Utah 4A State Tournament Preview
Green Canyon is the favorite, Timpanogos and Murray lurk in the background
The Utah 4A State Tournament kicked off this week head toward it’s conclusion February 22nd in Cedar City on the campus of Southern Utah University. The classification that covers the largest piece of the state is filled with story lines.
Green Canyon has to be the favorite. Led by Jude Haigh, the Pennsylvania move-in is the leading scorer in the classification and the leading three-point shooter. Easton Stokes is second in the classification in assists. Other top contenders include Payson and Ridgeline. Payson is region champion out of Utah Valley and Ridgeline is the only team to defeat Green Canyon.
Dark horses include Crimson Cliffs, Timpanogos and Murray. Due to the fun of math, Crimson Cliffs won their region by two games, but is still ranked behind two teams in their region in the final standings. Timpanogos and Murray both suffered key injuries to star players, but should be close to full health for their tournament runs.
1. Green Canyon
Best Wins #3 Ridgeline, #6 Hurricane, 3A #1 Morgan
AVG Pts For 68.3
AVG Against 51.6
Road/Neutral 10-1
Vs 4A Top 10 4-1
Outlook
Heavy favorite led by Holy Cross commit Jude Haigh averaging 22.8 points a game. Lost in the semis last year.
2. Payson
Best Wins #6 Hurricane, #8 Provo, #9 Timpanogos
AVG Pts For 62.3
AVG Against 53.0
Road/Neutral 8-4
Vs 4A Top 10 4-1
Outlook
Payson swept their 5A neighbors and went 3-1 in their bracket at the Tarkanian tournament. They’ve won four in-a-row entering the tournament.
3. Ridgeline
Best Wins #1 Green Canyon, #6 Hurricane, 6A #9 Weber
AVG Pts For 60.6
AVG Against 54.3
Road/Neutral 9-3
Vs 4A Top 10 2-1
Outlook
Only team to beat Green Canyon this year. Went undefeated at home tournament in December. Have won 8 of 9 heading into State.
7. Crimson Cliffs
Best Wins #4 Dixie, #6 Hurricane, #10 Pine View
AVG Pts For 62.4
AVG Against 56.6
Road/Neutral 7-4
Vs 4A Top 10 4-2
Outlook
Sharpened their teeth against 6A teams all preseason. Paid off in a region championship. Won 5 of 6 down the stretch.
9. Timpanogos
Best Wins #2 Payson, #8 Provo, #10 Pine View
AVG Pts For 60.4
AVG Against 57.7
Road/Neutral 7-6
Vs 4A Top 10 3-2
Outlook
T-Wolves beat Payson by 16 when fully loaded. Lost last three games of the season when their leading scorer was sidelined. Jaxen McCuistion 17.7 is playing in the tournament.
11. Murray
Best Wins #5 Cottonwood, #14 Hillcrest, 6A #16 Riverton
AVG Pts For 64.1
AVG Against 58.3
Road/Neutral 6-7
Vs 4A Top 10 1-1
Outlook
Isaiah Beh came back January 3rd against Riverton, since then Murray is 11-0. Damani Wilkerson leads the Spartans in scoring.