by James Tate
Davis Darts
The Darts started out on fire with a 6-0 mark in pre-season tournament play. The Darts are led by seniors Aubrey Nielson, Brinley Bush, Cambria White, and Aimee Larsen and junior Loryn Helgesen. Davis has started off region play 3-0 with victories over Farmington, Layton, and Clearfield. According to Max Preps the Darts are the #7 ranked team in 6A.
Layton Lancers
The Lancers are breaking in a new coaching staff this year, led by head coach Hannah DeYoung. Coach DeYoung is a Layton alum and is ready to bring a hardworking and consistent team to each game.
“Consistency leads to confidence and confidence leads to success,” Coach DeYoung said.
Layton will look to young players to contribute to a positive improvement culture.
“We want to encourage the culture of doing things the correct way instead of what is comfortable,” said Coach DeYoung.
One player to watch this year is Sophomore Aubrey Hackett, middle blocker. At 6’1” Aubrey puts up a nice block that is challenging to get around. She’s fast laterally and has a heavy arm – especially for a sophomore.
Another athlete to watch this year is Sophomore Penina Leota, setter.
“Penina has great hands and is able to locate well in out-of-system situations,” said Coach DeYoung. “She is able to set with tempo and puts our hitters in ideal situations.”
The Lancers have started 0-3 in region play but look to turn things around against Farmington on Thursday, Sep. 15 at home.
Farmington Phoenix
The Phoenixes region record currently stands at 2-2. They have region wins over the Clearfield Falcons and Weber Warriors. Farmington found success in early tournaments and non-region games to prepare for a run at the region title. Upcoming games include a road contest on Sep. 15 against Layton. The current ranking in 6A according to Max Preps is #11. Players to watch are seniors Sophie Wendt, Marissa Marchant, and Mele Fiefia. Juniors to watch include Laina Whitney and Kailee Monroe.
Fremont Silverwolves
The Silverwolves will be looking forward to new head coach and Fremont alum Analaine Mailoto to continue the success of last year’s state quarterfinal team.
“My coaching philosophy is to discipline in the small aspects of the game and refine the skills so we can use those skills as tools in our strategies,” Coach Mailoto said.
Coach Mailoto shares that the following players to watch this year are all kind girls and show positive leadership: Kennley Crossley, Kennedy Omen, Burkelle Field, Keysha McKean. Fremont is ranked #17 in 6A according to Max Preps with a 2-1 record in the region.
Clearfield Falcons
The Falcons are off to a slow start in region play with a 0-4 record, but Coach
Brooke Pehrson is excited for the entire season to play out.
“One thing about region 1 volleyball is that all the teams are very talented,” said Coach Pehrson. “It’s exciting that we have such a competitive region, where anyone can win on any given day. Our team is excited to get after it and compete for a Region championship!”
The Falcons look to seniors Makenna Stiener and Brooklyn Hawks to lead the way. Senior Lexi Davis and sophomores Madison Yeager and Liv Ena also will play important roles for the Falcons this year.
The Falcons are currently ranked #18 in 6A according to Max Preps.
Syracuse Titans
The Titans have started with a 2-0 record in the region, with victories over Weber and
Layton. With tournament and region games played, the Titans are on a 10-game
win streak.
Up next for Syracuse is a tough matchup at Farmington. The current ranking for
the Titans are #5 in 6A according to Max Preps.
The Titans are led by seniors standouts Kambree Rodriguez, Tehana Mo’o, and Mikelle Nielson. Junior Standouts include Meredith Bieckel, Sariah Nanney and Kallie Johanson.
Weber Warriors
The Warriors have started with a 2-2 region record with victories over Clearfield and Weber. Senior Bella Berensen is off to a strong start for the Warriors. Weber also is looking to juniors Olivia Boswell, Cami Cvitkovich, Eden Jensen, Havi Montano and Kallie Gibby to contend for the region title. The Warriors face
Weber is at home on Sep. 15. Weber currently is ranked #13 in 6A according to Max Preps.
Photo courtesy James Tate