As the 2024-2025 Utah high school basketball season continues, two teams in the state, Stansbury and Morgan, have emerged as noteworthy contenders with different trajectories, records, and styles of play. Both teams are displaying strong performances but with contrasting results in the early season. Here’s a breakdown of these two teams’ progress and stats as they move deeper into the competition.

Team Records & Performance

Stansbury has struggled early in the season with a record of 1-6 overall, which places them at a disadvantage. Their region record stands at 1-1, showing some promise within their local competition, but their win percentage across all games is just .143, which highlights their struggle to gain momentum. Despite this, Stansbury has managed to put up solid scoring numbers, with a total of 394 points so far. However, they have allowed 480 points, indicating a challenge in both defense and consistency. Their scoring averages show steady improvements, as they’ve managed to put up 56.3 points per game with a strong fourth-quarter showing (19.4 points per game in Q4).

On the other hand, Morgan has had an exceptional start to the season. With a record of 8-1 overall, they have showcased their dominance on the court. Their win percentage stands at a remarkable .889, demonstrating their ability to consistently perform at a high level. Morgan’s offense has been impressive, scoring an average of 74.3 points per game. With 669 points scored so far and 484 points allowed, they have been more balanced, and their defense is just as strong, boasting impressive statistics in steals and assists.

Key Players

For Stansbury, key players include Bracken Saunders, who is averaging 18.2 points per game, and Mason Williams, contributing 9.0 rebounds per game and 3.2 blocks per game. Jake Hansen has also been a standout with 5.1 assists per game, making him an integral part of the team’s playmaking. The standout defensive player for Stansbury is Kolton Asay, who leads the team with 2.3 steals per game, reflecting his significant role in disrupting the opposition’s offense.

Morgan’s star players have been equally impressive. Mason Williams is also a standout for Morgan, with 9.0 rebounds per game and 3.2 blocks per game, which matches his performance at Stansbury. Kolton Asay leads Morgan’s defense with 2.3 steals per game, continuing his dominance on both ends of the floor. However, it’s Jake Hansen’s playmaking that makes Morgan’s offense tick. With 5.1 assists per game, Hansen is helping create easy opportunities for his teammates and elevating the team’s offensive efficiency.

Team Comparisons: Offense & Defense

When comparing the two teams, Stansbury has averaged 56.3 points per game, with a solid fourth-quarter effort, but their struggles to keep up with higher-scoring teams like Morgan are evident. Stansbury’s defense, while strong at times, has allowed an average of 480 points in their 7 games, showing some vulnerability.

In contrast, Morgan is a much more efficient team, averaging 74.3 points per game. Their scoring is well-distributed across all quarters, and their ability to maintain a consistent offensive attack has been key to their strong record. Morgan also excels in defense, with notable contributions in both steals (11.6 per game) and blocks (6.3 per game). Their defense and ball movement make them one of the most well-rounded teams in the region.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced common opponents this season, with some interesting results. Stansbury lost to Grantsville 63-59, while Morgan defeated them 82-64. Both teams defeated Tooele, but Morgan had a larger margin of victory, winning 82-64 compared to Stansbury’s 71-54 victory. The teams have also faced Green Canyon, where both suffered losses, though Morgan’s loss was a narrow 68-67, while Stansbury lost 61-44.

Looking Ahead

The season is still young, and both teams have significant potential. For Stansbury, it’s about building consistency and finding a rhythm, particularly in closing games. Their tough losses show they have the offensive firepower but need to improve defensively to keep up with stronger opponents like Morgan.

For Morgan, maintaining their current pace and staying healthy will be key to sustaining their success. They’ve shown they can dominate both offensively and defensively, and if they continue their strong play, they’ll be a tough contender for the region title.

Conclusion

The comparison between Stansbury and Morgan highlights the differences in their early-season performances, with Morgan standing as the stronger team. While Stansbury struggles to find a foothold, Morgan’s dominance makes them one of the favorites to watch in Utah high school basketball. As the season progresses, Stansbury will need to regroup, while Morgan will look to maintain their impressive form and keep their eyes on the ultimate prize. Both teams are sure to provide exciting matchups for fans throughout the rest of the season.