Wrestling
Isaac Wilcox, Olympus (Sr.)
Wilcox is arguably the best wrestler in Utah this season, and he reiterated that fact at last week’s All-Star Duals at Utah Valley University.
The senior, who is ranked No. 5 nationally at 152 pounds according to FloWrestling.org, beat Pleasant Grove’s Jaxon Moore 21-5.
“I just tried to work hard, have heavy hands and not let the guy really breathe out there,” said Wilcox. “That is the mentality I went out there with. I didn’t give him any space and worked hard on him. I thought I did a pretty good job at that.”
Wilcox will wrestle collegiately at Ohio State.
Girls Basketball
Lavender Briggs, Provo (Sr.)
Lavender Briggs, a senior Florida commit, is poised to rewrite the record books this season.
Briggs is averaging 33.2 ppg this year and is on pace to break the state’s single-season scoring record of 664 points that Woods Cross’ Becky Trimble set back during the 1985-86 season.
Briggs has scored 465 points this season, and if she averages 26 points in Provo’s final seven regular season games and one playoff game she would eclipse Trimble’s record.
In addition to leading the entire state in scoring, Briggs ranks second in rebounding with 12.6 rpg.
"Lavender epitomizes what we want from an athlete. She expects excellence from herself in the classroom, as a teammate and as basketball player. She is always trying to improve every aspect of her game. Whether it’s increasing her 3-point percentage or improving how she can communicate better with her teammates, she is constantly striving to become her best self," said Provo coach Amanda Halftee.
Last week Briggs recorded 35 points and 17 rebounds as Provo handed Skyridge its first loss of the season.
Boys Basketball
Kaetz King, South Sevier basketball
Photo courtesy South Sevier
Kaetz King, South Sevier (Sr.)
South Sevier has rolled to a 12-1 record this year and a big reason why is the contributions of senior guard Kaetz King.
He leads the team in scoring (17.3 ppg), rebounds (7.3 rpg), assists (4.2 apg) and steals (1.9 spg).
“Kaetz King, besides being in the top five in 3A basketball in almost all statistical categories, he is our best defender. He always draws the other team's best player and plays extremely hard. If that isn’t impressive enough, he is a 4.0 student and one of the most kind and humble kids you will ever find,” said South Sevier coach Rhet Parsons.
Last Friday King recorded 24 points and nine rebounds in a 71-49 win over Grand, and the following night he scored 19 points in a 68-62 win over San Juan.
Boys Swimming
Cameron Green, Springville
Photo courtesy Springville
Cameron Green, Springville (Jr.)
No matter the stroke, Cameron Green is a threat to win just about every time he steps in the pool.
The junior owns top-five times in Utah this season in six of the seven individual events, which includes a state-leading 21.48 in the 50 free.
He owns a top-three time in the 100, ranks fourth in the 100 back and 200 I.M. and is fifth in the 200 free and 100 fly.
"Cameron is a special talent in the pool, which many coaches can see each meet but what makes Cameron special to Red Devil Swimming is his humility, dedication and commitment to the team," said Springville coach Travis Pope. "He is always willing to share the lessons he has learned and teach swimmers of all levels. As a team, we always feel confident that he will perform when we need him most. He is a talented young man and an absolute joy to have on our team." Green is the defending 5A state champion in the 100 backstroke.
Girls Swimming
Rachel Butler, Brighton swimming
Photo courtesy Brighton
Rachel Butler, Brighton (Sr.)
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more versatile swimmer in Utah than Rachel Butler.
In addition to owning the best time in the entire state this year in three events (200 free, 500 free, 200 I.M.), she also owns top-four times in three other events (100 free, 100 back, 100 breast).
“One of the biggest keys to Rachel’s success is she is always looking for the best way to be the best swimmer that she can be. She always wants to know how she is doing. She wants to know whether she is going fast enough, whether her strokes are long enough and strong enough,” said Brighton coach Todd Etherington. “On top of that, Rachel is one of the best teammates you could ever have. She truly wants the best for everyone.”
Butler is the defending 5A state champ in the 200 I.M.