3 Darkhorses: 5A
In our way too early rankings, we listed 10 teams who could compete for the state title. Below are three of the teams who fell outside of the top five. These teams have the potential to play with anyone in 5A. Keep a watch on these darkhorses as the season progresses.
Skyridge
Trevon Snoddy and Duncan Reid provide this team with a lot of optimism. Not only will they have these two for this season, but the group will have them for another year after that. This is one of the top duos in the state and Skyridge will look to surprise a lot of people.
Despite only being 6’4, Snoddy was a double-double machine. Moreover, Reid shot the basketball extremely well from deep. Snoddy and Reid are known commodities. The question mark for this team that will aid them in setting themselves apart and being a true darkhorse is the following: Who else will step up?
Timpview
Timpview will need a number of role players to step up in order for Timpview to hold this spot and be a true darkhorse. What makes this team interesting as far as upside is concerned and ability to compete at a high level is Nate Hansen. Hansen played at a high level this summer.
He has a really good feel for the game. He can shoot it at a high level and also passes well. Further, he is a solid on-ball defender. Hansen gives this team promise. Further, Timpview has a deep program with prospects who will be able to step up and fill voids.
Highland
Highland makes a lot of sense to be in this spot. They had some success last year and bring back the vast majority of their team from last year. Christian Rich will be the top returning prospect for the group in terms of scoring. He demonstrated that he can score the basketball at a high level from deep last year as well.
In addition to Rich, Liki Makaui will facilitate for the group and be the primary playmaker for the team. While he will defer a lot of the scoring to his teammates, Makaui will be the guy who creates scoring opportunities for himself and others.
These two prospects will be the top guys on the squad. However, that have plenty of young talent returning as well. Highland will be one of the top teams in 5A by season’s end. They have the potential to make a huge run in the state tournament.