The Hive Sports

by James Tate

Region 1 girls basketball enters the winter break with something rare: every team sitting at .500 or better, and every program showing signs of growth, identity, and momentum. Highlighting this balance shows the region’s competitiveness and keeps fans interested in how each team might challenge the others.

The Syracuse Titans, the Deseret News No. 5 team in 6A and the early favorite, lead with a balanced roster, star players, and inspiring confidence in their potential to defend their region crown. But right behind them is a resurgent Weber Warriors squad that has become one of the most compelling stories in northern Utah. At 7–3, Weber is off to its best start in years and appears poised to secure its first winning season since 2018–19.

The Farmington Phoenix, young but fearless, has emerged as one of the most intriguing teams in the region. Their 7–3 start has been fueled by defense, energy, and a sophomore‑heavy core that plays with confidence well beyond its years.

Meanwhile, the Davis Darts have reinvented itself through balance and toughness. At 6–4 and riding a three‑game win streak, the Darts have embraced a defensive identity and a scoring‑by‑committee approach that keeps them competitive in every game.

And then there’s the Layton Lancers, the surprise of the region. After winning just two games last season, the Lancers have already surpassed that total more than twice over, entering region play at 5–5 with momentum, belief, and a pair of emerging scorers who have transformed the program’s trajectory.

Five teams. Five winning‑caliber starts. Five distinct identities.

What ties them together is a shared competitiveness, a sense that every night will require toughness, execution, and resilience. Highlighting the contrasting styles-Syracuse’s star power, Weber’s balance, Farmington’s defensive chaos, Davis’ grit, and Layton’s rapid rise-can make fans feel excited and optimistic about the region’s unpredictability.

As region play begins, one thing is sure: there are no easy games, no guaranteed outcomes, and no team can be overlooked. This unpredictability should make fans feel eager and curious about the drama and growth ahead in the race for the Region 1 crown.

Olivia Sorenson

Syracuse Titans: The region’s standard‑setter at 8–2

The defending Region 1 champion Syracuse Titans have once again positioned themselves as the team to beat. Ranked No. 5 in 6A by the Deseret News, Syracuse has opened the season with an 8–2 record under Head Coach Braden Hamblin, who, in his eighth year, has built one of the state’s most consistent programs, compiling a remarkable 131–44 overall record.

Senior guard Maylee Anderson, last year’s team MVP and a first‑team all‑state selection, has continued her ascent as one of Utah’s premier players. Averaging 15.9 points per game, she leads the region in scoring and ranks second in 6A. Her ability to shoot, attack, and control the game has drawn recruiting attention from many colleges.

Syracuse’s frontline is equally imposing. Senior Rachel McBride, the 6A leader in blocks at 1.4 per game, recently committed to Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming, rewarding her growth into one of the state’s most reliable rim protectors. Fellow senior Olivia Sorenson, a three‑year starter, brings toughness, rebounding, and interior scoring, and like Anderson, she is receiving interest from many college programs. Freshman Mindy McNeill has added size and energy, giving the Titans a frontcourt capable of overwhelming opponents.

The Titans’ depth is a key advantage. Seniors Karsyn Visser and Zaydie Peterson provide steady defense and decision‑making, while junior Avery King and sophomore Jasmine Burnett bring athleticism, length, and versatility off the bench, giving Syracuse lineup flexibility and resilience in the race for the region title.

With star power, experience, and college‑level talent throughout the roster, Syracuse enters region play as the clear favorite, and the road to the Region 1 title still runs through the Titans.

Jade Kulpa

Weber Warriors: A long‑awaited rise taking shape

The Weber Warriors have been one of the best stories of the early season. At 7–3, Weber is off to its strongest start in years and appears poised to secure its first winning season since 2018–19. The Warriors have built their resurgence around a dynamic trio, a relentless commitment to rebounding, and a supporting cast that has embraced its role.

Senior Rylee Jugler, a 2025 Standard-Examiner All-Area Third Team honoree last season, is off to the best start of her career. Averaging 13.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, she has become the emotional and physical anchor of the Warriors. Her presence inside sets the tone for everything Weber does, and her improvement has been one of the defining storylines of the team’s rise.

Sophomore Bradey Schiffman has emerged as one of the region’s brightest young stars, contributing 10.5 points and 7.2 rebounds while showcasing length, touch, and versatility. Junior point guard Jade Kulpa adds athleticism and tempo, scoring 10 points per game and grabbing more than five rebounds while pushing the pace and creating opportunities for teammates.

What truly separates Weber, however, is its dominance on the glass. Jugler, Schiffman, and Kulpa currently rank third, fourth, and sixth in rebounds per game in the entire 6A classification, a remarkable testament to their positioning, determination, and sheer will to win every possession. Their collective effort on the boards has given Weber second‑chance opportunities, controlled the tempo of games, and provided the foundation for their early‑season success. Weber’s depth has been equally important.

Senior Abby Hall brings toughness on the glass and defensive reliability, while fellow senior Katelyn Arbon keeps the offense flowing with her passing and decision‑making. Junior Avery Shupe stretches defenses with her outside shooting and provides another capable ball‑handler, giving the Warriors the spacing and balance needed to compete in a deep region.

Under Head Coach Trevor Howell, Weber will come out of the holiday break riding a two‑game win streak and playing some of its best basketball of the season. The Warriors are hitting their stride at precisely the right time, entering region play with confidence, momentum, and a belief that this is the year they break through.

Morgan Rogers

Farmington Phoenix: Youth, defense, and relentless energy fuel a promising start

Few teams in Region 1 have been as exciting or as surprising as the Farmington Phoenix. At 7–3, Farmington has surged behind a young core that plays with fearlessness, speed, and a defensive edge that has become the team’s identity.

In her third year at the helm, Head Coach Tara Ferrin has the Phoenix poised not only for a strong season but also for an exciting long‑term future. The culture she has established, one built on energy, accountability, and relentless effort, is already paying dividends.

Sophomores Ellie Dorius, Makelle Weber, and Olive Wayland have led the charge, combining for nearly 30 points per game and giving the Phoenix multiple scoring threats capable of taking over stretches of a contest.

Their confidence and versatility have allowed Farmington to play fast and attack from all angles, a style that perfectly matches Ferrin’s vision.

But defense is where the Phoenix truly shines. Allowing just 38.1 points per game, Farmington leads Region 1 in scoring defense. Their pressure creates turnovers, and those turnovers fuel transition layups, rhythm threes, and momentum‑swinging runs that can bury opponents in minutes.

Farmington’s shooting depth is another primary weapon. Senior Ellie Schow, along with sophomores Brooklyn Romney, Morgan Snell, and freshman Evie Stewart, have all shown the ability to knock down perimeter shots, giving the Phoenix spacing that forces defenses to guard the entire floor.

Senior Morgan Rogers, a third‑year starter, is the glue that holds everything together. Her scoring may be down, but her impact is undeniable. She rebounds with force, makes the right pass, defends multiple positions, and sets the emotional tone for a young roster. Her 8‑point, 12‑rebound, 3‑assist, 3‑block performance against Viewmont was a perfect snapshot of her value, a veteran presence who does all the little things that elevate a team.

Before region play begins, the Phoenix will face three more non‑region tests, including a marquee matchup against the Deseret News No. 1‑ranked Lone Peak Knights. It’s the kind of challenge that will sharpen this young team even further and give them a measuring stick as they prepare for the grind of Region 1.

Farmington may be young, but their energy, enthusiasm, and defensive intensity make them one of the toughest teams in the region and one of the most dangerous.

Kate Willard

Davis Darts: Balance, defense, and a gritty identity emerging at 6–4

The Davis Darts entered the season facing a significant question: how to replace the production of last year’s leading scorer. Under second‑year Head Coach Nicole Waddoups, the answer has been a collective one.

Coach Waddoups has guided Davis to a clear identity built on balance, toughness, and defensive pressure, and the Darts come out of the holiday break riding a three‑game win streak that reflects their growing confidence.

Senior Lydia Tarbet has stepped into a leading role at eight points per game, but her impact extends far beyond scoring. Her defensive instincts have elevated her into one of the top disruptors in the state, ranking third in 6A with 3.1 steals per game. Her anticipation and quick hands set the tone for a defense that thrives on chaos.

One of the defining performances of Davis’ season came in their early matchup against powerhouse Fremont. Though the Darts trailed by 15 entering the fourth quarter, they stormed back behind relentless pressure and fearless play. In that game, junior forward Kate Willard delivered one of the most complete efforts of the year, finishing with 12 points, four rebounds, and eight steals. A 2025 Deseret News 6A All‑State Honorable Mention selection and a Weber State University soccer commit, Willard has used her elite athleticism to become the 6A leader in steals at 3.7 per game. Her instincts, timing, and motor make her one of the most disruptive defenders in the state.

Davis’ balance continues with Hannah Garlock, whose energy and leadership ignite the team. Garlock is the emotional spark, the player who keeps everyone locked in, organized, and ready to respond when momentum swings. Junior forward Cambell Christensen adds physicality and grit, setting strong screens that free up Davis’ shooters and battling on the glass to extend possessions. Her willingness to do the dirty work has become a quiet but essential part of the Darts’ identity.

On the perimeter, Emma Loveland has emerged as Davis’ most reliable long‑range threat, leading the team with 12 made three‑pointers. Her shooting stretches defenses and gives the Darts the scoring punch they need in key moments.

Veteran seniors Chloe Peery and Emy Richards round out the rotation with poise and experience, offering stability in tight moments and ensuring the Darts always have a calming presence on the floor.

With a three‑game win streak, a defensive identity that travels, and a roster full of players capable of stepping up on any given night, Davis enters region play as a gritty, resilient team built to challenge anyone in Region 1.

BrynDee Kozisek

Layton Lancers: A stunning turnaround and a team on the rise

No team in Region 1 has transformed more dramatically than the Layton Lancers. After winning just two games last season, Layton has already climbed to a 5–5 record and enters region play as one of the most improved teams in the state.

Under second‑year Head Coach Jerrell Stewart, the Lancers have taken a significant step forward, showing increased offensive efficiency and a far more aggressive, connected defensive identity than a year ago. Stewart has the program firmly on the right track.

A significant reason for Layton’s rise is the full‑season availability of senior BrynDee Kozisek, who last year was limited to the second half of the season due to transfer rules. With a full offseason and start to the season under her belt, Kozisek has emerged as one of the bright stars in Region 1. Her ball‑handling, shooting, and court vision are top‑tier, and she has shown repeatedly that she is ready for the moment.

Making shots in the clutch is where she thrives, none more evident than in Layton’s thrilling 48–45 win over Bonneville, where she knocked down pressure-free throws and key baskets to seal the victory.

The Lancers entered the holiday break having won three of their last four games, a surge that evened their record at .500 and showcased their growing confidence. Kozisek’s backcourt partner, senior Hadley Collier, has taken a significant leap as well. Her offseason work is showing in every facet of her game, and she has increased her scoring from 5.9 points to 10 points per game. Her improved shooting, decision‑making, and overall consistency have given Layton a reliable second scorer and a stabilizing presence on the perimeter.

Sophomore Kenley Bennie delivered a breakout performance in the win over Bonneville, scoring a season‑high 13 points and giving the Lancers another emerging weapon. Her confidence and scoring punch have added depth to Layton’s attack and given the team another player capable of swinging momentum.

On the glass, junior Kaymbree Henry has been a force, leading the Lancers with over five rebounds per game. Her work inside has helped Layton control possessions, limit second‑chance opportunities, and fuel transition chances, all critical components of the team’s improved competitiveness. Senior Kamryn Flint, juniors Avery Cooper and Jamie Vowles do whatever the team needs and are capable of being a significant force, scoring and on the boards.

Layton has found momentum at precisely the right time. The Lancers are playing faster, defending harder, and showing a belief in each other. They are more challenging, more disciplined, and more competitive, a team that now expects to be in every game.

With confidence rising, multiple scoring threats emerging, and Coach Stewart’s system taking hold, Layton enters region play as a dangerous and vastly improved squad that no opponent can afford to overlook.

photos courtesy of James Tate