5A Region 6 – New Players Could Decide

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Region 6 could look considerably different this season. After finishing with a combined 59 wins last year, Bountiful, Alta, and Olympus established themselves as the clear leaders. However, all three programs face significant roster changes, leaving the door open for a much more competitive region race.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bountiful is coming off a 23-win season, Alta finished just one region game behind the Redhawks, and Olympus won 17 games. But with several of the region's most productive players graduating, this season could be decided by which returning supporting cast is best prepared to take over.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Last Year'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 class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Team</th><th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Region</th><th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Overall</th></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Bountiful</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">11–1</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">23–3</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Alta</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">10–2</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">19–5</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Olympus</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">9–3</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">17–6</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Woods Cross</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">6–6</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">12–12</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Brighton</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">3–9</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">5–17</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Viewmont</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2–10</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">5–18</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Skyline</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">1–11</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">8–17</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">This Year's Predictions</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Bountiful Redhawks</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025–26: 23–3 overall, 11–1 region</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bountiful enters the season with a significant challenge: replacing one of the most productive players in Utah high school basketball. However, the Redhawks are far from starting over. [player_tooltip player_id='827404' first='Maleah' last='Nelson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='884212' first='Brynna' last='Castleton'] give Bountiful two established players capable of stepping into much larger roles. Nelson averaged 10.2 points, knocked down 45 three-pointers, and added 52 assists. Castleton contributed 7.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game while providing a versatile presence on both ends. Together, they offer a solid foundation for another competitive season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The addition of 6'2" forward [player_tooltip player_id='879599' first='Zoe' last='Michaelis'] from Woods Cross gives Bountiful another established varsity contributor and helps address some of the size and production lost to graduation. Michaelis averaged 6.7 points and five rebounds last season and hit 24 three-pointers, bringing an intriguing mix of interior presence and perimeter shooting. Alongside returning standouts, Michaelis adds another dimension to a lineup that already has plenty of potential. Nelson's outside shooting and Castleton's versatility, combined with Michaelis' ability to stretch the floor and contribute on the glass, should give Bountiful a balanced attack. The Redhawks will still need to replace Satuala's tremendous production, but this addition makes them an even stronger favorite to defend their Region 6 title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1239636' first='Ava' last='Clark']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='884212' first='Brynna' last='Castleton']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1246454' first='Jessie' last='Black']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1246453' first='Mailey' last='Murdock']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='827404' first='Maleah' last='Nelson']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1246452' first='Vivienne' last='Stevenson']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='879599' first='Zoe' last='Michaelis']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Takeaways:</strong> A narrow preseason favorite, with Nelson, Castleton, and Michaelis expected to lead the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Olympus Titans</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025–26: 17–6 overall, 9–3 region</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Olympus can challenge for the region title, but replacing its leading scorers will be no small task. The graduation of last year's seniors removes a combined 861 points from the lineup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most important returners is [player_tooltip player_id='1880996' first='Annie' last='Erickson'], who averaged 8.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.6 steals. Her 31 made three-pointers give Olympus a perimeter scoring option, and she should have a much larger opportunity to establish herself offensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another player worth watching is [player_tooltip player_id='1965970' first='Mae' last='Matsumori'], a Class of 2029 guard who scored 104 points as a freshman. [player_tooltip player_id='921381' first='Ava' last='Jorgensen'] also returns after connecting on 28 three-pointers. The development of those guards could be essential as Olympus adjusts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Titans have enough returning perimeter talent to remain competitive, but rebounding and interior production will be important questions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1880996' first='Annie' last='Erickson']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='921381' first='Ava' last='Jorgensen']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='997496' first='Savannah' last='Erickson']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1965970' first='Mae' last='Matsumori']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Alta Hawks</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025–26: 19–5 overall, 10–2 region</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alta was one of the strongest teams in Region 6 last season, finishing just behind Bountiful. However, the Hawks face perhaps the most significant offensive rebuilding project in the region. Seniors combined for 1,030 points last season, meaning Alta will need to replace virtually all of its primary scoring production. That creates an opportunity for a new group of contributors to emerge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='884192' first='Megan' last='Johnson'], a Class of 2027 guard, returns after scoring 78 points last season. [player_tooltip player_id='952616' first='Isabelle' last='Lewis'], a Class of 2028 forward, contributed 64 points and 81 rebounds. While neither had the offensive responsibility carried by last year's seniors, both gained varsity experience and could be ready for larger roles. [player_tooltip player_id='927416' first='Sophia' last='Ceballos'], [player_tooltip player_id='1324069' first='Khloe' last='Horrocks'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1277750' first='Elise' last='Baldassano'] are other younger players who could help shape the next version of Alta basketball. Throw in the incoming [player_tooltip player_id='1872423' first='Emma' last='Belfiore'], [player_tooltip player_id='1872421' first='Adella' last='De Azevedo'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1872424' first='Pilar' last='Lopez'], all of whom look like players who have had varsity experience with their floor IQ and ball possession.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hawks have demonstrated an ability to compete at a high level, but their success this winter may depend on how quickly their younger players adjust to becoming primary contributors rather than supporting pieces. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1872421' first='Adella' last='De Azevedo']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1277750' first='Elise' last='Baldassano']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1872423' first='Emma' last='Belfiore']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='952616' first='Isabelle' last='Lewis']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1324069' first='Khloe' last='Horrocks']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='884192' first='Megan' last='Johnson']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1872424' first='Pilar' last='Lopez']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='927416' first='Sophia' last='Ceballos']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Takeaways:</strong> Alta has the potential to remain near the top, but with so much proven production graduating, its preseason projection comes with more uncertainty than last year's record suggests</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Skyline Eagles</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025–26: 8–17 overall, 1–11 region</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Skyline's record may not immediately suggest a team ready to climb the standings, but the Eagles have several young contributors who could make them an interesting group this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The biggest returning offensive weapon is [player_tooltip player_id='997500' first='Estella' last='Myers'], a Class of 2028 guard who averaged 10 points per game and knocked down 57 three-pointers last season. Her perimeter production provides Skyline with an established scoring option who could become an even bigger part of the offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Skyline also returns an intriguing interior player: [player_tooltip player_id='1364681' first='Nora' last='Pearce'], a 6'1" player, added 5.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and an impressive 3.5 blocks per game. That combination gives Skyline something valuable: perimeter shooting and interior rim protection.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles lost a lot of stat sheet contributors; however, the production returning from Myers, and Pearce makes Skyline an interesting candidate to improve upon last year's region finish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If Myers can continue stretching defenses and the Eagles capitalize on their interior size, they could be much more difficult to handle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='997500' first='Estella' last='Myers']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1364686' first='Mollie' last='Nevener']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1364681' first='Nora' last='Pearce']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1697034' first='Norah' last='Pearce']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1926499' first='Valeska' last='Stoltenow']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Takeaways:</strong> My pick to make the biggest move up the standings. The combination of Myers' shooting and some productive interior players gives Skyline a foundation for improvement.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. Woods Cross Wildcats</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025–26: 12–12 overall, 6–6 region</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Woods Cross enters the season facing an even larger rebuilding project than originally anticipated. After graduating leading scorers, the Wildcats will also be without Michaelis, who has transferred to region rival Bountiful. Michaelis was expected to become one of the team's primary contributors, and her departure leaves Woods Cross searching for a new offensive identity. Riley Jacobs and the program's younger players will now have opportunities to step into much larger roles, but replacing so much experience and production will not be easy. The Wildcats have been competitive in Region 6, and this season will test how quickly their developing players can adjust to increased varsity responsibilities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1872427' first='Kalei' last='Crockett']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Riley Jacobs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Takeaways:</strong> This year could be a search to see which young players can step into big roles left open.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6. Viewmont Vikings</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025–26: 5–18 overall, 2–10 region</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Viewmont faces considerable uncertainty after a difficult season and significant roster turnover. If the Vikings are replacing most of last season's production, they will need younger players to take on responsibilities very quickly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='935882' first='Kailey' last='Selleneit'] led the Vikings with 243 points, averaging 10.6 points, 2.4 assists, and 2.2 steals. She could be the sole centerpiece for Viewmont to build on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There may be opportunities for new talent to emerge, particularly with so many varsity minutes becoming available, but Viewmont's projected finish depends heavily on players who have not yet established significant varsity statistics.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='935882' first='Kailey' last='Selleneit']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Takeaways:</strong> A rebuilding season appears likely based on the published roster, although incoming talent could change the picture considerably.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">7. Brighton Bengals</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025–26: 5–17 overall, 3–9 region</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brighton enters the season needing to replace one of the most productive individual players in the state. One player who could become particularly important is [player_tooltip player_id='1355790' first='Charlotte' last='Mckinney'], a Class of 2028 prospect who averaged 6.3 points and 3.1 rebounds in 14 recorded games. She is one of the team's more experienced returning scoring options and could be asked to take on a much larger offensive role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1966032' first='Izzie' last='Ngo'] also returns after contributing 46 points, 19 assists, and 24 steals. Younger players such as Presley Perkins and Michi Matsumori may have opportunities to earn additional playing time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brighton will need to find a more balanced scoring approach, and much of its success will depend on how quickly the younger players develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1355790' first='Charlotte' last='Mckinney']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1966032' first='Izzie' last='Ngo']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Michi Matsumori</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Presley Perkins</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Takeaways:</strong> The Bengals face a challenging rebuilding season, but increased opportunities for McKinney and the younger guards could provide a foundation for future improvement.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The biggest storyline:</strong> Which program can replace its graduating stars most effectively? The answer could determine whether Bountiful stays on top or whether Region 6 produces a new champion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->