I’m baaaaack — for the second year of the Coach’s Corner!

After a year off, I’m back to share my weekly insights, analysis and coverage of girls basketball here in Utah Valley. I’m excited for another terrific year of basketball and we’ve already had some impressive performances this year.

First of all, it’s been awesome to have fans and student sections back in the gyms, which makes it a lot more enjoyable experience for fans and the players.

With a new year brings new challenges, new teams and new players looking to make their mark — but every year we seem to always be talking about Nancy Warner and her teams, whether at Springville or now at Lone Peak.

This year is no different with Kailey Woolston leading the way for the Knights. She’s the second leading scorer in the state at 25 points per game and is clearly one of the best shooters in the state.

She also has a few tough guards to back her up in Makeili Ika, Teuila Nawahine, Naia Tanuvasa and Shawnee Nordstrom. Look for a big year from this Lone Peak group playing like typical Warner teams play, tough and disciplined on both sides.

Two of the best frontcourts in the State are at Pleasant Grove and Westlake.

The Vikings are led by Brooklyn Fely, who is averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds per game, and Chloe Rutter at 15 ppg.

For the Thunder, Tessa Chaney, a UVU Signee, Jill Lundgren and Kailey Headrick should control the paint. Both teams are undefeated so far and have high expectations.

Having a post presence helps to make a deep run into States and these two teams have at least two.

Skyridge has the back court of the future in sophomore Cambree Blackham and freshman Bella Sika that you will be hearing about for the next three-to-four years. It will be fun to watch their progression and see how far they can carry the Falcons.

Year-in and year-out, the reigning 5A state champion Springville Red Devils are always in the mix at the end of the year and this year should be no different. They bring back another tough squad that is powered by the electrifying guard play of Ellie Esplin, who’s averaging 17 ppg.

Will this be the year Lehi can overcome their biggest nemesis and get by Springville?

In the last two years they’ve lost in the semifinals of the state tournament to the Red Devils. With the departure of the Warren Twins to Dixie State, they bring back a plethora of talent starting with Jamisyn Heaton (15 ppg) and Maci Wall (13 ppg).

The Pioneers are going to be one of the most exciting teams to watch this year. Coach Sean Seastrand has got them playing unselfish basketball and they display remarkable speed on both ends of the court. This is also the deepest team in Utah Valley and perhaps the state.

There are two teams in Region 18 that are going to be making a lot of noise as well.

Coach Troy Gifford and his Rockwell Marshalls return four starters from last season. Seniors Jenna Bond, Greta Robinson and Ellie Anderson along with sophomore Kiaya Bond have the experience to make a deep run.

American Heritage plays fast, they play hard and they’re scrappy on both ends of the floor. This is a fun team to watch. The hot shooting of Holly Brockbank (4.7 3-pointers per game) and freshman sensation Merceius Mili has paced the Patriots to their fast start.

There are a lot of other great teams that I didn’t cover that deserve our support, so check the schedules and get out there and support your team!

Kawika Akina was the head girls basketball coach at Timpview and Timpanogos High Schools and won two state championships, one at each school. He’s directed Club Utah and Happy Valley Basketball the last 5 years.

Newsletter