Mid-Season Rankings: 6A
The 6A season is almost halfway complete with a number of teams already asserting their dominance. While Lone Peak will still have to navigate the toughest region in the state, they are the clear front runner to win the 6A state title. Below are the rest of our 6A rankings at the mid-season point.
Mid-Season Rankings: 6A
1. Lone Peak
While many from Utah might not be familiar with Sunnyslope, they have played in two consecutive state championships and won last years. Further, they brought back their entire team from the previous year. In addition, they handily beat a Herriman team that has played quite well early in the season.
Steven Ashworth is the key to this team’s success. His ability to score the basketball and create for others makes him a big time prospect. Further, he makes his teammates better. A couple of skilled prospects who have benefited from the contributions of Ashworth are Chantry Ross, Jackson Brinkerhoff, and Max Brenchley.
This team is balanced and well-rounded. They will be a tough out in the state tournament. At this point, they are the clear cut favorite to win the 6A state championship.
Key Wins: Layton, Sunnyslope, and Herriman
Key Contributors: Steven Ashworth, Chantry Ross, Jackson Brinkerhoff, and Max Brenchley
2. Pleasant Grove
Riverton has had a strong start to the season while Timpanogos is one of the top teams in 5A. Further, Pleasant Grove took down one of the most fundamentally sound teams in Arizona in Mesa Mountain View.
While Pleasant Grove has not played as tough of a schedule as some of the other teams on this list, they have played a number of quality teams and won those games. Further, they will have an interesting contest with Glendale Deer Valley (AZ), who is the #2 ranked team for 5A in Arizona.
Matt Van Komen is the game changer for this group. His length and versatility makes him a match-up nightmare for opposing teams. He will have an interesting battle with Bryce Davis of Deer Valley. Pleasant Grove and American Fork will jocky for this position for the vast majority of the season and strive to challenge Lone Peak for the state title.
Key Wins: Riverton, Timpanogos, and Mountain View (AZ)
Key Contributors: Matt Van Komen, Casey Brown, and Tyler Fairbanks
3. Davis
Davis has one of the best backcourts in the state in Josh Sanders and Tyson Garff. Sanders and Garff are two of the best shooters in 6A. Both can shoot the basketball on the move and off of the dribble.
In addition to Gardd and Sanders, Trey Grossenbach brings a third knockdown shooter to the floor. The number of shooters on this roster is part of what makes them such a difficult team to beat. Any dribble penetration is going to result in a rhythm three by a shooter who is capable of putting it down.
Key Wins: Bountiful, Bingham, East, and Westlake
Key Contributors: Josh Sanders, Tyson Garff, and Trey Grossenbach
4. American Fork
While American Fork has some top wins, they have lost 3 of their marquee match-ups in games against Orem, Olympus, and Layton. They are a talented team, but the fear is becoming that they might be too inconsistent to contend for the state championship in a format that is one and done.
Isaac Johnson leads the way for the team. He is doing more than being a knock down shooter. In addition to finishing around the rim well, he is capable shooter from deep who extends the floor. Moreover, Trey Stewart and Rob Crowther provide more shooting. This team’s ability to spread the floor makes it hard for opposing teams to guard them.
With a tough region, American Fork will have more opportunities to improve their consistency and demonstrate that they can take home the crown.
Key Wins: Fremont and Copper Hills
Key Contributors: Isaac Johnson, Trey Stewart, and Rob Crowther
5. Riverton
While this choice might surprise some people, Riverton has a solid record and has beaten some quality opponents. Thus, making them worthy of being in the top 5. Despite a slow start that saw them lose to Corner Canyon and Pleasant Grove, they have played well as of recent.
In fact, they have won 5 of their last 6 with wins over Fremont and Layton.
Richie Saunders and Ben Nielson run the show for Riverton. Much like a couple of other teams on this list, having a backcourt with shooters who are capable of filling it up makes them a tough team to compete against. Ryen Edwards has also been crucial to this team in his X-Factor Role.
At this point, Riverton has to be considered the front runner to win their region with West Jordan being their primary contender.
Key wins: Fremont and Layton
Key Contributors: Richie Saunders, Ben Nielson, and Ryen Edwards
Other Teams to Watch: 6A Rankings
6. West Jordan
Key Wins: Jordan
Key Contributors: Sinai Enoch and Darrian Nebeker
7. Layton
Key Wins: American Fork, Kearns, and Copper Hills
Key Contributors: Truman Brown, Chase Potter, Collin Jeppson, and Skyler Turner
8. Kearns
Key Wins: Copper Hills
Key Contributors: Journey Baba, David Andrew, and Majok Kuath
9. Bingham
Key Wins: Bountiful and West Jordan
Key Contributors: Ryan Wood and Brayden Cosper
10. Copper Hills
Key Wins: Bountiful and Corner Canyon
Key Contributors: Trevon Allfrey and Joseph Wilson