Video: Savannah Sumsion's highlights vs. Cedar City
See the Springville star in action last season.
2016-17 Utah preseason high school girls basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard
1. Sky View (Smithfield) 2015-16 record: 22-3
Head coach: Vanessa Hall
The Bobcats fell painfully short of repeating as state champions a year ago. Sky View claimed the Class 4A title game to cap off an undefeated season in 2014-15, but could not overcome Layton in the Class 5A title game a year later as the Lancers completed their own undefeated season.
Sky View enters a new season as a championship favorite once again. The Bobcats return nearly all of their key contributors from last winter.
Kaylee Carlsen provided the main offensive spark last season. The senior made her presence felt all over the court, averaging 17.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 3.0 steals per game.
Hunter Krebs gives Sky View an intimidating front court presence. Krebs, a senior, averaged 12.5 points and 7.3 rebounds last season. Senior guard
Kylie Hale could be poised for a breakout season in the backcourt. Hale averaged 6.0 points, 2.7 assists and 1.9 steals a year ago.
See the MaxPreps Utah girls basketball computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard
2. Brighton (Salt Lake City)2015-16 record: 19-6
Head coach: Jim Gresh
Two years removed from their most recent 5A title, the Bengals are a serious contender to make another championship run. As usual, Brighton fields a strong defensive team that will make life hard for even the best of offenses.
It all starts with
Dani Barton. The senior guard is dynamic on offense and tough on defense. Barton led the Bengals with 21.3 points per game a year ago. Joining her in the backcourt again is senior
Brooke Ingles, who totaled 11.5 points per game last season. She did most of her damage on the perimeter, averaging 2.3 made 3-pointers per contest.
Sidney Kaufmann is another player to keep an eye on for Brighton. The junior averaged 6.6 points per game last season.
See the MaxPreps Utah girls basketball stat leaders
3. Alta (Sandy)2015-16 record: 19-4
Head coach: Elizabeth Gustafson
Mariah Martin, Alta
Photo by Dave Argyle
If the Hawks end up winning the Class 4A title this season, you can bet
Mariah Martin and
Kemery Martin will be major reasons behind it. Both players are electric playmakers who can light up the scoreboard in a hurry. Mariah, a senior, led Alta with 15.9 points per game a season ago. Kemery, a sophomore, showed tons of potential in her debut season. She averaged 13.6 points per contest.
They are not a two-woman team by any stretch.
Tatiana Thompson makes her presence known around the basket. The senior forward/center averaged 11.9 points per game last season. Senior guard/forward
Kacey Blackner is capable of doing good things from the wing. Blackner averaged 7.2 points per contest.
See the MaxPreps Utah girls basketball photos4. Layton2015-16 record: 25-0
Head coach: Van Price
What can the Lancers do for an encore after stringing together a perfect season? Layton has to replace do-everything forward Hailey Bassett, but the Lancers still return a talented squad. Deep inexperience on the roster, however, may make it tough to go unbeaten again this year.
Livia Borges steps up as the team leader in Bassett's absence. Borges has an ability to make an impact in all phases of the game. The senior guard averaged 7.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 3.0 steals per game a season ago.
Junior guards
Kaitlyn Viator and
Ashlyn Campbell and
Rylee Garrison should all get a chance to play bigger roles in the backcourt. Senior forward
Kim Taylor will be counted on to help fill the void Bassett left around the basket.
See the MaxPreps Utah girls basketball playoff brackets 5. Springville2015-16 record: 22-3
Head coach: Camie Oakey
Springville is only a couple of seasons removed from a five year stretch where it won four Class 4A titles. Naturally, the Red Devils are a threat to win it all again this year.
Savannah Sumsion will play an important role in making Springville a team to beat. The 6-foot senior is a force around the basket who averaged 11.6 points and 7.6 rebounds last season.
Cheyenne Brown could be headed for a breakout season in the backcourt. The 5-8 junior averaged 5.6 points and 3.3 rebounds in a supporting role a year ago.
John Coon covers Utah high school sports for MaxPreps. You can contact him at john_coon@hotmail.com and follow him on Twitter at @johncoonsports
