Region Preview: 5A Region 7
5A is loaded with talented and competitive groups. Region 7 fits that mold exactly. Jordan is the early frontrunner in the group despite having to deal with a transfer. With that said, if Jordan does not come out with a chip on their shoulder and ready to compete every game, there are plenty of teams in this region that have the talent to win a region title.
1. Jordan
While Jordan has had to deal with the departure of Dyson Frank, the team will have plenty of returning firepower. However, winning this region will not be a walk in the park. This region is loaded with talent. With that said, the good news for Jordan is that they bring back arguably the best player in the region in Dyson Koehler.
Koehler will not be alone either with Terryn Mosley being able to contribute at a high level. Between these two, this should be one of the more versatile teams in 5A. Guard play will be the biggest question mark for this team. Once they get that sorted out, this team has the potential to be one of the top teams in 5A.
2. Corner Canyon
Corner Canyon is more than capable of winning this region. They return their top two playmakers from last year and will be ready to assert themselves as one of the top teams in 5A next to Jordan. This region is tough, especially with Corner Canyon, Timpview, and Jordan. Do not be surprised if Corner Canyon makes it out alive as the region champs. However, no one will make it out of this region without a couple of barn burners.
The prospects who will largely be responsible for Corner Canyon’s success are Gabe Toombs and Hayden Welling. Toombs can score the basketball from all three levels and fills up the stat sheet. His motor and toughness set him apart. Further, Welling provides the team with good length. Moreover, he looked more fluid and improved over the course of this off-season.
This team has the potential to be extremely dangerous in 5A.
3. Timpview
There are a lot of unknowns with Timpview. With that said, there is one known: Nate Hansen. Hansen can score the basketball at a high level and he makes those around him better. While he has had the assistance of one of the top scoring guards in the state over the past couple of seasons, Hansen is more than capable of leading a team.
Hansen will have the assistance of Kelson Jensen as well. Like the other groups on this list, this provides this team with two prospects who will be primarily responsible for scoring the basketball and creating for others. The big question mark for every team on this region is: Who will be the X-Factor?
All three of these teams are capable of winning the region. Most likely, it will come down to who has a game changing X-Factor who can push their respective team over the top.