by James Tate
Weber Warriors (16-6)
The defending region champions want to repeat and have the team and ability to do it. The Warriors made it into the super-regional round of last season’s state tournament but fell to the Mountain Ridge Sentinels. Returning an experienced team of talented players, the Warriors are looking to make a run this season for a state championship.
The Warriors return 2023 Standard-Examiner All-Area 1st-team pitcher Kendall Strasburg to a talented group. Strasburg finished last season with a 13-1 record, 106 strikeouts, and hit three home runs. 2023 Standard-Examiner All-Area 2nd team player Olivia Boswell is back after leading the Warriors with 33 runs scored.
Also returning for the Warriors is catcher Ellie Nielsen, a 2023 Standard-Examiner All-Area 2nd-team selection. Nielsen hit three home runs and was second on the team with 27 runs batted in. Junior Logyn Howell gives the Warriors a daunting lineup for opponents after a 2023 season with two home runs and 18 runs batted in.
Syracuse Titans (14-9)
The Titans had a turnaround season last year after a 5-20 record in 2022 with a 14-9 overall record last season. The Titans return a great combination of experienced batters, fielders, and pitchers. Junior Jazmine Prathan is one of the state’s best players, with fellow junior rising stars Jaidyn Franco and Grace Thomas.
Prathan, a 2023 Standard-Examiner All-Area 1st Team selection, scored 41 runs and smacked 12 home runs in an outstanding sophomore season. Franco, a 2023 Standard-Examiner All-Area 2nd team selection, led the team with 32 runs batted in last year and is a proven superb player. Thomas followed Prathan in runs scored with 35 and home runs with four. Senior Jacee Hammon is a top pitcher returning for the Titans after posting a 9-5 record with 61 strikeouts last season.
The Titans fell to the West Panthers in the 2023 state tournament, but their second-place finish in the region has them trending to challenge for the region title this year.
Fremont Silverwolves (15-11)
The Silverwolves aim to get back on top of Region 1 after claiming the title in 2022. Last season, the Silverwolves made it into the super regional round of the state tournament but fell to the Pleasant Grove Vikings two games to one in the best-of-three series. Working hard and playing as a team is a message Head Coach Ryley Buttars is sending to the team.
“We are looking to come back better and stronger than last year,” Coach Buttars said. “I want them to want to win as much as I do. I want to bond as a team, so it makes playing on the field that much more natural and enjoyable.”
The Silverwolves will have talent across the field and experienced players ready to lead the newcomers. Seniors Ivee Johnson and Audrey Cooper and juniors Savannah Palmatier and Jessica Broadbent are leaders. Coach Buttars will count on this season.
“Our leaders will be a strength this season and we have amazing seniors this year, with a lot of heart and grit,” Coach Buttars said. “With their leadership, this team can go far. Our bats are hot and we play a solid defense.”
Hot bats will be vital for the Silverwolves, especially with the return of Palmatier, a 2023 Standard-Examiner All-Area 1st team player. Palmatier led the team with 49 hits, 43 runs scored, and nine triples as a sophomore last year. Cooper, a 2023 Standard-Examiner All-Area Honorable Mention selection, hit five home runs and led the Silverwolves with 12 doubles last season. Broadbent played solid at first base and hit three home runs as a junior. Johnson returns to lead the pitching staff after recording a team-high 66 strikeouts.
Farmington Phoenix (12-7)
The Phoenix ended last season with a trip into bracket play and was part of the final six teams before losing to the Skyridge Falcons 8-3. Finishing third in Region 1 last year, the Phoenix are looking to continue the momentum from last season’s success. Returning experienced players and newcomers ready to step up has Head Coach Haleigh Mortensen excited for the new season.
“We are beyond excited for this coming season,” Coach Mortenson said. “We have a great bunch of returns, as well as some new players. Our outlook for this season is positive.”
Coach Mortensen is ready to see this team come out and show their competitive fire and build off of last year.
“We have a really well-rounded team, but we are big believers in hitting, and this team can string them together,” Coach Mortensen said. “We want to finish stronger this year. Keep an eye on Lexi Crowley, Maddie Kelker, Nev Carrasquel, Ella Neilson, Ruby Andrus, Lola Ogzewalla, Morgan Rogers and Kiley Gazafy.”
Last season, Crowley, a 2023 Standard-Examiner All-Area 2nd Team player, had an excellent year at the plate with 31 hits and a team-leading 15 doubles. Carrasquel and Ogzewalla combined for 37 hits and 39 runs scored last year.
Davis Darts (14-10)
photo of Lauryn Hall
The Darts swept the Lone Peak Knights in the first round of the 2023 state tournament last season before falling to eventual state champion Bingham Miners in two games.
Returning for the Darts is super sophomore pitcher Serena Roth. Roth, a 2023 Standard-Examiner All-Area 3rd team selection, led the Darts with eight wins and 85 strikeouts. The Darts averaged a region leading 10.3 runs scored per game in 2023.
Players to watch are Rayleigh Starnes, Hadlee Isaacs, Lauryn Hall, Katie Klaumann, Jada Chilton and Jewel Korth.
Layton Lancers (5-16)
The 2023 season was challenging for everyone, with the late winter snow having every school scrambling to fit in the spring season. With a rough 0-4 start, the Lancers found a nice 3-game win streak in mid-April, including victories over the Clearfield Falcons, Davis Darts, and the Farmington Phoenix.
During the win streak, the Lancers saw a group of emerging stars in Megan Child, Lexi Himlie, and Ryley Jaques. Jaques led the Lancers with 22 runs batted in and nine doubles as a freshman. Child and Himlie combined for 32 hits and 25 runs scored last season.
Senior Lauren Hansen is an experienced returning all-around player for the Lancers. Hansen led the Lancers with two home runs at the plate and 72 strikeouts on the mound as a junior last season.
cover photo of Weber Warriors Kendall Strasburg
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