By Nicholas J. Pappas

| The Salt Lake Tribune

Northridge claims Region 1 title

The Knights victory against Weber last week clinched the Region 1 championship for Northridge. This was coming off a season in which Northridge won only three games and said goodbye to their coach in the offseason. Chad Sims has done a remarkable job taking over as coach, and the Knights have shown guts, winning several tight games since region play began by an average of less than five points per game.

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Weber puts playoff seeding in doubt

Weber’s loss to Northridge last week made the ground rumble in Region 1, as three different teams could end up with the second seed. Weber lacked aggression, allowing the Knights to get to the line 22 times while the Warriors only had nine attempts. Weber did have balanced scoring, with three different players registering over 12 points.

Davis reaches playoffs for eighth straight year

Davis came off a two-game losing streak to beat Fremont on the road 42-38. Senior Tyson Denney led the way with 13 points and three 3-pointers in what was a defensive battle. The Darts allowed Brock Smith to score 20 points, but Smith received no support from his teammates. Davis will reach the playoffs for the eighth straight year.

Fremont loses two, but still playoff bound

Fremont has had a rough end to the regular season, losing two straight games and three of its last four. Despite the failures, however, the Silver Wolves will make the playoffs for the third state year after reaching the semifinals in the last two. Brock Smith is the overwhelming leader of this team and has been a contributor during the last two playoff runs. Expect teams to keep a close eye on him in the playoffs.

Viewmont clinches Region 2 with blowout

The Vikings are undefeated in region and will take home a region title for the second straight year after beating Taylorsville 64-32 at home. Despite their dominant performance, they may be the dark horse in the Class 5A playoffs. The other three No. 1 seeds — Northridge, West Jordan, and American Fork, are all ranked in the top five, but Viewmont has yet to break into the rankings. Part of that has to do with a dreadful 2-9 preseason and in a less competitive grouping in region. Viewmont is 0-6 against 5A schools outside of Region 2.

No. 2 Bountiful wins 11 straight games

Bountiful has found their footing in Region 6, clinching the top seed and is ready for the Class 4A playoffs. The Braves have made the postseason for the eighth straight year and are coming off a loss in the state championship game in 2011. Bountiful is taller, more experienced, and can score in multiple ways. Senior guard Brit Harding is an excellent 3-point shooter, and Dain Murdock may be the best defender in the state.

Woods Cross limps into playoffs after loss

The Wildcats loss to Bountiful last week dropped Woods Cross to 5-4 on the year and a road game in the playoffs. The loss to the Braves snapped a four- game winning streak in region that propelled Woods Cross to the postseason. Junior guard Bradley Cowley started the year on fire, but has not reached double digits in scoring in eight of his last nine games. A new threat may come from junior Hayden Grant, who is averaging more than 17 points per game.