Raimoana Tinirauarii, Juan Diego basketball
Photo courtesy Juan Diego
Boys Basketball
Raimoana Tinirauarii, Juan Diego (Sr.)
This senior point guard has been the catalyst to a dominant season for Juan Diego, which owns a 17-1 overall record as it heads into the second half of Region 11 play.
Tinirauarii is averaging 17.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.5 steals. He’s also shooting 42 percent from 3-point range.
“Rai has truly stepped into a leadership role this season and absolutely excelled. Even though he is typically the best player on the floor, he has really improved his court vision and doing an excellent job of creating opportunities for his teammates. Rai is so athletic and aggressive, he is just dominating teams in our presses,” said Juan Diego coach Drew Trost.
In last week’s 73-49 blowout win over Tooele, he recorded 16 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals.
“He leads by example by always working hard and giving his best. He is also a strong vocal leader who gets our team in the rights spots and in the right frame of mind during games. He has a very tough decision to make this week regarding playing football in college or basketball or both. I am fully confident that he will succeed at either and I sure hope they let him do both. I firmly believe that his best athletic days are ahead of him,” said Trost.
Maddy Eaton, Lone Peak basketball
Photo courtesy Lone Peak
Girls Basketball
Maddy Eaton, Lone Peak (Sr.)
The top scorer in 6A, Eaton is coming off a strong performance last week for the Knights.
She recorded 17 points and added four rebounds to lead Lone Peak to the important 65-52 region victory over American Fork.
For the season, Eaton is averaging 19.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.8 steals. She ranks in the top seven in 6A in all four statistical categories.
"Maddy is a phenomenal student-athlete who expects excellence from herself in the classroom and on the court. She is everything a coach would want in a player. Her drive and determination is as impressive as I've seen at this level. Maddy is never satisfied and always hungry to learn, work and improve. She is constantly working on all aspects of her game and striving to be better and better," said Lone Peak coach Nancy Warner.
"Her versatility allows her to score anywhere on the floor and her ability to defend and rebound has been huge for our team as well. Her leadership is definitely something our team counts on and has helped guide and shape our team thus far. Her ability to motivate, encourage and lift her teammates will continue to be key for our team's success as we finish up region play this next week and head into the post-season."
Dawson Woods, Alta wrestling
Photo courtesy Alta
Wrestling
Dawson Woods, Alta (Sr.)
Won four matches at the 5A Divisional A meet last week at West High School to claim one of the top two seeds in the 195-pound bracket for next week’s state meet.
Woods owns a 48-6 record so far this season after finishing fifth at last year’s state meet at 170 pounds.
"Dawson is just a hard-nosed kid who continues to improve. He is one of the hardest workers in my room, and is a great teammate to have, as he helps others get better while improving himself. He is determined to do his best every time he steps out on the mat," said Alta coach Barry Harrington.
He was a participant in the All-Star Duals last month.
Jordan Tiffany, Lone Peak swimming
Photo courtesy Lone Peak
Boys Swimming
Jordan Tiffany, Lone Peak (Jr.)
Fresh off breaking the prestigious state record in the 100 butterfly at region, this Lone Peak junior is eyeing more success at this week’s 6A state meet.
Tiffany won the 100 fly at region with a time of 48.66, which broke the previous overall state record of 48.68 which dated back to 2013.
Tiffany also won the 200 IM at region with a time of 1:52.31, the best in Utah this season.
“Jordan values the opportunity to compete. He knows how to prepare himself mentally for meets. Jordan brings confidence, friendly sportsmanship and encourages his teammates through his discipline and strong work ethic,” said Lone Peak coach Celeste Tiffany.
He also ranks in the top five in Utah this season in the 50 free, 100 free and 100 back.
Drew Roper, Millard swimming
James Edward
Girls Swimming
Drew Roper, Millard (Sr.)
This senior heads into this Thursday’s 3A state swimming meet at BYU with very high expectations after winning individual titles in the 100 free and 100 back at last year’s state meet.
So far this season Roper owns the top time in 3A in the 50 free, 100 free and 100 back. At the state meet she will race in the 50 free and 100 back as she wraps up her high school career.