Utah Standouts Show They Belong

While BYU is currently gaining most of the attention, many forget that the state of Utah is slowly becoming a high school basketball hotbed and this was evident at the recent Tarkanian Classic.  National prep programs such as perennial FAB 50 contender Wasatch Academy and Utah Prep were filled to the brim with D-1 prospects, and public schools such as Orem, Timpview, and Lone Peak also showed they belonged with some of the finest that the West Region has to offer. Given the way that the talent is spread throughout the state, it is gearing up to be a ridiculously competitive UHSAA State Tournament across the divisions in late February.

Having already profiled Anthony Felesi, Jackson Kiss, Junior County, and Manu Manciel in earlier Tarkanian coverage, there were still a dozen other prospects from the state that deserved some love.  Here is a deeper look at six prospects who showed that they belonged with the west coast’s best at the 2025 Tarkanian Classic: 

Dean Rueckert, 6’7, SG/SF, Timpview HS (Utah), 2026

Making as good a run as anyone individually at the Tarkanian Classic, Dean Rueckert showed that he belonged with the nation’s finest throughout Timpview’s championship game run in Vegas. The bouncy wing plays with extreme confidence, is an elite finisher in transition, and is a floor spacing shooting threat from the wing. Rueckert’s combination of size, athleticism, and perimeter skill make him a perfect fit for BYU coach Kevin Young’s offense.

Crew Fotheringham, 6’8, SF, Lone Peak HS (Utah), 2027

One of the players who helped themselves most at Tark, Crew Fotheringham definitely showed that he’s a prospect that will be on the national radar. Standing every bit of 6-foot-8, Fotheringham has the size of a power forward, but the game of a wing. He is able to create separation off the dribble with ease, uses his height to shoot over smaller defenders with an incredibly quick release, and has deep range on his jump shot.  Already holding a number of high major offers, Fotheringham’s play in Vegas cemented him as the top 2027 in the state of Utah.

Katrelle Harmon, 6’4, PG/SG, Wasatch Academy, 2026

In a space where everyone is quick to talk about the new name on the circuit, many forget about those who have been around and just consistently get it done.  Katrelle Harmon is one of those guys. With varsity experience dating back to his middle school days, “KT” showed extreme patience in pick and roll play, and exemplified his IQ when deciding when to be a facilitator and when to switch into scoring mode. Having led the EYBL Scholastic in assists last season, Harmon’s ability to score or make plays for others will allow him to see time on the floor right away next year at Creighton.

Troy Kalfusi, 6’3, PG, Orem HS, 2028

A player I was not familiar with going into Tark, I immediately walked away seeing why there was a bit of buzz surrounding him in the Beehive State. He owns a super smooth jump shot from beyond the arc, can get by you with his deliberate change of speed, and can really pass the rock with either hand. He has a super smooth game beyond his years. Having put up monster numbers with Tonga in FIBA International play, Troy already has picked up five D-1 offers with plenty more to follow throughout his sophomore campaign 

Vuk Lazarevic, 7’0, C, Wasatch Academy, 2026 

Another player who I got my first glimpse of was Vuk Lazarevic, a mobile 7-footer by the way of Serbia. He was incredibly agile running the floor, showed a reliable jump hook with either hand with his back to the basket, and was perfectly comfortable playing facing.  While he’s not going to put up huge numbers, Vuk checked off all of the boxes that you look for in a big man in today’s game.

Simeon Suguturaga is going to be a problem this basketball season for every opponent Orem faces this season.

The big man can score from anywhere but in the paint he can showcase his ability to get around defenders using his feet and reach that can make a double team look… pic.twitter.com/fqz2ed0uPc

— KSL Sports Rewind (@KSLSportsRewind) December 7, 2025

Simeon Suguturaga, 6’6, SF, Orem HS, 2026

A relative late bloomer on the national level, Simeon Suguturage hit a growth spurt and developed into a high major prospect over the past year, which he showed to everyone in Las Vegas with his Platinum Division All Tournament Team selection. The lanky swingman has sneaky athleticism, an outstanding frame, and can really finish at the rim in traffic. Heading to Utah next year, Simeon has all of the tools to develop into a versatile threat for the Utes.