Way Too Early Rankings: 4A
The new look 4A has a lot of talent and should provide some fun basketball. While there are a lot of question marks at this point in the off-season, there are a couple of teams who seem to be ahead. Here is a look at a couple of teams who seem to be the leaders in the pack at this point in time.
Way Too Early Rankings: 4A
1. Orem
Despite finishing the season with a 11-12 record, Orem demonstrated that they could play with anyone in the 4A ranks. In addition to staying put at the 4A level, Orem brings back their four leading scorers from last year. Puka Nacua is the engine that makes the team run. He led the team in assists and steals. Further, he was second in scoring. His ability to manage the tempo of the game will be crucial to the success of Orem. Moreover, Ross Reeves was the leading scorer for the team last year due to his balanced ability to shoot the three and create off of the dribble. Orem has to be the early favorite to win the state championship at this point.
2. Juan Diego
Juan Diego has a lot of returning talent. Jason Ricketts and Ignacio Arroyo will play key roles in the teams success. The team will make the move to 4A. However, they have to be viewed as one of the top contenders in the state at that classification. They made it to the title game last year and have plenty of fire power. Ricketts is an absolute handful who will be very difficult to stop. When he gets the basketball in transition, he is physical and fast which enables him to get to the rim at ease. Keep a serious eye on Juan Diego as one of the top contenders for the 4A title. Not only are they one of the best teams in 4A, they could be one of the best teams in the entire state.
3. Salem Hills
James Nelson had an outstanding year least year as he averaged nearly 23 points and 9 rebounds per game. In addition to being a walking double-double, Nelson also protected the paint as he averaged nearly 2 blocks per game. With Nelson returning and Salem Hills staying put at the 4A level, they are one of the favorites to win the state championship. They have a lot of question marks that need to be answered due to the departure of some skilled seniors. However, Nelson is a huge game changer who will have an impact in a lot of games.
4. Canyon View
Brantzen Blackner and Joey Lambeth will bring a potent 1-2 punch for Canyon View this season. They will be one of the best backcourts in 4a, if not the state. Both guards have a great ability to distribute the basketball and get their teammates involved. Further, Blackner utilizes his length in order to create scoring opportunities for himself. He is also tough on the glass and on the defensive. Canyon View, like all of the teams on this list, will have some new faces. However, they have to feel extremely confident knowing that Blackner and Lambeth will be ready to run the show.
5. Ridgeline
Ridgeline graduated a lot of their scoring power. However, they bring back the majority of their team. Further, they will have the luxury of having 6’3 Landon Brenchley back. Although he only averaged a little over 8 points per game, he led the team in assists. He has a knack for putting his teammates in a position where they can be successful. Brenchley is a reliable piece with talented but inexperienced team who demonstrated that they were capable of winning a state championship last season.
6. Logan
Jared Bagley and Logan are hopeful to make a splash in the 4A world. Bagley had a solid season last year and will look to improve upon that performance. In addition to Bagley, Logan will rely heavily on 2019 Anthony McDade. McDade did a little bit of everything for Logan last year despite only being a sophomore. With a year of experience under his belt, it is safe to assume that he will come back even more ready to make a large impact. Lastly, Brayden Roberts brings important size to the group. The 6’6 big man is solid on the glass and finishes well around the rim. Even though they are making the leap to 4A, these guys bring back more than enough talent to be ready for the challenge.
Revisions were made to reflect the most up to date realignments in 4A.