4A Region 11 – Looking for a New Champion

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Region 11 is shaping up to be one of the more competitive races in 4A girls basketball this season. After Green Canyon's undefeated region run last year, the graduation of standout Talyssa Nelson opens the door for challengers like Ridgeline, led by All-State forward [player_tooltip player_id='796477' first='Abby' last='Munford'], Sky View, with its three leading scorers returning, and Mountain Crest behind [player_tooltip player_id='997499' first='Emersyn' last='Brown']. Tooele's [player_tooltip player_id='825056' first='Kennedy' last='Searle'] and Bear River's developing young core add even more intrigue, while incoming freshmen and emerging talent could shake up the standings as the season unfolds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Last season's standings</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table {"className":"is-style-stripes"} --> <figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><th>Team</th><th>Region</th><th>Overall</th></tr><tr><td>Green Canyon</td><td>14–0</td><td>25–2</td></tr><tr><td>Mountain Crest</td><td>11–3</td><td>19–6</td></tr><tr><td>Ridgeline</td><td>10–4</td><td>17–9</td></tr><tr><td>Sky View</td><td>8–6</td><td>13–12</td></tr><tr><td>Tooele</td><td>7–7</td><td>13–11</td></tr><tr><td>Bear River</td><td>4–10</td><td>9–15</td></tr><tr><td>Deseret Peak</td><td>2–12</td><td>5–19</td></tr><tr><td>Stansbury</td><td>0–14</td><td>3–20</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">This Season's Predictions</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Ridgeline RiverHawks</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025–26: 17–9 overall, 10–4 region</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ridgeline enters the season with a legitimate opportunity to claim the Region 11 championship. The RiverHawks return one of the most dominant interior players in 4A in senior [player_tooltip player_id='796477' first='Abby' last='Munford'], who has already committed to play at BYU. She is joined by an exciting group of younger players who gained valuable varsity experience last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Munford, a 6'2" forward and two-time First Team All-State selection, recorded 267 points, 244 rebounds, 55 steals, and 38 blocks in her games last season. Her ability to control the paint, dominate the glass, and provide consistent scoring gives Ridgeline a major advantage against most opponents. She also has the ability to take over a game without needing a high volume of touches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The development of sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1235913' first='Sam' last='Brown'] could be equally important. Brown made an immediate impact as a freshman, producing around 11 points per game while contributing as a ball handler, perimeter scorer, and defender. She knocked down 36 three-pointers last season and gives Ridgeline a player capable of creating offense away from the basket. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1327059' first='Sianna' last='Dowdin'] provides another option in the backcourt, while [player_tooltip player_id='1452448' first='Brynlee' last='Sholly'], [player_tooltip player_id='1452444' first='Brynlyn' last='Jackson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1452442' first='Addy' last='Smith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1452447' first='Sophie' last='Smith'] are among the players who could contribute to the rotation. The group of names to monitor also includes [player_tooltip player_id='1322728' first='Amelia' last='Saltern'], [player_tooltip player_id='796498' first='Emy' last='Castleton'], [player_tooltip player_id='1866326' first='Nora' last='Sandgren'], [player_tooltip player_id='796497' first='Reagan' last='Brown'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1866312' first='Zoey' last='Crum']. Their individual varsity roles will become clearer once the season begins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Takeaways</strong>: Ridgeline is my preseason favorite in Region 11. Munford gives the RiverHawks an established All-State presence, and Brown's continued development could elevate the team's offensive ceiling. If the supporting cast provides consistent contributions, Ridgeline has the pieces to win the region and make a deep postseason run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Sky View Bobcats</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025–26: 13–12 overall, 8–6 region</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sky View could make one of the biggest jumps in Region 11 this season. After finishing fourth a year ago, the Bobcats return their three leading scorers and much of the experience that helped them reach the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1092176' first='Mollee' last='Allen'] leads the way after averaging approximately 15.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. The 6'0" forward provides an impressive combination of size, scoring, and defensive production. Allen also connected on 37 three-pointers, giving Sky View a player who can stretch the floor while remaining a factor around the basket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1119388' first='Liv' last='McKay'] returns after averaging approximately 12 points per game and connecting on more than 50 three-pointers. Her perimeter shooting and ability to contribute as a playmaker give Sky View another dependable offensive weapon. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1092178' first='Lacy' last='Smith'] adds a third established scoring option after averaging approximately eight points per game while contributing as a shooter and facilitator. MaxPreps.com+2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With Allen, McKay and Smith returning, Sky View has the potential to become one of the most balanced offensive teams in the region. The Bobcats have size, shooting, and multiple players capable of creating opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1377070' first='Kamryn' last='Walker'], [player_tooltip player_id='1866368' first='Brooklyn' last='Black'], [player_tooltip player_id='1377069' first='Aisha' last='Dean'], [player_tooltip player_id='1866332' first='Emma' last='Spackman'], [player_tooltip player_id='1377068' first='Breklyn' last='Ward'] and [player_tooltip player_id='884213' first='Molly' last='Tarbet'] are also eligible to return, providing the Bobcats with valuable experience and continuity. [player_tooltip player_id='1866370' first='Samantha' last='Alexander'] returns and [player_tooltip player_id='1866313' first='Alexis' last='Harding'], [player_tooltip player_id='1866309' first='Eliza' last='Womack'], [player_tooltip player_id='1865757' first='Oliveya' last='Isaacson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1865578' first='Sophie' last='Kraus'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1866421' first='Sydney' last='Kraus'] are additional names to monitor as younger players potentially move into varsity roles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of Sky View's biggest advantages will be familiarity. With so many players returning, the Bobcats should have an opportunity to build on their existing chemistry rather than starting over with an entirely new lineup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Takeaways</strong>: Sky View has the returning production to challenge for the Region 11 championship. Allen, McKay, and Smith give the Bobcats three established offensive options, and their experienced supporting cast could help them close the gap against Ridgeline and Green Canyon. A top-two finish is a realistic expectation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Green Canyon Wolves</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025–26: 25–2 overall, 14–0 region</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Green Canyon enters the season as the defending Region 11 champion, but the Wolves will look different after graduating several key contributors from last year's dominant team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The biggest departure is their seniors, and replacing that much experience and production will be one of the team's biggest challenges. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fortunately, Green Canyon returns one of the region's top guards in senior [player_tooltip player_id='1320636' first='Kloey' last='Tensmeyer']. The First Team All-State selection averaged around 12.5 points, 3.9 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and three steals per game. Her ability to run the offense, create scoring opportunities, and apply defensive pressure makes her an ideal player to lead a younger lineup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1377066' first='Kate' last='Hansen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1376955' first='Lexie' last='Stoddard'] provide returning size, while [player_tooltip player_id='1242988' first='Britten' last='Maw'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1242989' first='Jocelyn' last='Issacson'] bring additional experience. [player_tooltip player_id='1771850' first='Halle' last='Hunter'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1866306' first='Avery' last='Olsen'] both gained varsity experience as freshmen and could be ready for expanded responsibilities as sophomores.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1866308' first='Brooklyn' last='Thompson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1866381' first='Lucy' last='Madsen'] are additional names to watch. Green Canyon's biggest challenge will be developing secondary scoring. Tensmeyer can control the offense, but the Wolves will need more players to become consistent threats if they hope to repeat last season's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Takeaways</strong>: Green Canyon remains firmly in the championship conversation, but the graduation losses make this a much more open race. Tensmeyer gives the Wolves a proven leader, and the development of Hunter, Olsen, Maw, and the rest of the returning group will determine whether Green Canyon can defend its title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Mountain Crest Mustangs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025–26: 19–6 overall, 11–3 region</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mountain Crest finished second in Region 11 last season and returns one of the classification's most productive guards in [player_tooltip player_id='997499' first='Emersyn' last='Brown']. The Mustangs will need to replace several important seniors, but they also have more returning experience than initially expected.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brown enters her junior season after earning Second Team All-State honors and averaging approximately 15.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and four steals per game. She also connected on 38 three-pointers, giving Mountain Crest a player who can create offense from the perimeter while disrupting opponents defensively. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brown's combination of scoring and defensive instincts makes her one of the most impactful returning players in Region 11. As she takes on an even larger leadership role, the Mustangs will rely on her to set the tone on both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1376952' first='Oakley' last='Brown'], [player_tooltip player_id='796478' first='Bella' last='Carroll'] and Madison Verhoef are returning, as well as [player_tooltip player_id='1858510' first='Mya' last='Walker']. That returning experience changes Mountain Crest's outlook considerably. Carroll and Verhoef provide backcourt experience, while [player_tooltip player_id='1376952' first='Oakley' last='Brown'] gives the Mustangs another returning option. Walker could also see an expanded role as the team adjusts to the departure of its senior contributors. [player_tooltip player_id='1866437' first='Blakely' last='Needham'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1865655' first='Sophia' last='Christensen'] are additional names to keep an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Takeaways</strong>: Mountain Crest has the talent to finish higher than fourth. With Brown leading the way and multiple experienced players returning, the Mustangs could challenge Ridgeline, Sky View, and Green Canyon for the region championship. Their ability to replace the graduating frontcourt production will be particularly important.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. Tooele Buffaloes</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025–26: 13–11 overall, 7–7 region</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tooele enters the season with one of the region's premier returning players in [player_tooltip player_id='825056' first='Kennedy' last='Searle'], but the Buffaloes will need several younger contributors to step into larger roles following the graduation of an experienced senior class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Searle, a 6'0" senior forward, earned First Team All-State honors after averaging approximately 16.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. Her 62 three-pointers were the second-highest in Region 11, highlighting her ability to score from beyond the arc while remaining effective around the basket. Searle's versatility gives Tooele a dependable offensive centerpiece. She can create matchup problems for opponents who struggle to defend players with size and perimeter shooting ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Buffaloes also return junior [player_tooltip player_id='1092163' first='Camila' last='Lora'], who averaged approximately 5.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. Lora provides an interior presence and should be an important part of Tooele's rebounding and defensive efforts. [player_tooltip player_id='1242991' first='Paizlee' last='Wall'] is another player who could show up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Takeaways</strong>: Tooele has enough talent to remain competitive in the middle of Region 11, particularly with Searle returning. If Lora continues developing and Wall helps stabilize the backcourt, the Buffaloes could challenge for a top-four finish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Final outlook</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Region 11 championship race should be much closer than last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ridgeline has an opportunity to take the top spot with [player_tooltip player_id='796477' first='Abby' last='Munford'] returning for her senior season and [player_tooltip player_id='1235913' first='Sam' last='Brown'] emerging as a major backcourt contributor. Sky View could be right behind the RiverHawks, with [player_tooltip player_id='1092176' first='Mollee' last='Allen'], [player_tooltip player_id='1119388' first='Liv' last='McKay'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1092178' first='Lacy' last='Smith'] giving the Bobcats a dangerous combination of scoring, shooting and experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Green Canyon remains a serious contender despite its graduation losses, while Mountain Crest has enough returning talent to challenge any team in the region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The middle of the standings could also become more competitive. Tooele has an established scorer in [player_tooltip player_id='825056' first='Kennedy' last='Searle'], and Bear River returns a young group that could make significant improvements. Stansbury and Deseret Peak will look to build on last year's experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->