Region 9 Preview- Toughest Region in 4A

Region 9 last year had the standings at the end of the year as follows:   <figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Team</th><th>Region</th><th>Overall</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Dixie</td><td>10–2</td><td>24–3</td></tr><tr><td>Snow Canyon</td><td>9–3</td><td>15–10</td></tr><tr><td>Pine View</td><td>8–4</td><td>19–7</td></tr><tr><td>Desert Hills</td><td>8–4</td><td>18–7</td></tr><tr><td>Cedar</td><td>5–7</td><td>11–13</td></tr><tr><td>Hurricane</td><td>1–11</td><td>3–17</td></tr><tr><td>Crimson Cliffs</td><td>1–13</td><td>4–19</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>   The standings don't fully tell the story of just how strong Region 9 was last season. Four of the eight teams that reached the 4A quarterfinals came from this region—Dixie, Pine View, Desert Hills and Snow Canyon. This wasn't simply a deep region; it became the center of 4A girls basketball when the postseason arrived. This season, however, brings plenty of turnover, with several of those teams replacing major pieces while others return young talent ready for larger roles. Here's how we see Region 9 taking shape heading into the upcoming season.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Dixie - My Early Favorite</h2>   Dixie came within one game of winning the 4A state championship, and the Flyers return enough talent to make another serious run. After finishing 24–3 overall and winning Region 9, Dixie loses some key pieces but brings back one of the classification's most productive young cores.   [player_tooltip player_id='873331' first='Izzy' last='Hollingshead'] returns after averaging 18 points, six rebounds, three assists, and four steals per game as a sophomore. She finished with 468 points, 157 rebounds, 77 assists, and 105 steals, establishing herself as one of the most complete players in 4A.   [player_tooltip player_id='873281' first='Addi' last='Winters'] was equally impressive, averaging 14.7 points and 4.6 rebounds while scoring 396 points. Between Hollingshead and Winters, Dixie returns 864 points from two players who were only sophomores last year.   The supporting cast is just as intriguing. [player_tooltip player_id='1771820' first='Lydia' last='Shurtliff'] contributed 227 points and 135 rebounds, while [player_tooltip player_id='904995' first='Audri' last='Orton'] added 150 points, 39 three-pointers and 52 assists. Both return with another year of experience and the opportunity to take on larger responsibilities.   What separates Dixie from much of the region is that the Flyers aren't asking one standout player to carry an inexperienced group. They have multiple proven scoring options, established chemistry, and players who already know what it takes to compete deep into February.   Players to watch:   [player_tooltip player_id='873281' first='Addi' last='Winters'] [player_tooltip player_id='904995' first='Audri' last='Orton'] [player_tooltip player_id='1870837' first='Bailee' last='Davey'] [player_tooltip player_id='1870834' first='Emma' last='Alldridge'] [player_tooltip player_id='873331' first='Izzy' last='Hollingshead'] [player_tooltip player_id='827415' first='Jerzi' last='Bundy'] [player_tooltip player_id='1247232' first='Kinley' last='Warrick'] [player_tooltip player_id='1771820' first='Lydia' last='Shurtliff'] [player_tooltip player_id='1870838' first='Sam' last='Yates']   Takeaways: Dixie enters as the clear Region 9 favorite and should be considered a legitimate contender to return to the 4A championship game.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Snow Canyon - Most Likely to Challenge</h2>   Snow Canyon finished just one game behind Dixie in region play last season, and the Warriors may have one of the most exciting collections of young talent.   [player_tooltip player_id='957124' first='Braylee' last='Chesley'] was only a freshman when she produced 371 points, averaging nearly 15 per game. [player_tooltip player_id='875186' first='Falynn' last='Randall'] added 272 points, 73 assists and 52 steals as a sophomore, while fellow freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1569092' first='Piper' last='Mackay'] contributed 166 points and hit 33 threes.   [player_tooltip player_id='796500' first='Kaylin' last='Wynia'] gives the Warriors another important returning piece. Standing 6'3", she contributed 163 points and 110 rebounds last season and provides size around the basket as Snow Canyon looks to replace Chaylee Andrews.   The Warriors also welcome incoming freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1091425' first='Scoti' last='Heward'], another young guard who could make this group even more dangerous. Heward brings quickness, relentless defensive energy, and the ability to make smart decisions under pressure. She doesn't need to dominate the ball to make an impact, and her willingness to find an outlet or attack an opening should fit well alongside Snow Canyon's established guards.   With Chesley, Randall and Mackay already producing at the varsity level, Heward won't necessarily be asked to carry a major offensive load immediately. Instead, she gives Snow Canyon another player able to create pressure, push the tempo, and contribute within the flow of the offense.   The Warriors lose some important interior production, but their returning backcourt talent and incoming youth make them particularly hard to project.   Players to watch:   [player_tooltip player_id='1243046' first='Alyvia' last='Kozlowski'] [player_tooltip player_id='957124' first='Braylee' last='Chesley'] [player_tooltip player_id='1871124' first='Brielle' last='Erickson'] [player_tooltip player_id='1243045' first='Brooke' last='Gunn'] [player_tooltip player_id='875186' first='Falynn' last='Randall'] [player_tooltip player_id='796500' first='Kaylin' last='Wynia'] [player_tooltip player_id='1359503' first='Makasini' last='Fonua'] [player_tooltip player_id='1569095' first='Maliya' last='Howard'] [player_tooltip player_id='1569093' first='Pearl' last='Fonua'] [player_tooltip player_id='1569092' first='Piper' last='Mackay'] [player_tooltip player_id='1091425' first='Scoti' last='Heward']   Takeaways: Snow Canyon is the most likely team to challenge Dixie for the Region 9 title. If its young players make the expected developmental jump, the race at the top could be much closer than people anticipate.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Desert Hills - A New Look With Serious Size</h2>   Desert Hills reached the 4A semifinals last season, but the Thunder will look noticeably different when they return to the floor. Graduating several big contributors leaves significant production and experience to replace.   [player_tooltip player_id='974008' first='Emeli' last='Langi'] becomes one of the most important returning pieces. As a sophomore, she produced 233 points, 52 rebounds, 34 assists, and 38 steals. She also showed her ability to step up in big moments, scoring 16 points and collecting five steals in the quarterfinal victory over Snow Canyon.   [player_tooltip player_id='1379844' first='Mckall' last='Moutsos'] returns after contributing 136 points, giving Desert Hills another player who has already experienced varsity competition.   The addition of incoming freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1325735' first='Ellie' last='Curtis'] could make things particularly interesting. At 6'3", Curtis gives the Thunder another young player with the size to become an important interior presence. With several established players graduating, opportunities could open quickly for younger players to earn meaningful minutes.   Curtis won't necessarily be expected to replace the production left behind by graduation on her own, but having that kind of height entering the program gives Desert Hills another option around the basket. How quickly she adjusts to the speed and physicality of varsity basketball could influence just how competitive the Thunder become.   With Langi providing an experienced offensive foundation and Curtis joining the younger talent working its way through the program, Desert Hills has some intriguing pieces despite the significant losses.   Takeaways: Desert Hills remains a contender for a top-four finish, but much will depend on how quickly its younger players develop. Curtis could become an important addition as the season progresses.   Players to watch:   [player_tooltip player_id='1325735' first='Ellie' last='Curtis'] [player_tooltip player_id='974008' first='Emeli' last='Langi'] [player_tooltip player_id='1379844' first='Mckall' last='Moutsos'] [player_tooltip player_id='884193' first='Ysabelle' last='Martinez']   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Crimson Cliffs - A dark-horse team that just became a serious contender</h2>   Crimson Cliffs finished just 4–19 overall last season, but the Mustangs could be one of the most improved teams in Region 9. With an already impressive group of returning players and the addition of two significant transfers, Crimson Cliffs suddenly has the pieces to make a serious push toward the top of the standings.   [player_tooltip player_id='935889' first='Josie' last='Myers'] returns after averaging 15.5 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. At 6'2", she gives the Mustangs an established presence in the paint and one of the region's most productive returning post players. [player_tooltip player_id='1789697' first='Jayda' last='Alofipo'] also returns after averaging 9.5 points and 3.4 steals per game, bringing defensive pressure and the ability to create opportunities in transition. [player_tooltip player_id='965020' first='Jaynee' last='Hahl'] adds another experienced scoring option after averaging 9.4 points per game, while [player_tooltip player_id='1699023' first='Morgan' last='Reddish'] provides additional depth.   Zanyiah Brinagh is another intriguing piece. After appearing in just four games last season, she has an opportunity to make a much bigger impact with a full season ahead of her.   The biggest development, however, is the arrival of [player_tooltip player_id='965028' first='Laynee' last='Walker'] from Hurricane and Alexa Vance from Salem Hills. Walker was Hurricane's leading scoring option last season, producing 239 points and knocking down 40 three-pointers. Her perimeter shooting and varsity experience give Crimson Cliffs another proven offensive weapon and should make it much more difficult for opponents to focus their defensive attention on Myers inside.   Vance is another addition who brings experience from outside the region. Her arrival gives Crimson Cliffs additional depth and another player who has already competed at the high school level. How quickly these transfers develop chemistry with the returning roster will be important, but the potential is certainly there.   What makes Crimson Cliffs particularly dangerous is the balance this roster could have. Myers can control the paint, Walker provides perimeter scoring, Alofipo creates defensive pressure, and Hahl, Brinagh, Reddish and Vance give the Mustangs several other options. This is no longer a team relying on one or two players to carry the load.   Takeaways: Crimson Cliffs is our biggest dark-horse pick in Region 9. A move into the top half of the standings is possible if the returning group comes together.   Players to watch:   [player_tooltip player_id='1247272' first='Ava' last='Phillips'] [player_tooltip player_id='1581956' first='Brielle' last='Jorgensen'] [player_tooltip player_id='1789697' first='Jayda' last='Alofipo'] [player_tooltip player_id='965020' first='Jaynee' last='Hahl'] [player_tooltip player_id='935889' first='Josie' last='Myers'] [player_tooltip player_id='952468' first='Zaniyah' last='Brinagh'] [player_tooltip player_id='1349920' first='Zoe' last='Moriyama']   [player_tooltip player_id='1699023' first='Morgan' last='Reddish']   [player_tooltip player_id='1349569' first='Maylee' last='Henrie']   [player_tooltip player_id='965028' first='Laynee' last='Walker']   Alexa Vance   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. Hurricane - Rebuilding Challenges</h2>   Hurricane was already facing an uphill battle after finishing 3–17 overall and 1–11 in Region 9 play last season. Now, with leading scorer Laney Walker transferring to Crimson Cliffs, the Tigers have an even bigger challenge ahead as they look to establish a new offensive identity.   Walker was responsible for 239 points and 40 three-pointers last season, providing much of Hurricane's perimeter scoring. Losing that production leaves a significant gap, particularly for a team that already struggled to generate consistent offense.   [player_tooltip player_id='1935093' first='Kinsley' last='Yardley'] returns after contributing 126 points last season and could be asked to take on a much larger offensive role. [player_tooltip player_id='1935094' first='Elle' last='Jenson'] and McKi Slack also return with varsity experience, giving the Tigers some familiar pieces to build around. Slack was only a freshman last season, making her development another important part of Hurricane's outlook.   The arrival of incoming freshmen [player_tooltip player_id='1349899' first='Addisyn' last='Cox'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1349569' first='Maylee' last='Henrie'] becomes even more significant with Walker's departure. Both join a program where opportunities could open quickly, and Hurricane may need its younger players to contribute earlier than originally expected. While relying heavily on freshmen can come with growing pains, it also gives the Tigers a chance to establish a young foundation that can develop together over the next several seasons.   The biggest question for Hurricane will be where the scoring comes from. Without Walker stretching defenses from the perimeter, the Tigers will need Yardley and the rest of the returning group to become more aggressive offensively. Cox and Henrie could also factor into that equation as they adjust to the high school game.   This may be a season where Hurricane's progress is measured less by its place in the standings and more by the development of its younger players. There will likely be some difficult stretches, but the opportunity to establish a new core could pay dividends down the road.   Takeaways: Hurricane could be more competitive than last season's record suggests. Cox and Henrie add another reason to watch how this young roster develops.   Players to watch:   [player_tooltip player_id='1349899' first='Addisyn' last='Cox'] [player_tooltip player_id='1238736' first='McKinley' last='Slack']   [player_tooltip player_id='1935093' first='Kinsley' last='Yardley']   [player_tooltip player_id='1935094' first='Elle' last='Jenson']   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">7. Pine View - Biggest Rebuilders</h2>   Pine View was one of Region 9's strongest teams last season, finishing 19–7 overall and reaching the 4A semifinals. The Panthers pushed eventual champion Green Canyon before falling 54–48, but much of the roster responsible for that run has now graduated.   The graduating seniors combined for 924 points last season. Replacing that much scoring, along with the rebounding, playmaking, and defensive production those players provided, will be a major challenge.   [player_tooltip player_id='1092175' first='Kenedy' last='Eves'] gives Pine View an important piece to build around. At 6'2", she produced 156 points, 150 rebounds, and 30 blocks as a sophomore. Her ability to provide a presence around the basket could become even more valuable as the Panthers establish a new rotation.   [player_tooltip player_id='1935095' first='Julia' last='Calico'] also returns, while several younger players who spent last season developing behind an experienced varsity group should now have opportunities to step forward.   Pine View has been a competitive program, and there is no reason to assume that changes overnight. However, the Panthers will need younger players to make significant jumps if they hope to remain among the region's top teams.   Takeaways: Pine View is one of the hardest teams to predict. There is talent in the program, but the amount of production lost to graduation could make this a transitional season.   Players to watch:   [player_tooltip player_id='1845755' first='Faith' last='Falaniko']   [player_tooltip player_id='1935095' first='Julia' last='Calico'] [player_tooltip player_id='1092175' first='Kenedy' last='Eves']   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">7. Cedar - Lot of Offense to Make Up</h2>   Cedar finished 11–13 overall and 5–7 in region play last season, but the Reds face a difficult challenge replacing their leading offensive contributors.   Gabby Gomez was one of the region's most productive scorers, finishing with 441 points and 67 three-pointers. [player_tooltip player_id='1312250' first='Mya' last='Bishoff'] and Brooke Vargas also provided important scoring, and all three have graduated.   That leaves a considerable amount of offense to replace.   [player_tooltip player_id='1312249' first='Jaylin' last='York'] returns after contributing roughly six points and four rebounds per game, giving Cedar an experienced player who could take on a much larger responsibility this season.   The challenge will be finding enough additional scoring to keep opposing defenses from focusing too heavily on York. Younger players will have opportunities to earn minutes, but Cedar needs several of them to emerge as reliable contributors.   Takeaways: Cedar enters with one of the region's largest rebuilding jobs. The Reds will need new scoring options to emerge quickly if they hope to climb the standings.   Players to watch:   [player_tooltip player_id='1312249' first='Jaylin' last='York'] [player_tooltip player_id='1885534' first='Tanley' last='Allen']

Region 9 last year had the standings at the end of the year as follows: