Valley Top 5: Teams starting to sort out positions heading toward end of 2023
Isaac Fisher, Special to the Herald
Skyridge sophomore Merceius Mili goes up for a shot during the 6A semifinal game against Davis at the Dee Events Center in Ogden on Thursday, March 2, 2023.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. 17):
Boys Basketball
1. Lehi (6-0)
Pioneers making themselves right at home in 6A.
2. American Fork (6-2)
Tiger Cuff leads Cavemen in scoring (16.6) and assists (3.8).
3. Orem (4-1)
Point guard Chase Dastrup with 50 assists in five games.
4. Timpanogos (9-0)
Youth movement led by Jaxen McCuistion, Jack Johnson.
5. Pleasant Grove (4-1)
Only one double-digit scorer (Ryker Mikkelsen) but plenty of depth.
– Darnell Dickson
Girls Basketball
1. Skyridge (6-1)
The Falcons have three players averaging double digits so far this winter.
2. Timpview (6-2)
The Thunderbirds face a big challenge at Lehi on Wednesday.
3. Wasatch (6-1)
The last four Wasp wins have been by double digits.
4. Pleasant Grove (7-2)
The Vikings held on for the big win over Maple Mountain to move up in the rankings.
5. Maple Mountain (7-2)
The Golden Eagles wrap up 2023 by playing at Highland on Tuesday.
– Jared Lloyd
Boys Wrestling
1. Pleasant Grove
Brad Farrer placed second at prestigious Reno Tournament of Champions.
2. Westlake
Thunder lapped the field at the Christmas Clash crowning seven individual champions.
3. Spanish Fork
Don program is back competing for state titles.
4. Payson
Lions earned stirring dual meet win over 2A power Millard.
5. Wasatch
Wasps are still a formidable program.
– Brian E. Preece
Girls Wrestling
1. Cedar Valley
Aviators finished as top county team at the Christmas Clash.
2. Salem Hills
Skyhawks are right there in 5A state title chase.
3. Westlake
Keilikki Rarick and Celeste Detoles brought home the gold at Christmas Clash.
4. Mountain View
Isla Baeza climbed to the top of the podium at the Christmas Clash.
5. Maple Mountain
Senior Aurelia Ramos hasn’t lost a match since her sophomore season.
– Brian E. Preece
