The Bountiful (UT) varsity basketball team will host a home conference game against Woods Cross (UT) on Friday, February 14, at 7 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Utah High School Basketball
Who: Woods Cross vs Bountiful
When: Friday, February 14, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Woods Cross vs Bountiful

The 2024-25 Utah high school basketball season has been an exciting one, particularly in Region 5, where Woods Cross and Bountiful continue their fierce rivalry. With both teams putting together impressive seasons, their upcoming rematch on February 14 promises to be a pivotal game for both squads.

Season Overview

Bountiful Braves (18-4, 12-1 Region 5)
Bountiful has been dominant this season, posting an 18-4 overall record and an impressive 12-1 mark in region play. They have showcased a strong offense, averaging 69.5 points per game, while also maintaining a solid defense, allowing only 1,301 points across their 22 games. Their top performer, Parker Hoffman (#40), leads the team with 19.0 points per game and 5.0 steals per game. Will Dehner (#20) has also been instrumental, leading the team in rebounds (7.0 per game) and blocks (1.0 per game).

Woods Cross Wildcats (13-9, 8-5 Region 5)
Woods Cross has had a solid season, going 13-9 overall and 8-5 in region competition. Despite a lower winning percentage compared to Bountiful, they have shown resilience, particularly at home, where they are 6-5. Their offense averages 59.3 points per game, and their defense has allowed just 1,184 points throughout the season. Hunter Jackson (#0) has been the team’s standout performer, averaging 14.7 points per game while leading in assists (5.8 per game) and steals (1.6 per game). Elliot Bendinger (#5) has been crucial in rebounding, pulling down 6.8 boards per game.

Head-to-Head Battle

Woods Cross and Bountiful met earlier in the season on January 22, with Woods Cross pulling off an upset, winning 59-55 at home. In that game, Woods Cross jumped out to a commanding 19-7 lead in the first quarter. Although Bountiful made a strong push in the fourth quarter, outscoring Woods Cross 22-9, it wasn’t enough to complete the comeback.

With the rematch set for February 14 at Bountiful, the Braves will be looking for revenge on their home court, where they have been nearly unstoppable with a 10-1 record this season.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Parker Hoffman (Bountiful) vs. Hunter Jackson (Woods Cross) – Hoffman’s scoring ability will be a challenge for Woods Cross to contain, while Jackson’s playmaking could be the key to another Wildcats upset.
• Rebounding Battle – Bountiful’s Dehner (7.0 RPG) and Woods Cross’ Bendinger (6.8 RPG) will be crucial in controlling second-chance opportunities.
• Turnover Margin – Bountiful averages more steals per game (7.8 to 5.8), so Woods Cross will need to take care of the basketball to stay competitive.

Common Opponent Comparison

Bountiful holds a significant edge when comparing performances against common opponents. They have gone a perfect 13-0, while Woods Cross has struggled, posting a 7-6 record. Notably, Bountiful defeated teams like Bonneville and Viewmont convincingly, while Woods Cross dropped close games to those same opponents.

Prediction

Bountiful enters the rematch as the favorite, boasting superior scoring, defensive pressure, and home-court advantage. However, Woods Cross has already proven they can defeat the Braves, making this a must-watch game. If Woods Cross can replicate their defensive intensity from the first meeting and contain Hoffman, they have a shot at another upset. Otherwise, expect Bountiful to even the season series.

Final Score Prediction: Bountiful 65, Woods Cross 57

No matter the outcome, this rivalry remains one of the most exciting in Utah high school basketball.