The Copper Hills boys basketball program went through some big changes this season, bringing in a new coach, Brian Allfrey. Though change can be difficult, one constant has been junior guard Isaiah Reiser. 

Last season as a sophomore, Reiser paced the Grizzlies with nearly 20 points a game. He earned Honorable Mention All-State honors for his efforts. He also led the team a season ago with nearly five assists a game and pulled down just show of three rebounds a contest. As a freshman, he saw plenty of time too and was third on the team with 9.7 points per game. 

Through five games this season, Reiser is once again leading the way in scoring and assists. He is averaging 15 points and 4.6 assists a contest. He had a season-high 20 points in a 62-52 win over Mountain View on Dec. 12. He scored in double figures in every game up to that point. Perhaps his best game was Dec. 6 at Skyline when he scored 18 points and added eight rebounds and eight assists. The latter two categories were season-high efforts, with the eight rebounds being the most he has collected in a single game in his career. 

Reiser’s scoring ability is critical to the Grizzlies’ success each night. He’s also a good leader, ball handler and passer.

“My strengths would be that I can get downhill, and when the defense collapses on me, I will find my open teammate,” he said. “I also can score when needed. And as a captain, my responsibilities is making sure that the team is in a good mindset and to keep the boys in check.”

Basketball is in his blood. 

Reiser’s father was a standout player at Hunter High School from 1992–95. He went on to play at the next level at the University of Montana. Long before the younger Reiser was at Copper Hills, he was playing Jr. Jazz, with his father as his coach. He would also spend hours shooting baskets in her front yard. Reiser said he started “playing basketball ever since I could stand up.”

He loves competing with his teammates and enjoys the camaraderie at Copper Hills. He’s grateful for his coaches and their support. 

“I love basketball because it is a stress-free zone for me, and I love going to battle with my teammates every day,” he said. “What keeps me playing is just the drive to be the best player I can possibly be. “The best things for playing for Copper hills would be the amazing coaching staff. I have a personal relationship with every single one of the coaches on the staff and also my teammates. They are my friends on and off the court, and we all get along so well.”

Like any high school athlete, Reiser wants to experience the elation of hoisting a state championship trophy. But, in simple terms, he’s doing his best to improve every day. He also maintains a good perspective and knows how to bounce back from disappointment. 

“Obviously, the main goal is to win a state championship,” he said. “Other than that, it would be to just get better every day as a team and learn from our mistakes, because it is a long season. Another goal is to not let one game define what kind of team we are.”

Reiser’s father died in 2016 after a battle with cancer. The loss was unquestionably difficult for him to take, but Reiser’s father’s memory lives on every time he takes the court. 

“My dad was a huge role model in my life,” he said. “He played division 1 basketball, and ever since I was a little boy, I wanted to make it there just like he did. My dad motivates me to be the best player I can be, because I know that’s what he would want for me. Basketball will always have a special place in my heart because of him.”

Reiser hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps by playing in college. He still has another year at Copper Hills to improve his game even more. 

“From there, see what God has in store for me the rest of the way,” he said. 

With Reiser leading the way, Copper Hills could be a factor in the Region 2 race. The Grizzlies will have some big challenges in front of them, with region foes Bingham and Herriman both off to good starts. Corner Canyon is always tough. The Grizzlies will play those three teams, along with Mountain Ridge and Riverton twice each in region play. The first league game is Jan. 10 at home against Corner Canyon. Before Region 2 games start, Copper Hills finished December by playing in the Skyridge Tournament and the KSA Tournament. The final regular-season game is Feb. 14 at Mountain Ridge. 

Copper Hills will take part in the Class 6A state tournament after the regular season ends. Last season, the Grizzlies won a first-round state playoff game against Syracuse and then fell in the second round at Layton. In 2023–24, Copper Hills went just 8-16, so the team is headed in the right direction this season and showing improvement. 

In the early going this season, Reiser is one of four Grizzly players to average in double figures in points. Jacob Curtis and Wesley Curtis each score 12 points an outing, while Boston Lambourne is scoring 10.4 points a contest. λ