Like any team, the Farmington boys basketball team hopes to be playing for as long as possible this season. 

The Phoenix have lost in the second round of the state tournament the past two seasons. In 2021, the team lost in the state championship game to Lehi. This season is no different for Farmington: it is aiming for big things.

“Our expectations and goals for this season are to get better every day in practice and to be competing at our best by the time we hit February to give ourselves the best chance to make a run at a region and state championship,” head coach Kasey Walkenhurst said. 

Last season, the Phoenix had to replace All-State performer Collin Chandler. Now, Farmington enters the season without the services of the graduated Cole Johnson, who was second on the team in scoring a season ago. However, the Phoenix return leading scorer and rebounder Paul Beattie, a senior forward who scored 16.6 points and hauled down six rebounds in 2022–23. Third-leading scorer Jayden Haskell, a senior guard, is also back. He contributed 11.3 points and 2.2 rebounds a game last season. Senior forward Ethan Atkinson and senior guard Braden Larsen are also experienced players for the Phoenix. The duo averaged 7.3 and 6.7 points a game last season. Walkenhurst also said he will rely on seniors Ethan Harris and Carter Nordquist for leadership and production. 

“These players all bring experience and leadership to this team,” he said. “Some of them have been playing varsity minutes since their freshman years, and we will need to rely on their experience to make a run this year.” 

Carter Nordquist, Farmington (white jersey) puts defensive pressure on Viewmont’s Cache Tuia as he drives the lane. However, the Phoenix took the wheel driving ahead with the win 53 - 44 in the first game of the season.  Photo by Roger V. Tuttle

The Phoenix have talent and proven players, but it won’t be easy to achieve Walkenhurst’s goals. Farmington has a tough slate of games ahead. Walkenhurst said unselfish play will be critical. 

“We need to be playing as a team and making assists more important than scoring,” he said. “We also need to place a huge emphasis on defending and not taking possessions off.”

Don’t discount what other teams will be facing when they take on the Phoenix. Farmington will give teams fits with their outside shooting and inside presence. Walkenhurst expects his group to have success scoring from both around the basket and around the three-point line. 

“I think our biggest strengths will be our ability to stretch the floor with our three-point shooting at all positions and our size inside with two 6-foot-8-inch post players,” he said. “Our biggest challenges will be for these players to trust each other and know that if they are unselfish and play together, they will all get great looks at scoring. They will also need to hold each other accountable on the defensive side of the ball.”

Walkenhurst appreciates this group of players for the way they treat one another. Through the highs and lows, he expects everyone to get along well and help each other out. 

“I love coaching this group because they all love each other,” he said. “They all know how to challenge each other and push their limits but then give each other hugs when the competition is over.” 

The Farmington and Viewmont boys basketball teams opened the 2023–24 season against one another Nov. 17. The Phoenix prevailed 53-44 behind a strong performance from Paul Beattie. He had 19 points, five rebounds and three assists. Jayden Haskell added 13 points and three rebounds. Cache Tuia led the way for Viewmont with 14 points and four three-pointers. 

The Phoenix will return to action at Bonneville Dec. 1. Region play opens Jan. 12 at Weber. 

Farmington went 15-9 overall last season and 6-6 in region games, good enough for fourth place.