The Payson (UT) varsity basketball team will host a home conference game against Uintah (Vernal, UT) on Friday, February 7, at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Utah High School Basketball
Who: Uintah vs Payson
When: Friday, February 7, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Uintah vs Payson

As the high school basketball season progresses, two teams have been drawing attention in the Utah basketball scene: Uintah High School from Vernal and Payson High School. Both teams have faced their challenges and celebrated their victories, setting the stage for a thrilling upcoming matchup on February 7, 2025. Here’s a breakdown of both teams’ performances so far and a preview of what fans can expect in this heated conference clash.

Team Records and Performance

• Uintah (14-9 overall, 3-5 region)
  The Uintah Utes have been a competitive force in Utah’s basketball scene this season, boasting a solid overall record of 14-9. However, their region record of 3-5 indicates they’ve had some difficulty finding consistent success against tough regional opponents. Still, their resilience has shown, especially in close matchups where they’ve managed to edge out victories. In terms of scoring, Uintah averages 61.0 points per game, slightly behind Payson.
• Payson (15-5 overall, 4-3 region)
  Payson’s performance has been impressive, particularly in the region with a 4-3 record. They have an overall record of 15-5, making them a strong contender in the region. Averaging 62.2 points per game, Payson has shown a knack for offensive efficiency and resilience throughout the season. Their ability to perform in both home and away games, with an 8-1 home record, speaks volumes about their consistency.

Head-to-Head

The first meeting of the season saw Uintah defeat Payson 66-60 in a hard-fought game. Payson had an early lead, but Uintah rallied in the second half, outscoring their opponents by a wide margin in the final quarter to secure the win. This game was a testament to Uintah’s ability to finish strong when it matters most, and Payson will be looking to bounce back in their home game on February 7.

Scoring Averages

Both teams are offensive powerhouses, but Payson holds a slight edge in terms of scoring per game:

• Uintah: 61.0 PPG
• Payson: 62.2 PPG
  Both teams average high-scoring performances across four quarters, with Uintah especially strong in the third quarter (16.2 PPG), while Payson maintains steady offensive production throughout the game, particularly in the second quarter (15.2 PPG).

Team Stats Comparison

Looking at the broader team stats, both squads have strengths that will shape the outcome of their next encounter.

• Points Per Game: Payson (62.2) > Uintah (61.0)
• Rebounds Per Game: Uintah (27.8) > Payson (27.1)
• Assists Per Game: Payson (15.5) > Uintah (11.0)
• Steals Per Game: Payson (9.9) > Uintah (6.5)
• Blocks Per Game: Payson (2.4) > Uintah (1.9)

Payson’s advantage in assists and steals indicates their superior ball movement and defensive pressure, making them a more dangerous team in transition.

Team Leaders

Key players on both teams are stepping up to make their mark:

• Uintah:
  • Dauson Gardiner leads the team with 16.3 PPG, 3.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
  • Gideon Owen contributes with 7.0 rebounds per game and 1.0 blocks.
• Payson:
  • Legend Reynoso is the standout player with 12.1 PPG, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game.
  • Quinn Buys provides solid support with 3.7 assists per game.

Both Gardiner and Reynoso are pivotal to their respective teams’ success, with Gardiner particularly excelling in scoring and playmaking, while Reynoso is a force on both ends of the floor.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several common opponents, giving fans a comparative look at their relative strengths:

• Mountain View:
  • Uintah (W 69-59)
  • Payson (W 47-46)
• Layton Christian Academy:
  • Uintah (L 74-42, L 71-42)
  • Payson (L 73-50, L 64-51)
• Provo:
  • Uintah (L 74-64, L 84-66)
  • Payson (W 74-61, W 62-51)

Both teams have struggled against top-tier programs like Layton Christian Academy, but their performances against other opponents highlight their competitive edge. Payson’s consistency in close games (like their 47-46 win against Mountain View) contrasts with Uintah’s resilience in tighter matchups.

Upcoming Game: February 7, 2025

The next showdown between Uintah and Payson is scheduled for February 7 at 7:00 PM in Payson. With both teams hungry for a win, this game will be crucial for positioning in the region standings. Payson will be aiming to avenge their previous loss to Uintah, while Uintah looks to capitalize on their momentum from the January victory.

Final Thoughts

This matchup is one to watch closely as both teams bring their own style of play to the table. Uintah’s ability to finish strong, especially in the second half, contrasts with Payson’s well-rounded offensive attack. With both teams boasting star players and a wealth of talent, the February 7 game promises to be an exciting and hard-fought contest.

As the season progresses, both teams are shaping up to be key players in the region, and their next meeting will likely play a pivotal role in their playoff hopes. Stay tuned as Uintah and Payson battle for supremacy in Utah high school basketball!