The Hive Sports

by Alan Judson

The American Fork Cavemen (6-2, 0-0 Region 3) are one of the most eye-catching teams in the state of Utah. Whether that comes from Weber State commit Tiger Cuff, their national ranking, or the wins they’ve piled up this season, it’s hard not to believe this team has a legitimate shot at the state title. The Cavemen started their season off in miserable fashion with a 80-39 drubbing by the hands of the nation’s #1 team Montverde Academy (10-0). They also suffered a 71-60 loss to the Alta Hawks (6-0, 0-0 Region 6), who are also in the national rankings at 27th. The Cavemen have bounced back by rattling off six straight wins, including a victory against the preseason favorite and defending champion Corner Canyon Chargers. However, the identity of this American Fork team is to be determined.

Rich History

American Fork is no stranger to the spotlight, finishing in the 6A semifinals or better every season since 2020, but this might be the greatest team that’s recently stepped on the court. Coach Ryan Cuff has led the Cavemen since the 2018 season and has remained at the helm throughout one of the most successful periods of American Fork basketball. His son, Tiger Cuff, leads the team in points per game (16.7) and assists per game (3.75) while also bringing in 4.5 rebounds per game. Fellow senior Jared Shepherd also has the capability to take over games. He led the team in scoring with 27 points in their statement victory over the Chargers. The Cavemen are led defensively by Diego Mulford. He plays much larger than his 5’8” frame suggests and is an obstacle for opponents trying to score at all three levels of the court.

Non-region Results

The Cavemen defeated the Syracuse Titans (4-3, 0-0 Region 1) 72-59 in a game which had a final score much closer than the game was played. American Fork defensively did a great job limiting shots, crashing the boards, and forcing tough shots. The Cavemen displayed an interior presence that kept the Titans to a measly 15 first-half points. That was in large part due to the ball being poked out of bounds by American Fork, and was a testament to how difficult it is to score on this team. Forcing many one-and-done possessions on the defensive end which resulted in pristine offensive opportunities, which were largely taken advantage of. These defensive rebounds resulted in many Caveman fast breaks in the first half, in which they attacked downhill, and kickouts resulted in the corner three-pointer becoming the hot corner as American Fork shot 43% from beyond the arc in the first half. The Cavemen also did a great job staying out of foul trouble as they were tagged for the first foul with 3:34 remaining in the second period.

American Fork Weaknesses

However, this team is not without its weaknesses. The biggest flaw for this American Fork team is their ability to stay on the gas and never stop attacking. The Titans outscored the Cavemen in the second half 44-30, marking the sixth time the Cavemen have been outscored in the second half this season. Quickly, a lead that was over 30 was cut to just a few possessions. The Titans, and many other teams this season, ran out of time to deliver a finishing blow. The Cavemen also struggled to get to the charity stripe and capitalize on their opportunities. They shot zero free throws in the first half and 4-9 on the game. Finally, the ball movement and assist numbers need to increase if the Cavemen want to continue to strengthen their team. The 17-11 assist-to-turnover mark versus Syracuse (8-8 in the second half) was a huge reason the Titans lowered the margin towards the conclusion of their matchup.

Ultimately, this American Fork team is one of the best teams in the state and will only continue to get better. Beginning with maintaining control throughout all 32 minutes as well as spreading the wealth and playing in a more unified way, the sky is the limit for American Fork. Ryan and Tiger Cuff will only continue to elevate this team throughout the season. With this strong supporting cast, it will be hard to stop the American Fork Express.

The Cavemen face their next test Friday, January 12, 2024, as the Bingham Miners (3-3, 0-0 Region 2) come to town at 7 p.m.

Featured image courtesy Kimball Reay