Player Spotlight: Hayden Franson
When you walk into a gym and look at the players that American Fork High School has, you are immediately impressed with their height and length. PG Tanner Cuff the coaches son is 6’6. Trey Stewart a 6’3 PG who…
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Continue ReadingWhen you walk into a gym and look at the players that American Fork High School has, you are immediately impressed with their height and length. PG Tanner Cuff the coaches son is 6’6. Trey Stewart a 6’3 PG who recently signed with Utah Valley University. The player that sticks out the most is 6’10 W Isaac Johnson who signed to play for Oregon University.
Every year American Fork produces a lot of height and talent and this year is no different. The problem is that they haven’t been able to produce when it counts.
The player that I failed to mention is 6’7 Hayden Franson who has been instrumental in American Fork’s success and why they’re currently ranked 3rd in the state.
Hayden is averaging over 13 PPG and was recently named to the All-Tournament team in the Utah Elite 8 which features some of the best high school basketball programs in the state.
The thing that makes Hayden unique is that he can handle the ball and stretch the floor with his ability to shoot. We would classify him as a shooting forward. This year we saw Hayden play with his AF team in the Big Mountain Jam and he had a impressive play. Hayden took the ball from one end of the court to the other. A player tried to go for a steal and he went around the back and dunked the ball and everyone immediately went into a frenzy.
The 2019 W has a new coach that has given Hayden a boost in confidence that is helping his mental toughness. “I know my coach has confidence in me,” at times that is all players need to take their game to the next level, simple confidence.
Hayden”s American Fork success runs in the family as his father also prepped at American Fork High School and played college ball at Utah State University. Eric Franson (# 42) who is 6’6 had a career average of 13 PPG in college as well. Hayden hopes to follow in his fathers footsteps. Eric also played professional in Europe for a few years as well.
Eric is also is Hayden’s biggest fan. If you o to a game you will notice the animated 6’6 dad cheering his son on.
Hayden currently holds an offer from Utah State Eastern a National JUCO. Hayden could easily play at the NAIA, D2 level. Hayden does have a high ceiling and could continue to develop at the right JUCO and possibly be a D1 prospect. The right fit will be essential to Hayden’s growth next year.He holds a 3.9 GPA and a 23 ACT which could open more doors because he has great academics.
Colleges would land a great player who will do whatever it takes to help his team succeed. Hayden and his teammates take one game at a time with the ultimate goal in mind. He is vocal and has great leadership qualities. Hayden believes that he is a lot more physical this year and it has helped him in all categories.
With so much attention that other teams place on his teammates Hayden is taking advantage of the looks he is getting. Look for Hayden to be a big part of American Fork’s success this year. It wouldn’t be surprising if they remain undefeated when they met up with Wasatch Academy on January 11th.
Good luck to Hayden and his American Fork teammates the rest of the way.