In other years, this game has been just a bump in the road for the Wasatch High School boys’ basketball team. But this year’s game could be more meaningful, according to Caleb Fine, head coach for the Park City Miners.

“This is, in my history, the most meaningful game because both teams are that good,” Fine said.

It’s Park City versus Wasatch. The Highway-40 Rivalry that historically has been one-sided in boy’s basketball. The Wasatch Wasps have won three state titles in the last decade, appearing in five, and have one of the best team’s in the state again this year.

They have guard Mike Brown who is committed to Weber State and a slew of other guards who can score and score quickly.

McKay Murdock (14 points per game) and Matt Pelo (11 points per game) run alongside Brown, who averages nearly 20 points per game and is one of the toughest matchups in the state.

But the Miners already have 10 wins this season and are flying under the radar.

What better way to announce their presence than by beating their rival and the defending state champions on the road?

“If we lose to Wasatch at Wasatch, so what,” Fine said. “If we don’t hello. We’re here to play.”

Park City is expected to get leading scorer Jono Schettler back after he missed last Friday’s 66-60 win over Union with a hip injury. Fine said Schettler looked good in practice and should be ready for Friday’s showdown in Heber City.

Entering “The Nest” at Wasatch High School and escaping with a win will be no easy task. Wasatch hasn’t lost at home since Jan. 13, 2009.

“They, as a team, have the most swagger and believe in themselves,” Fine said. “And nobody’s been able to respond to their storms. I believe we have more kids that can contribute and we’re going to throw height at them.”

The Wasps have a penchant for going on extended scoring streaks, especially in the third quarter, that put the opponent in the rear-view mirror.

Fine has put an emphasis on quelling those runs.

“If Mike Brown hits three shots in a row, I’m going to call a timeout and change things up,” he said.

Arguably the biggest region game in 3A is upon the Miners. Will one of the state’s up-and-coming teams be able to respond to that electricity of their opponents and opposing fans?

We’ll find out Friday night at 7 p.m.

“When you have a rivalry game against the defending state champs, that’s the game you look forward to all year long,” Fine said.