Cavemen hoop teams primed for breakout year

AMERICAN FORK — Ask the coaches around Region 4 what they expect from the two basketball teams at American Fork High, and the answer is consistently "they'll surprise some teams."

Even though neither Cavemen squad has a core of experienced and seasoned players, both have excellent athletes. It's almost unanimous around the valley both Cavemen teams could be this year's sleepers.

BOYS: One thing's been consistent the past few years with Cavemen basketball. You're always going to see a scrappy game, unselfish play, constant pressure defense and a lot of hustle.

Coach Doug Meacham said things won't be any different this season — especially considering he'll be coaching a guard-oriented team.

"We're going to hang our hats on coming out and defending, and then making the extra pass on the other end," Meacham said.

Actually, this year's version of the Cavemen might even be a touch more unselfish than past teams. During a successful summer campaign, the Cavemen shared the ball and shared the scoring. Meacham said it wouldn't be surprising to see one player score 25 points in one game and then four the next. With no heads-above-the-rest superstars, team basketball will be the key to American Fork's success.

"They understand that, and that's what helped us do well in the summer," Meacham said. "The thing I really like about these guys is they will make the extra pass."

Leadership is key to any team, and Meacham feels the Cavemen seniors (Brady Mason, Kellen Nicol and Spencer Shumway) are evolving into solid leaders and taking appropriate ownership of the team. The Cavemen also have better depth at the guard line than they've had for some time.

"We've got guards that like to guard and some guys who can come in and still put pressure on," Meacham said. "As a coach I like having that,"

The Cavemen will rely heavily on their deadly shot — both from the free-throw line and behind the 3-point arch.

"We have as good of shooters as I've had since I've been here," Meacham said.

Without any dominant big men, the Cavemen will need to find some way to defend the post against the bigger opposing teams. They'll also need to be in top condition to maintain their uptempo style.