High school boys basketball: Region 5 preview

Region play gets underway for most regions in Utah in the first week of January, and here's at look at Region 5. Projections were based on preseason coaches votes.

1. Bountiful Braves

Coach: Mike Maxwell

2007-2008 record: 19-6

2008-2009 record thus far: 3-3

Returning starters: Three

Key players: Sean Carey, Travis Parrish, Chris Maxwell, Jeff Moncur.

Region opener: at Roy, Friday, Jan. 9.

Outlook: For a team that returns three starters and nearly won a state championship a year ago, things haven't exactly gone great this preseason. Facing a tough preseason schedule, the Braves have struggled to find an identity following the graduation of big man Ben Aird. Coach Maxwell's team is being forced to rely a lot more on athleticism this year than size, and it's still very much a work in progress heading into region play.

2. Mountain Crest Mustangs

Coach: Jim Crosbie

2007-2008 record: 14-9

2008-2009 record thus far: 6-2

Returning starters: N/A

Key players: Chandler Smith, Matt Stewart, Mitch Jessop

Region opener: at Bonneville, Friday, Jan. 9.

Outlook: With plenty of experience coming back from last year's semifinal team, a lot was expected of the Mustangs this year. They've been meeting those expectations as of late ending their 2008 preseason slate on a five-game winning streak. With preseason wins over Logan and Fremont the Mustangs have established themselves as an upper-echelon team in Region 5. Perhaps their most impressive showing was a 49-44 loss to Skyline in the season opener. Skyline is now ranked No. 2 in 5A and still undefeated.

3. Woods Cross Wildcats

Coach: Todd Street

2007-2008 record: 17-6

2008-2009 record thus far: 5-3

Returning starters: One

Key players: Tyler Stahle, Jake West, Tyler Hall, David Bitner

Region opener: at Bountiful, Wednesday, Jan. 14.