The preseason hasn't been anything special for Highland, going a paltry 4-4 in preseason play. But they were able to make some progress before region play kicks off.

The Rams were given the luxury of traveling to San Diego in between the holidays for a tournament, and although they came away with a 1-2 record, they got some valuable developmental assets out of it. The Rams were able to play with some heavy competition and experienced a 35-second shot clock.

On top of that, Highland starting point-guard Nick Orchard had 13 assists in a game and 22 for the tournament. Despite only scoring 10 points in three games, he was able to make the all-tournament team.

Now they will start Region 6 play this week against Cyprus and Olympus, but coach Keith West knows how grueling the region schedule can be.

"There are seven teams in our league that are capable of beating us. There a little separation because there are four teams really competing for things, and we're one of them," said West. "I think we've got a really good chance to win the region."

Rowland Hall

Rowland Hall hasn't had the busiest of schedules, but the Winged Lions were able to make up a postponed game against Duchesne, only to lose 51-46 in overtime.

Jared Accetura added double figures, despite shooting around 30 percent from the field, but is just reminiscent of how he has been able to play.

Coming back from an honorable All-State mention at point guard, he has been able to compliment the scoring threat of Zach Arthur quite nicely with 12.8 points a game and has undoubtedly played up to coach Shawn McQueen 's expectations.

"Jared's doing exactly what we want him to do, He's a very experienced player and he's the engine that makes us go," said McQueen, "He's very good in the open floor, uses his quickness to his advantage, and really turned out to be a really improved shooter. He a really good player and he and Zach Arthur combined give us a really good one-two punch"

East

East may not have had the best of starts to open to the season, going 1-3 with their only win coming against lowly Park City, but the region schedule is now upon them and it's a welcome site.

Region 6 is going to be a daunting task for the Leopards, though, with athletic teams like Olympus and West looming nearly every week. They are not helped by the fact that the Leopards have had ample time to get rusty, with three weeks between games due to the holidays. They jumped back into region play earlier this week.