Tabiona stands taller than all

The Tabiona Tigers appear to be a team on a mission.

Off to a 10-0 start, the Tigers are playing like a team still reeling from last year's 1A championship game loss to Manila — a team it had already beaten three times.

First-year coach Shay Price insists his team isn't dwelling on the loss, but subconsciously, it's likely added fuel to Tabiona's red-hot start.

It's definitely motivating Jay VanTassell.

So far this season, the 6-foot-5 senior is averaging 21.0 points, good for seventh overall in 1A scoring.

"This year he kind of knows that it's his team," said Price. "He's a senior, and he's a big gun, and he kind of takes over for us in big games when we're struggling to score."

Realistically, rarely have the Tigers struggled to score, but when they have, the defense has come through. With region play just around the corner, Tabiona is holding opponents to a 1A-best 39.1 ppg.

They'll need that type of defensive effort every night in Region 16, arguably 1A's top league this year.

"I feel like our region, night in and night out, is going to be a dogfight," said Price. "On any given night one of those guys can beat you."

Price is referring specifically to Duchesne, Rich, Manila and Altamont, who were all picked to finish behind Tabiona in the coaches' preseason rankings.

While Tabiona has the luxury of leaning on returning starters VanTassell, Jordan Lefler and Dalas Jones, Duchesne (7-2) features the leading scorer in 1A. Through nine games, Sam Hoopes is averaging 24.1 ppg for an Eagles team whose only two losses were to 2A teams this year.

Defending 1A champion Manila is in a bit of a rebuilding mode, as is defending Region 16 champ Rich.

Region 16 isn't the only wide-open league.

Like it seemingly is every year, the race for the Region 15 crown figures to be gripping as well.

Based on coaches' preseason projections, Escalante — and its four returning starters — is clearly the team to beat.

So far this preseason, the Moquis are 3-0 against 1A teams, and 0-3 against larger-classification schools. Before Escalante turns its attention to Region 15 play, it will face a brutal schedule next Thursday and Friday, with games at Duchesne and Escalante.

"Escalante, they have so much talent it's scary," said Price.