Utah Sports Ink Boys Basketball Game of the Week: Timpview at Orem
Timpview at Orem — Friday, January 9 | 7:00 PM | Orem High School
As holiday tournaments fade into memory and region play takes center stage, Utah high school basketball officially turns the page to the most meaningful stretch of the season. Friday night’s showdown between Timpview and Orem is the kind of matchup that defines January basketball along the Wasatch Front — a measuring stick game with region implications, state-title intrigue, and elite talent on display.
A Familiar Benchmark: Common Opponents
Both teams have already faced a pair of revealing non-region tests, against common opponents that offer insight into what to expect Friday night.
Orem 56, Timpanogos 45
Timpview 69, Timpanogos 39
Against California power Redondo Union, both programs learned hard lessons:
Redondo Union 70, Orem 63
Redondo Union 70, Timpview 56
That Redondo Union game in Las Vegas showed one clear thing: speed and physical, on-ball defense can disrupt even the most talented teams. Timpview struggled with Redondo’s quickness and strength, and Orem possesses some of the same traits that caused problems — aggressive, physical players who can apply pressure in the full court for four quarters.
Timpview: The Standard in 5A
Timpview enters region play at 12–1, widely viewed as the team to beat in both Class 5A and 6A (Timpview is 5A, but ranked above all teams in the state). Their only loss came against Redondo Union at the Tarkanian Classic, and they’ve responded with authority, including a strong win over Juan Diego Catholic to open the new year.
Despite being in his first season at Timpview, the Thunderbirds’ head coach, Brad Kitchen, stepped into a favorable situation. With recent assistant coaching experience at Snow College and graduate assistant stops at UVU and BYU, he inherited a veteran-laden roster and has guided it with confidence.
Players to Watch – Timpview
Dean Rueckert (BYU signee) – A senior forward and matchup nightmare, Rueckert averages over 21 points per game, capable of stretching the floor or attacking downhill.
Will Openshaw (BYU signee) – The 6'10" center anchors the interior, averaging 13.6 points and 7 rebounds per game, providing size, rim protection, and second-chance scoring.
Orem: Battle-Tested and Built for This Moment
Orem’s 9–5 record doesn’t tell the full story. The Tigers’ five losses have come against high-level competition, including Redondo Union and Layton Christian, giving them one of the more demanding schedules in the state. That experience may pay dividends as region play begins.
Orem’s biggest advantage lies in its physicality and depth.
Players to Watch – Orem
Simeon Suguturaga (University of Utah signee) – The 6'7" forward leads the Tigers at just under 20 points per game, combining strength, touch, and versatility.
Troy Kaufusi (Sophomore Guard) – At 6'2", Kaufusi is already a go-to scorer, averaging 15 points per game and setting the tempo offensively. According to 247 Sports Kaufusi holds offers from Mississippi State, Utah Tech, Weber State and Hawaii.
Juni Lopeti Moala (BYU football signee) – One of the most unique pieces in the state, the 6'4", 265-pound Moala brings real muscle off the bench. His physical presence inside can neutralize height advantages and wear opponents down over time.
Why This Game Matters
This isn’t just a region opener — it’s an early statement game. Timpview arrives with the state’s top ranking and championship expectations. Orem arrives with belief, physical tools, and a roster built to challenge anyone on a given night.
If Timpview controls pace and spacing, they’ll look every bit the favorite. If Orem turns this into a physical, fast, pressure-filled contest, the Tigers have the pieces to test the Thunderbirds in ways few teams can.
Friday night at Orem High School promises a packed gym, playoff-level intensity, and a true January measuring stick.
Utah Sports Ink will be watching closely.