Lions and Tigers and others, oh my

Region 7 has a lot to live up to this season. Last year three teams from the Utah Valley league soared into the state tournament semifinals, and the Orem Tigers took the whole shooting match with a state title.

This year, it's possible the whole thing could happen again. There might be a different team or two in the mix, but overall, the region is looking pretty strong again this season. The region could conceivably end up with three of the top four teams at state again. The question is, just which three teams would those be?

The most likely repeat to the final four would be the team that took top honors. The Tigers are returning many of their top performers from a year ago, including the inside out combination of Jamie Sagers.

Even when Sagers is stifled offensively, she can still control the defense with her 6-foot-5 frame and all of the blocked shots that go along with her hustling defensive production. She's joined by one of the tiniest players in the state. But Delyse Downey has enough heart, athleticism and talent to outweigh any height deficiencies. She's the Tigers' feisty point guard and their only real outside threat. But her shot is definitely threatening as are her court sense, ball handling abilities and defense. One thing that might be the Tigers' downfall is the severe lack of depth, as many games they only play six players.

Natasha Martin is returning from illness, and she'll be joined by Jessica Saliby as two rough-and-tumble inside players for the tough Tigers.

But the Tigers aren't the only team tearing things up. The Payson Lions have also surged early this year, led by the coach's daughter, sophomore Brooke Hiatt. Hiatt is not only a solid presence inside and on the boards, but the forward can also go to the perimeter and knock down the three when needed. She's joined by Allie Lunt, who is also a premier player with plenty of skills. Despite a still youthful squad, the Lions have the talent and cohesiveness to overcome a lack of experience and frighten people all over the state.

The Timpview Thunderbirds were looking forward to this season as many of their young players from years past finally had a chance to show what experience can do for you. But once again, the young gun they depend on the most, one of the top inside players in the state, Alexis Kaufusi is out with an injury. This time she'll be gone the whole year and won't be there to save the T-Birds just in the nick of time. But they do have the point guard prowess of Aubrey Reeves, the inside presence of Karlee Weight and the lights-out shooting touch of Gabrielle Pinegar.

While they won't be as good as they would have been with their star, the T-Birds should still be just fine with the talent they do have.