Looking to bounce back from a disappointing year, Carbon Head Basketball Coach Jeff Cisneros is excited to see what this year brings.
Returning two players and a bunch of other varsity contributors from last year, the Dinos look to rebound from a 1-20 season a year ago.
“Last year was tough when you look at wins and losses,” said Cisneros. “A positive was the time that a lot of young guys saw at the varsity level.”
Seniors Cole Fossat and Garrett Blanc will return to the starting lineup for Cisneros. Junior Peyton Fausett will start at the center position, being the tallest Dino on the team at 6’4”.
“Peyton has done a lot of offseason work and has a chance to be one of the top big men in 3A this season,” Cisneros said.
Jarod Lessar recently underwent shoulder surgery on an injury sustained during football season and will likely miss the season. He could return sometime near the end of the season to help the team out.
Juniors Brad Williams, who started a number of games last year at point guard, Mitch Olsen, Kasey Moynier and Anthony Maclean will see plenty of minutes for Carbon this season.
Cisneros also said sophomores Gage Daugherty, Kyle Quinton and Chase Morgan will also be competing for a starting spot on the varsity team.
“Our depth at the guard line is very good,” he said. “Overall, I think we will be small and athletic.”
Cisneros said the team will take advantage of their small size and has emphasized defense as being one the most important keys to their success.
“I hope to be able to run the floor, pressure our opponent and take advantage of our early offense,” he said. “We are working really hard on our defense and that will be the key for our team this year. We really need to be able to stop other teams and give ourselves a chance to win some close games.”
In Region 12, Richfield looks like the team to beat, returning its top two scorers from last year in Jaylon Steck and Brandon Willardson. The duo combined to average 32 points per game. Cisneros said Payson should also return a strong team to contend for Region 12 supremacy.
“I think we, Juab and North Sanpete will all compete for the final two spots in the state tournament,” he said.
Cisneros has also added two new coaches to this year’s team. Mike Gagon and former Dino standout point guard Dakota Cisneros will work with the freshman and sophomores. Kyle Wilson will return to coach the junior varsity team.
The Dinos kick off the season on Tuesday with a home matchup with 4A Maple Mountain. The game can be watched live on ETV Channel 10 at 7 p.m.