Girls Track
Liza Sybrowsky, Timpview (Sr.)
Liza Sybrowsky, Timpview track & field
Photo courtesy Timpview
One of the top distance runners in 5A, Liza Sybrowsky had a great showing at the Utah County Invite at Spanish Fork last week.
Sybrowsky won the 800 meters with a time of 2:20.45 and the 1,600 meters with a time of 5:09.94.
“The best part about Liza as an athlete is that she genuinely wants her teammates to do well. She is a great leader and team captain and always works hard. She loves the sport and wants other to love it as well,” said Timpview coach Jaimie Ribera.
A couple weeks earlier Sybrowsky ran a 5:08.23 in the 800 meters at Pine View, which is the eighth-fastest time in the state this year.
Her time in the 3,200 meters (11:10.37) ranks in the top seven in the state.
Baseball
Tadon Burbank, Mountain Crest (Jr.)
Tadon Burbank, Mountain Crest baseball
Photo courtesy Mountain Crest
Mountain Crest has swept both of its Region 12 series so far, and a big reason why has been the steady play of junior catcher Tadon Burbank.
"Tadon has caught every varsity inning for us this year. He handles our pitching staff which has a team ERA of 2.06. The pitchers have confidence to throw any pitch at any time because of Tadon,” said Mountain Crest coach Steve Hansen. “He also leads our team on the offensive side in most categories. Tadon is a great competitor."
For the season Burbank has 21 hits, six doubles, one home run, 15 RBIs and he’s thrown out 45 percent of runners trying to steal base.
Softball
Rylee Udom, Grantsville (Sr.)
In a showdown with Spanish Fork last week, Rylee Udom delivered another huge performance for Grantsville as she hit a home run in the 2-1 win.
For the season she’s batting .657 (tops in 3A) with a .707 on-base percentage, 23 hits, seven doubles and two home runs.
“Rylee came into this season focused and ready to compete. She had injured herself early in the season last year and wasn’t able to contribute the way she would’ve liked. This year she came in prepared and focused. She wanted to walk away with a different memory than an injury and I can attest she is making the most of her opportunities,” said Grantsville coach Heidi Taylor. “She is a great captain, a leader on and off the field and just as a side note, she is hilarious.”
Boys Soccer
Carlos Vargas, Wasatch (Sr.)
Carlos Vargas, Wasatch soccer
Deseret News
Carlos Vargas stepped up big in what was an important week for Wasatch soccer.
He scored two goals last Tuesday to spearhead a 3-1 win over Provo and followed it up on Friday with a goal in a 2-1 win over Skyridge.
“Carlos has been a vital part of Wasatch from the moment he started his freshman year. He has played every position and has excelled wherever he is asked to play. The last three years Carlos has been a defensive player for Wasatch. This year he has been placed in the attacking midfield or forward and has been able to show he can score as well as defend,” said Wasatch coach Jared Hendry.
Vargas has eight goals this season.
“Carlos is not only a great field player but is also a great leader and example for all of our younger players and community. He is part of Athletic Council with the high school. Going into the elementary schools to read with many of the younger students. He has helped coach many of our youth in the valley and is a role model for many up-and-coming players.”
Boys Tennis
Giovanni Claus, Herriman (Jr.)
Giovanni Claus, Herriman tennis
Photo courtesy Herriman
A runner-up at 6A first singles last year, Giovanni Claus is having another great season for Herriman this year.
Claus is 10-0 this season and ranked fourth in the state. As a freshman he advanced to the state tournament quarterfinals and as a sophomore last year he reached the finals.
“What makes Gio a great Herriman tennis player is his dedication and tenacity. In every match Gio plays he is in it to win it. He never counts himself out. No one works as hard on the courts as Gio. He puts in hours showing dedication to the sport,” said Herriman coach Linda Richmond. “ As we say at Herriman, 'Ride for the Brand' and that’s what Gio does. He’s a great player to coach.”
Girls Golf
Annabelle Millard, Dixie (Fr.)
Annabelle Millard, Dixie golf
Photo courtesy Millard family
Just a freshman, Annabelle Millard is making a big splash in Region this season.
Last week she shot a 79 at Green Springs Golf Course to win her second straight Region 9 tournament. Her 18-hole average sits at 75.7 and she ranks first in Region 9 with 55.5 cumulative points.
“Annabelle's best trait is her humility. She has put an enormous amount of time and effort into honing her craft. For a freshman, she has exhibited incredible leadership skills. Her teammates love being around her,” said Dixie coach Mark Heppler.
Millard also plays competitively on the UJGA, SCPGA, SNJGA and RecruitLooks tours and her handicap is 1.9.
She’s ranked in the top 1,000 in the junior national rankings.
Boys Track
Jace Jensen, Bountiful (Sr.)
Jace Jensen, Bountiful track & field
Photo courtesy Bountiful
Had another outstanding meet at the Ogden Invitational last Saturday.
Jace Jensen won both the 110 and 300 hurdles, finished second in the 200 meters and third in the 100 meters.
“Jace is an outstanding athlete and person, who is driven and coachable. He splits time between the soccer and track teams, and makes it work because of his remarkable work ethic. He has school records in the 300 hurdles and 400 meters, and is top five in two other events,” said Bountiful coach Benjamin Jacobson.
Jensen’s time of 39.30 in the at the Ogden Invite is the fastest time in Utah this year by .35 seconds. He’s the defending 5A state champion in the 300 hurdles.
“While he is obviously a phenomenal athlete, what sets him apart is the type of person he is. He is a genuinely kind person who takes an interest in his team and classmates,” said Jacobson.