Players to Watch:
Bryce Johnson, South Fremont
Hudson Miller, South Fremont
Ace Clark, Sugar-Salem
Tyler Williams, Sugar-Salem
Burke Nelson, Teton
Jake Streit, Teton
Written by: Marlowe Hereford
All three members of the former 3A District 6 Mountain Rivers Conference move up to the 4A classification this season for the first time in their respective program histories, and they do so having experienced notable success in 3A.
Teton had a historic season last year, placing second at the 3A state tournament to finish 18-8 overall a year after winning the state third-place trophy. The Timberwolves graduated eight members of that district championship team, including guard Thomas Heuseveldt, forward/center Ty Brown, guard Jack Nelson and guard Kaiden Hastings.
They also have a new coach in Jay Silver, who most recently was an assistant coach for Jackson Hole High School boys basketball. Senior forward/center Jake Streit and senior guard/forward Burke Nelson are the lone returning varsity players from the state runner-up team.
"We had some guys, Jake Streit specifically, put a lot of time in the gym working on their 3-point shot," Silver said. "Burke Nelson will be involved in most of what we do offensively and we will look to get him a touch on most possessions."
The Timberwolves do bring in junior guard Luke Nelson, senior guard Isaac Thomas, sophomore guard/forward Canon Kunz and junior guard/forward Bradley Brown to varsity.
Silver said there could be different offensive leaders each night.
"We have put a ton of emphasis on rebounding, particularly at the offensive end, and will be strong in that category," Silver said.
The Timberwolves have also shown Silver they are equally strong on defense.
"Our goal is to make our opponent as uncomfortable as possible every night," Silver said. "We want to be the tougher team in every game we play. We expect all of our guys to be great defenders and they are living up to the challenge."
Silver added to not overlook Teton this season even with the departure of last year's senior class.
"I think a lot of people out there believe Teton is going to be down this year after losing so much of last year's team," Silver said. "We have put in a ton of time developing players and our system this offseason and are ready to show that we are still a team that will compete to win our district despite bringing back only two varsity players. Our guys have bought in to playing the right way and are playing well as a unit."
Sugar-Salem, in its 12th season under head coach Shawn Freeman, graduated five from last year's 10-16 team. The Diggers do return senior guard Tyler Williams (second team all-conference), junior guard Ace Clark (second team all-conferene), senior forward Hank Carter (honorable mention all-conference), senior guard Riley Williams and senior forward Ky Peterson.
“We have a well-balanced team that moves the ball well,” said Freeman. “It’s a hard working group. Rebounding will be a point of emphasis.”
“I am most excited about the team chemistry,” Freeman added. “I feel like we have a great group of players that will have increased roles and playing time.”
South Fremont has a new coach in John Tucker IV, who was most recently at Bonneville as head boys basketball coach from 2014-22. The Cougars graduated three from last year's 3-20 team.
Senior forward Bryce Johnson (second team all-conference), senior forward Hudson Miller (honorable mention all-conference) and junior guard Ethan Woodbury return for South Fremont, and the Cougars also add sophomore guards Cy Hill and Nash Brower this season.
“It is a brand new start for everyone at South Fremont,” said Tucker. “We will be led by our seniors. Not getting hired until September has been a little tricky, as I am learning the kids and they are learning my expectations. We will have fun and compete night in and night out!”