Here are the show notes from the Utah High School Basketball podcast regarding playoff predictions and the college recruiting process.
Playoff Brackets & Predictions
The brackets for the 2A, 3A, and 4A state tournaments are officially out. You can use the interactive bracket predictor on the PrepBasketball.net website to make your own picks.
3A Tournament Outlook
The Favorites: A championship rematch between Morgan High School and American Heritage is highly anticipated.
The Challenger: American Heritage is currently the only team to have beaten Morgan in 3A play this year.
Dark Horse: Richfield is a team to watch, having previously shown they can get hot at the right time during the semi-finals.
The “Teenage Factor”: Because this is a single-elimination tournament featuring teenage boys, anything from injuries to technical fouls can cause an upset.
2A Tournament Outlook
Top Contenders: Kanab and American Leadership Academy (ALA) are expected to meet in the finals.
Intriguing Matchup: Keep an eye on a potential second-round game between North Summit and Rowland Hall, as both teams feature high-level talent from the class of 2028.
Rising Programs: Utah Military Academy - Camp Williams and APA West Valley are noted for their unique playing styles and recent standout individual performances.
4A Tournament Outlook
Deep and Wide Open: The 4A classification is described as “absolutely wide open”.
Unpredictability: The field is so deep that any team ranked from the #1 seed (Provo) down to the #17 seed (Judge Memorial) has a legitimate path to a deep run.
Region 9 Dominance: Region 9 sent four teams (Crimson Cliffs, Dixie, Pine View, and Hurricane) into the bracket, highlighting the strength of that region.
Navigating the Recruiting Process
Using the recent commitment of AJ Peek to the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) as a case study, here are the key takeaways for parents and players:
The Three Pillars of Recruitment
Academics are Non-Negotiable: Grades act as a “regulator” on recruitment. High academic achievement broadens your “opportunity scope,” especially if you are willing to look at schools outside of Utah.
Physical Preparation: Strength and conditioning are vital. Players must be physically able to compete at the next level, which requires dedicated time in the weight room and proper nutrition.
Skill & Exposure: * Showcase Events: Attending college-run “Elite Camps” (such as those at the Air Force Academy or Westminster) provides direct exposure to coaches from multiple levels.
The Value of Film: Having film that shows high-level defensive effort against top-tier competition is often more valuable to coaches than offensive highlights.
The Importance of Networking
Advocates Matter: Recruitment often relies on having adults (high school coaches, mentors, etc.) who are willing to advocate for the player and leverage their personal networks.
Social Media Reality Check: Contrary to popular belief, a massive social media presence or “brand” is often not a factor in securing actual college offers.
Final Advice for Players
Drive the Process: The desire to play in college must be driven by the player, not the parent.
Seize the Opportunity: If a coach offers you a spot—regardless of the level (D2, D3, NAIA, or Junior College)—and you want to keep playing, take it. For most, college basketball will be the final level of their competitive career.
Would you like me to create a summary of the top-ranked players from any specific graduation year based on the provided data?
