4A Region 10 Preview – Can Judge Defend?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Region 10 could be one of the most interesting races in 4A this season. The defending region champion, Judge Memorial, returns one of the classification's most productive young players, while Cottonwood and Highland have made additions that could significantly change the balance of power.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The question isn't simply whether Judge Memorial can defend its title. It's whether the Bulldogs can hold off a Cottonwood program adding backcourt firepower, a Highland team gaining another experienced contributor, and several other programs with returning talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Last season's Region 10 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>Judge Memorial</td><td>12–2</td><td>17–8</td></tr><tr><td>Cottonwood</td><td>11–3</td><td>17–8</td></tr><tr><td>Jordan</td><td>9–4</td><td>12–9</td></tr><tr><td>Park City</td><td>8–6</td><td>11–14</td></tr><tr><td>Highland</td><td>5–7</td><td>12–11</td></tr><tr><td>Murray</td><td>5–8</td><td>10–14</td></tr><tr><td>Juan Diego</td><td>4–10</td><td>7–16</td></tr><tr><td>East</td><td>0–14</td><td>0–20</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">This year's projections:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Judge Memorial - Returning talent</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Judge Memorial enters the 2026–27 season looking to defend its Region 10 title, and the addition of Maelys Njike from Skyline makes the Bulldogs an even more dangerous contender. With [player_tooltip player_id='997502' first='Munah' last='Doe'] returning as one of the most productive players in 4A, Judge now has an intriguing combination of established scoring, defensive versatility, and young talent that could make the Bulldogs difficult to match up against.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Doe returns after an impressive sophomore campaign, averaging 15.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and three steals per game while earning Third Team All-State recognition. Her ability to contribute in multiple areas gives Judge a reliable offensive centerpiece and a player capable of setting the tone defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The addition of Njike brings another dimension to the Bulldogs. As a freshman at Skyline, she averaged 7.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, two assists, and 2.8 blocks per game. Her 59 blocked shots highlight the defensive presence she brings, while her rebounding and ability to contribute offensively give Judge another valuable option. Njike also showed flashes of her versatility throughout the season, including a 19-point performance against Taylorsville and a 12-point, 14-rebound, 10-block outing against Viewmont.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Judge also has younger talent in [player_tooltip player_id='879698' first='Lyvia' last='Candilora'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1092166' first='Maddie' last='Daw']. Their development will be important as the Bulldogs look to maintain the balance that helped them finish ahead of Cottonwood last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The biggest advantage for Judge is having an established player who can take on a significant workload. Doe has already demonstrated that she can produce against varsity competition, and the addition of some help in the paint and more ability to contribute in multiple areas should give the Bulldogs a reliable foundation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1378044' first='Adud' last='Deng']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='879698' first='Lyvia' last='Candilora']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1092166' first='Maddie' last='Daw']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='997502' first='Munah' last='Doe']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maelys Njike</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Takeaways:</strong> Judge Memorial remains my preseason favorite in Region 10, and Njike's arrival strengthens that position. The combination of Doe's proven scoring ability and Njike's defensive production could give the Bulldogs one of the region's most impactful young duos.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Cottonwood - New player additions strengthen backcourt</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cottonwood finished just one game behind Judge Memorial in the region standings, but the Colts enter the season facing significant roster changes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The graduation of a few players will leave them filling the front court role. However, the Colts have an exciting addition in [player_tooltip player_id='1566931' first='Addison' last='Duncan'], who transfers from Corner Canyon. Duncan, a combo guard, scored 53 varsity points and hit 11 three-pointers last season in 6A. Her statistics alone don't tell the full story of what she could bring to Cottonwood.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Duncan joins a developing group that includes [player_tooltip player_id='1380744' first='Belle' last='Kellywood'], a guard who brings defensive intensity and a willingness to attack. Younger contributors such as Bogdana Cecez, Jelena Cecez and [player_tooltip player_id='1380758' first='Kahlei' last='Nu'usila'] could also see expanded opportunities, while Elevina Ieremia and [player_tooltip player_id='1380745' first='Lei'la' last='Nu'usila'] provide returning experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The key for Cottonwood will be finding enough rebounding and interior production to replace their seniors. The backcourt has the potential to be more dynamic, but the Colts will need to establish a dependable presence around the basket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1566931' first='Addison' last='Duncan']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1380744' first='Belle' last='Kellywood']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1380758' first='Kahlei' last='Nu'usila']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1380745' first='Lei'la' last='Nu'usila']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bogdana Cecez</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jelena Cecez</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elevina Ieremia</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Takeaways:</strong> Duncan gives Cottonwood a legitimate opportunity to challenge Judge Memorial for the region championship. If the younger players step forward and the Colts find answers inside, a first-place finish is realistic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Highland - McCain gives Rams a higher ceiling</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highland could be one of the biggest movers in Region 10 this season, particularly with the addition of [player_tooltip player_id='1325129' first='Mariah' last='McCain'] from Copper Hills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCain arrives after gaining experience in one of Utah's more competitive 6A regions. Her addition gives Highland another experienced player who could take on a larger role and provide additional frontcourt versatility. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rams also return [player_tooltip player_id='1325456' first='Vada' last='Foster'], a guard who has an opportunity to become one of the team's important offensive pieces. Foster brings a developing perimeter presence, and her role could expand as Highland replaces graduating contributors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other returning players include Gianna Escobar, Arianna Teller, Masina Hunt, [player_tooltip player_id='1417579' first='Taylor' last='Gurgel'] and Eliza Ryan. Highland also has younger talent in [player_tooltip player_id='1893914' first='Clare' last='Case'], who could become more involved as the season progresses. [player_tooltip player_id='1415943' first='Haven' last='Acra'] is another player we caught a glimpse of this summer who has shown she has some physicality and confidence that has improved since last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The departure of last year's seniors means the Rams still have production and experience to replace, but McCain's arrival helps address some of that uncertainty.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1325129' first='Mariah' last='McCain']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1415943' first='Haven' last='Acra']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1417579' first='Taylor' last='Gurgel']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1325456' first='Vada' last='Foster']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1893914' first='Clare' last='Case']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eliza Ryan</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arianna Teller</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Masina Hunt</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gianna Escobar</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Takeaways:</strong> Highland is my early pick to make one of the biggest jumps in the region. Moving from fifth to third is ambitious, but the addition of new players and the return of several young contributors give the Rams a chance to make that happen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Jordan - Returning experience keeps them competitive</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jordan put together a strong region campaign last season, finishing third behind Judge Memorial and Cottonwood. The Beetdiggers now face the challenge of replacing important senior production while maintaining the competitiveness that made them difficult to handle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='827421' first='Paige' last='Smith'] gives Jordan a returning interior presence, while [player_tooltip player_id='1869571' first='Bergen' last='Jettie'] provides an important option in the backcourt. Jettie earned 4A Honorable Mention All-State recognition last season, suggesting she has already established herself as one of the more promising returning guards in the region. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jordan also has younger players who could benefit from increased responsibilities. The key will be how effectively the Beetdiggers replace the production and experience of their departing seniors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With Smith contributing inside and Jettie helping organize the offense, Jordan has the foundation to remain competitive against the region's strongest teams. However, the development of secondary scoring options will be important if the Beetdiggers hope to challenge Judge Memorial and Cottonwood.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='884227' first='Bergen' last='Jetti']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='827421' first='Paige' last='Smith']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Takeaways:</strong> Jordan should remain in the upper half of the standings. I have them narrowly behind Highland, but the difference between third and fourth could be minimal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. Murray - Interesting young pieces inside</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Murray enters the season with an opportunity to improve upon last year's fifth-place finish. The Spartans have several intriguing returning players, but replacing the experience and production of their graduating seniors will be important.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the players who could become a central part of the team's success is [player_tooltip player_id='827417' first='Brooklyn' last='Richter'], a 6'3" post who earned 4A Honorable Mention All-State recognition last season. Her size and interior presence give Murray an important piece to build around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Spartans also have Grace Taeoalii, Brinley Forsyth, and [player_tooltip player_id='1243028' first='Elisabeth' last='Behunin'] among the players to watch as the team looks to establish a more consistent offensive identity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Murray has the potential to be particularly interesting if its guards can effectively play through Richter and create opportunities around the perimeter. Establishing reliable scoring from multiple positions will be important against teams such as Judge Memorial and Cottonwood.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1240264' first='Bailey' last='Trujillo']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='827417' first='Brooklyn' last='Richter']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1243028' first='Elisabeth' last='Behunin']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1874980' first='Kenzie' last='Cottle']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Takeaways:</strong> Murray has the pieces to compete for a top-four finish, especially if Richter becomes a more prominent part of the offense. I have the Spartans fifth for now, but they could move higher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6. Park City - Rebuild even with improvement</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Park City improved considerably last season, finishing fourth in Region 10 after struggling the year before. The Miners now face the challenge of maintaining that progress as they transition to a younger group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The departure of experienced contributors such as [player_tooltip player_id='1092159' first='Hadley' last='Flatch'], [player_tooltip player_id='1363492' first='Dylan' last='Radziukinas'] and Mallory Carter creates opportunities for players who previously had smaller roles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Among the younger players to watch are [player_tooltip player_id='1239831' first='Teagan' last='Fauvell'], [player_tooltip player_id='1243012' first='Valeria' last='Gonsalez Rocha'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1239825' first='Khloe' last='Dewitt']. Their development could determine how quickly Park City establishes its new lineup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Miners also need to find a consistent scoring identity. Last year's improvement demonstrated that the program can compete in Region 10, but maintaining that success will require younger players to become more dependable contributors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1261816' first='Avery' last='Johnson']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1092159' first='Hadley' last='Flatch']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1239825' first='Khloe' last='Dewitt']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1239831' first='Teagan' last='Fauvell']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1243012' first='Valeria' last='Gonsalez Rocha']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mallory Carter</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Takeaways:</strong> Park City could remain competitive in the middle of the region, but the extent of its roster changes makes a repeat fourth-place finish difficult to project.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">7. Juan Diego - Young talent could surprise</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Juan Diego enters another season in 4A with an opportunity to build around its younger talent. The Soaring Eagle struggled to find consistency last year, but there are reasons to believe the program could improve.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Niella Sebit and Kaitlin Hulverson are two players who could become increasingly important as Juan Diego looks for more offensive production and leadership.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The program also has experience developing players who can make an impact against strong competition. However, replacing departing contributors and establishing consistent scoring will be essential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Juan Diego's ability to compete in the middle of the region may depend on whether its younger players can become more confident offensively while limiting turnovers and creating additional scoring opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1827636' first='Ava' last='Tita']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='997501' first='Halle' last='Heinberger']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1872439' first='Riley' last='Brown']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Niella Sebit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kaitlin Hulverson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Takeaways:</strong> A team with room to improve. Juan Diego could challenge Park City and Murray if its returning players take significant steps forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">8. East - Room for growth</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East enters the 2026–27 season looking to turn the page after a difficult year, but the addition of [player_tooltip player_id='1415945' first='Mary' last='Langi'] from Highland gives the Leopards another reason for optimism. Langi brings experience from a regional opponent and could provide an immediate boost to a program looking to establish a more competitive identity. Returning player [player_tooltip player_id='1239820' first='Seine' last='HieHiapo'] could benefit from increased responsibilities and another year of development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Langi's arrival adds another option to a lineup that struggled to generate consistent offense last season. Her ability to contribute alongside East's returning players could help create a more balanced attack. Just as importantly, adding a player with experience competing in Region 10 could help East become more competitive against familiar opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1239820' first='Seine' last='HieHiapo']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1415945' first='Mary' last='Langi'] <br>Ivy Bateman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lizelle Stevens</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Takeaways:</strong> East still has plenty of work ahead, but the addition of Langi allows the Leopards to make meaningful progress. If the returning players continue developing and Langi can establish herself as a consistent contributor, East could be more competitive than last season's record suggests.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players who could shape the region</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>Player</th><th>School</th><th>Why she matters</th></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='997502' first='Munah' last='Doe']</td><td>Judge Memorial</td><td>Returning All-State wing; 15.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1566931' first='Addison' last='Duncan']</td><td>Cottonwood</td><td>Transfer guard with outside shooting ability</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1380744' first='Belle' last='Kellywood']</td><td>Cottonwood</td><td>Young, physical guard with defensive intensity</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1325129' first='Mariah' last='McCain']</td><td>Highland</td><td>Incoming 6A transfer with frontcourt experience</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1325456' first='Vada' last='Foster']</td><td>Highland</td><td>Young guard with an opportunity for a larger role</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1869571' first='Bergen' last='Jettie']</td><td>Jordan</td><td>Returning All-State honorable mention guard</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='827421' first='Paige' last='Smith']</td><td>Jordan</td><td>Established interior contributor</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='827417' first='Brooklyn' last='Richter']</td><td>Murray</td><td>6'3" returning post and All-State honorable mention</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1415945' first='Mary' last='Langi'] </td><td>East</td><td>Should be the "go-to" player for East on day one of practice.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->