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There are some great teams and some of the best first round match-ups that I've ever seen." Said Fremont Head Coach Corey Melaney.
Melaney's Silverwolves were picked by the State's 5A coaches in the preseason to win the state title. They return several starters from last years' team that made a surprise run to the state championship game where they lost to Alta.
"I think there are about five teams that could win the whole thing," Melaney says. "A team that gets hot and plays with confidence and can handle the stage will do very well."
There are a number of teams who are hot entering the tournament and look to be contenders for the 5A championship
The Lone Peak Knights haven't lost since December 8th and currently boast an 18-game winning streak. Led by sophomore point guard Nick Emery, the Knights enter the tourney ranked No. 1 and look to be the favorite to claim the title.
Another team entering the tournament with a long winning streak is the Bingham Miners. After dropping two games early in region play the Miners have won 9 straight games including two wins over West Jordan.
Other contenders include American Fork, Viewmont and West Jordan as well as Murray and West. Each of those teams feature star players who will play at the next level and have the ability to lead their teams on a deep run this week.
The 4A tournament doesn't look to be as wide open as the larger classification. Defending champion Timpview enters the tournament with several returning players and a 13-game winning streak.They did not lose to a 4A team this season.
Their biggest challenge may come from a trio of Region 6 teams. Highland is ranked 2nd in the state and claimed the Region 6 while but both Olympus and Bountiful have impressive wins this season. Lehi and Payson could also be a factor this week as well.
Last year first round games were held at the home site of the higher seeded team. This year the old format returns when the 5A first round begins Monday at the Dee Events Center in Ogden.
"I do like the switch," says Melaney. "It doesn't feel like a state game unless it is played in a state arena or college court."
We will be covering every game of the tournament from tip-off Monday morning to the final horn on Saturday. Video highlights will be posted right here on ksl.com soon after the conclusion of each game.
Class 5A Boys
Today's First Round
At Weber State University
Upper Bracket
Granger (9-12) vs. West Jordan (18-3), 9:30 a.m.
Pl. Grove (10-12) vs. Lone Peak (20-1), 11:10 a.m.
Alta (11-11) vs. Fremont (16-5), 12:50 p.m.
Riverton (15-6) vs. West (18-3), 2:30 p.m.
Lower Bracket
Brighton (14-7) vs. Viewmont (17-4), 4:10 p.m.
Copper Hills (11-11) vs. Murray (18-3), 5:50 p.m.
Skyline (10-12) vs. Bingham (17-4), 7:30 p.m.
Davis (13-8) vs. American Fork (17-4), 9:10 p.m.
Class 4A Boys
Tuesday's First Round
At Weber State University
Upper Bracket
Ogden (13-8) vs. Olympus (15-6), 9:30 a.m.
Woods Cross (14-7) vs. Snow Canyon (12-9), 11:10 a.m.
Bountiful (17-5) vs. Timpview (16-4), 12:50 p.m.
Box Elder (12-10) vs. Springville (12-9), 2:30 p.m.
Lower Bracket
Timpanogos (12-10) vs. Payson (18-3), 4:10 p.m.
Mtn. Crest (12-9) vs. Highland (18-3), 5:50 p.m.
Salem Hills (12-10) vs. Sky View (14-6), 7:30 p.m.
Dixie (9-12) vs. Lehi (16-4), 9:10 p.m.
Class 1A Boys
Monday's Play-in Games
Pinnacle (7-14) vs. Dugway (2-16), 6 p.m. (at Maeser Prep)
Wayne (8-14) at Tabiona (11-8), 4 p.m.
Panguitch (11-10) at Tintic (8-12), 5:30 p.m.
Mt. Vernon (3-14) at Valley (16-5), 6 p.m.
Piute (15-6) at SL Lutheran (10-9), 4 p.m.
Tuesday's Play-in Games
Mon. Valley (5-14) at Duchesne (9-8), 6 p.m.
Altamont (6-11) at Whitehorse (12-10), 4 p.m.
St. Joseph (6-13) at Milford (11-11), 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday's First Round
At Sevier Valley Center
Upper Bracket
West Ridge (17-4) vs. Liahona (17-5), 10 a.m.
Mon. Valley/Duchesne vs. Bryce Valley (16-4), 11:30 a.m.
Pinnacle/Dugway vs. ICS (15-4), 1 p.m.
Wayne/Tabiona vs. Green River (13-9), 2:30 p.m.
Lower Bracket
Panguitch/Tintic vs. Rich (11-9), 4 p.m.
Mt. Vernon/Valley vs. Monticello (18-3), 5:30 p.m.
SL Lutheran/Piute vs. Was. Academy (17-3), 7 p.m.
Whitehorse/Altamont vs. Milford/St. Joseph, 8:30 p.m.
E-mail: jjensen@ksl.com
