High school drill team: South Sevier back on top again at 2A state championships

Published: Feb 3, 2023, 6:00 p.m. MST

South Sevier performs in the dance portion of the state 2A Drill Team Championships at UVU in Orem on Friday, Feb. 3, 2023. Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

James has been covering high school sports in Utah for the Deseret News for three decades.

South Sevier is back on top of the 2A drill mountain.

A year ago the Rams were stunned by Kanab at the 2A drill team state championship, which halted an eight-year title streak spread between 3A and 2A. On Friday at this year’s championships at UVU, South Sevier finished first in two of three categories as it won its 13th drill team state championship in school history.

South Sevier finished first in Military and Dance en route to the title, while runner-up Kanab finished first in the Show category.

Duchesne, Gunnison Valley and North Summit rounded out the top five.

“It’s been an incredible year, and I couldn’t be more proud. Our girls took overall at all three comps this season, and they are also Region 19 Champions. Taking home the state title today basically means an undefeated season for us on drill,” said South Sevier coach Brandi Johnson.

“Discipline. Discipline, hard work, grit, patience, accountability and determination is what got them here. The Rosie ‘We Can Do It’ mindset got them here. But most of all, our captains and seniors led them here. I watched our seniors take the reigns, motivate their teammates, and lift each other up to take the win. There’s only so much we can do as coaches, so when team leaders step in and fulfill their roles it makes all the difference! I love this team, they are truly epic.”

South Sevier’s team members are: Lainee Deaton, Aspynn Dickinson, Jane Morgan, Jersi Shumway, Madison Winegar, Morgan Child, Saige Christensen, Hope Jarnagin, Emrie Monroe, Brinnly Monroe, Allie Nielsen, Bryn Utley, Saren Bridges, Kylee Gardner, Jacey Knight, KyLinn Johnson, Rachel Child, Shaylee Gleave, Layla Jenkins, Gracie Winegar, Eva Wirick and Taya Wirick.