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PODCAST

Making the Team

Conversations for high school basketball players and parents around the realities of what it takes to make a varsity basketball team. We interview coaches, players, and referees to give you an inside look behind the curtains of high school basketball.

sports basketball

All Episodes

00:18:28

Zach Gagon Interview - Skyridge Basketball

Making the Team ·

2026/02/20

We sit down with Zach Gagon - senior guard for the Skyridge Falcons, and we talk about the varsity basketball experience.Zach is a tough, tenacious defender and senior leader. He shares his perspective on the preparation for guarding some of the best players in the state and his reflections on his career. Subscribe to Making the Team for real conversations with players and coaches about growth, mindset, and the journey of basketball.Be sure to check follow the Skyridge Falcons Instagram page:

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00:22:23

Joel Gardner Interview - Skyridge Senior Point Guard

Making the Team ·

2026/02/19

In this episode of Making the Team, we sit down with Joel Gardner, senior point guard for Skyridge Falcons, to talk about the real experience of being a high school varsity basketball player.Joel shares what people don’t always see—early mornings, pressure to perform, balancing school with basketball, leadership expectations, and the mental grind that comes with playing at a high level. We dive into what it’s like running the offense as a senior point guard, earning trust from coaches and teammates,

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00:55:35

Coach Jeff Gardner - Skyridge High School

Making the Team ·

2026/01/28

Jeff Gardner is the head coach of the Skyridge Falcons in Lehi, Utah. He won 2 state championships as a player and has been to the state championship game multiple times as a coach. His teams are known for their aggressive, fast-paced play and disciplined approach. He shares his thoughts on building teams, preparing the youth, and fun coaching stories including the real story behind the 2013 Brighton vs Lone Peak "stall" game.Coach Gardner is extremely well-respected in the basketball

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01:28:50

Coach Andrew May is Building a National JUCO...

Making the Team ·

2025/12/06

What does it take to make a Junior College basketball team? In this episode of Making the Team, I sit down with Coach Andrew May, head coach of the powerhouse Snow College Men’s Basketball program. After finishing last season as the #1 ranked JUCO team in the nation and currently sitting at #4, Coach May shares exactly what it takes to succeed at the JUCO level — on and off the court.🏀 Topics we cover include:How to stand out and make a JUCO rosterThe differences between JUCO and 4-year programsThe

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01:03:07

The Realities of Coaching a 1A School – Coach Connor...

Making the Team ·

2025/12/05

In this episode of Making the Team, Erik Soderborg sits down with Connor Patten, head basketball coach at Tintic High School, a small-town program in Eureka, Utah.Tintic is a 1A school - the smallest classification of high schools in the state. Coach Patten opens up about what it’s really like to lead a basketball team in a community where every player matters, every season is personal, and resources are limited — but passion runs deep.🎙 Topics include:Coaching challenges at a small high schoolHow

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01:59:37

From Local Legend to Pro – Parker Van Dyke’s Full...

Making the Team ·

2025/11/11

In this episode of Making the Team, Erik Soderborg sits down with Parker Van Dyke, former University of Utah basketball standout and current professional player, to break down his incredible journey through the game.From AAU tournaments and Utah high school hoops, to playing for the Utah Utes in the Pac-12, and now taking his game to the professional level, Parker shares the highlights, the grind, and the moments that made it all worth it.🎯 Topics covered:Growing up in the Utah basketball

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01:18:37

Inside the Mind of a High School Coach – Gus Sopeña...

Making the Team ·

2025/10/31

In this heartfelt interview, Making the Team host Erik Soderborg sits down with Coach Gus Sopeña, head coach of the Summit Academy boys basketball team, for an honest conversation about the emotional and mental challenges of coaching — and the deep rewards that come from helping young athletes reach their full potential.Coach Sopeña opens up about:The pressure and expectations coaches quietly carryWhat it means to truly care about your playersHow high school basketball shapes character beyond the

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00:49:56

More Than Basketball – Coach Amico’s Mission at Pine...

Making the Team ·

2025/10/13

In this inspiring interview, Erik Soderborg sits down with Coach Patrick Amico, the head coach of the Pine View High School Boys Basketball Team. Known for his leadership both on and off the court, Coach Amico shares how he's working to give his players more than just a basketball season — he’s giving them a high school experience they’ll never forget.🏀 Topics covered include:• How Coach Amico builds strong relationships with his players• His coaching philosophy and why character matters as

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00:50:39

What it Takes to Play College Basketball Jon Judkins...

Making the Team ·

2025/10/05

Coach Jon Judkins share what he and his staff at Utah Tech look for when recruiting high school players to make their D1 Basketball team. Coach Judkins is headed into his 21st season as the head coach of the Utah Tech Trailblazers Mens Basketball Team and is a Six-time Pacific West Conference Coach of the Year winner. Coach Judkins (622 career wins and counting) became the first men’s coach in Utah collegiate basketball history to reach the 500-win mark back on January 28, 2017. He then became the

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01:30:11

Basketball Coaching Masterclass - Chris Jones

Making the Team ·

2025/10/05

Chris Jones has been coaching for decades, with most of his time at the college level with the University of Utah, Utah State, and Westminster. He also coached professionally in England and now coaches the Highland Rams high school team in Salt Lake City. Highland made it to the state championship this last season and Coach Jones shares his experience and knowledge about the game of basketball, coaching, and the lessons that come from this beautiful game. Coach Jones shares the hard truths and proud

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01:17:26

Utah Basketball Star Rylan Jones Shares His...

Making the Team ·

2025/09/02

We sit down with Rylan Jones — one of the most decorated high school basketball players in Utah history. A two-time Mr. Basketball, state champion, and on the Utah high school basketball record books. Rylan shares the highs and lows of his incredible journey through high school, college, and now professional basketball.From starring at Olympus High School to competing at the University of Utah, Utah State, and Samford, Rylan breaks down the behind-the-scenes stories — including his final college

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00:53:02

Coach Landen Cummings - East High School

Making the Team ·

2025/09/01

Coach Landen Cummings just finished his first year at East High School in Salt Lake City and he talks about what he looks for in players, lessons he's learned so far, and what he looks forward to with his team in the upcoming year. Landen lives basketball. Playing in college and coaching through AAU, as an assistant high school coach, and now a varsity head coach. Be sure to check out the East High Basketball Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/easthighbasketball/Please consider following

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01:09:02

The Realities of 27 Years as A High School Basketball...

Making the Team ·

2025/08/05

Coach Steve Galley is a legendary coach in the state of Utah. He started at Olympus High School, was the head coach at West Jordan and spent most of his career at Riverton High School - the school's first head basketball coach. He was also the coach of the Riverton team that knocked Erik's team out of the state tournament his senior year. Coach Galley is now a podcaster and professional coach for high-performance athletes and their parents. Coach Galley's Podcast: The Stop Parenting

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01:07:26

Copper Hills Head Coach - Brian Allfrey - Teaching...

Making the Team ·

2025/07/27

Coach Brian Allfrey just completed his first year as the Copper Hills High School Boys Varsity Basketball Coach. While this is his first year as the Copper Hills head coach, Coach Allfrey has been coaching for decades, and is one of the most well-connected coaches in Utah. He shares the challenges of being a 1st year head coach, coaching a star talent like Isaiah Reiser, and building good young men on and off the court.Fun Fact: Coach Allfrey coached co-host Eric Bland when Eric was in High School

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00:34:11

One of Utah's Premier High School Point Guards -...

Making the Team ·

2025/07/20

Isaiah Reiser is entering his senior season as the point guard of the Copper Hills High School basketball team. He is set to become the all-time leading scorer in Copper Hills school history and shares his mindset, work ethic, and goals for his basketball career.Isaiah's IG:https://www.instagram.com/isaiah.reiser/Special thank you to DMCreative Films for the awesome highlight videos.Give him a follow: https://www.instagram.com/dmcreat1ve_/ Be sure to check out the Copper Hills High Basketball

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01:23:54

Most People Are WRONG About The Rules of Basketball

Making the Team ·

2025/07/01

35-Year Basketball Official reveals the realities of high school officiating. For any athlete, coach, or parent, this information is a must-watch to better understand how to work with referees, even if you disagree with calls. Turns out, most people don't actually know basketball rules, and your fiery taunting of referees is not helping, but hurting your team. Special thanks to Bret Kinghorn for being willing to answer the tough questions and provide these valuable insights. Please consider

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00:23:25

The Difference Between High School and College...

Making the Team ·

2025/06/25

Ike Palmer is a 6'6" wind currently playing at Utah State Eastern. In his freshman season, he averaged 17 points per game and is a force to be reckoned with. Ike had a stellar high school career at Herriman High School and currently holds several school records, including scoring 39 points in a game. Ike shares his perspective on the transition from high school to college athletics. Follow Ike here:https://www.instagram.com/ikepalmerr/Please consider following us on

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00:57:13

What Do You Do When You Want to Quit? - Lance Gummersall

Making the Team ·

2025/06/23

It's easy to give in to self-doubt and the urge to quit, especially when facing challenges. But by focusing on mental strength and grit, you can learn to believe in yourself and push through those tough times. Lance Gummersall is entering his 19th season as a coach. It will be his 2nd year as the Riverton Head Basketball Coach and he shares the challenges and struggles of building a program from year one. Lance shares how a competitive drive and will to win is impossible to ignore, but the life

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00:33:32

Davis Darts Senior Captain's Dagger 3 Crushed the...

Making the Team ·

2025/05/12

Bryker Couser is a vocal senior team captain of the Davis Darts. They are fresh off their 2025 Utah 6A State Championship and Bryker made some crucial plays down the stretch to put the game away for his team. Bryker talks about accepting his role on the team, being ready for big moments, and his future. Special thank you to Red Petal Media and Isaac Fisher SportsPhotos for the insanely awesome highlight videos and pictures. Be sure to check out the Davis High Basketball Instagram page:

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00:51:20

Utah's 6A Player of the Year - Coleman Atwater

Making the Team ·

2025/05/10

Coleman Atwater is one of Utah's top basketball players. He is a prolific scorer, and the senior leader of the State Championship Davis Darts. He led the state in 3 pointers and was the 2nd leading scorer in 6A. Coleman is a serious athlete, but he's also brilliant, earning academic all state honors. He has devoted a lot of time and energy to becoming the player and young man he is. We hope you enjoy his insights. Special thank you to Red Petal Media and Isaac Fisher SportsPhotos for the

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34 results

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