10 guards to watch in Utah high school girls basketball

Good guard play can elevate the fortunes of a basketball team faster than just about anything else. The top Utah girls basketball teams can attest to that fact. Several regular state title contenders have built their foundation for success in the backcourt.

These 10 guards return with all the tools to push their teams toward a state title at season's end.


Shelbee Molen, Fremont (Plain City)
There isn't much Molen can do for an encore that will top what she achieved last season. The senior, who is committed to play for BYU, averaged 16.2 points per game in helping Fremont run away with the Class 5A championship a year ago. Molen is a versatile scorer and is dangerous enough on offense to always draw the other team's best defender.

Liz Eaton, Maple Mountain (Spanish Fork)
Scoring points is in Eaton's blood. The younger sister of BYU star Lexi Eaton knows how to dominate games offensively. She averaged a healthy 20.2 points and 7.8 rebounds as a junior for the Golden Eagles. Eaton has already taken it up a level this season. She is averaging a state-leading 30.3 points per game through her first six games.

Jessica Matheson, Granger (West Valley City)
It's safe to say that Matheson elevates the Lancers to another level with her all-around play. She enjoyed a breakout season as a junior, averaging 18.0 points, 5.2 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 4.0 steals. Matheson helped Granger earn a share of the Region 2 title after it had suffered through several sub .500 seasons. She hasn't skipped a beat this season, leading her team with 19.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.0 steals and 3.8 assists through nine games.

Monique Mills, Juan Diego Catholic (Draper)
One reason the Soaring Eagle are flying high in Class 3A is Mills. She is a four-year starter who is enjoying her most productive season yet. Mills nearly averaged a double-double as a junior, scoring 16.7 points and pulling down 8.3 rebounds per contest. She is averaging 19.9 points per game as a senior and once again taking control around the basket. She and her twin sister Dominque form one of the best backcourt tandems in the state.

Kelsey McCann, Lone Peak (Highland)
After helping Dixie win a Class 3A title as a sophomore, McCann is doing her best to put Lone Peak in the mix as a senior. McCann, who is committed to Utah Valley, has helped the Knights win their first seven games by scoring at will all over the floor. She has improved on the 18.6 points she averaged per game as a junior, scoring 22.7 per contest so far this season.

Mariah Martin, Alta (Sandy)
If any underclassman has the makings of a four-year star, Martin is the one. She enjoyed a promising freshman debut for Alta, averaging 12.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.9 steals per contest. Martin has taken it up a level this season. She leads Class 5A in assists with 4.4 per game and is fourth in scoring at 20.1 points per game.

Katie Toole, Viewmont (Bountiful)
Toole has taken a giant leap forward as a senior. She leads Class 5A in scoring, averaging 26.3 points per game through Viewmont's first nine games. Toole already established herself as a dynamic scorer and playmaker for the Vikings over the past two seasons, so her continued evolution is definitely not unexpected.

Lindsey Johnson, Brighton (Salt Lake City)
Athleticism is Johnson's ally in helping her do what she wants offense. She's as comfortable attacking the rim as she is pulling up and draining a 3-pointer. Her presence offers a big boost to the Bengals. Johnson averages 12.7 points per game to give Brighton a consistent second option behind leading scorer Dani Barton.

Ashley Beckstrand, Desert Hills (St. George)
If the Thunder roll to another Class 3A crown this year, Beckstrand will be a primary factor. She has enjoyed a breakout sophomore season, averaging 18.9 points per game to rank second in Class 3A in scoring behind Juan Diego senior Monique Mills. Beckstrand is a dynamic and experienced playmaker after seeing major varsity minutes as a freshman a year ago.

Tiffany Madson, Salem Hills (Salem)
Salem Hills looks like the state's most improved team after eclipsing last season's win total through its first nine games. Madson is a driving force behind the turnaround. She leads the Skyhawks in scoring with 15.2 points per game and in assists with 3.3 per contest. Madson is a potent outside shooter and an effective distributor who will help Salem Hills make some noise in Region 4 this season.

John Coon covers Utah high school sports for MaxPreps. You can contact him at john_coon@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter at @johncoonsports.