After One Month, Does 5A Have the Edge Over 6A in Utah Boys Basketball?
By Utah Sports Ink Staff | Mountain & Main
When the Deseret News released its preseason coaches poll, it offered the clearest snapshot of expectations heading into the Utah high school boys basketball season. With no preseason computer rankings available, the coaches poll served as the benchmark — a Top 5 in each classification that reflected reputation, returning talent, and postseason pedigree.
One month into the season, those expectations have been tested. Some have held firm. Others have expanded. And in at least one classification, the race now feels deeper and more unpredictable than it did on opening night.
The Preseason Baseline
The Deseret News preseason Top 5 established the early narrative.
In 6A, the coaches leaned on proven programs: American Fork, Davis, Bingham, Corner Canyon, and Layton. It was a familiar list, built on consistency and recent success.
In 5A, Olympus opened as the preseason favorite, followed by Timpview, Highland, Orem, and Springville. It was a nod to Olympus’ championship pedigree, with several challengers expected to push the Titans throughout the season.
That was the starting point. The first month has added important context.
6A: Tested Early, Mostly on Track
After one month, 6A has largely validated its preseason expectations. Four of the five preseason selections remain firmly in the current top tier, and the class has been shaped by aggressive early scheduling.
Several 6A programs have leaned heavily into out-of-state competition. Corner Canyon has played eight teams from outside Utah, including a narrow loss to national powerhouse IMG Academy. Davis has faced seven out-of-state opponents, while American Fork and Layton have also challenged themselves away from home. Those schedules have produced some uneven records, but they’ve also created one of the more battle-tested classifications in the state.
The major mover has been Westlake. While the Thunder have not stacked their schedule with the same volume of out-of-state games, their results have been emphatic. Westlake is unbeaten and has already recorded convincing wins over Chico (California) and Whitney (California), along with head-to-head victories over Davis and Wasatch. Different approach, same conclusion: Westlake has earned its place at the top of the 6A discussion.
5A: Deeper, More Volatile Than Expected
If 6A has mostly confirmed its preseason picture, 5A has expanded it.
Timpview has looked every bit the part of a championship contender, remaining undefeated and posting a key cross-classification win over American Fork. Orem has also challenged itself early, playing multiple out-of-state opponents and remaining firmly in the title mix despite a few bumps along the way.
Wasatch has surged into the upper tier, while Highland continues to be ranked highly even after absorbing a couple of notable losses.
And then there is Olympus.
The Titans may no longer sit at the very top of the rankings, but context matters. Olympus is the two-time defending 5A state champion, has already posted a road win at Highland, and clearly remains capable of navigating the postseason. Any suggestion that 5A’s hierarchy is settled would ignore both Olympus’ recent history and the reality that tournament basketball often looks very different than December rankings.
Some may argue that Timpview and Orem are emerging as the primary challengers for the top spot. Olympus would undoubtedly have something to say about that.
What the First Month Really Tells Us
Comparing preseason expectations to one-month results reveals a clear distinction between the two classifications:
6A has been heavily tested and has largely held its form, with one clear riser at the top.
5A has grown deeper and less predictable, with multiple teams capable of beating one another as region play approaches.
It’s not a verdict — it’s a snapshot. And it helps explain why the 5A race feels especially compelling heading into the heart of the season.
A Fun Thought Experiment
If debates are meant to be settled, there’s an easy solution that will never happen — but should.
After the state champions are crowned, imagine one final game: 5A champion vs. 6A champion at the Marriott Center.
It wouldn’t change banners or brackets. It wouldn’t need a trophy. It would, however, fill the building — and based on what we’ve seen through the first month, it would be worth every minute.