In a new look region last season, the Taylorsville boys basketball team produced a 4-8 record in league play, finishing sixth among seven teams. Overall, the Warriors had some struggles, going 6-14.  

The team is looking forward to a fresh start this season. 

The Warriors opened the 2024–25 campaign on Nov. 22 with a home game against Class 4A foe Jordan. Taylorsville then closes November with a game at Lehi on Nov. 26. Head coach Bernie Graziano, who has three decades of coaching experience at six different schools, is optimistic about his team’s chances. 

Taylorsville brings back three returning starters with varsity experience. Graziano said this experience and leadership will help the Warriors, especially in the early going as the team faces some challenging opponents. Taylorsville’s top player is senior Kobe Allen, who averaged 16.1 points per game a season ago. The four-year starter also chipped in 4.2 rebounds a game and a team-high 4.5 assists a contest. 

“[Allen] brings us a lot of toughness,” Graziano said. “He is an excellent player and one of the top players in 5A.”

Seniors Logan Pokorny and Logan Bertagnolli are Taylorsville’s other two returning starters. Bertagnolli was fourth on the squad last season in scoring with an average of 6.9 points per game. He was also second in rebounds with 6.9 an outing. Pokorny was the fifth-leading scorer last season, averaging 6.1 points a game. He also contributed four rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.6 steals a contest. 

“[Bertagnolli] is our center and does so much for his team defensively and offensively in the key,” Graziano said.

Graziano added that Pokorny began the season on the sideline with an injury. He expected him to return a month into the season, before league play begins. 

“[Pokorny] had a great spring and summer,” Graziano said. “We’re excited to have him back healthy.” 

In addition to the three returning starters, Graziano will turn to new starters and contributors, including Juan Castellano, Chatlin Mills, Ayden Maxfield and Tyler Johnson. Mills and Johnson saw a little time last season and will have much bigger roles this year. Graziano is looking for these four players to blend with Allen, Pokorny and Bertagnolli in making the Warriors more competitive this year. He also stressed the importance of limiting injuries. 

“They’ll have to play well and contribute to the team for us to have success,” Graziano said. “We have to stay healthy and focused.” 

The Warriors’ non-region schedule also features games against Class 6A opponents Mountain Ridge (Dec. 6) and Layton (Dec. 19). Taylorsville also squares off against Timberline High School in Idaho in an intriguing Dec. 13 matchup. The Warriors will have a tall order on Dec. 28 when they travel to Alta to play the Hawks, which were Class 5A runners-up last season and champions in 2022–23. On Dec. 30, the Warriors will play at Payson for the final non-region contest of the season before opening league play Jan. 3 at home against Granger. 

“We have scheduled a strong preseason in hopes of preparing us for the region,” Graziano said. 

Taylorsville once again will compete in Region 4 against Hunter, Kearns, Cyprus, Granger, West Jordan and Juan Diego. West Jordan won the region last year with a 12-0 record.