Darnell Dickson, Daily Herald
Orem boys basketball coach Jace Tevita (in black tie) watches the action during the 5A tournament at the Huntsman Center on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024.
Each week, Daily Herald sports experts Jared Lloyd, Darnell Dickson and Brian Preece rank the top five teams in the Utah Valley in boys and girls basketball and boys and girls wrestling (records as of Dec. 22):
1. Orem (9-1)
Tigers headed to Arby’s Classic in Tennessee during Christmas break.
2. Timpview (7-3)
Dean Rueckert, Will Openshaw earn All-Tourney at Tarkanian Classic.
3. Skyridge (5-2)
Falcons will take major test at Damien Classic this week.
4. Payson (10-1)
Lions finished runner-up in Ball Dawgs Division of Tarkanian Classic.
5. Timpanogos (9-1)
Humbling loss at Bountiful ended nine-game winning streak for T-Wolves.
— Darnell Dickson
1. Payson (8-1)
It’s been a great start for the Lions, with wins over Salem Hills and Pleasant Grove and just one out-of-state loss.
2. Provo (11-1)
The Bulldogs were tested by Lehi but held on to get their 11th win of the season.
3. Salem Hill (10-2)
The Skyhawk combo of Brooke Warren and Chenielle Nye isn’t easy to stop.
4. Wasatch (9-2)
The Wasps capped off 2024 with a big home win over Springville.
5. Westlake (6-3)
The Thunder have rebounded from a slow start to win five of their last six games.
— Jared Lloyd
1. Westlake
Thunder still win Christmas Clash missing some key pieces.
2. Spanish Fork
Dons remain the 5A team to beat.
3. Timpanogos
Timberwolves placed second at Christmas Clash with three champs.
4. Mountain View
Bruins show well at the Reno Tournament of Champions.
5. Pleasant Grove
Viking star Bradlee Farrer places third at the Beast of the East event.
— Brian E. Preece
1. Wasatch
Wasps place ninth out of 47 teams at the Reno Tournament of Champions.
2. Cedar Valley
Aviators crown two champs at the Christmas Clash and placed second out of 67 teams.
3. Westlake
Rarick sisters bolster Thunder lineup.
4. Salem Hills
Skyhawks still a threat to Wasatch and Cedar Valley in 5A title chase.
5. Springville
Red Devils place 14th as a team at the Christmas Clash.
— Brian E. Preece
