Utah County packed with strong teams

Many believe that Utah County is where the power of Utah high school basketball is.

With the exception of Olympus from Region 5, all of the other top teams in Class 4A play in Region 6 and Region 7. Last season's state championship game was a Region 6 match-up — and neither was the league champion. Don't be surprised if there's an all-Region 6 final again. Also, it wouldn't be a shock if two Region 7 teams made it to the championship game.

At the very least, the state title game should feature two Utah County teams, and it wouldn't be surprising to see an all-Utah County final four. Basketball is that good in the valley.

For the past two seasons, Region 6 has had four playoff spots and Region 7 three. This year, however, the No. 4 seeds from both leagues will play off for the valley's seventh post-season spot.

REGION 6

The league with the defending state champion has a good shot at again producing this year's Class 4A crown. American Fork, Timpview and Payson all have the talent to win it all and one of those teams is expected to win the region title. Provo, Spanish Fork and Springville should battle for the league's fourth spot, which would earn a trip to the play-in game.

American Fork, from top to bottom, has the most talent and depth returning. Senior guard Brenan Davis is one of Utah Valley's top passers, if not the best. Drawing defenders and dishing off is his specialty. He's just one of several Cavemen players who are skilled at shooting outside and taking the ball to the hoop. Guard/forward Rick Shoff plays a bit bigger inside, but is also effective inside and out. Twin brother James Shoff is a defensive specialist who is normally assigned to stop the opposing team's top scorer. Add in big man Clayton Searle, a very effective rebounder and scorer in the paint, and hustling Austin Haws, and American Fork has all the tools to advance past the semifinals this season.

Last season's 4A runner-up was Payson, and the Lions are another team that has a good nucleus returning. However, no one is sure what to expect out of their guard line. Swingman Tyler Newbold, bound for Utah State after his high school days are over, is expected to take his game to another level this season and should be one of the state's top scorers. He's also a preseason candidate for Mr. Basketball. Blake Francom, vicious around the hole and from outside, returns to give the Lions a potent duo. How far the Lions go likely depends on the supporting play of guard Stephen Roberts, center Craig Butler and point guard Chance Hiskey, and whether 6-6 Josh Peery can stay in the lineup.