High school boys basketball: 1A coaches expect more parity this winter

A year ago at this time, 1A boys basketball coaches were starting to come to the realization they were all playing for second place. Wasatch Academy was just too good, which it proved in a dominating performance at the state tournament.

This year the 1A landscape is much more up in the air, particularly with Wasatch Academy making the jump to 2A.

Sure, the traditional favorites out of Region 16 and 20 still exist, but heading into the new year there are no undefeated teams remaining in 1A.

The last of the unbeatens fell before the Christmas break when No. 2 Piute knocked off unbeaten and No. 1 Bryce Valley. The region rivals have since flip-flopped in the rankings, and based on the parity at the top of 1A this year, those rankings could flip flop every week.

"There are probably six or seven teams with a legitimate shot at a state title this year," said Duchesne coach Stan Young, whose team is definitely among the contenders.

That competitiveness will make for an exciting season around the state, something Panguitch coach Clint Barney said was lacking a bit last year because of Wasatch Academy's dominance.

"During the winter it's the lifeblood of the community, it's what every community member lives for. Who's playing Wednesday night, where are you playing? Who's playing Friday night, where are you playing? It's what keeps the community going during the long winter months," said Barney. "I think a year ago with how tough Wasatch Academy was, I think it diminished that."

So far this year, Piute, Bryce Valley, Panguitch and Duchesne appear to be the top teams in 1A. In the second tier are teams like Layton Christian, Monticello, Green River, Valley, Tabiona, Manila and Liahona, any of who might emerge as contenders as the year rolls on.

Layton Christian, which is back in 1A after a four-year stint in 2A, is the biggest enigma of the entire classification. The Eagles haven't played a 1A team yet this year, but every coach expects them to be a factor.

"We haven't seen them in four or five years, and everybody is a little bit weary of how good they might be," said Barney.

Right now though, everybody knows how good Piute is. Already this year the T-Birds have beat Bryce Valley, Duchesne and Monticello, and they've done it with balance as four difference players are averaging in double figures, led by Ty Jessen's 13.6 ppg.

"We've always stressed good team play. I've always told them I don't care who scores," said coach Steve Hoagland.