For many schools, losing multiple starters from the previous year’s team would mean the new season would be a rebuilding one. But not for Alta boys basketball. 

The Hawks enter the 2024-25 campaign with some new faces and without the services of All-State caliber players from seasons past. Still, Alta head coach Travis Ohrn is optimistic about his team’s chances and isn’t shying away from setting high standards. He has helped build a strong program, so don’t expect the Hawks to fall out of contention anytime soon. 

“We have very high expectations for this team and our program,” Ohrn said. “We have built a culture of winning at Alta, and this team will continue to build on that. The expectations will always be the same here at Alta. We want to play on big stages and compete in big games. Our goals are focused on doing the little things and the results take care of themselves.”

Alta has finished 24-4 overall the past two seasons. Last season, the Hawks made it to the Class 5A state championship game before falling to region rival Olympus. Two seasons ago, the Hawks won the title.

Ohrn has some big shoes to replace from his two title-game teams. Gone are Jaxon Johnson, Carter Doleac and Ace Reiser, the three leading scorers from last year’s squad. However, Ohrn is confident that he has some returning contributors who can carry the load. Leading the Hawks will be junior point guard Dash Reiser, senior shooting guard Luke Roberts, senior power forward Matt Mckae, junior shooting guard Zak Paepke, senior shooting guard Jaxon Langford, senior shooting guard Boston Gray and junior shooting guard Colin Hansen. Last season, Dash Reiser was fourth on the team in scoring with 9.4 points per game. He also averaged three assists and one steal per game. 

Even though most of Alta’s starters and contributors this season will be players who have had limited court time in varsity games, they were all around for the last two title games. Ohrn said this gives them an advantage, as they know what it takes to play at a high level. The younger, less experienced players are eager to prove themselves. 

“All of our guys were part of state tournament runs the last two years,” Ohrn said. “They have experienced success on a big stage. They are hungry to compete and represent Alta. They know the pressure that comes with building on previous years success. Our alumni have laid the foundation, and this year’s team will build on that foundation.”

In offseason workouts and in practices leading up to the start of the season, Ohrn has been impressed with the players’ abilities. He said the Hawks should do well on the defensive end and play a team-oriented brand of basketball. 

“This team is very unselfish and cares about winning,” he said. “We have a lot of guys that will contribute this year, and they care about each other and the team’s success. They have very good chemistry on the court and understand how to play together. They are very connected defensively and will be another great defensive team.”

Having reached two state title games in a row and having compiled a combined record of 48-8 the past two seasons, Alta has every opponent’s attention. Ohrn and his players know they will get each team’s best effort. To be successful and carry on Alta tradition, Ohrn said the players need to be ready to give it their all each day. He’s working hard to create an effective offense and put a product on the court that will emulate the accomplishments the Hawks have had recently. 

“This team just needs to do what they do and compete every day,” he said. “I have no doubt our school and community will be proud of what this team accomplishes this year. Our expectations never change, and this group will meet those expectations and be very successful. We are focusing on one day at a time. We want to enjoy the process a little more this year. With this group, we are focusing more on offensive efficiency and getting our guys in spots to be successful.”

Alta has a challenging, intriguing schedule. 

The Hawks opened the season Nov. 22 with a home game with Fremont. On Nov. 25, Alta has a tough game at Class 6A foe Lone Peak. From Dec. 18 through Dec. 21, Alta will have four games in the prestigious Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Hawks will see out-of-state teams in the tournament, which often includes nationally ranked foes. 

Nonregion action ends with a Dec. 28 home contest with Taylorsville. Alta then tips off Region 6 games with a contest at home against East on Jan. 3, 2025. Alta faces Olympus twice during the regular season, Jan. 17, 2025, on the road and Feb. 7, 2025, at home. The two teams split the regular-season series last year before the Titans beat the Hawks for the state title. Alta’s final regular-season contest will be Feb. 11, 2025, at home against Brighton. 

Ohrn is eager to tip off the season and see how this group of players can pick up where the team left off. He speaks highly of the players not only of their on-the-court potential but of what they do away from the game. 

“We have a great group of guys that buy into being student-athletes at Alta,” Ohrn said. “They are involved in the school and great students. They care about people. They are fun to be around, and as coaches we love coming to practice every day. This group competes at a high level but finds the joy in the process of being successful. We can’t wait for this season to start and for this team to leave their legacy at Alta.”