6A Region 2 Preview – Anyone’s Prize

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Region 2 is home to the defending state champions, but Bingham wasn't the only team with championship expectations last season. Several teams entered the postseason believing they had the pieces to make a run, making the Miners' eventual title even more interesting. Now, with key graduations, a few roster shake-ups, and some younger players ready for larger roles, the balance of power could shift again. Plenty of proven talent is returning throughout the region, but there's also enough change to make the race hard to predict. Let's take a look at who could emerge at the top of Region 2 this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cedar Valley - Region 2 Champs 2025-26</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record: 16-8 (11-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cedar Valley claimed the Region 2 title with an 11–1 record before its season came to an end in a 60–57 quarterfinal loss to Bingham. The Aviators graduate several important scorers, including Ellie Larson, Presley Whiting and Hadley Whiting, leaving some significant production to replace.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What they do bring back is plenty of quickness in [player_tooltip player_id='935878' first='Daisy' last='Thayne'] and [player_tooltip player_id='827410' first='Savannah' last='Klodt']. Thayne averaged 11.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.7 steals as a junior on her way to Third Team All-State honors, while Klodt showed throughout region play that she can provide another scoring threat from the perimeter. With several established players moving on, there should be opportunities for some of Cedar Valley's younger talent to step into much larger roles. Holding onto the top spot in Region 2 won't be easy, but nearly every team around them is also replacing key pieces, which could make this race much more open than last year's standings suggest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Other Players to Watch:</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1239464' first='Sadie' last='Johnson']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1871103' first='Isabel' last='Levorsen']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1871099' first='Katalina' last='Larson']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eva Okusi</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kaylee Larson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1871103' first='Isabel' last='Levorsen']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2) Westlake </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record: 21-5 (10-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Westlake lost some important pieces from last season, but the Thunder certainly aren't starting over. [player_tooltip player_id='796479' first='Avery' last='Thompson'] returns after producing 330 points, 104 rebounds, 113 assists and 87 steals, giving Westlake a proven player who can impact nearly every part of the game. [player_tooltip player_id='829862' first='Isley' last='Sauvao'] also returns after recording 156 points and a team-high 155 rebounds, providing another experienced piece to build around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What may be most intriguing, though, is the younger talent waiting behind them. Several of those players had strong summers and looked ready to step into the openings left by graduation. With Thompson and Sauvao providing an experienced foundation and younger pieces ready for expanded roles, there's plenty here to keep the Thunder right in the Region 2 conversation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Other Players to Watch:</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1038913' first='Katie' last='Cannon']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1248640' first='Brynn' last='Young']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='875183' first='McCoy' last='Larson']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1764623' first='Addison' last='Ramirez']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1321648' first='Rilynne' last='Hollist']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Breanna Headrick</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1764620' first='Bailey' last='Thompson']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1872249' first='Hailey' last='Peterson']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1846359' first='Jasmine' last='Ross']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1870826' first='Eva' last='Pili']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3) Mountain Ridge </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record: 7–5 (17–8)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mountain Ridge loses its leading scorer, who averaged about 15 points per game, but the Sentinels still return some important pieces. [player_tooltip player_id='805788' first='Kaylee' last='Montgomery'] returns after averaging roughly 13 points per game, giving Mountain Ridge a proven scorer to build around. [player_tooltip player_id='805789' first='Cailin' last='Kehl'] also returns after averaging just over seven points per game and should have an opportunity to take on an even larger role this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Plenty of youth is coming back, with a roster loaded with players from the 2027–29 classes who now have another year of experience under their belts. [player_tooltip player_id='805787' first='Josephine' last='Lombardi'] is one who caught our attention this summer and could be ready to take a noticeable step forward, and there are a few new players on the roster, including [player_tooltip player_id='1098304' first='Cali' last='Ashton']. With Montgomery and Kehl providing some established production and younger players like Lombardi pushing for larger roles, Mountain Ridge has plenty coming back despite losing its leading scorer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Other Players to Watch:</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='805791' first='Sadie' last='Madsen']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='805790' first='McKinley' last='Stowell']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1157687' first='Claire' last='Pomeroy']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='952614' first='Maci' last='Larsen']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1246447' first='Kinzie' last='Steggell']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1246446' first='Tialani' last='Ramos']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1675250' first='Mikaela' last='Marshall']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1675643' first='Ramona' last='Watson']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1870938' first='Hannah' last='Conry']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1870972' first='Grace' last='Shimada']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='935887' first='Kambria' last='Cutright']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4) Bingham</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record: 19-8 (6-6)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If end-of-region play had been any indication of how the state tournament would unfold, Bingham probably wouldn't have been the team hoisting the trophy at the end. The Miners found another gear when it mattered most, peaking at the right time and taking advantage of their opponents' weaknesses on their way to a state championship. How that momentum carries into this season will be interesting to watch. The biggest reason for optimism is that their top four scorers are all returning. [player_tooltip player_id='796474' first='Evalyn' last='Roberts'], [player_tooltip player_id='796469' first='Veanna' last='Pau'u'], [player_tooltip player_id='805794' first='Brizzy' last='Cottle'] and [player_tooltip player_id='875180' first='Lanie' last='Smith'] combined for nearly 36 points per game last season, giving Bingham an experienced core that already knows how to win when the stakes are highest. With that much proven production returning, the Miners have a strong foundation heading into the new season. They have a lot of new pieces that could play into their strong returning roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Other Players to Watch:</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='875180' first='Lanie' last='Smith']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='937697' first='Campbell' last='Bourne']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='805797' first='Quinn' last='Porter']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='972257' first='Sydnee' last='Parsons']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='967986' first='Halle' last='Harmon']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='941820' first='Sydney' last='Griott']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='972251' first='Mercede' last='Evans']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='972254' first='Abbie' last='Ratcliffe']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1245173' first='Jojo' last='Pau'u']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1245181' first='Bentley' last='Walsh-Holcomb']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1246493' first='Alexia' last='Chuy']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1245182' first='Maya' last='Perez']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1325731' first='Addie' last='Sewell']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5) Copper Hills</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record: 15-9 (6-6)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Grizzlies have a clear returning scoring option in [player_tooltip player_id='1206007' first='Abby' last='Bush'], giving Copper Hills an established piece to build around. The bigger question is who steps forward alongside her, and a few players who have put in their time could finally see their opportunities come to the forefront. [player_tooltip player_id='1325129' first='Mariah' last='McCain'] and [player_tooltip player_id='952652' first='Riley' last='Greenwood'] have waited for the chance to make a bigger impact on the varsity floor, and this could be the season when their roles expand significantly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We also caught a glimpse of [player_tooltip player_id='1926543' first='Madilynn' last='Lyon'] this fall, and she showed enough to make us believe Copper Hills needs to find a way to incorporate her into the rotation. With some important production gone, the Grizzlies have minutes and touches available. How well those players take advantage of their opportunities around Bush could go a long way toward determining where Copper Hills lands in a competitive Region 2.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Other Players to Watch:</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cheslea Carlise</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stella Brands</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Averi Yazzi</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Addison Spence</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6) Riverton</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record: 7-16 (2-10)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='952618' first='Meg' last='Rawson'] will be one of the players Riverton looks to as a go-to option this season. Kenadee Farnsworth and [player_tooltip player_id='875182' first='Sam' last='Spencer'] will also need to take on larger roles as the Silverwolves look for ways to replace the points and rebounding they lose with Maggie Hamblin. That production won't necessarily have to come from one player, but Riverton will need more from several pieces to fill the gap.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1361343' first='Izzy' last='Scherbel'] could be the dark-horse piece in that equation. She showed enough last season that she can't be overlooked, and an expanded role could give Riverton another weapon alongside its more established returners. If Scherbel takes a significant step forward and the returning core collectively makes up for what was lost, the Silverwolves could finish higher in Region 2 than many might expect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Other Players to Watch:</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1247150' first='Leah' last='Proctor']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1253967' first='Nichole' last='Smith']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1377043' first='Kinsley' last='Hathaway']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1377044' first='Brinsley' last='Farr']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1377045' first='Sarah' last='Kooyman']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">7) Herriman</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record: 5-19 (0-12)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Herriman has plenty of ground to make up after going winless in region play last season, especially for a program that has struggled to gain traction over the past few years. [player_tooltip player_id='1092170' first='Addison' last='Porter'] gives the Mustangs an important piece to build around. She was relied upon heavily in several areas as only a sophomore, taking on responsibilities that often fall to much more experienced players. With another year of development behind her, Porter should once again be central to what Herriman does on both ends of the floor. The bigger question will be who steps up around her, because for the Mustangs to start closing the gap in Region 2, they'll need more players capable of consistently taking some of that weight off Porter's shoulders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Other Players to Watch:</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='937698' first='Grace' last='Cannon']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1247152' first='Quinn' last='Long']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1870943' first='Dreyah' last='Gilson']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1416042' first='Jaylee' last='Hansen']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1415996' first='Stella' last='Smith']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Region Predictions</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1) Bingham</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2) Westlake</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3) Cedar Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4) Mountain Ridge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5) Copper Hills</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6) Riverton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7) Herriman</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->