Boys basketball teams gear up for 2011-12

Nov. 22 marks the season opener for boys basketball at West Jordan and Copper Hills High Schools. Both teams are hitting the court for the 2011-12 season after winning campaigns in 2010-2011. West Jordan ended up sitting alone atop Region 3 last year and heading into the state tournament for the 17^th straight year. Copper Hills finished 4^th in Region 3 with a record of 11-12. The Grizzlies were bounced from the tourney in the first round, and the Jaguars made it a round further into the quarterfinals.

The Jaguars, 19-4 in 2010-2011, are looking to maintain their winning ways, according to veteran head coach, Scott Briggs. “These kids have high expectations and winning attitudes,” Briggs said.

West Jordan has a lot of experienced players returning for their senior seasons. Jordan Loveridge, who scored nearly 24 points per game last season, is returning at the forward position. He is a third-year starter who has walked away with All-State honors two years running. He is also expected to break the West Jordan High School scoring record early in the season. He currently needs less than 50 points in order to be the record holder. Loveridge also signed a letter of intent on Nov. 9 to play college ball for the University of Utah.

Loveridge is one of three 2010-11 All-State players on the Jaguars’ roster. Jordan Pryor, also a third-year starter, returns at the guard spot. And transfer student Jayden Jackson, 2010-11 5A leading scorer, brings added depth and experience. Seth Barrus, also a guard, is expected to be a heavy contributor as well. Point guard Deshawn Perkins is also returning to run plays. “He is a tough, hard-nosed athlete who helps the team win,” Briggs said of Perkins.

The new Region 3 makeup may also be of assistance to both squads. Of all the teams joining the Jags and the Grizzlies, only the Bengals of Brighton had a winning record at 15-8. The season’s just around the corner and both teams are looking forward to this year’s teams. Copper Hills begins its season at Union and West Jordan at Herriman, both on Tuesday, Nov 22. “We are working hard and are excited to see how it all comes together,” Briggs said, “We had a great season last year, but are always trying to take it a step further.”

Coach Briggs is also excited about his sixth man. “Our student body has come up with some really great things to add to the intensity of our games, really giving us home court advantage,” Briggs said, “We love the fan following.”