Boys Basketball

Cash Mortensen, Kanab (Sr.)

Kanab is off to a perfect 5-0 start in Region 18 play this season, and senior Cash Mortensen has been one of the catalysts.

Mortensen leads the Cowboys in scoring averaging 14.2 points, which includes scoring a new season-high 28 points in last Saturday’s 91-60 win over Bryce Valley.

“I love coaching Cash and watching him play the game he loves. He’s an exceptional athlete and a great kid, both on and off the court. Whenever we need a defensive stop, a precise pass, or a basket, he’s always ready to contribute. I’m excited to see where his skills and potential take him in the future,” said Kanab coach Jerron Glazier.

In addition to leading Kanab in scoring, Mortensen is also averaging 4.1 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.9 steals.

He’s a returning first team 2A all-stater from last season.


Girls Basketball

Abigail Christensen, Fremont (So.)

A year after leading Fremont in scoring as a freshman, Abigail Christensen has made tremendous strides as a sophomore and is a big reason why the Wolves are 13-1 this season.

She leads Fremont in scoring averaging 13.9 points to go along with her 3.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals.

“What makes Abby special is her all-around game. Her ability to lock down opponents on defense, regardless of position, is a game-changer for us. Her versatility and basketball IQ set her apart,” said Fremont coach Lisa Dalebout. “She’s not just a great player, she’s a leader on and off the court, always pushing her teammates to improve.”

Last week in Fremont’s impressive 54-29 win over Davis, the 6-foot-2 Christensen scored 16 points and also knocked down three 3-pointers. She’s scored in double figures in every game but one this season.

Boys Swimming

Alex Skorut, Hillcrest (Jr.)

In each of his first two seasons at Hillcrest, Alex Skorut made huge strides in the pool, and the junior has his eyes on an even bigger jump this season. As the season heads into the final month, Skorut owns the fastest 100 backstroke time in 4A as he looks to improve upon his fifth-place finish from a year ago.

Skorut contributes in several other strokes for the Huskies, but the backstroke is definitely his specialty.

“Alex is an invaluable member of Hillcrest swimming. He is not only deeply committed to his own personal success, but also to the success of his team. He puts in many hours of work outside of our regular practice schedule and offers his help and expertise to his teammates whenever it can be helpful,” said Hillcrest coach Elizabeth Drake. “He individually qualified for the state meet his freshman year and has continued to do so each season in several events.”

Skorut’s 4A-best time of 54.23 came at the Red Rock High School Invite last weekend. His top time a year ago was 55.40.

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Girls Swimming

Chesney Bonner, Desert Hills (Jr.)

Chesney Bonner can truly do it all in the pool for Desert Hills.

As the season heads into its home stretch, the junior owns a top four time in 4A in seven different individual events, including the best time in the 100 butterfly and five other second-best times.

“Chesney is one of those rare athletes that not only excels at every event she competes in, but is also a great example of sportsmanship and leadership,” said Desert Hills coach Tammy Reavis.

Bonner is the defending 4A state champ in the 100 fly this season, having won the state title with a time of 57.87.

So far this season, she owns 4A’s best 100 fly as she swam a 58.36 in the first meet of the season.

Particularly impressive is the fact that Bonner owns the second-best time in 4A this season in both the 50 and 500 freestyles.

Whatever events she ends up swimming at state next month she’ll be a threat to finish top of the podium.


Boys Wrestling

Kaydon Williams, Corner Canyon (Sr.)

Kaydon Williams continued his winning ways at the Redhawks Rumble last weekend.

The senior went 4-0 in the 285-pound bracket en route to the individual title, his second tournament title this season.

“Kaydon is having a great season. Kaydon wrestles hard and is an incredible competitor,” said Corner Canyon coach Jeff Eure.

Williams beat teammate Nathan Holladay in the final 18-3 to improve to 29-3 on the season.

Earlier in the week, Williams beat South Summit’s Trayvn Boger 2-1 in a thrilling match that went into triple overtime.

Williams will be looking to defend his 6A state title next month at the 6A state meet.


Girls Wrestling

Nia Hagler, Snow Canyon (Jr.)

Snow Canyon junior Nia Hagler improved to 28-1 over the weekend with another dominant tournament showing.

She won all five of her matches in the 135-pound bracket at the Rockwell Rumble with a first-period fall, including a fall in just 58 seconds against West Wendover’s Madison Rivera in the final.

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Earlier in the week last week, she also won her match at the Ross Brunson Utah All-Star Dual.

The Rockwell Rumble title was her sixth of the season.

Hagler is a 4A defending state champion, and her only loss of the season came in the semifinals of the Christmas Clash against Gia Good of Meridian, Idaho.

“Nia Hagler is having a near undefeated season after a great nationals run over the summer and then foot surgery proceeding that. Nia has managed to become an athlete that excels because she has an absolutely undefeatable mindset. When she comes in for practices, she works herself tirelessly,” said Snow Canyon coach Trent Wilson. “When she goes home at the end of the day, she gears her life towards what will help her succeed. She puts her goals first always and makes sure that she gives everything that she has to give and more. That paired with extreme natural talent has allowed this girl to become one of the best female athletes in this country at her level. Not just in her sport.”

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