USA TODAY High School Sports is proud to announce the American Family Insurance ALL-USA Utah Boys Basketball Team. Players were selected based on their athletic achievements from the 2016-17 season.
For the complete list of American Family Insurance ALL-USA state teams, click here.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Graydon Buchmiller, Ridgeline (Millville)
A year ago, Ridgeline High didn’t even exist, but behind Buchmiller the first-year Riverhawks were able to make a startling run to the Class 3A state championship. Ridgeline (21-4) finished off the magical season by beating Juan Diego in the state final, 89-63, avenging an earlier defeat.
FIRST TEAM
Player of the Year
Emmanuel Akot, G, Wasatch Academy (Mount Pleasant), 6-7/205, Jr.
A top 20 national recruit, Akot led the Tigers to a 24-5 record, the quarterfinals of the DICK’S High School Nationals and a No. 17 ranking in the USA TODAY’s Super 25. Akot averaged 16.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 2.3 steals per game.
Trevin Knell, G, Woods Cross, 6-5/195, Sr.
A University of California commit, the senior sharpshooter averaged 25.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
Jaxon Brenchley, G, Ridgeline (Millville), 6-5/190, Sr.
The state’s Gatorade Player of the Year led the Riverhawks to a Class 3A title in their first year of existence, averaging 19.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.7 assists along the way.
Branden Carlson, C, Bingham (South Jordan), 6-11/210, Sr.
The Utah commit was a steady presence in the middle for the 5A state champs, posting averages of 13.7 pts, and 8.1 rebounds.
Stockton Shorts, F, Copper Hills (West Jordan), 6-4/205, Sr.
The Salt Lake Tribune Player of the Year contributed 23.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.7 steals on a nightly basis.
SECOND TEAM
Hunter Erickson, G, Timpview (Provo), 6-3/180, Jr.
Dason Youngblood, G, Bingham (South Jordan), 6-2/180, Sr.
Matt Lindsey, G/F, Olympus (Salt Lake City), 6-4/190, Sr.
Josip Vrankic, F/C, Wasatch Academy (Mount Pleasant), 6-8/215, Jr.
Andrew Slack, C, Springville, 6-5/250, Sr.