As go the Jaguars
West Jordan is expected to be near the top of its region
By John Renshaw
Salt Lake Tribune
The best word to describe West Jordan is consistent. Since 2000, the Jaguars have finished with an
overall winning record in each of the last eight seasons. That stretch began with a 2000 state title run.
Yes, the Jaguars haven't won a region championship since that tremendous run. But you can't argue with
the numbers. West Jordan is consistently good enough to clinch playoff berths. And region foes can attest
that West Jordan will show up every night ready to battle with solid talent.
And 2008-09 will be no different.
Building off last season's second-place region finish to Bingham, coach Scott Briggs' bunch is hungry for
more.
A solid mix of juniors and seniors make up a stellar rotation that includes Division-I caliber talent such as:
Rayes Gallegos (committed to Nebraska), Mason Sawyer (Boise State), and Jordan Weirick (undecided).
Expectations are high at West Jordan.
The Big Guys
If there's cause for concern, it's here. The Jaguars are somewhat undersized. But with five guys reaching
6-foot-4, Briggs hopes for a collaborative effort from the frontcourt.
Three seniors, Tyson Udy (6.7 points per game last season), Tyson Holt (4.1) and D.J. Tialavea (0.9) will
patrol the paint. Together, Briggs thinks their competitive nature and experience can overcome any height
issues. Tialavea is the tallest at 6-5, but will most likely come off the bench.
Don't expect huge offensive numbers from this group, because that's not their job. They'll leave scoring up to
their star-studded backcourt. What is expected from them is rebounding and defense. The Jaguars were one
of the better defensive units a year ago, allowing just over 50 points per game.
That's production Briggs would like to continue.
On point
Sawyer's success is no surprise. The 5-11 guard has played significant minutes since his sophomore year.
And expectations couldn't be higher. With obligations already wrapped up for college, Sawyer can relax and
focus on the Jaguars' season ahead.
He'll have numerous scoring options to dish off to. So it's a good thing he's got a pass-first and
score-second mentality. But don't be fooled, the senior can still put the ball in the hoop. He scored nearly
eight points per contest last season.
"He is as good a decision maker as I have ever coached," Briggs said.
The veterans
Gallegos (10.5) and Weirick (13.7) will dictate how far West Jordan can go in 2009. It's not completely
far-fetched to think they can lead West Jordan farther than last year's state tournament quarterfinal bid.
At 6-3, Weirick is a two-time All-State honoree, with his height allowing Briggs to play him at small forward if
needed.
Gallegos is only an inch smaller than his counterpart, but his athleticism sets him apart. Briggs' says the
senior is one of the best defensive players in the state. This is key when you're facing high-caliber teams like
the Jaguars will in their region.
Barring injury, look for West Jordan's backcourt to be impressive this season. They can score. They can play
defense. And they are strong-minded.
The new guys
Guards Andre Ashton and Jesse Herrin will solidify the second unit off the bench. Both are just juniors, but
are expected to contribute.
Briggs certainly isn't expecting them to steal any starting jobs away from anybody. But what he does expect
is Ashton and Herrin to do the little things like aggressive defense and playing smart with the basketball. No
turnovers. Particularly in games where the backcourt gets into foul trouble early.
What to expect
Once again the Jaguars will make the playoffs.
That's a given.
Be that as it may, bigger questions abound. Will they win their first region in nearly a decade? Are they
talented enough to make a deep run in the playoffs? All indications point to yes. Sawyer, Gallegos, and
Weirick will be tough to handle offensively. After all, consistent scoring can make up for many shortcomings
at the prep level.
If Udy can take a little pressure off the backcourt by becoming a scoring threat, then the sky's the limit for
West Jordan. If not, it'll be interesting to see how the trio will perform with the emphasized perimeter defense.
Winning the state championship is a bit of a stretch for this group. Yet dethroning Bingham for the region
title isn't. If all goes well, the Jaguars will be competing for a top seed within region.
West Jordan is expected to be near the top of its region
By John Renshaw
Salt Lake Tribune
The best word to describe West Jordan is consistent. Since 2000, the Jaguars have finished with an
overall winning record in each of the last eight seasons. That stretch began with a 2000 state title run.
Yes, the Jaguars haven't won a region championship since that tremendous run. But you can't argue with
the numbers. West Jordan is consistently good enough to clinch playoff berths. And region foes can attest
that West Jordan will show up every night ready to battle with solid talent.
And 2008-09 will be no different.
Building off last season's second-place region finish to Bingham, coach Scott Briggs' bunch is hungry for
more.
A solid mix of juniors and seniors make up a stellar rotation that includes Division-I caliber talent such as:
Rayes Gallegos (committed to Nebraska), Mason Sawyer (Boise State), and Jordan Weirick (undecided).
Expectations are high at West Jordan.
The Big Guys
If there's cause for concern, it's here. The Jaguars are somewhat undersized. But with five guys reaching
6-foot-4, Briggs hopes for a collaborative effort from the frontcourt.
Three seniors, Tyson Udy (6.7 points per game last season), Tyson Holt (4.1) and D.J. Tialavea (0.9) will
patrol the paint. Together, Briggs thinks their competitive nature and experience can overcome any height
issues. Tialavea is the tallest at 6-5, but will most likely come off the bench.
Don't expect huge offensive numbers from this group, because that's not their job. They'll leave scoring up to
their star-studded backcourt. What is expected from them is rebounding and defense. The Jaguars were one
of the better defensive units a year ago, allowing just over 50 points per game.
That's production Briggs would like to continue.
On point
Sawyer's success is no surprise. The 5-11 guard has played significant minutes since his sophomore year.
And expectations couldn't be higher. With obligations already wrapped up for college, Sawyer can relax and
focus on the Jaguars' season ahead.
He'll have numerous scoring options to dish off to. So it's a good thing he's got a pass-first and
score-second mentality. But don't be fooled, the senior can still put the ball in the hoop. He scored nearly
eight points per contest last season.
"He is as good a decision maker as I have ever coached," Briggs said.
The veterans
Gallegos (10.5) and Weirick (13.7) will dictate how far West Jordan can go in 2009. It's not completely
far-fetched to think they can lead West Jordan farther than last year's state tournament quarterfinal bid.
At 6-3, Weirick is a two-time All-State honoree, with his height allowing Briggs to play him at small forward if
needed.
Gallegos is only an inch smaller than his counterpart, but his athleticism sets him apart. Briggs' says the
senior is one of the best defensive players in the state. This is key when you're facing high-caliber teams like
the Jaguars will in their region.
Barring injury, look for West Jordan's backcourt to be impressive this season. They can score. They can play
defense. And they are strong-minded.
The new guys
Guards Andre Ashton and Jesse Herrin will solidify the second unit off the bench. Both are just juniors, but
are expected to contribute.
Briggs certainly isn't expecting them to steal any starting jobs away from anybody. But what he does expect
is Ashton and Herrin to do the little things like aggressive defense and playing smart with the basketball. No
turnovers. Particularly in games where the backcourt gets into foul trouble early.
What to expect
Once again the Jaguars will make the playoffs.
That's a given.
Be that as it may, bigger questions abound. Will they win their first region in nearly a decade? Are they
talented enough to make a deep run in the playoffs? All indications point to yes. Sawyer, Gallegos, and
Weirick will be tough to handle offensively. After all, consistent scoring can make up for many shortcomings
at the prep level.
If Udy can take a little pressure off the backcourt by becoming a scoring threat, then the sky's the limit for
West Jordan. If not, it'll be interesting to see how the trio will perform with the emphasized perimeter defense.
Winning the state championship is a bit of a stretch for this group. Yet dethroning Bingham for the region
title isn't. If all goes well, the Jaguars will be competing for a top seed within region.
| WEST JORDAN BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW |
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