5A Region 7 – Big Transfers Change Everything

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Roster turnover will play a major role in how the region unfolds. Pleasant Grove must replace several key contributors from its undefeated season, while other programs are dealing with graduation losses and transfers. The teams that establish their rotations early and develop consistent secondary scoring will have the advantage once region play begins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table {"className":"is-style-stripes"} --> <figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><th>Finish*</th><th>Team</th><th>Region W-L</th><th>Overall W-L</th></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Pleasant Grove</td><td>7–0</td><td>26–0</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Springville</td><td>5–2</td><td>17–8</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Maple Mountain</td><td>4–3</td><td>16–10</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Timpview</td><td>3–4</td><td>6–17</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Payson</td><td>3–6</td><td>9–16</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Spanish Fork</td><td>1–6</td><td>9–16</td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td>Salem Hills</td><td>1–7</td><td>7–17</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Our Predictions:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Pleasant Grove - Transfers Give New Look</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pleasant Grove enters the 2026–27 season looking to defend its Region 7 title after a perfect 26–0 campaign and a 5A state championship. The Vikings return one of the state's most dominant interior players, [player_tooltip player_id='873276' first='Sutton' last='Villa'], whose size, rebounding, and shot-blocking make her a tough matchup on both ends of the floor. Janiece and [player_tooltip player_id='875195' first='Aaliyah' last='Sikander'] bring backcourt experience and playmaking, while [player_tooltip player_id='796473' first='Zuri' last='Nordstrom'] adds another offensive weapon. However, Pleasant Grove will have some holes to fill following the graduation of seniors and a significant number of transfers. Those losses will test the Vikings' depth and create opportunities for other players to step into larger roles. Despite the roster turnover, Pleasant Grove still has the talent to remain one of the top in Region 7. The biggest question will be whether the Vikings can establish the same offensive balance and defensive intensity that fueled last season's championship run, especially with Maple Mountain looking to close the gap.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='875195' first='Aaliyah' last='Sikander']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='898159' first='Indie' last='Nordstrom']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='796499' first='Janiece' last='Sikander']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1600356' first='Keira' last='Hadley']<br>Kiana Bingham<br>[player_tooltip player_id='873279' first='Siri' last='Burgess']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='873276' first='Sutton' last='Villa']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='796473' first='Zuri' last='Nordstrom']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1240500' first='Oaklyn' last='Carter']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Maple Mountain - Biggest Threat</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maple Mountain could be the team best equipped to challenge Pleasant Grove. The Golden Eagles return one of the state's most dangerous perimeter scorers in [player_tooltip player_id='825009' first='Leah' last='Bailey'], who averaged more than 20 points per game last season and knocked down 103 three-pointers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bailey's ability to create offense and stretch the floor will be the foundation of Maple Mountain's attack. [player_tooltip player_id='1377919' first='Autumn' last='Jones'] provides another experienced guard, while [player_tooltip player_id='1377923' first='Taizley' last='Ball'], [player_tooltip player_id='1377914' first='Bella' last='Averett'], [player_tooltip player_id='1377658' first='Oakley' last='Mortensen'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1377926' first='Kylie' last='Dabling'] give the Golden Eagles additional options.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maple Mountain also has size in Maggie Webb and [player_tooltip player_id='1875513' first='Brinley' last='Roscher']. That additional frontcourt presence could be important against a Pleasant Grove team built around Villa. Their ability to defend, rebound, and find scoring beyond Bailey will determine how close they can get to the Vikings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1092164' first='Anna' last='Ellsworth']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1377919' first='Autumn' last='Jones']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1377914' first='Bella' last='Averett']<br>Maggie Webb<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1377928' first='Estee' last='Jackson']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1239496' first='Jordan' last='Osguthorpe']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1377926' first='Kylie' last='Dabling']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='825009' first='Leah' last='Bailey']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1377658' first='Oakley' last='Mortensen']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1278473' first='Saige' last='Hubbard']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1377930' first='Sara' last='Palmer']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1875513' first='Brinley' last='Roscher']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1377923' first='Taizley' last='Ball']<br>Paisley Belka</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Springville - A Dangerous Contender</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Springville finished 17–8 last season and has enough returning experience to remain competitive near the top of Region 7. The Red Devils also received votes in the 5A preseason coaches poll, suggesting they remain on the radar despite roster turnover. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='827413' first='Hattie' last='Templeman'] and [player_tooltip player_id='935874' first='Sammy' last='Hullinger'] are two names to watch, while [player_tooltip player_id='1242847' first='Audrey' last='Moore'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1880472' first='Lucy' last='Caldwell'] could see expanded roles as Springville works to replace its departed production.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Red Devils will need to establish a more balanced offensive attack and develop consistent scoring options. Springville has traditionally been a competitive program, and its ability to defend and execute in the half-court should keep it in games against the region's top teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The biggest question will be whether Springville has enough offensive production to keep pace with Pleasant Grove and Maple Mountain.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1242847' first='Audrey' last='Moore']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='827413' first='Hattie' last='Templeman']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1880472' first='Lucy' last='Caldwell']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='935874' first='Sammy' last='Hullinger']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. Timpview Thunderbirds — A Team That Could Surprise</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Timpview enters the season looking to improve on last year's 6–17 campaign. The Thunderbirds return players with varsity experience, including [player_tooltip player_id='875196' first='Zion' last='Lloyd'] and [player_tooltip player_id='827396' first='Leah' last='Atuaia'], while [player_tooltip player_id='827409' first='Bella' last='Ballin'], [player_tooltip player_id='1246517' first='Elsa' last='Conway'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1242990' first='Penny' last='Edwards'] provide additional pieces to build around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The program will be without several girls who are now at Mountain View. Those departures create opportunities for other players to take on larger roles. Timpview's biggest challenge will be finding consistent offensive production. The Thunderbirds will need to limit turnovers, improve their defensive execution, and establish reliable scoring options to compete with the top half of the region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Timpview also received votes in the preseason 5A coaches poll, making the Thunderbirds a team worth watching as the season develops.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='827409' first='Bella' last='Ballin']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1246517' first='Elsa' last='Conway']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='827396' first='Leah' last='Atuaia']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1242990' first='Penny' last='Edwards']<br>[player_tooltip player_id='875196' first='Zion' last='Lloyd']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">5. Payson Lions — Looking for New Leadership</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Payson faces a rebuilding challenge following the graduation of Emmy Hales, who was one of the Lions' most productive offensive players last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1760599' first='Makinley' last='Renzello'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1865649' first='Brielle' last='Judd'] are two players who could help lead the next group. Payson will need additional contributions from its younger players as the Lions work to replace the scoring and leadership lost from last year's team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After finishing 9–16, Payson will need to improve its offensive efficiency and find consistency on the defensive end. Establishing dependable guard play and limiting empty possessions will be important if the Lions hope to climb the standings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1760599' first='Makinley' last='Renzello']<br>Sadie Booth<br>Hallie Bylund<br>Jaeda Stevens<br>Jaylee Judd<br>Ruby Bahr<br>Amber Kilmer<br>Jacklynn Heiner<br>Kyah Meek<br>Madalee Staheli<br>Sadie DeGraffenried<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1865649' first='Brielle' last='Judd']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">6. Spanish Fork Dons — A Season of Opportunity</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Spanish Fork enters the season looking to establish a new identity after a difficult 2025–26 campaign. The Dons will be without some main players; however, this is creating another opportunity for younger players to step into larger roles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1357983' first='Addison' last='Gwilliam'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1729839' first='Lauren' last='Nye'] are two of the players to watch as Spanish Fork builds its rotation. With several roster spots still needing confirmation, the Dons will be relying on player development and improved execution to compete in a challenging region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Spanish Fork will need to find ways to generate more consistent offense while improving defensively. The ability to compete on the boards and take care of the basketball will be important against the region's more experienced teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1357983' first='Addison' last='Gwilliam']<br>Kira Clark<br>Kimmy Clark<br>Madison Briggs<br>Mallory Cook<br>Olivia Andersen<br>Paislee Mock<br>Payton Fredricks<br>Reesen Larsen<br>Sadie Rust<br>Serena Johnson<br>Skylar Lloyd<br>Taylee Toomalatai<br>Stevie Kinikini<br>Tara Okerlund<br>Sophie Cox<br>Lexie Stanley<br>Kambria Orton<br>Kaitlyn Gwillian<br>Ivy Fox<br>Huntley Bradshaw<br>Ava Barrios<br>Ava Anderson<br>Annie Olson<br>Anna Wright<br>Kiersten Longmore</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">7. Salem Hills SkyHawks — A New-Look Roster</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Salem Hills enters the season with significant questions surrounding its roster after finishing 7–17 last year. The SkyHawks will be without [player_tooltip player_id='1119391' first='Alexa' last='Vance'], leaving a major scoring void that will need to be filled.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1729839' first='Lauren' last='Nye'] is one of the players currently identified for Salem Hills, but the program will need additional contributors to emerge as it establishes its rotation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The SkyHawks' biggest challenge will be replacing lost offensive production while developing chemistry with a new group. Salem Hills will need to rely on defensive effort, rebounding, and improved offensive execution to remain competitive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Final Prediction</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Vikings have the ability to defend their region championship, but Maple Mountain's perimeter firepower could make the race more competitive than last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Springville, Timpview, and Payson could make the battle for third through fifth interesting. All three programs will need players to embrace expanded roles, and early-season development could determine how that group finishes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With graduation and transfers affecting several teams, Region 7 offers opportunities for younger players to make an immediate impact. The programs that develop depth and consistency will have an advantage as the season progresses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->