Boys Basketball
Jude Haigh, Green Canyon (Sr.)
Green Canyon is one of just six undefeated teams remaining in the state this year, and 6-foot-7 guard Jude Haigh is a big reason why.
Haigh is averaging 22.3 points and 6.0 rebounds this season. Last week he led the Wolves to wins over Stansbury and Box Elder as the team improved to 9-0.
“Jude is the type of player that makes everyone around him better. Not only is he a great scorer and rebounder, but he also sees the floor really well and shares the basketball. He understands the game at a high level,” said Green Canyon coach Logan Brown.
Last month in a 78-67 win over Mountain Ridge, he set new school records with nine 3-pointers and 41 points. He’s signed to play at the College of Holy Cross in Massachusetts
“He gets extra shots up every day, either before or after practice. Jude is a great player and even better person to be around. His teammates, classmates and teachers love him because he is so kind to everyone,” said Brown.
Girls Basketball
Kyah Bahr, Payson (Sr.)
Kyah Bahr’s versatility has played a bit part in Payson’s 4-0 starter to the season.
The 5-foot-11 senior is averaging 6.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 3.8 steals. Last season Bahr set a school record with 105 assists.
“Kyah is our five-tool player, she can play any position. She usually leads the team in assist and is an elite passer. She also will guard the opposing team’s best player. She’s not afraid to take a charge and is a true team leader,” said Payson coach Chad Bahr.
Last week in Payson’s 53-42 win over Cedar, she stuffed the stat sheet with two points, four rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks.
“She’s willing to sacrifice her own shot to get her teammate a better look. She is also a 4.0 student and excels at helping younger players in learning our fun offenses. She is peer-tutor for handicapped kids at our school and she volunteers at a bible camp in the summer,” said Bahr.
Boys Swimming
Abe Astle, Olympus (Sr.)
Abe Astle, the reigning Deseret News Mr. Swimming recipient, has seemingly picked up right where he left off this season.
The senior ranks in the top 10 in the entire state in all seven individual events, including owning the best time in the 200 individual medley and the 200 freestyle. He ranks second in the 50 free, 100 free and 100 breaststroke.
A year ago, Astle helped lead Olympus to the 5A team title as he finished first at state in the 200 I.M. and the 100 free.
The BYU signee is the state record holder in both the 50 free (20.48) and 100 free (44.73).
Girls Swimming
Taylor Bennett, Lone Peak (Sr.)
Taylor Bennett has been great for Lone Peak since her freshman year, and this year the BYU commit is excited to go out with a bang during her last high school season this winter.
Through the first month of the 2024-25 season, Bennett owns the fastest time in both the 50 and 200 freestyles and the second fastest in the 100 free.
“Taylor has raised her commitment and discipline in her training this year. It has shown in her events versatility, times posted, and dedication to the sport. We are excited as a coaching staff to see her continue to swim fast,” said Lone Peak coach Celeste Tiffany. She also ranks in the top 10 in the 200 individual medley, 100 butterfly, 500 free and 100 breaststroke.
Each of the past three years Bennett has won the 6A individual medley state title, and she’ll look to make it four straight this February.
Boys Wrestling
John Leber, Monticello (So.)
John Leber enjoyed a perfect 8-0 record at the Dave Smith Duals last weekend at Carbon High School to lead the Buckaroos to a first-place finish. He beat wrestlers from Carbon, Emery, Maple Mountain and a others on his way to the undefeated record.
“John is off to a great start this season. He is currently 18-0 for the Buckaroos and has earned bonus points in all but 2 matches. He had a great weekend at the Dave Smith Memorial Duals going 8-0,” said Monticello coach Krieg Adair about his 132-pound wrestler.
“Something that makes John successful is his belief that he can score from any position, as well as his belief that he is never out of any match, regardless of remaining time or score. John has been integral to the success of our team,” said Adair.
Last season, as a freshman, Leber finished second at state at 120 pounds losing to a senior from Wayne.
Girls Wrestling
Daniela Martinez, Stansbury (Sr.)
Daniela Martinez is a busy high school student, but she finds a way to excel in whatever she does.
Not only is she a key contributor to Stansbury wrestling team, but she’s also a Sterling Scholar at Stansbury in the Computer Technology category.
“Daniela is a coach’s dream, as she is a Sterling Scholar, state placer last year, and holds down a job to boot. She is one of many girls instrumental in Stansbury’s girls wrestling team success this year due to their ability to lead and outwork others when nobody is looking,” said Stansbury coach Casey Allie.
Last season, Martinez finished fifth at the 4A state tournament at 130 pounds, ending the year with a 27-12 record.
So far this season she is 10-4 and is coming off a first-place finish in the 130-pound bracket at the Weber Warriors Women’s Tournament.