High school boys basketball: 4A team-by-team region capsules

The 2012-2013 high school basketball season gets underway this Tuesday with 25 games around the state. To prepare fans what should be another exciting season, the Deseret News has put together capsules for every team in 4A.

Every coach was invited to participate and submit information. The region rankings are based on coaches' preseason projections.

Region 5 Capsules

1. Mountain Crest High School

Head Coach: Graydon Buchmiller (3rd year)

2011-2012 Record: 14-8 (Tied for 1st in Region 5 with 7-3 record)

2012 Postseason: Lost to Provo in the 4A quarterfinals, 59-53

Returning Starters: 3

Returning Contributors:

Faimafili Laulu-Pututau, Sr., Forward, 14 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.9 spg

Tyler Crosbie, Sr., Guard 14.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.3 apg, 4.1 spg

Eddy Hall, Sr., Guard 6.1 ppg, 3 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.4 spg

Tanner Knowles, Sr., Guard/Forward, 2.2 ppg, 2 rpg

2. Sky View High School

Head Coach: Kirk Hillyard (2nd year)

2011-2012 Record: 16-6 (Tied for 1st in Region 5 with 7-3 record)

2012 Postseason: Lost to Skyline in 5A first round, 38-31

Returning Starters: 3

Returning Contributors:

Jalen Moore, Sr., Forward, 14.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.2 spg

Ty Nielsen, Sr., Guard, 8.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.4 spg

Matt Dewey, Sr., Forward

Mitch Larsen, Sr., Guard

Coach Comment: “We have a great group of seniors that play well and enjoy one another. With three returning starters and not a lot of size we will have to use our athleticism to our advantage. We have a tough region that will be a dog fight every night. We will have to rely on our senior leadership to help us and I think they are up to the challenge."

3. Logan High School

Head Coach: Logan Brown (3rd year)

2011-2012 Record: 16-5 (Tied for 1st in Region 5 with 7-3 record)

2012 Postseason: Lost to Herriman in the 4A first round, 56-55

Returning Starters: 2

Returning Contributors:

Luke Falk, Sr., Forward, 11 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.1 spg

Dallin Dahl, Sr., Guard 9.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.9 apg

Tyler Brimhall, Soph., Guard 5.6 ppg, 1.6 rpg

Coach Comment: “We will have some strength in senior leadership and work ethic.”

4. Box Elder High School

Head Coach: Jace McKee (1st year)

2011-2012 Record: 7-15 (Tied for 4th in Region 5 with 4-6 record)

2012 Postseason: Lost to Bonneville in the 4A Play-In Game

Returning Starters: 3

Returning Contributors:

Shad Watson, Jr., Guard 20.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.2 apg, 2 spg

Issac Malone, Sr., Guard 1.9 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1 spg

Tyler Bate, Sr., Center

Coach Comment: “We have a nice mix of experience and youth with good balance on the wings and at the center position. We have Shad Watson returning on the wing with two years of varsity experience. We really feel good about the upcoming year.”

5. Roy High School

Head Coach: Dan McClure (3rd year)

2011-2012 Record: 8-13 (6th in Region 5 with 1-9 record)

2012 Postseason: Did not qualify

Returning Starters: 4

Returning Contributors:

Brekkott Chapman, Jr., Forward, 15.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.3 spg

David Hadley, Sr., Guard, 4.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1 apg, 1 spg

Jesse Wayment, Sr., Guard, 9.6 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 1.9 apg

Jaden Jackson, Sr., Forward, 3.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg

Coach Comment: “We have a really good nucleus returning from a team that was competitive last year. I like the competiveness of this group, and if we can stay healthy I fully expect us to battle for a playoff spot in a region that will be very tough.”

6. Bonneville High School

Head Coach: Jason Finder (5th year)

2011-2012 Record: 11-12 (Tied for 4th in Region 5 with 4-6 record)

2012 Postseason: Lost to Olympus in the 4A first round, 51-37

Returning Starters: 1

Returning Contributors:

Mason Rich, Sr., Forward, 4 ppg, 3.2 rpg

Carson Smith, Sr., Forward, 1 ppg, 1.4 rpg

Coach Comment: “ (We have) one returning starter from last year’s team that lost in the first round of the state playoffs, (but we) have all the pieces to be a very good team. The region will be very competitive, so we will have to come out and play every night.”

Region 6 Capsules

1. Bountiful High School

Head Coach: Mike Maxwell (24th year)

2011-2012 Record: 20-3 (1st in Region 6 with 10-0 record)

2012 Postseason: Lost to Orem in the 4A semifinals, 44-36

Returning Starters: 2

Returning Contributors:

Sam Merrill, Jr., Guard 6.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.4 spg

Zac Seljaas, Soph., Guard 4.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.2 apg

Pere LeSueur, Jr., Guard

Jeff Pollard, Soph. Forward

Nate Pollard, Sr., Center

Coach Comment: “Tall, young, talented team needs to work on consistency. They could be very good in time and possibly challenge for region and state titles. Will need to mature quickly and learn to overcome adversity that is certainly going to come their way. If they do, it could be a very exciting year.”

2. Woods Cross High School

Head Coach: Kasey Walkenhurst (1st year)

2011-2012 Record: 16-7 (Tied for 2nd in Region 6 with 6-4 record)

2012 Postseason: Lost to Orem in the 4A first round, 57-57

Returning Starters: 5

Returning Contributors:

Mikey Jacobsen, Sr., Guard 5.6 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.9 apg

Brady Cowley, Sr., Guard 11 ppg, 1.4 rpg

Hayden Grant, Sr., Forward, 9.5 ppg, 1.7 rpg

Skyler Farnes, Sr., Forward, 10.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.3 apg

Filipo Mokofisi, Sr., Center, 7.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg

Coach Comment: “We are very excited about the team coming back this season with all five starters from last year back. With me being the new head coach it will take us a little while to get used to each other and the new philosophies I’m bringing to Woods Cross. Our goal is to try to get a little better every day in practice and to be playing our best basketball by February. The pieces are there for us to be a pretty good team, so it’s just going to come down to execution on offense and commitment on the defensive side of the ball.”

3. Highland High School

Head Coach: Keith West (14th year)

2011-2012 Record: 13-9 (Tied for 2nd in Region 6 with 6-4 record)

2012 Postseason: Lost to Provo in the 4A first round, 42-39

Returning Starters: 2

Returning Contributors:

David Divver, Sr., Guard 12.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.7 spg

Todd Connolly, Sr., Forward, 5.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.3 spg

Riley Tucker, Sr., Guard 4.1 ppg, 1.4 rpg

Coach Comment: “Smart, tough, talented team that will find a way to win. Excellent shooters and will be a very good defensive team. Lack of size could be a problem.”

4. East High School

Head Coach: Skip Lowe (8th year)

2011-2012 Record: 13-10 (Tied for 2nd in Region 6 with 6-4 record)

2012 Postseason: Lost to Olympus in the 4A quarterfinals, 59-55

Returning Starters: 2

Returning Contributors:

Parker Van Dyke, Sr., Guard, 24.7 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.6 spg

John Fakahafua, Sr., Forward, 5.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.1 spg

Mitch Grant, Jr., Forward, 1.8 ppg, 1.4 rpg

Preston Curtis, Jr., Guard

Coach Comment: “Looking to build on momentum created the past few seasons and continue to improve as a team. Fortunate to have Parker Van Dyke back for another year and have a multidimensional team to compliment his abilities.”

5. Clearfield High School

Head Coach: Curtis Hulse (8th year)

2011-2012 Record: 3-17 (5th in Region 6 with 2-8 record)

2012 Postseason: Did not qualify

Returning Starters: 3

Returning Contributors:

Marquis Jones, Jr., 6.1 ppg, 1.7 rpg

Jayden Garcia, Sr., 5.6 ppg

Jordan Nuffer, Sr., 4.4 ppg, 1.9 rpg

Coach Comment: “Good group of kids. We have all eight seniors back this year. The kids get along with each other very well.”

6. Cyprus High School

Head Coach: Robb Collins (7th year)

2011-2012 Record: 0-21 (6th in Region 6 with 0-10 record)

2012 Postseason: Did not qualify

Returning Starters: 3

Returning Contributors:

Connor Squire, Sr., Guard 13 ppg

Brayden Nichols, Sr., Forward, 6.3 ppg

Marcus Quig, Sr., Guard 2.6 ppg

Coach Comment: “Cyprus will have several seniors that had substantial varsity experience from last year and looks to improve and compete in Region 6.”

Region 7 Capsules

1. Herriman High School

Head Coach: Brad Tingey (3rd year)

2011-2012 Record: 13-9 (Tied for 2nd in Region 7 with 7-3 record)

2012 Postseason: Lost to Bountiful in the 4A quarterfinals, 57-49

Returning Starters: 1

Returning Contributors:

Tueni Lupeamanu, Sr., Forward, 8.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.5 spg

Shizuo Arima, Sr., Guard, 2.1 ppg, 1 rpg

Francis Bernard, Sr., Guard/Forward

Mike Thueson, Sr., Center

Alec Johnson, Jr., Guard

David Maynard, Soph., Guard/Forward, 1 ppg

Coach Comment: “We will be inexperienced to start the season (we lost six seniors), but I believe the talent is there and I hope we will progress through December and be ready to compete well in our balanced and difficult region.”

2. Olympus High School

Head Coach: Matt Barnes (16th year)

2011-2012 Record: 18-7 (1st in Region 7 with 8-2 record)

2012 Postseason: Lost to Orem in the 4A championship, 58-50

Returning Starters: 0

Returning Contributors:

Jaren Jones, Sr., Center, 4.4 ppg, 2.2 rpg

Coulson Hardy, Sr., Guard 4.4 ppg, 0.9 rpg, 0.9 apg

Coach Comment: "Lost most players from last year’s second-place team. Have nine seniors with a few underclassmen that will contribute this year. Not very big again, so will have to rely on defense and shooting the ball better from outside than we did last year. Really like my team this year and I am very excited to see how they come together this season. Very difficult preseason with eight of 11 games on the road and against many top 5A and 4A teams."

3. Murray High School

Head Coach: Jason Workman (8th year)

2011-2012 Record: 8-13 (5th in Region 7 with 2-8 record)

2012 Postseason: Did not qualify

Returning Starters: 3

Returning Contributors:

Nate Aland, Sr., Center, 8.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg

Dylan Ross, Sr., Forward, 7.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg

Riley Meyer, Sr., Guard 1.7 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 2.1 apg

Justin Adams, Sr., Guard 3.3 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1 spg

Chase Topham Sr., Guard 2.9 ppg, 0.8 rpg

Coach Comment: "We have very good senior leadership this year. If the younger players learn how to mesh with them we have a chance to be good."

4. Westlake High School

Head Coach: Craig McAffee (1st year)

2011-2012 Record: 6-14 (6th in Region 7 with 1-9 record)

2012 Postseason: Did not qualify

Returning Starters: 1

Returning Contributors:

Zavon Jackson, Sr., Guard 14.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 2.4 apg

Jacob McCord, Sr., Center, 2.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg

Xander Fausett, Sr., Forward, 1.8 ppg, 1.4 rpg

Coach Comment: “Inexperienced team with size and talent to compete.”

5. Skyline High School

Head Coach: Derek Bunting (5th year)

2011-2012 Record: 16-7 (Tied for 2nd in Region 7 with 7-3 record)

2012 Postseason: Lost to Orem in the 4A quarterfinals, 54-35

Returning Starters: 0

Returning Contributors:

Yanni Cayias, Jr., Guard

Alek Johnson, Jr., Guard

Dylan Paulus, Sr., Guard

John Boyden, Jr., Forward

Jake Anderson, Soph., Forward

Coach Comment: "We will be young and inexperienced, but we've got smart kids who work hard and it will be fun to see how much they improve over the course of the season."

6. Hillcrest High School

Head Coach: Sam Richins (4th year)

2011-2012 Record: 10-12 (4th in Region 7 with 5-5 record)

2012 Postseason: Lost to Mountain Crest in 4A first round, 44-37

Returning Starters: 0

Returning Contributors:

Andrew Reich, Jr., Guard 1 ppg, 0.7 rpg

JT Ekberg, Sr., Forward, 1.3 ppg, 0.6 rpg

Coach Comment: “This year provides us with a great opportunity to rebuild. We lost our seven leading scorers from last year. Bright young players could very easily shine this year now that they have the opportunity to do so. I anticipate hard working, tough defensive players helping us find a way to be successful.”

Region 8 Capsules

1. Orem High School

Head Coach: Golden Holt (3rd year)

2011-2012 Record: 24-1 (1st in Region 8 with 14-0 record)

2012 Postseason: Beat Olympus in 4A state championship, 58-50

Returning Starters: 4

Returning Contributors:

Zach Hunsaker, Sr., Guard, 13.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.7 apg

Quinn Peters, Sr. Guard, 5.4 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 1.2 apg

Jordan Darger, Sr., Forward/Center, 11.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg

Dalton Nixon, Jr., Forward/Center, 12.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg

Cooper Holt, Sr., Guard, 5.3 ppg, 2.0 rpg

Coach Comment: "Orem returns four starters from its state-championship team. All-state players Zach Hunsaker, Jordan Darger and Dalton Nixon lead the way. Quinn Peters and Cooper Holt have two years of varsity experience and will be major contributors. Bench will be led by Nolan Gray, Ethan Chatterly and Koel Cutler.“

2. Provo High School

Head Coach: Craig Drury

2011-2012 Record: 14-10 (2nd in Region 8 with 10-4 record)

2012 Postseason: Lost to Olympus in 4A semifinals, 64-51

Returning Starters: 4

Returning Contributors:

Dallin Bosco, Sr., Guard, 11.5 ppg

Adam Finch, Sr., Guard, 9.1 ppg

Cole Gordon, Sr., Forward, 7.2 ppg

Wesley Bosco, Jr., Guard, 4.4 ppg

3. Timpview High School

Head Coach: Perry Wildeboer

2011-2012 Record: 12-10 (4th in Region 8 with 7-7 record)

2012 Postseason: Lost to Bountiful in 4A first round, 50-33

Returning Starters: 4

Returning Contributors:

Taylor Roy, Sr., Forward, 9.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.7 apg

Dax Raymond, Sr., Forward, 8.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg

Leo Roese, Sr., Guard, 6.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.5 apg

Riley Corbin, Jr. Guard, 5.9 ppg, 1.8 rpg

4. Springville High School

Head Coach: Chris Kitchen (9th year)

2011-2012 Record: 15-7 (3rd in Region 8 with 9-5 record)

2012 Postseason: Lost to East in 4A first round, 66-56

Returning Starters: 2

Returning Contributors:

Bradley Kitchen, Sr., Guard, 9.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.5 spg

Max Schreiner, Jr., Forward, 8.1 ppg, 4.6 rpg,

Dawson Pedersen, Sr., Guard, 3.8 ppg, 1.2 rpg

5. Mountain View High School

Head Coach: Nate Carling (1st year)

2011-2012 Record: 9-13 (5th in Region 8 with 6-8 record)

2012 Postseason: Lost to Woods Cross in the 4A Play-In Game

Returning Starters: 2

Returning Contributors:

Kalin Curran 12, Guard 13.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.2 spg

Austin Kocherans, Sr., Forward, 2.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg

Jayce Hill, Sr., Guard

Ryan Warner, Jr., Guard

Charlie Barksdale, Jr., Center

Coach Comment: "Mountain View High School will be led by three-year starter and dynamic scorer Kalin Curran, along with returning starter and defensive specialist Austin Kocherhans. The Bruins will compete for a playoff spot in the always tough Region 8."

6. Maple Mountain High School

Head Coach: Johnny Averett (4th year)

2011-2012 Record: 7-14 (Tied for 6th in Region 8 with 5-9 record)

2012 Postseason: Did not qualify

Returning Starters: 2

Returning Contributors:

Josh Phelps, Sr., Guard, 7.1 ppg, 1 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.1 spg

KJ Hall, Sr., Guard, 7.7 ppg, 1.1 spg

Nate Guyman, Sr., Guard/Forward, 5.2 ppg, 1.1 rpg

Coach Comment: "We have a good experienced guard line. We will be a good shooting team, and we will need to rely on our quickness because of our lack of size.“

7. Timpanogos High School

Head Coach: Nate Crandall (2nd year)

2011-2012 Record: 7-14 (Tied for 6th in Region 8 with 5-9 record)

2012 Postseason: Did not qualify

Returning Starters: 1

Returning Contributors:

Trevor Schade, Sr., Guard, 6.8 ppg,1 rpg, 1.1 apg

Jaxon Beck, Sr., Forward, 5.7 ppg, 1.2 rpg

Coach Comment: "I am very pleased with how hard the boys are working and we are looking forward to competing in a great region this year."

8. Salem Hills High School

Head Coach: Jimmy DeGraffenried (5th year)

2011-2012 Record: 2-19 (8th in Region 8 with 0-14 record)

2012 Postseason: Did not qualify

Returning Starters: 1

Returning Contributors:

Cody Pritchett, Sr., Guard, 5.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg

Ryan Koller, Jr., Forward, 4.3 ppg, 1.9 rpg

Deseret News prep writer Andy Sorensen contributed to these capsules.