Here are the Utah high school AA girls basketball team-by-team capsules.
Fremont’s Timea Gardiner (30) shoots over Skyridge’s Cambree Blackham (4) during a girls basketball game at Fremont High School in Plain City, Weber County, on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

The 2021-2022 high school girls basketball season gets underway this week for 6A, 5A and 4A teams. To prepare fans for the upcoming season, the Deseret News has put together capsules for every team in 6A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.

The region rankings are based on coaches preseason projections.

There are four new head basketball coaches in 6A this year: JoBe Grayer (Cyprus), Brad Saurer (Kearns), Olossa Solovi (West) and Craig Morris (Corner Canyon).

Here are the 6A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.

Region 1

1. Fremont Silverwolves

2021-22 schedule

Head coach: Lisa Dalebout (12th year).

2020-2021 record: 26-0 (first in Region 1 with a 14-0 record).

2021 RPI ranking: No. 2 in 6A.

2021 postseason: Beat Herriman, 63-43, in the 6A championship.

2021 offense: 70.2 ppg (No. 1 in 6A).

2021 defense: 31.7 ppg (No. 1 in 6A).

Returning starters: Three.

Returning contributors:

  • Timea Gardiner, F/C, Sr. — 13.4 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 3.1 apg.
  • Mia Austin, G, Sr. — 11.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg.
  • Maggie Mendelson, F/C, Sr. — 13.9 ppg, 9.0 rpg.

Coach comment: We are grateful for this group of athletes and ready to get started. This team has been committed to each other and have worked hard to prepare for this season. We have incredible returners and a group of younger players ready to contribute. We are excited to compete in a tough region and in a state classification that is full of talented teams and special talent.

2. Farmington Phoenix

2021-22 schedule

Head coach: Van Price (fourth year).

2020-2021 record: 20-2 (first in Region 5 with a 10-0 record).

2021 RPI ranking: No. 1 in 5A.

2021 postseason: Lost to Mountain View, 42-40, in the 5A second round.

2021 offense: 55.6 ppg (No. 2 in 5A).

2021 defense: 36.7 ppg (No. 2 in 5A).

Returning starters: One.

Returning contributors:

  • Delaney Baker, C, Sr. — 13.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg.

Key newcomers:

  • Talin Stimpson, G, Sr.
  • Whitney Avei, G, Jr.
  • Maddie Hauck, F, Jr.

Coach comment: Graduating six of our top seven players from a year ago and returning only one senior, it might take a while before we see how good we can be. Also we are moving up to 6A and in Region 1 with defending state champion Fremont. It will definitely be a challenge.

3. Syracuse Titans

2021-22 schedule

Head coach: Braden Hamlin (fourth year).

2020-2021 record: 18-5 (tied for second in Region 1 with a 11-3 record).

2021 RPI ranking: No. 5 in 6A.

2021 postseason: Lost to Lone Peak, 59-46, in the 6A quarterfinals.

2021 offense: 56 ppg (No. 3 in 6A).

2021 defense: 40.7 ppg (No. 6 in 6A).

Returning starters: Three.

Returning contributors:

  • Skylee Hopkins, SG, Sr. — 7.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg.
  • Whitney Sorenson, SF, Sr. — 9.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.4 apg.
  • Gracie Sorenson, C, Sr. — 7.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg.
  • Danielle Steed, SG, Sr. — 2.1 ppg.

Key newcomers:

  • Avery Sanders, G, So.
  • Cortnie Barker, F, So.

Coach comment: Excited for another year and another opportunity to compete! This year we have a good mix of returners, senior leadership, and young girls who are ready to learn and contribute. Looking forward to a great year of basketball.”

4. Davis Darts

2021-22 schedule

Head coach: Anne Jones (11th year).

2020-2021 record: 16-5 (tied for second in Region 1 with a 11-3 record).

2021 RPI ranking: No. 6 in 6A.

2021 postseason: Lost to Pleasant Grove, 29-24, in the 6A second round.

2021 offense: 44.8 ppg (No. 14 in 6A).

2021 defense: 36.9 ppg (No. 2 in 6A).

Returning starters: Three.

Returning contributors:

  • Kylee Mabry, G, Sr. — 13.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 3.7 apg, 5.7 spg.
  • Taylor Leavitt, G, Sr. — 5.0 ppg.
  • Kendra Kitchen, F/C, So. — 6.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg.

Coach comment: The players have worked hard in the offseason getting stronger, conditioning and improving there basketball fundamentals. We are excited to get started and to compete in a strong Region 1.

5. Layton Lancers

2021-22 schedule

Head coach: Rob Reisbeck (fourth year).

2020-2021 record: 8-11 (fourth in Region 1 with a 7-7 record).

2021 RPI ranking: No. 13 in 6A.

2021 postseason: Lost to Lone Peak, 56-46, in the 6A second round.

2021 offense: 43.5 ppg (No. 17 in 6A).

2021 defense: 51.4 ppg (No. 19 in 6A).

Returning starters: Three.

Returning contributors:

  • Jayden Seegmiller, G, Sr. — 3.8 ppg.
  • Mallory Packard, G, Sr.
  • Charly Stevens, F/C, Jr. — 8.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg.
  • Lauryn Hall, G, So. — 2.5 ppg.
  • Logan Lindsey, F/C, Jr. — 3.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg.

Key newcomers:

  • Avery Potter, F/C, So.
  • Kate Strong, F/C, Jr.
  • Brenley Boydston, G, Jr.

Coach comment: We are excited about the upcoming season and team. The girls have been working really hard in the offseason to prepare for a very tough preseason and region schedule. Region 1 is a very tough region top to bottom and you have to play your best game each night or you will have tough time getting a win.

6. Weber Warriors

2021-22 schedule

Head coach: Clayton Jackson (second year).

2020-2021 record: 6-16 (tied for sixth in Region 1 with a 3-11 record).

2021 RPI ranking: No. 20 in 6A.

2021 postseason: Lost to Layton, 57-54, in the 6A first round.

2021 offense: 38.7 ppg (No. 21 in 6A).

2021 defense: 47.2 ppg (No. 13 in 6A).

Returning starters: Two.

Returning contributors:

  • Katelynn Butler, F, Jr. — 4.5 ppg.
  • Jazmyn Bennett, C, Sr. — 5.5 ppg, 2.0 rpg.

Key newcomers:

  • Rylie Laughter, G, Sr.
  • Iliana Nye, G/F, Sr.
  • Sunee Shaw, G, So.
  • Hadley Howell, F, Jr.

Coach comment: I am very excited for the group we have at Weber this year. We are very young with losing sevn seniors from last year’s team but this group is excited to get out on the court and show what they can do. I know this team is going to give 100% every time they step on the court. It’s going to be an awesome season and I love getting to coach such an amazing group.

7. Clearfield Falcons

2021-22 schedule

Head coach: Demiree Higgs (second year).

2020-2021 record: 2-20 (eighth in Region 1 with a 1-13 record).

2021 RPI ranking: No. 24 in 6A.

2021 postseason: Lost to Riverton, 66-38, in the 6A first round.

2021 offense: 33.7 ppg (No. 26 in 6A).

2021 defense: 56.6 ppg (No. 22 in 6A).

Returning starters: One.

Returning contributors:

  • Miranda Mansfield, G, Sr. — 12.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg.

Key newcomers:

  • Savannah Anderton, C, Sr.
  • Addi Roberts, G, Sr.
  • Haylie Robbins, G, Jr.

Coach comment: We are looking forward for the upcoming season! We have a lot of young, talented girls that are going to be getting varsity minutes this year. Our returning girls are great players and we are excited to see what kind of progress we can make as a team.

Region 2

1. Hunter Wolverines

2021-22 schedule

Head coach: Cameron Gardner (sixth year).

2020-2021 record: 9-14 (tied for second in Region 2 with a 6-4 record).

2021 RPI ranking: No. 17 in 6A.

2021 postseason: Lost to Northridge, 56-31, in the 6A first round.

2021 offense: 40.3 ppg (No. 20 in 6A).

2021 defense: 48.4 ppg (No. 17 in 6A).

Additional info not provided.

2. Cyprus Pirates

2021-22 schedule

Head coach: JoBe Grayer (first year).

2020-2021 record: 8-13 (tied for second in Region 2 with a 6-4 record).

2021 RPI ranking: No. 21 in 6A.

2021 postseason: Lost to Corner Canyon, 55-28, in the 6A first round.

2021 offense: 43.1 ppg (No. 18 in 6A).

2021 defense: 46.4 ppg (No. 12 in 6A).

Returning starters: Two.

Returning contributors:

  • Karina Grayer, G, Sr. — 17.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg.
  • Amelia Echternkamp, G, So. — 6.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg.

Key newcomers:

  • Tamila Francis, G, So.

Coach comment: We look forward to being a top contender for Region 2 champions.

3. Taylorsville Warriors

2021-22 schedule

Head coach: Reggie Jewkes (fourth year).

2020-2021 record: 6-12 (tied for fourth in Region 2 with a 5-5 record).

2021 RPI ranking: No. 18 in 6A.

2021 postseason: Lost to Kearns, 53-42, in the 6A first round.

2021 offense: 47.8 ppg (No. 12 in 6A).

2021 defense: 57.6 ppg (No. 25 in 6A).

Returning starters: Three.

Returning contributors:

  • Ella Huntington, G, Sr. — 12.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 3.5 apg.
  • Hinei Aukusitino, F, Sr. — 7.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg.
  • Jenna Sterzer, F, So. — 2.8 ppg, 5.0 rpg.

4. Granger Lancers

2021-22 schedule

Head coach: Shawnee Smith.

2020-2021 record: 6-13 (tied for fourth in Region 2 with a 5-5 record).

2021 RPI ranking: No. 23 in 6A.

2021 postseason: Lost to Jordan, 63-38, in the 6A first round.

2021 offense: 50.3 ppg (No. 8 in 6A).

2021 defense: 57.3 ppg (No. 24 in 6A).

Additional info not provided.

5. Kearns Cougars

2021-22 schedule

Head coach: Brad Saurer (first year).

2020-2021 record: 11-11 (first in Region 2 with a 7-3 record).

2021 RPI ranking: No. 15 in 6A.

2021 postseason: Lost to Fremont, 81-33, in the 6A second round.

2021 offense: 49.5 ppg (No. 10 in 6A).

2021 defense: 52 ppg (No. 20 in 6A).

Returning starters: Two.

Returning contributors:

  • Alexi Romero Mortensen, F, Sr.
  • Tayah Parker, G, Sr. — 7.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg.
  • Erika Warner, G, Sr. — 2.5 ppg.

Coach comment: I’m excited to build on a great foundation we’ve laid the last couple of seasons. We have a tough senior class of great leaders that deserve a ton of praise and we’re going to need some different girls to step up this year as well.

6. Roy Royals

2021-22 schedule

Head coach: Carolyn DeHoff (eighth year).

2020-2021 record: 8-14 (tied for sixth in Region 1 with a 3-11 record).

2021 RPI ranking: No. 19 in 6A.

2021 postseason: Lost to Bingham, 70-36, in the 6A second round.

2021 offense: 35.2 ppg (No. 24 in 6A).

2021 defense: 41.8 ppg (No. 8 in 6A).

Returning starters: None.

Returning contributors:

  • Sha’Kyra Joiner, G, Sr.
  • Tally Humble, C, Sr. — 2.0 ppg.

Key newcomers:

  • Nicole Williams, F, So.
  • Sha’Keria Joiner, F, Sr.

Coach comment: With the graduation of all five starters, we were pleasantly surprised with what this group showed over the summer. As we transition to a new region, we will see how are kids do against well coached teams. We will use our nonregion games to see who will play where, what rotations work best, and who are finishers are at the end of games.

Region 3

1. Bingham Miners

2021-22 schedule

Head coach: Skyler Beard (second year).

2020-2021 record: 18-5 (second in Region 3 with a 8-2 record).

2021 RPI ranking: No. 3 in 6A.

2021 postseason: Lost to Fremont, 61-52, in the 6A semifinals.

2021 offense: 54.3 ppg (No. 4 in 6A).

2021 defense: 40.7 ppg (No. 5 in 6A).

Returning starters: Two.

Returning contributors:

  • Sierra Lichtie, F, Sr. — 14.4 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 3.2 apg, 2.5 spg.
  • Chloe Daniels, F, Sr. — 5.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.1 apg, 2.2 spg.

Key newcomers:

  • Ruby McLeish, F, Sr.
  • Jocelyn Ordyna, F/C, Sr.

Coach comment: We have a great core returning and are excited to get back on the court and compete.

2. Riverton Silverwolves

2021-22 schedule

Head coach: Jodi Lee (fourth year).

2020-2021 record: 16-8 (third in Region 3 with a 5-5 record).

2021 RPI ranking: No. 9 in 6A.

2021 postseason: Lost to Westlake, 42-21, in the 6A second round.

2021 offense: 53 ppg (No. 5 in 6A).

2021 defense: 44 ppg (No. 10 in 6A).

Returning starters: Five.

Returning contributors:

  • Belle Christiansen, G, Sr. — 12.0 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 3.0 spg.
  • Morganne McCleary, G, Sr. — 10.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.1 apg, 2.9 spg.
  • Abby McDougal, G, Sr. — 10.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.0 apg.
  • Zariah Jenkins, F, Sr. — 7.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg.
  • Anna Ross, F, Jr. — 4.0 ppg, 3.8 rpg.

Key newcomers:

  • Amaya Afatasi, G, Jr.
  • Bailey Bergquist, G, Sr.
  • Brooke Hartman, G, Sr.

Coach comment: We are loaded with depth and experience and expect that will help us tremendously as we navigate some really good opponents this year. We return all of our main contributors from last season and we’ve got some great newcomers as well. Should be a really fun year for Riverton.

3. Herriman Mustangs

2021-22 schedule

Head coach: Kent Smith (fourth year).

2020-2021 record: 23-2 (first in Region 3 with a 10-0 record).

2021 RPI ranking: No. 1 in 6A.

2021 postseason: Lost to Fremont, 63-43, in the 6A championship.

2021 offense: 66 ppg (No. 2 in 6A).

2021 defense: 41.8 ppg (No. 9 in 6A).

Returning starters: One.

Returning contributors:

  • Lexi Jensen, G — 13.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.5 apg, 3.4 spg.
  • Mariah Mons, G — 6.2 ppg.
  • Kenlee Enger — 2.7 ppg, 2.1 apg, 2.0 spg.

Key newcomers:

  • Presley Heggie

Coach comment: We are small once again, we will shoot a lot of 3s and try to force turnovers.

4. Copper Hills Grizzlies

2021-22 schedule

Head coach: Jake Timpson (second year).

2020-2021 record: 7-13 (fifth in Region 3 with a 3-7 record).

2021 RPI ranking: No. 14 in 6A.

2021 postseason: Lost to Roy, 70-55, in the 6A first round.

2021 offense: 44.1 ppg (No. 15 in 6A).

2021 defense: 52.2 ppg (No. 21 in 6A).

Returning starters: Three.

Returning contributors:

  • Amelia Brady, F/C, Sr. — 5.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg.
  • Jada Vick, G, Jr. — 7.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg.
  • Ellie Taylor, G, So. — 7.5 ppg.
  • Shaye Barker, G, Sr. — 2.9 ppg.
  • Mady Lealaitafea G, Jr. — 4.6 ppg.

Coach comment: We have a lot of returning talent this year and some good young players. If our players will commit to playing tough defense, and play as a team, I think we can be very good.

5. Mountain Ridge Sentinels

2021-22 schedule

Head coach: Kenzie Newton (third year).

2020-2021 record: 3-19 (seventh in Region 7 with a 1-11 record).

2021 RPI ranking: No. 28 in 5A.

2021 postseason: Lost to Highland, 62-31, in the 5A first round.

2021 offense: 41.4 ppg (No. 21 in 5A).

2021 defense: 53.8 ppg (No. 27 in 5A).

Returning starters: Two.

Returning contributors:

  • Meg Cummings, G, Sr. — 3.8 ppg.
  • Brynnlee Murdock, G/F, Jr. — 10.4 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.0 spg.
  • Faith Fairbanks, F, So. — 3.6 ppg, 2.1 rpg.
  • Trisha Langston, F, So. — 2.3 rpg.

Key newcomers:

  • Addy Horsley, G, Fr.
  • Makailyn Horsley, G, So.
  • Aspen Fraser, G, Fr.

Coach comment: Moving into our third season at Mountain Ridge the program is showing more and more promise. Our players and coaches have put in a lot of work in the offseason and are excited to get going. Although we are young, we are competitive and driven.

6. West Jordan Jaguars

2021-22 schedule

Head coach: Lei Lolohea (fifth year).

2020-2021 record: 3-14 (sixth in Region 2 with a 1-9 record).

2021 RPI ranking: No. 26 in 6A.

2021 postseason: Did not qualify.

2021 offense: 43.1 ppg (No. 19 in 6A).

2021 defense: 57.1 ppg (No. 23 in 6A).

Additional info not provided.

Region 4

1. Lone Peak Knights

2021-22 schedule

Head coach: Nancy Warner (ninth year).

2020-2021 record: 19-4 (first in Region 4 with a 8-2 record).

2021 RPI ranking: No. 4 in 6A.

2021 postseason: Lost to Herriman, 54-46, in the 6A semifinals.

2021 offense: 52.9 ppg (No. 6 in 6A).

2021 defense: 37.2 ppg (No. 3 in 6A).

Returning starters: Three.

Returning contributors:

  • Kailey Woolston, G, Jr. — 18.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg.
  • Makeili Ika, G, Jr. — 9.7 ppg.
  • Teuila Nawahine, G, Sr. — 7.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg.

Coach comment: I’m excited about the intensity we’ve already started the season with. The return of our key contributors and leaders from last year is huge for our team as we continue to work hard and come together each day. The excitement and dedication the girls have for both the game and the opportunity to compete together is contagious and will continue to fuel the effort and passion we have to reach our potential. I’m excited to watch this team compete together and see what goals they will accomplish together this season.

2. Westlake Thunder

2021-22 schedule

Head coach: Michael O’Connor (sixth year).

2020-2021 record: 16-7 (tied for second in Region 4 with a 7-3 record).

2021 RPI ranking: No. 8 in 6A.

2021 postseason: Lost to Herriman, 53-50, in the 6A quarterfinals.

2021 offense: 51.9 ppg (No. 7 in 6A).

2021 defense: 39.3 ppg (No. 4 in 6A).

Returning starters: Two.

Returning contributors:

  • Jill Lungren, F, Sr. — 8.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg.
  • Kaylee Headrick, G, Sr. — 8.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg.
  • Tessa Chaney, C, Sr. — 3.9 ppg.

Key newcomers:

  • Sione Sauvao, G, Jr.
  • Paige Payne, G, Sr.
  • Chloe Jensen, G, So.
  • Aulia Afele, G, Jr.
  • Austin Feller, G, So.

Coach comment: With the graduation of seven seniors, we look forward to building with a great group of returners and young players ready to step in.

3. Pleasant Grove Vikings

2021-22 schedule

Head coach: Jeanine Reeves (third year).

2020-2021 record: 14-11 (fourth in Region 4 with a 5-5 record).

2021 RPI ranking: No. 11 in 6A.

2021 postseason: Lost to Bingham, 45-40, in the 6A quarterfinals.

2021 offense: 43.7 ppg (No. 16 in 6A).

2021 defense: 41.5 ppg (No. 7 in 6A).

Additional info not provided.

4. Skyridge Falcons

2021-22 schedule

Head coach: Shaylee Nielsen (second year).

2020-2021 record: 13-8 (tied for second in Region 4 with a 7-3 record).

2021 RPI ranking: No. 7 in 6A.

2021 postseason: Lost to Fremont, 49-39, in the 6A quarterfinals.

2021 offense: 47.1 ppg (No. 13 in 6A).

2021 defense: 44.8 ppg (No. 11 in 6A).

Returning starters: Two.

Returning contributors:

  • Teagan Gray, G, Sr. — 6.8 ppg.
  • KJ Gotberg, C, Sr.
  • Cambree Blackham, G, So. — 10.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg.

Key newcomers:

  • Bella Sika, G, Fr.
  • Donya Perkins, F, Jr.

Coach comment: Our team has worked hard in the offseason and we have a good mix of returners and newcomers this year that I think will work well together. They are a quick and aggressive group so we will rely on our pressure defense and fast paced play. Our seniors, Teagan Gray and KJ Gotberg, have been great leaders and I’m excited to see them perform and lead our team. 6A and Region 4 will be really competitive as usual and we are looking forward to competing with the best teams.

5. Corner Canyon Chargers

2021-22 schedule

Head coach: Craig Morris (first year).

2020-2021 record: 13-12 (fifth in Region 4 with a 3-7 record).

2021 RPI ranking: No. 12 in 6A.

2021 postseason: Lost to Syracuse, 61-50, in the 6A second round.

2021 offense: 49.9 ppg (No. 9 in 6A).

2021 defense: 48 ppg (No. 15 in 6A).

Returning starters: Three.

Returning contributors:

  • Elina Mortensen, F/C, So. — 12.0 ppg, 6.6 rpg.
  • Natalie Newton, G, Sr. — 10.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg.
  • Summer Larson, F, Jr.

Key newcomers:

  • Taylor Workman, G, Fr.

Coach comment: These girls play hard and fast — if we take care of the ball, we’ll be scary good.

6. American Fork Cavemen

2021-22 schedule

Head coach: Jason Herrud (fourth year).

2020-2021 record: 1-21 (sixth in Region 4 with a 0-10 record).

2021 RPI ranking: No. 22 in 6A.

2021 postseason: Lost to Pleasant Grove, 41-36, in the 6A first round.

2021 offense: 34.4 ppg (No. 25 in 6A).

2021 defense: 48.5 ppg (No. 18 in 6A).

Returning starters: Three.

Returning contributors:

  • Emily Evans, SG, Sr. — 8.6 ppg.
  • Nicole Lewis, PG, Jr.
  • Calli Condie, SG, So. — 5.4 ppg.
  • Sav Colyar, SG, Sr.
  • Meg Hardman, F, Sr.

Key newcomers:

  • Kam Hackett, F, Sr.
  • Lindsay Zundel, G/F, Jr.
  • Lex Nuga, G/F, Sr.

Coach comment: Looking forward to a normal, full season with this group.



High school girls basketball: 2021 Class 6A team-by-team preseason capsules
Source: Gabriella Pinoys