Judge basketball teams young but experienced

Coming off excellent seasons last year when the boys took third at state, while the girls won the region for only the third time in the school's history, both the Judge Memorial boys and girls basketball teams have high expectations headed into their seasons this year.

Both teams have a couple of things in common heading into the season. They will both be young but experienced, having lost several significant seniors but returning a number of underclassmen who got important minutes. Also, both teams have been starting only one senior: Jenna Sliwinski on the girls side and Noel Hollingsworth for the boys.

BOYS: The Bulldogs lost four important seniors from last year's team, including Jaxon Myaer, who many considered the state's best prep point guard, so by all rights Judge Memorial should be in a rebuilding year. With 6-foot-9 big man Hollingsworth and shooting guard Stallen Saldivar returning, however, the Bulldogs immediately have a good base.

"We lost some key athletes, but it's a team that can have a lot of impact and can progress to the place where we can make a run at the championship again," Judge Memorial head coach Jim Yerkovich said.

Saldivar, only a junior, has moved from shooting guard to point this year, following in a long line of outstanding Judge Memorial point guards.

"We were grooming him last year. He's an excellent passer, has a real great feel and gets the ball up the floor," Yerkovich said.

Hollingsworth, who averaged over 20 points a game last year, will still be clogging up the middle.

"He's a very skilled big man," Yerkovich said. "He can score and has adeptness with both hands. He's also a good passer."

Filling in at the other starting positions are athletic sophomore Walker Gayle, junior outside shooter Ollie Hughes and key perimeter defender Dee Crandell — also a junior.

Although the Bulldogs have a dearth of height on the bench, that doesn't daunt Yerkovich. He is just going to have his team play the same game they've always played.

"Our play will be characterized by good pressure, man-to-man defense and team play," Yerkovich said. "Above all else, my focus has become through the years to have a good team community experience because that's what carries over into life."

GIRLS: Only one year removed from tying with Wasatch for the region title, but suffering an early exit at the state tourney, the Bulldogs are hoping to perform better down the road this season. Judge Memorial has a number of returning key players to help make it possible.