Baseball
Braxton Pickett, Gunnison Valley (Sr.)
Gunnison Valley’s Braxton Pickett has made a quick, successful transition from the hardcourt to the diamond this spring.
The senior pitcher/utility player has played a big role in leading the Bulldogs’ baseball team to a 9-1 record just a few weeks removed from a strong basketball season in which he was named a second team all-stater.
“Braxton has had a great career for us as a four-year starter. The impressive part of his game is that he’s continually progressed each year and has now been named a team captain. His hot start to the season has helped us to our best start as a regime and we look forward to seeing what this team can do as the year progresses,” said Gunnison Valley coach Chad Avery.
Pickett, who’s committed to Utah Tech baseball, went 6 for 7 at the plate last week with a double, a triple, a home run and nine RBIs. He also pitched a five-inning no-hitter with eight strikeouts in a win over Grand.
For the season, he’s batting .481 with a 1.361 OPS. He’s recorded a team-leading 14 RBIs and 12 stolen bases, and is 3-0 on the mound with 28 strikeouts and a 0.50 ERA.
Softball
Kaecee Johnson, North Sanpete (So.)
Thanks in large part to a sophomore with maturity beyond her years, North Sanpete is still perfect this season.
Kaecee Johnson is 8-0 in the circle this season for the 9-0 Hawks, as she’s struck out 73 while maintaining a 1.79 ERA.
At the plate, she’s batting .536 with four home runs and a team-leading 22 RBIs.
“Kaecee is a special player whom I am lucky to coach. As only a sophomore, she is not only one of our best players, but she is also one of our main leaders,” said North Sanpete coach Landon Bailey. “She has the ability to win games with her hitting or with her dominant pitching. She works extremely hard, and her love of softball is contagious. I am excited to see what she accomplishes, not only this season, but throughout her softball career.”
In wins last week over Carbon and Timpanogos, she struck out 23 total batters while driving in six runs.
Boys Soccer
Jace Rodriguez, Ogden (Sr.)
Jace Rodriguez is off to a torrid pace for Ogden this season.
The senior striker has racked up 17 goals in eight games, which includes hat tricks against Bear River, Providence Hall and Delta. He’s also added eight assists.
A year ago, Rodriguez tallied 23 goals and seven assists and was voted a 3A first team all-stater for the second straight year.
“Senior captain Jace Rodriguez continues to set the standard both on and off the pitch. While his academic dedication and leadership inspire his teammates daily, his recent performance has been truly elite,” said Ogden coach Todd Scott. “Beyond his scoring, Jace leads the state in both goals and assists (8), showcasing an unselfish style of play. We remain incredibly impressed by his relentless work ethic and drive to improve every week.”
Boys Volleyball
Robert McAdams, Highland (Sr.)
One of the biggest catalysts to Highland’s undefeated start to the season is senior Robert McAdams. Whether he’s playing in the middle or on the outside, McAdams is a force and is averaging 36 kills and eight blocks a match for the 8-0 Rams.
His coach, Lance Cooper, said McAdams also is passing at a high percentage, which is paying big dividends for the team as well.
“Robert has been with the program since the beginning. He made the decision not to play baseball and gave volleyball a try his sophomore year. After that following season, he made the commitment to play in the offseason with several clubs and has established himself as one of the top players in Utah,” said Coach Cooper. “He is one of our team captains and has shown tremendous leadership on the court. Robert has the ability to play every position on the court and (is) willing to play whatever position that will help our team. He has been a great example for not only Highland, but for the sport of volleyball.”
Boys Track
Davis DeGroot, Bonneville (Sr.)
Bonneville’s Davis Degroot stole the show at the Pine View Invite last weekend in St. George.
The senior University of Kentucky commit shattered the 400-meter state record, winning with a phenomenal time of 45.46, eclipsing the old record by .59 seconds.
It was one of four event wins at the meet for DeGroot, who also won the 100 and 200 meters as well as the long jump.
DeGroot is no stranger to sweeping all four events, something he did last May during the 5A state championships at BYU.
DeGroot now owns two overall state records in Utah. He’s currently the long jump state record holder, having jumped 24’01.25 last season. At the Pine View Invite, he jumped 25’05.25.
Girls Track
Kiera Sam Fong, Pine View (Sr.)
Pine View shot putter Kiera Sam Fong recorded the longest put in Utah in 23 years last weekend at the Pine View Invitational, and came oh-so close to the best throw ever.
Davis’ Kelli Burton owns the state-record mark of 49’06 that she set back in 2002, and Sam Fong tossed it 49’04.25 on Saturday. After coming up less than two inches shy of breaking the third-oldest record in the girls track & field record books, Sam Fong still has two more months to try and eclipse the mark.
Sam Fong also won the discus at the Pine View Invite.
“Kiera is an exceptional teammate. She cares about everyone on our team and is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team and each individual reach our goals,” said Pine View coach David Holt.
Sam Fong showed that determination and willingness to do whatever the team needed at last year’s 4A state meet as she stepped out of her comfort zone and competed in the javelin and placed fifth. She also won the shot put and placed third in the discus, earning valuable points that led the Panthers to the title.
Boys Lacrosse
Oscar Keegan, East (So.)
Oscar Keegan has been on a tear early this season for the East Leopards.
The sophomore has notched 26 goals, 11 assists and 13 ground balls, playing a big role in leading his team to a 5-1 record this season.
The 37 points have already surpassed the 33 he tallied in a strong freshman season a year ago.
“He works hard in all phases of the game, both riding hard and taking a wing on the face-off. He is a complete player and a great teammate,” said East coach Charlie Freedman.
His best game so far this season was a 10-point outing (five goals, five assists) in the opening week of the season in a win over Snow Canyon.
Keegan is a two-sport star for East High, and was recently named a Deseret News third team all-stater for basketball.
Girls Lacrosse
Taylor Sulz, Pleasant Grove (Sr.)
Pleasant Grove senior Taylor Sulz has been one of the catalysts to the Vikings’ strong start to the 2026 preseason.
The midfielder leads the team in numerous statistical categories, and she’s a big reason the Vikings have jumped out to a 4-2 record. The team’s two losses have both come against 6A teams.
“Sulz comes from a family of elite players, but has carved out her own identity through a relentless and physical style of play. She’s constantly around the ball and if you’re watching closely, following Sulz usually means you’re following the ball,” said Pleasant Grove assistant coach Brendan Smith.
“Her game is built on versatility and toughness. An elite scorer who’s ambidextrous and can score from anywhere. If a possession breaks down, she creates her own shot. She distributes like a true quarterback. On the other end, she embraces contact and consistently changes the game.”
In six games, Sulz has tallied 20 goals, three assists, 23 ground balls and 22 caused turnovers.
She’s delivered in big moments, and recently achieved 100 career goals. She’s also a positive influence who sets a great standard for the team.
Boys Tennis
Drew Bergeson, Woods Cross (Jr.)
A second singles runner-up each of the past two seasons, Woods Cross’ Drew Bergeson is no stranger to competing in high-pressure situations, and it’s paying off so far this season.
The junior owns a 7-1 record in first singles matches for the Wildcats, including wins over Skyline and Farmington last weekend. His lone loss came in the St. George Invitational in the first week of the season to Lone Peak.
“Drew is a natural athlete and what sets him apart from the others is his discipline and commitment to the game of tennis. He has not only developed into an amazing player, but as a captain of the Woods Cross team, he is a great example and leader,” said Woods Cross coach James Romera.
A year ago as a sophomore, Bergeson was seeded second in the 5A second singles bracket at the state tournament and marched all the way to the final, losing 6-3, 6-2. He’s hoping to make a big jump this season competing in first singles.
Girls Golf
Kaylee Westfall, Orem (Sr.)
Orem senior Kaylee Westfall has picked up right where she left off last season.
The reigning 4A medalist leads the Region 8 standings early this season, as last week she won a Region 8 match at Dixie Red Hills Golf Course in St. George with a 75. She’s averaging a 78 in Region 8 matches so far this season.
A year ago at the 4A state meet, Westfall shot a 6-under 136, the only golfer to shoot under par at the Southgate Golf Course as she won the individual state title.
Westfall has signed to compete collegiately at UVU after she wraps up her senior season this spring.