5A Region 5 Preview - Clear Favorites

Fremont wasn't just undefeated in region play—it outscored Region 5 opponents by 390 points, averaging 32.5 points per game. That kind of separation made the Silverwolves the clear team to beat a season ago, but a new year brings new questions across the region. As we look at who returns, which younger players could step into larger roles, and where key production was lost, we'll break down the teams that appear ready to contend for the top spot and the dark-horse programs that could make the Region 5 race much more interesting.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Last Year's Region 5 Standings:</h3>   Fremont 12–0 (22–4)   Clearfield 10–2 (16–9)   Bonneville 6–6 (12–13)   West Field 6–6 (11–13)   Box Elder 4–8 (9–15)   Northridge 4–8 (4–19)   Roy 0–12 (0-22)   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Region 5 Predictions:</h1>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Fremont - Clear Favorite</h2>   The biggest reason is [player_tooltip player_id='796472' first='Abigail' last='Christensen']   Christensen was only a junior last season and averaged 19.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.3 SPG, and 1.1 BPG. She scored 499 points, shot 48% from the field, grabbed 174 rebounds, blocked 29 shots, and earned First Team All-State honors. At 6'2", that's a pretty significant player to have back in a region that already struggled to contain Fremont. But what makes Fremont especially scary is that Christensen isn't returning to an empty roster.   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1247151' first='Ellie' last='McArthur'] could be a huge story</h4>   McArthur was just a freshman last season and already averaged 8.8 points and 8.1 rebounds, finishing with 228 points, 210 rebounds, and 67 steals. She earned 5A Honorable Mention All-State as a freshman.   We saw what she could do against elite competition: In Fremont's semifinal against Pleasant Grove, McArthur had 7 points and 9 rebounds.   Other Players to Watch:   [player_tooltip player_id='805792' first='Jersie' last='Slater'], [player_tooltip player_id='1274979' first='Mia' last='McArthur'], [player_tooltip player_id='796481' first='Daphnie' last='Moyes'], [player_tooltip player_id='805793' first='Mia' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='805795' first='Brynn' last='Wadman'], [player_tooltip player_id='1866423' first='Avery' last='Dalebout'], Myka Hess, [player_tooltip player_id='1849750' first='Nykelle' last='Hellstrom'], Clara Clark, [player_tooltip player_id='1246536' first='Bella' last='Wurm'], [player_tooltip player_id='1866367' first='Chloe' last='Clark'], [player_tooltip player_id='1849778' first='Ava' last='Wilson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1866295' first='Karstin' last='Burton']   Takeaways:   This isn't a case where one superstar is returning, and everyone else has to figure out how to fill in around her. Fremont brings back a proven supporting cast with experience, production, and even more talent waiting in the wings for an opportunity. With that kind of continuity surrounding its top returners, Fremont has the pieces to do more than simply defend its Region 5 title. The Silverwolves should be looking to take the next step and make a legitimate push all the way to the final stage.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. West Field - Youth Makes Them Interesting</h2>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1572255' first='Kenzie' last='Bagby'] and [player_tooltip player_id='952609' first='Tahlia' last='Munoz']</h4>   West Field went 11–13 overall and 6–6 in region play before falling to Bonneville in the first round of the state tournament. The Longhorns lost their leading scorer, but this is where the group becomes intriguing. [player_tooltip player_id='1572255' first='Kenzie' last='Bagby'] was only a freshman last season and averaged 8.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 2.6 steals per game. She also showed flashes of what could be coming, including an 18-point game with four threes and six steals. That is exactly the type of player who could make a significant freshman-to-sophomore jump. Add [player_tooltip player_id='952609' first='Tahlia' last='Munoz'], who contributed both points and rebounds last season, and West Field has a young foundation that could be ready for a much larger role. If that development carries over, the Longhorns could be an interesting team to watch in Region 5.   Other Players to Watch:   [player_tooltip player_id='796476' first='Joley' last='Thomas'], [player_tooltip player_id='1851067' first='Karlyn' last='Whetton'], [player_tooltip player_id='1851076' first='Jordyn' last='Mendoza'], Meleah Conger, Kendyll Kapp, [player_tooltip player_id='1849792' first='Cora' last='Winterton'], Brinley Bigelow, and [player_tooltip player_id='1849744' first='Taylor' last='Barnes'].   Takeaways:   West Field could be an early sleeper to make a push for second place in the region. Last year's record may undersell what this group could become, especially with several younger players now having an opportunity to step into larger roles. If those pieces take advantage of the minutes and production left available to them, the Longhorns could make a noticeable jump and become one of the more interesting teams in the Region 5 race.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Bonneville - Possible Riser</h2>   Bonneville finished 6-6 last year and won a state tournament game against West Field. They return the second-most proven player in Region 5 behind Christensen:   [player_tooltip player_id='1356839' first='Baya' last='Jimenez']   Jimenez was a junior and put together an excellent season: 14.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.8 APG, 2.5 SPG, and 45 made threes   She totaled 337 points, 152 rebounds, 67 assists, 60 steals, and earned 5A Honorable Mention All-State.   The concern for Bonneville, after graduating several important players, is who will become the supporting structure.   Takeaway:   Bonneville has an opportunity to move into the top three, but finding secondary scoring and rebounding will determine whether or not that happens.     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Northridge - Potential Surprise Team</h2>   The 4–19 overall record isn't going to jump off the page, but Northridge was much more competitive within the region than that overall record suggests.   The Knights went 4–8 in Region 5, and their region scoring margin was only 518–552—a difference of just 34 points over 12 games. That is dramatically different from a typical 4–19 team.   And they bring back [player_tooltip player_id='796471' first='Rihanna' last='May']. May earned 5A honorable Mention All-State and averaged 16 PPG, including a 23-point, nine-rebound performance. That's a legit centerpiece for their team.   Other Players to Watch:   Brooklyn Mayfield, [player_tooltip player_id='1849813' first='Lauren' last='Terrando'], Kayla Stevenson, Morgan Hale, Sylvie Keetch, Keeley McLeod, [player_tooltip player_id='1849783' first='Bella' last='Lozada'], and Sloan Griffith.   Takeaways:   Northridge is the team whose record from last year could keep some from expecting much. They could be the dark horse team in Region 5.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. Clearfield - Biggest Question Mark</h2>   Clearfield lost a significant senior roster lineup, which means they will lean heavily on [player_tooltip player_id='805802' first='Ciara' last='De La O']. As a junior, she had 10.4 PPG, 261 points, 46 threes, 53 steals, and 37 assists. Her 46 threes ranked her among Utah's leaders from behind the arc. With more of a spotlight, expect her stats to rise with her time on the floor.   Add in [player_tooltip player_id='1239842' first='Calista' last='Christensen'], who, as a sophomore last season, showed perimeter ability, and Clearfield shows they aren't left without options.   Other Players to Watch:   [player_tooltip player_id='805803' first='Kate' last='Droge'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1326152' first='Taya' last='Christensen']   Takeaway:   Clearfield won't be in the top of Region 5, but that should depend on how the gaps fill in with new talent.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6. Box Elder - Needs Scoring to Emerge</h2>   Box Elder loses its leading scorer, leaving some important production to replace, but the Bees have a younger piece in Brielle Yates who could be ready for a larger role. Yates was only a sophomore last season and already showed her value around the rim, particularly as a rebounder and shot blocker. With another year of development and more opportunities available, her ability to control the glass and provide a defensive presence inside could become an important part of what Box Elder builds around this season.   Takeaway:   This feels like more of a development year for Box Elder than a Region 5 contention year.   Other Players to Watch:   Brooklyn Nelson and [player_tooltip player_id='1239830' first='Marley' last='Barber']   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">7. Roy - The Freshmen Are The Story</h2>   Roy had a brutal season, but there is something interesting buried in that record. Two freshman are already among Roy's leading players.   Lily Solomona and [player_tooltip player_id='1866393' first='Quincy' last='Hoover']   Solomona finished her freshman season with 1294 points and 138 rebounds, while Hoover pulled in 98 boards and had 96 points. This gives Roy a place to start building some talent and could become more interesting over the next few years.   Other Players to Watch:   [player_tooltip player_id='968246' first='Talyeah' last='Valdez']   Takeaway:   Roy is more interesting than their previous 0-22 record. They could start to build momentum and work their way up through Region 5. If not this year, in seasons to come.

Fremont wasn't just undefeated in region play—it outscored Region 5 opponents by 390 points, averaging 32.5 points per game. That kind of separation made the Silverwolves the clear team to beat a season ago, but a new year brings new questions across the region. As we look at who returns, which younger players could step into larger roles, and where key production was lost, we'll break down the teams that appear ready to contend for the top spot and the dark-horse programs that could make the Region 5 race much more interesting.