Region 7 basketball

With a week of Region 7 hoops behind us, and with seven weeks of meaningless preseason games with which to judge, it’s time for my final predictions for Utah County’s 4A league.
I’ll start with Region 7 girls. Judging by Week 1′s results, this is a very balanced league. In the three opening-night games the total margin of victory was eight points. Two games were decided in the final seconds. This shows me that any team can beat any other team in this league.
However, in the second round of games the smallest margin of victory in three games was 13 points. This showed me which teams really are the cream of the league’s crop. Like many, I thought Timpview would be more dominant than the T-Birds have been in preseason. Still, I think with the inside/outside combination of Alexis Kaufusi and Gabrielle Pinegar, and with the experience of winning the 4A title last year, Timpview is still the team to beat.
But I don’t expect it to be easy for Timpview. The three teams that will give the T-Birds the biggest challenge should be Springville, Provo and Orem. The Red Devils have the league’s toughest player to defend with Ashley Kroneberger. The Bulldogs have outstanding guards and a great inside scorer in Kelsey Nelson. The Tigers have great balance and several good athletes.
Don’t be shocked if Mountain View, Payson or Tooele pull off some shockers. All three are good enough to make a run at a playoff spot and good enough to give the other four all they can handle. Winning on the road will be the biggest key in Region 7 girls basketball.
As for Region 7 boys, my preseason picks are still good. I originally expected Provo, Orem and Timpview to be the powers, and I still feel that way. All three have had their up-and-down moments.
For the most part the Bulldogs have been the most consistent team and are getting the best play from their young players ? especially sophomore Kyle Collinsworth, who already is probably the top player in the league. The Tigers have the most depth, and also have good size and a good perimeter game, but have lacked consistency. Timpview has a good post presence in Bronson Kaufusi and some capable scorers around him, especially senior Marcus Hunt. I honestly think these three teams will fight tooth and nail right down to the final week for the region title. Again, winning on the road will be the key.
I certainly can’t leave Springville out of the mix. Even though I don’t think the Red Devils have comparable inside games to Provo, Orem and Timpview, or equivalent depth or balance in scoring, I do think they have more confidence than I’ve seen in a long time. When they play their tempo, with guard Michael Salazar running the show in the open court, they are very dangerous. I do think this will be the year in which Springville returns to the postseason for the first time in a very long time.
Mountain View, to me, is the team that can displace one of those top four, but the Bruins seem to lack that go-to guy in key situations. Still, if they can hold service at home, especially Friday night against Springville, don’t count them out of the playoff picture.
I think it’s going to be a struggle this season for Payson and Tooele. The Lions do have one of the league’s top post players in Seth Lovell, but they just don’t have the same chemistry, or guards who can consistently score and handle pressure, and they’ve looked a little soft on defense. The Buffaloes should win a game or two at home, and will probably play the role of spoiler, but I don’t see them winning a region road game in their first season of 4A competition.
Here’s how I think Region 7 basketball will finish, and I honestly do hope a team or two plays better than I expect and proves me wrong.

Region 7 girls
1.Timpview
2.Provo
3.Springville
4.Orem
5.Mountain View
6.Payson
7.Tooele

Region 7 boys
1.Provo
2.Orem
3.Timpview
4.Springville
5.Mountain View
6.Payson
7.Tooele

Next week I’ll make some final early picks for Region 4.