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Girls' basketball region previews

(2014 records in parentheses)

REGION 1 (5A)

The new kid in town for Class 5A might just end up being the new sheriff in town. Sky View (25-0) struts into the classification off a state championship season in Class 4A and has already beaten reigning champ Brighton in an early-season contest. The Bobcats will make their 5A splash behind junior guard Kaylee Carlsen, junior Hunter Krebs (8.6 ppg last year) and junior Tegan Goldman (6.5). ... But the going is tough in this region, as Fremont (15-6) has made it to the state championship the last two years — winning in 2014. The Silver Wolves have some rebuilding to do, but have a good centerpiece for the project in Harley Hansen. ... Two other playoff candidates also come in from 4A: Clearfield (14-8) is led by senior forward Lucy Evans as well as junior center Rachel Watson, while Roy (6-15) has returning experience in sophomore center Josie Williams and junior forward Sariah Jones. ... Northridge, Mountain Crest and Weber had difficult seasons in 2014-15 and hope to make enough progress to keep the 4A newcomers at bay.

REGION 2 (5A)

When it came to the postseason last year, Region 2 members essentially laid an egg, with all four entrants going out quickly and two scoring a total of 37 points between them. Two of those losses came against Davis and Viewmont, who are the new members of the region. Davis will build around 6-foot senior McKinlay Otterson after the graduation of standout Kayley Neilson. ... Viewmont (14-9) also lost key seniors, but the Vikings have one standout sophomore guard in Mercedes Staples (11.8 ppg last year). ... Layton (15-6) also moves into the league from 5A and may be in the best position to challenge for a region championship behind senior center Hailey Bassett (14.2 ppg) and senior guard Clara Wood (10.2). ... Hunter (16-7) is the reigning region champ and has a matchup problem for Wolverines' opponents in the form of 6-foot-3, 245-pound senior center Kimauri Toia. ... Granger (14-8) was second in region a year ago and brings back scoring in senior guard Melissa Kadic (16.0 ppg). ... Syracuse (5-14), with senior Nicole Kimber, and West will attempt to break into the playoff race.

REGION 3 (5A)

Brighton got the big prize in Class 5A last year by winning the state championship, but the Bengals were challenged every step of the way in their four postseason games. The Bengals were also a senior-laden squad a year ago, but Brighton's big ace-in-the-hole is returning junior Dani Barton — the leader of the playoff push despite being hobbled with an ankle injury. ... In region, the biggest challenge could come from Copper Hills (14-9) as the Grizzlies have plenty of players back, including Bailee Leiter (9.8 ppg), guard Shirsten Wissinger and center Ashley Larsen, all seniors. ... Bingham (14-5) isn't lacking in experience either, as Miners seniors Leya Harvey and Madison Loftus are joined by junior Jade Sine and sophomore Kenzie Cloward. ... Jordan (10-11) has offensive potential behind returning seniors Tabytha Jones (16.8 ppg) and Brooklyn Nielsen (9.3). ... Taylorsville (11-11) moves over from Region 2 and is led by seniors Kaitlin Toluono (13.8 ppg) and Marilyn Maka (7.5). The Warriors — along with Cottonwood and West Jordan — are likely looking at a season where pulling off a surprise will be a primary goal.

REGION 4 (5A)

One of the toughest regions in 2014-15 was won by Riverton (19-3), while American Fork (20-6) finished second. Both eventually made the state semifinals before bowing out. This time around, it looks like AF has the firm advantage in rebuilding, as the Lady Cavemen bring back junior guards Taylor Moeaki (12.3 ppg) and Paige Farnsworth (8.6) as well as senior point guard Jenna Shepherd (8.6). ... Riverton, meanwhile, will retool around Tiena Afu, Morgan Kane and Alexis Roberts. ... Lone Peak (15-5) ousted Alta in a playoff game last year, but the Knights saw shooter Kelsey McCann graduate and have tasted an early lopsided defeat (63-34) to Highland this season. ... Westlake (14-9) showed promise a year ago and has some talented returning post players in 6-foot junior Savannah Domgaard and 5-10 senior Lia Finau. ... Despite a 6-15 season, Pleasant Grove has size and potential behind 6-foot-5 junior center Malli Valgardson and 6-foot frosh Sadie Nixon. ... Herriman (7-14) might be a little further along in climbing up the ladder behind sophomore guard Milee Enger and senior forward Sarah Duncan, but Lehi (1-20) does have a double-digit returning scorer in Addy Clements (13.1 ppg).

REGION 5 (4A)

The dream season for the Bountiful Braves ended just shy of the finish line, as the first loss of the year came in the state semifinals against Maple Mountain. Bountiful, fresh off the school's first volleyball crown, will now try to attempt the double behind senior big Kennedy Redding, who averaged 21.2 points last year. The Braves also have ample returning help for Redding, including sophomore Jaimee Stahle (9.5) and senior center Lovely Tukuafu (7.1). ... Bonneville (15-7), second in region in 2014-15, was also ousted by Maple Mountain in the first round. The Lakers are paced by senior guards Savanna Shaw and Hannah Shore, who averaged 10.0 and 8.4 points, respectively last season. ... Highland (12-9), which was in Region 9 a year ago, could surprise as double-figure scorers Marlee Machon (15.2) and Nani Tonga (12.6) lead a sizeable group of returnees. ... Those three teams already have a big starting-gate lead over fellow region members Box Elder, East, Woods Cross and Ogden, where wins were few and far between last year.

REGION 6 (4A)

Skyline (20-6) had control of the Region 7 race last year and eventually made it to the Class 4A championship game. Now it's rebuilding time in a new region, as the Eagles bring back 5-10 sophomore Madison Grange and 6-2 sophomore Cameron Mooney as sizeable building blocks. ... Waiting in the wings to challenge is Murray and Olympus — both also moving over from Region 7. The Spartans have senior leadership in Shay Potter, Deja Frenchwood and Cassidy Howe, while the Titans have a trio of 5-7 juniors in Madisen Gladstone, Miranda Johnson and Samantha Sheets. ... Judge Memorial (10-10) is a holdover from Region 6 and the Bulldogs were actually ousted in the first round by Skyline by only five points. Junior big Vanessa Austin (13.0 ppg) and senior guard Rachel Shubella (11.5) are the leading scorers of a sizeable contingent of returners for the 'Dogs. ... It was tough sledding last year for Kearns, Hillcrest and Cyprus, who will need major improvement to start thinking of the playoffs.

REGION 7 (4A)

The top half of the region has been almost completely reshuffled with realignment, with Mountain View holding the fort for the old guard. The Bruins finished second last year and eventually advanced to the state semifinals. This season, sophomore guard Tahlia White, among others, will try to replicate the success. ... As for the newcomers, Alta (16-7) may be the most potent, as the Hawks consistently competed successfully with 5A's best a year ago and bring back talented guard Mariah Martin and her 14.4 average. ... Timpview was second in Region 8 a year ago, beating Logan in an opening-round contest, and has young talent in freshman Jazzy Espinoza. ... Junior guards Abby Moore and Maya Smith both averaged just over five points a game last year for Provo (7-14). ... Timpanogos will be led by the likes of Karen Christensen and Angel Tuisavara, while Corner Canyon and Orem will look for improvement.

REGION 8 (4A)

Salem Hills and Maple Mountain had surprising stints at the state tourney a year ago for entirely different reasons. Salem Hills (21-3) carried a sparkling record into the postseason, but was shown the door by Mountain View in the quarterfinals. Now the Skyhawks will regroup behind senior guard JaneAshley Nelson (10.3 ppg), senior forward Sadie Lundquist, and sophomore big Lauren Gustin. ... Maple Mountain, on the other hand, was only third in region, but eventually made the semifinals. Now it's the Golden Eagles with favorite status and with one of the top scorers in the state — senior Liz Eaton (23.2 ppg) — on the court for another run. Eaton will get major assistance from junior Lily Jex. ... Springville (12-9) grabbed the final region playoff spot in 2014-15 and the Red Devils bring back Lydia Austin, Olivia Park and Savannah Sumsion. Austin has already showed major scoring prowess herself in reaching 30 points in the season opener against Timpview. ... Spanish Fork (8-12) might just be primed to make a run behind senior guard Kenzie Branch (12.8 ppg) and junior center Cambrie Hazel (12.2), while Class 3A newcomers Wasatch, Uintah and Payson might be forced to wait their turn.

REGION 9 (3A)

2014 was a bit of a down year for region members, as no team advanced past the quarterfinal round of the 3A playoffs. Region winner Cedar (19-4) graduated some important cogs in Courtney Morley and Javlyn Weaver, but the Lady Reds do have quality returners in Morgan Myers and 6-foot senior Shana Foley. ... At Desert Hills (13-9), Ashley Beckstrand averaged close to 20 points a game last year for the Thunder and she'll be joined by seniors Kenzie Done and Kylie Williams. ... Shaylee Reed and Madi Mooring, both seniors, will lead Snow Canyon (7-11) as it tries to improve from a third-place region finish from '14... Pine View's loss at state was only by two to Carbon in the opening round, and the Warriors have returning scoring in Tayvia Ah'Quin (10.4 ppg), Sarrah Pierce (7.5) and Natasha Fiame (7.0). ... Hurricane was competitive in region, but ultimately unsuccessful throughout the campaign and the Tigers will go forth with sophomore post Lexy Lyon leading the way.

REGION 10 (3A)

Stansbury, Tooele and Grantsville all move over to a new region, leaving 2014-15 champ Bear River back in Region 11. With that, Stansbury (16-8) appears to be the early favorite behind seniors Katy Flint and Angie Kilpack, as well as junior Deanna Castillo. ... Tooele (11-10) was third in region behind Stansbury last year but the Buffaloes will have to regroup after the graduation of Taylor Thomas and Courtney Schiwal. ... Grantsville (7-17) could challenge for the region's top tier, as the Cowboys have returning scoring in juniors Abby Butler (11.7 ppg) and Rylie Ekins (8.2). ... In that department, Park City (6-13) may ultimately be playoff-bound as junior Jessica Perry (9.7 ppg), senior Marina Mayo (7.0) and senior Rachel Brothers (6.1) all showed ability in finding the hoop last year. ... Union, like Park City, is a holdover from the old Region 10 alignment, but the Cougars struggled to a 5-17 overall mark last year and slipped into the playoffs as a third seed as the result of coin flip.

REGION 11 (3A)

Now comes the after-Mills for Juan Diego. After rolling to an undefeated state championship year behind twins Monique and Dominique Mills, Juan Diego and second-year coach Josh Archuleta will regroup for another run. And it's possible too, with the likes of dynamic junior guard Becca Curran and senior post Ann Nelson as part of the mix. ... Morgan (18-9) fell to JD in the 3A title game and the Trojans also have returning ammo in senior guard Lily Henry (9.6 ppg), senior point guard Kate Blazzard (8.2) and junior forward Brooklyn Hurlburt (5.6). ... Bear River (17-6) actually was the Region 11 champ last year and will provide stiff competition to the newcomers behind the likes of seniors Jenny Bitner and Tamika Rodriguez, both who averaged nearly 10 points a contest in 2014-15. ... After spending the last seven seasons in Class 4A, and going 0-for-5 in postseason contests, Logan (14-9) returns to the 3A fold and is led by senior forward Veronica Sullivan among others. ... Ben Lomond (3-17) struggled a year ago but has experience and potential in seniors Bronte Blanchard, Alyssa Gonzales and Summer Yazzie.

REGION 12 (3A)

Carbon (17-8) had a good trek through the region schedule, as the Dinos ultimately were crowned champs, but Ted Bianco's crew will be looking to improve its final four Class 3A finish. It'll be the likes of senior standout Jordan Scoggins (12.7 ppg last year) and junior Lindsey Blanc (9.7 ppg) that'll lead the way. ... Juab (12-6) nearly made the state semifinals as well, falling in overtime to Bear River, and the Wasps bring back senior guard Rylee Bryan. Watch for North Sanpete (15-7) and Richfield to contend as well. Scorer and pilferer Angela Clayton, a junior guard, will lead North Sanpete along with senior Aubrey Madsen. Five-foot-11 junior Shandi Bastian and 5-10 sophomore Emma Jones provide Richfield with good returning experience in the paint, while sophomore guard Madisyn Daniels also is back for the Wildcats. ... Canyon View may be closer to contention that its 6-16 record in 2014-15 might suggest, as juniors Shontae Clark, Abbie Corry and Hailee Torres are back.

REGION 13 (2A)

It wasn't until the final game of the year, but Delta (21-3) took down region champ Kanab for the Class 2A state championship. With that on the résumé, the Rabbits are looking for more and the potential for a repeat is there with returners like senior Sidney Springer (10.1 ppg in 2014-15), senior Harlee Willoughby (8.4 ppg) and forward Brooklyn Henrie. ... Kanab (21-3) was a senior-laden squad a year ago, but the Cowboys do have talent back in the form of junior Kaitlyn "KC" Houston and Glover Lacy. ... Millard finished third in region and beat Emery in an opening-round state tourney game and the Eagles will look to returning experience in Anna Camp and Kynlee Penney. ... Enterprise is only two years removed from a state championship and has junior Shelby Lyman (5.2 ppg) and senior Jessica Farnsworth leading the way. ... Top-to-bottom, Region 13 is likely the deepest league as South Sevier moves over from a third-place finish in 2A's Region 15 last year and has scoring threats in senior Brielle Chisholm (12.6 ppg) and McKenzie Jenson (7.1) and, not to be overlooked, Beaver also could pose problems with players like Abbey Yardley & Co.

REGION 14 (2A)

All of the Region 14 playoff entrants were KO'd in the opening round of the state tourney last year, but Waterford leads the group hoping to make strides this season. The Ravens racked up an impressive 16-2 mark before getting bounced by Manti in the first round, and brings back scoring threats in senior forwards Morgan Kane (13.6 ppg) and Caitlin Shreeve (6.9). ... Look for Layton Christian, second in the league a year ago, to be back in the mix along with Rowland Hall — which is led by senior guard Quincy Jackson and junior post player Olyvia Mugweh. ... Wins were sparse in 2014-15 for the Rockwell Marshalls and Wasatch Academy, with the latter hoping for more behind players like Kysha Barbel and Maria Alcantara.

REGION 15 (2A)

North Sevier and Manti both made it to the Class 2A semifinals, but with drastically different paths in 2014-15 — and both bring back components for another run. North Sevier (18-7) was the Region 15 champ and returns tall (5-10) junior guard Peyton Torgerson along with two more juniors in Hailey Higgs and Meisha Johnson. Manti (9-16) barely got into the playoffs as a four seed from Region 16, then won a pair of postseason games; the Templars have experience returning in seniors Amanda Naylor, Mikaela Cox, Kaylyn Mason and Bailey Simons. ... Emery was runner-up behind North Sevier a year ago and will be led by senior Camry Johnson (7.4 ppg). ... San Juan (8-13) struggled but made the playoffs and will bring back senior Sara Morley (12.5 ppg) as well as fellow senior Tyla Morris (9.1). ... Gunnison Valley, paced by seniors Kennady Jensen and Belle Blackburn, will try to crack the state tourney scene along with Grand County.

REGION 16 (2A)

Four members currently in Region 16 had solid regular seasons last season, but none were able to advance past the quarterfinal round. North Summit (21-5), which won the league title and walloped Rowland Hall in an opening-round contest, returns sophomore standout Hunter Vernon. ... South Summit (16-6) likewise scored a first-round win and brings back junior Hannah Peterson, a forward who averaged 5.7 points an outing in 2014-15. ... Summit Academy (10-10), another opening round winner at state, is paced by 5-10 senior Marissa Hathaway and 5-8 guard Kendelle Mapstone. ... Maeser Prep (15-7) finished third in Region 14 and is led by senior Bella Harrington, one of 2A's leading scorers at a 15.6 point clip a year ago. ... Providence Hall (5-14), paced by sophomore guard Isabel Page (8.7 ppg) and American Leadership Academy (6-10) will face a tough task trying to break into the playoff picture.

REGION 17 (1A)

Barely in the 2015-16 schedule, one region squad is already making some strides compared to last year. Although Duchesne won last year's league title, the Eagles were eliminated by Piute at the state tourney. But Duchesne already owns a win this season over that team and will look to Mashaylee Giles, Darian Morlan and outside shooter Alyssa Nielsen for plenty more. ... The Rich Rebels hope to challenge for the top spot behind senior center Emily Hopkins (9.7 ppg last year), Lilia Brown (6.5 ppg) and Kierra Groll. ... Tabiona brings back a pair of double-digit scorers from a year ago in juniors Shaelee Nay (11.5) and Gracie Rhoades (11.4). ... Altamont grabbed the fourth playoff spot out of the region and returns junior Tiana Nielsen and sophomore Rashea Thacker. ... Manila hopes to challenge for a postseason berth and has senior experience in Camaree Burnside and a solid young post player in freshman Aspen Collett.

REGION 18 (1A)

St. Joseph won the region title a year ago but was quickly eliminated by the fourth-seed from Region 20 (Valley) at state. The Jayhawks hope to move into the second round this season and should get a good boost from versatile junior Kathleen Tomon. ... Senior Alix Walker and junior Tina Wall, who respectively scored at a 10.3 and 10.2 average in 2014-15, lead the way for Tintic, the second-place squad in Region 18 last year. ... Wendover also has returning offense in Aurora Rodriguez (10.6 ppg) as well as fellow senior Lydia Delgadillo (9.4). ... Intermountain Christian grabbed the fourth playoff spot last February and will return senior post Courtney Lemon (10.0 ppg) and senior Sara Biel (8.6). ... Look for Dugway to challenge for a state tourney position as guards Cynthia Kimler and Kassidy Christensen — both seniors — will lead the way for the Mustangs.

REGION 19 (1A)

Monticello has one of the best returning scorers in Class 1A in the form of junior Atlanta Black, who averaged 18.4 points last year, and the Buckaroos will look to her and fellow junior returnee Allie Maughan for a repeat region crown. ... At Whitehorse, the Raiders actually have a player by the name of Fayette Whitehorse, who will team with junior Latonya Thompson as the team strives to challenge Monticello. ... Look for Green River, third in the region last year, to have enough returning experience to get another playoff berth. This time, it should be the likes of junior forward Savannah Williams (9.7 ppg) and sophomore guard Maribel Escalante (6.3) that will propel the Pirates. ... Pinnacle, paced by senior post Misty Bingham, and Monument Valley will also vie for postseason action.

REGION 20 (1A)

The power of the classification was in this region as all four of it playoff entrants advanced to the state semifinals. But, to be more accurate, the actual power was in the form of one team: Panguitch. The Bobcats overpowered all comers and finished 26-0 for a second straight title. Don't look for much to change, as Panguitch, despite having suffered some graduation losses, brings back inside threats Chesney Campbell and Taylor Bennett, as well as senior guard Whittni Orton. ... Piute was Panguitch's opposition in the finals and will be forced to rebuild following the graduation of Shaylee Gleave. The T-birds do have back talented Macey Dalton and are getting good early contributions from Mickell and Mikaylee Morgan. ... Returnees Danielle Brinkerhoff, Jailine Vasquez and Samantha Chynoweth lead Bryce Valley, which fell in the semis to Piute. ... The Valley Buffaloes also showed their worth at state, eventually losing to Panguitch, and will get good outside shooting from senior Julie Steed for this go-around. ... Don't be surprised if Wayne challenges the top four behind Courtney Jackson and Hannah Morrill.