The Huskies have spent much of the spring, summer and fall on the court, playing in basketball tournaments across Utah and beyond as they prepare for what they hope will be a championship run.

“Our boys have a really high expectation for the year,” head coach Brandon Sluga said. “They wanted to travel and play in different tournaments. So, we’ve played quite a few games.”

The Huskies went 5-2 at a St. George tournament in June, picking up close wins against top-tier state high school programs, Dixie and Bountiful. Before that, they were 4-1 at the University of Utah team camp. More recently, Hillcrest competed in the Great Western Classic, held across Salt Lake Valley, where they notched a victory over powerhouse Layton Christian.

“With what they’ve been doing nationally lately, that was a nice win for us. We’ve had lots of opportunities to get better and the kids are excited for the season,” he said.

The Huskies are scheduled to open their season Nov. 21 against Olympus, the defending 5A state champion. It’s a tough opener, but Sluga says he wouldn’t want it any other way.

“Olympus has got most of their players back from their state championship team last year, so that’ll be a good test for us right out of the gate,” he said.

Hillcrest’s preseason schedule doesn’t get much easier. The team will travel to Nevada in December to play in the Brent Stokes Farm Insurance Classic in Elko. The tournament, hosted by longtime Elko High coach Chris Klekas, offers both strong competition and an affordable travel experience for the team, he said.

“Reno is going to be a pretty good team. I don't know a lot about the other team, Spring Creek, but their record was good last year,” Sluga said.

In region play, Cyprus is expected to be a key rival.

“I would say Cyprus is going to be really good,” he said. “They have a lot of kids returning, and they’ve performed well this summer also. But I wouldn’t take anyone in our region for granted. Anyone on any given night could step up and play really well.”

The Huskies’ success starts with experience. Senior Ezra Bell enters his third full season of varsity play, while junior Tyler Ashby and senior Jay Watkins bring valuable court time and leadership. 

Watkins, Sluga noted, could be a difference-maker this year.

“Jay’s had a really good offseason,” he said. “He could be a wild card for us, because he’s so talented. When he plays really well, we’re kind of on a different level.”

Sluga expects a balanced attack. 

“If I have it my way, it’ll be hard statistically to know who the standouts are,” he said. “Some of the best programs in the United States historically have had five to eight players who could score in double figures, and I really do like that philosophy.”

Beyond the varsity roster, Hillcrest’s younger teams are thriving. The sophomore squad went 18-3 last season and took second in the unofficial state tournament, while JV finished 15-8. 

“We have more talent in our program than we’ve had in the six years I’ve been here,” he said. “A lot of athletic and skillful younger players.”

But for Sluga, it’s more than skills on the court. 

“I love that they’re really good friends, and they support each other, and they represent our school well,” he said. “They’re kind. I see a lot of positive behaviors that you don’t always see from teenage boys. They love to play basketball. They bring a lot of passion and excitement when they play.”

With experience, depth and unity, the Huskies have their sights set for the state championships in late February 2026.

“Our boys have really high expectations,” Sluga said. “They want to win it all.”