' first='Chayden' last='Sargeant']     Tabiona has opened the season with a strong 3–0 start, and a big part of that momentum comes from Maecie, who's stepped naturally into the leadership role for this young Tigers squad. She's been the engine on both ends — scoring, creating, and setting the tone for a group that still has another year together to grow. Right alongside her is [player_tooltip player_id='1494003' first='Joy' last='Gines'], who has been just as impactful, giving Tabiona a reliable one-two punch that plays with confidence well beyond their age. If this early chemistry continues to build, the Tigers are shaping up to be a real contender in 1A, with the upside to be a contender in the long game.   Other impactful players: [player_tooltip player_id='1494003' first='Joy' last='Gines']     Panguitch has come out of the gates strong in 1A play, opening the season at 3–1 and showing they're built to contend once again. Their signature win over a tough, well-coached Millard squad speaks volumes about where this team is headed.   A major reason for that early success is [player_tooltip player_id='812033' first='Tayt' last='Miller'], who has stepped into a leadership role with confidence and consistency. She brings energy on both ends of the floor, attacks the rim with purpose, and has become one of Panguitch's most reliable scoring options.   Right beside her is [player_tooltip player_id='1493966' first='Lillee' last='Torgersen'], whose steady production and versatility give Panguitch balance. With these two leading the charge, Panguitch has the foundation to stay in the 1A conversation all season long. If the supporting cast continues to settle in and develop, this group has the potential to make a push for a title.   Other impactful players: [player_tooltip player_id='1493966' first='Lillee' last='Torgersen']     2A Beaver is off to a dominant preseason start, rolling through opponents and staying undefeated. They are currently 3-0 in their first games. They've handled several upper-classification teams with confidence, and Ruby has been a major force, dropping 23 points in their most recent outing. [player_tooltip player_id='790608' first='Danzee' last='Bradshaw'] has been equally important, providing steady scoring and physical play on both ends. Together, Ruby and Danzee give Beaver a balanced, reliable duo that makes this group look like a legitimate contender for a great region season.

Most of the schools along the Wasatch Front are larger programs and tend to draw more attention, but several smaller schools are making noise early and proving they belong in the conversation. A handful of players from those programs have already shown they have real upside and are off to impressive starts to the season.