As every season begins, optimism is high for boys basketball teams around the state, including the Viewmont Vikings. 

Viewmont may have had some ups and downs a season ago, but head coach Travis Frey isn’t holding back on having high expectations. 

“We want to compete for region and state championships,” he said. 

Last season, the Vikings were 10-14 overall and 5-5 in Region 5, finishing in fourth place. Vikings lost in the first round of the Class 5A state tournament in a close one to Box Elder 59-56. Frey is in his first year as head coach of Viewmont, having taken over for Jeff Emery. He doesn’t have a lot of players on the roster with varsity experience, though senior Max Larsen and junior Drez Jensen were contributors last season. Jensen was third on the team in scoring last season with 6.7 points per game. He also averaged 2.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists an outing. Larsen played a reserve role in 2022–23 and scored 17 points on the season. Senior Luke Gardner and senior Easton Fox will move up to the varsity team and take on much more significant duties. 

“Max Larsen is a committed leader that brings energy to the team,” Frey said. “[Jensen] is a three level scorer that always makes the right play. [Gardner] is a great on-ball defender and rebounder. [Fox] is a pure shooter.” 

What the Vikings lack in experience, they will try to make up for with their effort and commitment. Frey likes that the players aren’t easily rattled or intimidated. He admires their passion and attitude. 

“Our biggest strengths are the players’ grit,” he said. “They always play hard.”

With so many new players joining the returning team members and seniors on the floor, Frey is hoping everyone can gel and plays as a single unit. He acknowledges that there could be some challenges as players learn to play with one another.

“It’s a senior class that has always played very well together and needs to be cohesive with underclassman just as any team struggles with at the start of the year,” he said. 

Viewmont opened up the season with a game at Farmington Nov. 17. The home opener is Dec. 1 against Summit Academy. After a full slate of non-league contests, Viewmont will jump into Region 5 play Jan. 3 at home against Roy. 

Frey is looking forward to his inaugural season with the Vikings. So far, he is enjoying the experience and appreciates the response the boys have given him. 

“What I love most about coaching this team is that I don’t have to coach effort; [the players] always bring that,” he said.