After spending several years in Class 5A, the Spartans are going back to where they once were: 4A. 

This moves Murray to Region 10 from Region 6 where they will now face Cottonwood, Hillcrest, Jordan, Stansbury and Tooele. Park City joins Murray in the move from Region 6. 

“Everyone is very excited and motivated to have a successful season,” head coach Jason Workman said. “We have a good mix of returning and new players and have some talent to watch this year.”

Last season, Murray was 10-15 overall and 5-7 in league play, good enough for fourth place. The Spartans lost to Payson in the first round of the 5A playoffs. Head coach Jason Workman, now in his 19th year at Murray, lost some big-time talent from last year’s squad, so he’ll be looking for new faces and to returning players to take on expanded roles. The team looks to improve in what should be a less formidable group of opponents. 

“Our goals will be to win a region championship and make a deep run in state,” Workman said.

Unfortunately for Murray, it has to replace superstar Chudi Anosike, who poured in 26.7 points per game a year ago, which was No. 1 in the entire state. His loss is huge, so multiple players may need to step up and try to fill the void. Second- and third-leading scorers Jaxson Workman and DaVonte Hooks are also gone, but Murray brings back senior Quinton Christman, who scored 4.7 points and dished out 2.2 assists a year ago. He enters his fourth year on the varsity team and third year as the starter. Workman said he will rely on Christman to be a playmaker and scorer. Sophomore Isaiah Beh saw some time as a freshman, scoring 70 points to average 2.8 a game. He also hit 17 three-pointers in limited minutes. Senior guard Deacon Poole could be a factor. He scored nearly three points a contest in 2022–23, with a season-high of 11 points against Skyline on Feb. 10. He also averaged 2.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals a game last season. Workman highlighted his defensive ability and said he will have the ball in his hands often.

Treyce Wilson and Kade Whitlock will also contribute. Workman said both have high basketball IQs and great athleticism. 

Murray started out the season with a Nov. 22 home game with Roy followed by a trip to Highland Nov. 28. In December, the Spartans take on several non-region foes, including former league rivals Olympus and Brighton. Region games start Jan. 4 at Cottonwood.

“Our team will be able to pressure defend and play a fast game offensively,” Workman said. “We are a smaller but very athletic and talented group. If we can rebound the ball, we can be really good. We hope people will come out and support this group, as they should be very entertaining.” λ