2A Region 15 Preview and Predictions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we head into the second year of the current region alignments—with even more changes coming next season—the question is whether last year's contenders will once again rise to the top or if someone is ready to disrupt the standings. With key players graduating, young talent stepping into bigger roles, and new faces joining several programs, some regions could look very different by the end of the season. We take a look at each region, who enters as the favorite, and which teams have the potential to shake things up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">North Summit Braves</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Record: 20-7. 1st in Region 15.<br>The Braves are returning after their impressive run to take first in Region 15, perhaps more impressive is the number of returning players this team will roster. Not only will this team go into the next season with six players returning as seniors, but almost all of them were stat leaders for their team in their junior years.<br>The biggest threat for this region is [player_tooltip player_id='1119385' first='Ellie' last='Stephens'], who averaged a double-double last season. [player_tooltip player_id='1415963' first='Kate' last='Smith'] also returns as a leading scorer and rebounder. Though the Braves are losing their senior point guard, the returning players, including Chadlin Blonquist, [player_tooltip player_id='1926480' first='Kenzington' last='Brady'], Quinci Vernon, [player_tooltip player_id='1239829' first='Amy' last='Tholen'], Natalie Richins, and Olivia Richins, should be able to step into new roles to continue the competitiveness they ended with last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Duchesne</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Record: 20-7. 2nd in Region 15.<br>The Eagles return another large junior class; this means their team will have a more experienced group of returning players than many other teams in this region. However, with both their top scorers graduating this last year, there are some big opportunities for the returning players this season.<br>We are expecting Prezley Farnsworth and Jade Robinson to step up in a big way for the Eagles on offense. Keep an eye on [player_tooltip player_id='1778311' first='Claire' last='Anderton'], Lizzy Torgerson, and Kynlee Stansfield as well to fill some of the larger roles this team will be replacing</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Millard</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Record: 16-10. 3rd in Region 15.<br>The Eagles return their top offensive performer in [player_tooltip player_id='873330' first='Blakelie' last='Davies'] and their top rebounder in Eliza Larson. Millard is in an interesting position, as they are returning a very high-performing young roster. Unlike most other teams in this region, they will have the continuity of four of their starters returning who have already gotten some minutes together.<br>Keep an eye on Kennadie Anderson, [player_tooltip player_id='952630' first='Josie' last='Aleman'], and [player_tooltip player_id='952630' first='Josie' last='Aleman'] to continue their own development and help round out this team for the next couple of seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">South Summit</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Record: 5-20. 4th in Region 15.<br>The Wildcats are looking good going into this season as they have a number of returning players that contributed to their success last season. The Wildcats return two key offensive pieces this season with [player_tooltip player_id='1365837' first='Ashton' last='Arnout'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1366067' first='Emilee' last='McNulty']. They also return [player_tooltip player_id='1367818' first='Sydney' last='Crystal'], a top rebounder for their team<br>We can expect more growth from this team as younger players step into more important roles and continue getting valuable varsity minutes. Keep an eye on [player_tooltip player_id='1365935' first='Kelbee' last='Pearce'], [player_tooltip player_id='1365805' first='Emma' last='Stapel'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1365806' first='Emree' last='Woolstenhulme'] to return from summer with more responsibility and opportunities for further growth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Gunnison Valley</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Record: 9-15. 5th in Region 15.<br>The Bulldogs will be one of the youngest teams in this region as they graduated 6 seniors. Though they return their top scorer with [player_tooltip player_id='825059' first='Rylee' last='Bartholomew'], a number of their younger players will need to develop quickly to fill the roles lost.<br>Keep an eye on Aubree Bartholomew and Oaklee Sevy to fill out the offensive game of the Bulldogs as they develop a rhythm with the returning starters and incoming freshman. This team will be an exciting watch as their pieces come together this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">North Sevier</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Record: 6-15<br>The Wolves are in a good position this year, returning four of their starters. Though they will be filling the hole left by a high performing senior, the cohesion gained from a season of playing together paired with the opportunities granted to younger players puts this team in an ideal position for success.<br>With progress building around returning AnnaLyne James, Mikah Roper, and Zoey Rhees, the wolves will have the experience to be a tough competitor for their match ups this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>PREDICTIONS:<br> 1. North Summit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":2} --> <ol start="2" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Millard</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Duchesne</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>North Sevier</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>South Summit</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Gunnison Valley</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->