Boys Basketball
Noa Gonsalves, Lehi (Jr.)
Lehi was projected to finish fifth in Region 7 at the start of the season, but the consistent play of Noa Gonsalves led the Pioneers to the surprising region title with a two-game cushion.
Last week in the clinching 69-52 win over Timpanogos, Gonsalves recorded 15 points and eight rebounds.
“Noa is such an amazing young man. Since the day he walked into our gym, he’s shown a true commitment to being the best teammate and player he can be,” said Lehi coach Sean Yeager. “Extremely unselfish on and off the court, Noa doesn’t worry about getting praise and credit. He just wants to win and do so with humility and great sportsmanship. This comes from his loving family and strong upbringing.”
For the season, Gonsalves is averaging 20.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists.
Girls Basketball
Valerie Kunzler, Farmington (Jr.)
A year ago Valerie Kunzler was voted a Deseret News third-team all-stater based primarily on her scoring ability, but coach Van Price said this year she’s evolved into a much better all-around player, adding, “You would not believe that she is the same player.”
Kunzler finished the regular season averaging 12.7 points in leading the Phoenix to an undefeated regular season, but it’s all the other things she’s done that’s made her such a critical player.
“Last year she was a very good shooter but if she didn’t shoot well, then it was hard to justify keeping her in the game because she didn’t do the other things needed to win,” said Price. “This year has been a complete turnaround for her. She is still our leading scorer and best shooter, but what makes her different this year is that she is also one of our best defenders. She is leading the team in steals, is second in assists, gets in and rebounds and will get on the ground for loose balls.”
She is averaging 2.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.3 steals heading into the 5A playoffs beginning this week.
Wrestling
Cade Bowring, Juab (Sr.)
Capped an outstanding season and career with his 50th win of the season at last weekend’s 3A state championships at UVU.
After winning his first two matches by fall, Bowring won his semifinal with a 16-2 major decision and then won his 152-pound championship match 10-4 to claim his third straight individual title.
“First round we wanted to be 4-1 assuming I get a takedown, I can cut him and get another one and then ride him out the rest of the round,” said Bowring about the approach in his championship match. “He’s really strong, he likes cradles, try to stay away from those, especially on bottom. Everything went as planned.”
Things went according to plan pretty much all season as Bowring finished with a 50-2 individual record and helped lead the Wasps to a fourth-straight team title.
“He is the best 152-pound wrestler in the state and proved it all year. Cade is a two-year captain who epitomizes coachability, competitiveness and respect. He is the definition of leadership by example,” said Juab coach Joel Holman.
Boys Swimming
Ryan Garstang, Olympus (Sr.)
Was instrumental in leading Olympus to its first swimming state championship in school history at the 5A state meet last week.
Garstang won the 200 individual medley and 100 backstroke, and he also swam a leg in Olympus’ winning relay teams in the 200 medley relay and 400 free relay.
“Ryan’s positive impact on the team goes far beyond his swimming. As a team leader, Ryan has been instrumental in creating a great team dynamic. He will leave behind a team with great habits geared for success,” said Olympus coach Tom Thorum.
Garstang’s individual medley time of 1:53.09 is the second-fastest in the state this year, and his 100 back time of 48.71 is also the second-fastest.
Girls Swimming
Rivers Johnson, Corner Canyon (Sr.)
Had a phenomenal state meet to wrap up her high school career last week.
Johnson won both the 100 backstroke and 100 butterfly and then swam a leg in Corner Canyon’s first-place 200 medley relay team.
“Rivers is the kindest competitor and fiercest critic. She loves seeing others succeed, while never accepting her times as good enough and using that as motivation to always stay driven to be better,” said Corner Canyon coach Patrick Thurman.
Johnson’s time of 56.10 in the 100 back was the second-best time in Utah this season, while her time of 57.42 in the 100 fly was also the second-best mark in the state.
Her contributions helped lead Corner Canyon to a third-place finish in 6A, and she was named the 6A swimmer of the meet.