Dutch Fork has ruled its region since bringing in head coach Candace Bush.

The Silver Foxes begin the 2025-26 season fresh off consecutive region championships and looking to make it a three-peat. Bush said she expects her team to make a serious run at another region title and go even further. 

“ My expectation is always to go all the way. That's always my goal and expectations, and it hasn’t changed,” she said. “ I feel like we can still make a push and make a run for a state championship.”

Dutch Fork has been one of the most formidable teams in 5A under Bush’s leadership. The team has gone 45-7 during her first two seasons and advanced to the third round of the playoffs last year. 

Before Bush’s arrival, the Silver Foxes had been knocking on the door, but could never overtake Lexington. However, over the past two seasons, Dutch Fork has beaten Lexington three out of four times. 

While Bush brought the success, she’d be the first to tell you, it’s only because of the strong foundation already in place. 

“Coach [Faye] Norris, she left me very well,” Bush said. “ You'll find some coaches that leave programs or retire from programs because they feel like they didn't have anything coming back. But with her, it was a good group, a good core here, and it made my job much easier.”

Bush barely had to spend any time focused on the X’s and O’s. Instead, she was able to implement her philosophies and work on individual development. 

“The way I structured practices and that type of thing made a big difference,” she said. “ I didn't deviate from what they were. I didn't lower my expectations for them. I made them rise to my standards.”

This year’s team will play with those same standards. Bush thinks her group has the talent for a deep run, despite losing a few key pieces, including multi-time All-State selection Michaela Fairwell. 

Players like Trinity Crumlin and Aliyah Lee are returners who will be tasked with setting the tone and making sure the team is playing to their standard.

One exciting new face is eighth grader Avani Adams. Bush said she could see Adams carving a role in the starting lineup, despite her age and inexperience.

Bush said Dutch Fork will continue playing relentless defense. She wants the group to speed things up this season by running the floor and utilizing a full-court press more.

If all goes to plan, Bush said this is a Dutch Fork team that can be dangerous in the playoffs. They just have to keep working. 

“ Don't deviate from the plan, I feel like we have that winning mentality now,” Bush said. “It's just about having the right personnel, in the right place, at the right time, and honestly, sometimes, it's about where the chips fall.”