3A boys basketball preview: No clear leader in pack as season tips

A year ago, it was a virtual foregone conclusion that the Judge boys basketball team was going to win the 3A state championship. The Bulldogs were too talented, too tall, too quick and too deep to be threatened that much by any other team in their classification.

That doesn't appear to be the case this year, though. Even though highly regarded Judge still figures to be a major contender in late February, all signs point to a much more competitive Class 3A this year despite an early glance at the standings.

There are only seven boys basketball teams in 3A with winning records right now, but don't be fooled. Many of the top teams have stepped up and played 4A competition this preseason, and they've taken their lumps along the way.

At 4-0, top-ranked Bear River is the one team that hasn't taken it on the chin this preseason.

Coach Van Park cautions, however, that with games this week against Bonneville, Timpview and Pine View, the Bears' turn to experience a loss or two could be just around the corner.

"I think it's a deep year in 3A this year," said Park. "There's a lot of teams with a lot of losses, but they're playing a lot of tough teams."

Those teams include Judge (3-3), Hurricane (2-2) and Logan (2-4), all ranked in the coaches preseason top 5 rankings.

Other potential contenders like Emery (4-1), Wasatch (5-2), Waterford (5-0) and Delta (2-1) have fared well this preseason, but we probably won't know just how good those teams are until region play gets under way.

There's no question mark associated with Bear River. In addition to a 10-point win over Wasatch last week, the Bears have also picked up impressive wins over Sky View and Box Elder this preseason.

Led by returning starters Wade Bronson and Matt Weyland, who stand 6-foot-5 and 6-foot-4, respectively, and returning contributors Isaac Ericksen and Morgan Park, the Bears have all the ingredients to be successful now and throughout the year.

"We're going to have to keep improving every day. Sometimes teams that get ranked high and have a good preseason get complacent," said Park.

He's optimistic complacency won't be a problem with a his senior-loaded team.

"This is a group of kids that have played together since they were 8 or 9, but this is the first year since eighth grade since they were able to play together," said Park. "They just love to play together and they get along real well."