The Path to a 5A Championship

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While 6A is wide open this year, we shift to 5A, where the path to a championship will not be easy, as there are a few teams that will provide major resistance. There is a lot of size in 5A and a lot of players that bring versatility and depth that could be helpful heading into the playoffs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's start with the #1 team in the state, Pleasant Grove. Their recent history includes a 9-16 record last season, in which Syracuse defeated them in the second round of the state tournament. The year prior saw them with a 10-13 record, again falling to Syracuse in the 2nd round. Going back another year, they were at 7-16, with Tabi Clark as a freshman, averaging 5 PPG. Clark is the sole remaining player from that team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This year, Pleasant Grove boasts a remarkable 19-0 record, a significant turnaround from their previous struggles. Tabi Clark, now a senior, is averaging 18 PPG and is headed to Utah Valley University. With seven new players joining the team this season, Pleasant Grove is the team to watch, showcasing considerable length on the court. They have three starters who are over 6'0, anchored inside by the 6'6 [player_tooltip player_id='873276' first='Sutton' last='Villa'], a defensive force and reliable scorer in the post. While they are the favorites, a few teams have given them a challenge this season. Will this be the year the Vikings claim the championship?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other Notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='796473' first='Zuri' last='Nordstrom'], [player_tooltip player_id='796499' first='Janiece' last='Sikander'], [player_tooltip player_id='875195' first='Aaliyah' last='Sikander'], [player_tooltip player_id='879706' first='Cash' last='Connors'], [player_tooltip player_id='873279' first='Siri' last='Burgess']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The team that posed the biggest challenge to Pleasant Grove was Wasatch, who took the game down to the wire, with Pleasant Grove ultimately winning by just one point. Wasatch had a player who was particularly effective from beyond the arc. In the 1-point loss (47-46), Wasatch received outstanding performances from [player_tooltip player_id='789068' first='Fili' last='Liava'a'], who scored 23 points and hit 5 three-pointers. Dani Garner dominated the boards, grabbing 14 rebounds. Wasatch's size proved to be a match for Pleasant Grove, as Wasatch also boasts significant height. Mahala Speardon, a 6'3 PF/C, has made a significant impact with her mobility and size on both ends of the floor. Wasatch has a strong chance to make a deep run in the state tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other notable Players: [player_tooltip player_id='1357903' first='Kate' last='Miller'], Anna Greenhall</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The team that is built to beat anyone in the state is West High School. They are led by Oregon signee Kaylee Falatea. While she is a player that has elite skill, it is impressive what she can do against different defenses. She has been battling double teams and being face guarded, and she has still managed to average 24 PPG. The 18-1 West Panthers are ready to make another run at state. West is also a team that has height and skill. If things remain the same, the #1 and #2 teams could be a much-anticipated matchup heading into state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other notable players: [player_tooltip player_id='796811' first='Tia' last='Pan'], [player_tooltip player_id='1279080' first='Tiana' last='Fa'], Leite Latu</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Among the best teams in the state, there is a team that moved from 6A to 5A and that team is Fremont and they are led by big time junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='796472' first='Abigail' last='Christensen']. Christensen has really transformed her game from when she was a freshman. Christensen is averaging 20 PPG and her coach will likely get to 300 wins in a career as a coach at Fremont, which is unreal. Fremont is a true force and they are getting excellent play from [player_tooltip player_id='805795' first='Brynn' last='Wadman'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1247151' first='Ellie' last='McArthur']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other notable players: Mia Jensen, [player_tooltip player_id='1274979' first='Mia' last='McArthur']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bountiful is next on the list of teams that could derail any team's state championship aspirations. The team is led by [player_tooltip player_id='796795' first='Milika' last='Satuala'], a talented player who has committed to play at the University of Utah. While every team has its go-to player, Satuala embodies the qualities of a player who can both score and defend. Averaging 21 points per game, Satuala's impact is significant. Bountiful has a strong schedule that should help them in their quest for a state title. With only one loss this season and four games remaining, they are likely to head into the state tournament with a 20-game winning streak.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other notable players: [player_tooltip player_id='827404' first='Maleah' last='Nelson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1378310' first='Charlotte' last='Johnson'], Brynn Castelton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->