Darnell Dickson, Daily Herald
Jaxen McCuistion (0) of Timpanogos is defended by a Cedar Valley player in a boys high school basketball game on Friday, Nov. 22, 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. 15):
1. Orem (8-1)
Tigers’ loaded lineup has just one loss, to Texas powerhouse Duncanville.
2. Skyridge (5-1)
Inside-outside combo of Jordan Kohler and Joel Gardner pace Falcons.
3. Timpview (4-2)
T-Birds continue challenging schedule at Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas.
4. Timpanogos (8-0)
Jaxen McCuistion (21.1 ppg) off to a hot start for T-Wolves.
5. Payson (7-0)
Balanced scoring is the way the Lions are winning right now.
— Darnell Dickson
1. Salem Hill (8-1)
Skyhawks get defense to hold on for the tough win over Cedar Valley.
2. Wasatch (8-1)
Wasps start region play by hosting Springville this week.
3. Timpview (7-2)
Thunderbirds will be tested with games against Lehi and Salem Hills this week.
4. Springville (5-1)
Red Devils look to be developing nicely early in the year.
5. Provo (9-1)
Bulldogs have scored 54 or more points in eight of their 10 games.
— Jared Lloyd
1. Westlake
Thunder win the Mid-America Nationals in Oklahoma for the second straight year.
2. Spanish Fork
Dons win second big tournament as they take home the gold at the Wasatch Intermountain Duals.
3. Timpanogos
Timberwolves showing why they are a strong contender for a trophy in 4A.
4. Mountain View
Bruins depth will make them a factor in the 4A race.
5. Wasatch
Wasps have young talent with a lot of sting.
— Brian E. Preece
1. Wasatch
Wasps win the Bear River Duals.
2. Cedar Valley
Aviators have established a strong girls program.
3. Salem Hills
Skyhawks second to Uintah at St George tourney
4. Westlake
Thunder rebuilding but still has good talent in the wrestling room.
5. Springville
Red Devil strength this year is in the upper weight classes.
— Brian E. Preece
