Baseball
Grady Slesk, Lone Peak (Sr.)
Lone Peak ran its record to 10-0 with a pair of victories last week, and one of the catalysts to that success has been the leadership of senior Grady Slesk.
Last week, he picked up the win over Layton, striking out 11 in just five innings of the 13-2 win.
For the season, he owns a 4-0 record with 32 strikeouts and one earned run allowed in 20 innings.
“Slesk is a fierce competitor with exceptional command, able to locate pitches as well as anyone around,” said Lone Peak coach Matt Bezzant. “A two-time all-state arm, he has the confidence and ability to throw any pitch in any count. His work ethic has been outstanding, and it’s a big reason he’s developed into the pitcher he is today.”
Slesk has committed to pitch for SLCC after he serves a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder Day Saints.
At the plate, Slesk is hitting .321 this season with 11 RBIs in 35 plate appearances.
Softball
Jo Norman, Salem Hills (Sr.)
After playing a big role in leading Salem Hills to a 5A runner-up finish a year ago, Jo Norman is back and dominating in the circle again this season.
The senior leads the team with an 8-0 record this spring, including a big 8-4 win over Springville last week. Norman has struck out 32 batters in her eight appearances, and also maintains a .400 batting average.
“Jo is a four-year stater and one of our captains this year. Her leadership and experience is a huge part of our success last year and this year. She also threw a perfect game against Orem this season. She is a good hitter as well and helps deepen our line. We love having her in our program,” said Salem Hills coach Kalab Stokes.
A year ago, Norman finished with a 14-4 record and 124 strikeouts and was voted a 5A second team all-stater by the coaches.
Boys Soccer
Joaquin Oberhansly, Pleasant Grove (Sr.)
Senior Joaquin Oberhansly is the midfield engine that makes everything go for the undefeated Vikings.
Oberhansly has played nearly every minute this season for Pleasant Grove, which improved to 9-0 last week with a 5-0 win over Payson and a 4-0 win over Timpview.
“He’s a two-year captain who anchors our midfield as our six and is the heartbeat of our team, dictating tempo on both sides of the ball,” said Pleasant Grove coach Chris Ecalono. “His leadership, work rate, and composure allow us to control games and play the way we want to play.”
Pleasant Grove conceded six goals in its first four games, but led by Oberhansly it has earned five straight shutouts.
Boys Volleyball
Coby Rasmussen, Manti (Sr.)
In Manti’s first season competing in boys volleyball, senior Coby Rasmussen has stepped up and played a big role in leading Manti the team in a variety of different ways, including leading the team to a 3-1 record last weekend at the Union tournament.
“His willingness to step into any position without hesitation shows his true character-selfless, dependable, and all about the team. He leads by example and brings a steady confidence that lifts those around him,” said Manti coach Mollie Ramussen.
Rasmussen ranks first in Utah currently with 269 digs, and 18th in the country. He ranks third in 3A with a .294 hitting percentage and 202 kills. His 27 aces ranks second in 3A.
He’s also a force at the defensively with 42 blocks, which ranks first in 3A and sixth in the entire state.
Boys Track
Jackson Spencer, Herriman (Sr.)
The cross country king in the United States this school year is quickly making his impact on the track.
A month into the track season, Herriman’s Jackson Spencer owns the top time in Utah in all three distance events (800, 1,600 and 3,200 meters).
Last weekend he posted a time of 1:52.24 in the 800 meters at the Taylorsville Invitational. The weekend prior at the Pine View Invitational he won the 1,600 meters (4:05.69) and 3,200 meters (8:46.04).
Spencer maintains a 3.92 GPA and is committed to run at BYU.
In addition to winning the 6A cross country championship in the fall, he also won national titles at the Broocks XC Championship and Nike Cross Nationals.
He is the defending 6A state championship in the 3,200 meters.
Girls Track
Reece Lewis, Riverton (Sr.)
As a freshman, Riverton’s Reece Lewis could barely finish a 100-meter race because of the immense pain caused by her severe scoliosis. She never wanted those limitations to define her, and now she’s a school record holder.
Lewis won the 100 and 200 meters at last weekend’s Taylorsville Invitational in addition to finish second in the 400 meters.
Her time of 24.42 in the 200 broke the school record and is tied with Snow Canyon’s Amelia Nadauld for the top time in Utah this spring.
“Reese is driven by her scoliosis, by those who told her she can’t; including, at times her own body and mind fighting back against her. She is a phenomenal athlete, person, teammate and human being who rises above all that would seek hold her down, always,” said Riverton sprints coach Brett Nelson.
Added head coach Marcus Dickson, “Reese is a tone setter for our team. She shows up, has a great attitude, works hard and elevates everyone around her. It is contagious, she even got me amped up to do some 200s with her at practice and my hamstrings were feeling it the next day.”
Her times in the 100 (12.35) and 400 (57.94) both rank in the top 10 early in Utah this spring.
Boys Lacrosse
Carson Butterfield, Skyridge (Sr.)
With 12 points in the past two games, Carson Butterfield has played a huge role in leading Skyridge to an 8-1 record to date.
He recorded a goal and six assists in a win over Maple Mountain, and then three goals and two assists in the Westlake victory.
He’s tallied 18 goals and 14 assists for the season.
“Carson Butterfield has been a steady offensive force for Skyridge throughout his three years on varsity, bringing the complete skill set of a senior attackman who impacts the game as both a scorer and a facilitator,” said Skyridge Bart Butterfield.
“A crafty left-handed playmaker with a high lacrosse IQ, Carson consistently makes the right read under pressure and creates quality opportunities for himself and his teammates. Around the crease, he is an elite inside finisher with quick hands and the ability to score from difficult angles, and he currently boasts a team-high 71% shooting percentage.”
Girls Lacrosse
Lily Henderson, West Jordan (Sr.)
One of the top point producers in 5A a year ago, Lily Henderson has raised her game to another level early this season.
The senior leads 5A with 57 points (39 goals, 28 assists) as West Jordan has jumped out to an 8-0 record near the midway point of the regular season. She’s by no means just a goal scorer producing in a variety of ways to help the Jaguars win.
“A dominant force on both sides of the ball, Lily anchors our roster with her versatility and high-level execution. By leading the team in points (67), ground balls (40), caused turnovers (30), and draw controls (71), her impressive stat line proves she is a true impact player who dictates the flow of every game,” said West Jordan coach Cliff Tomlinson.
A year ago Henderson helped lead West Jordan to an 11-8 record with 110 points (73 goals) as she was named a second team all-stater.
Boys Tennis
Ryan Jenson, Box Elder (Jr.)
Ryan Jenson has made a big impression in his third straight year competing at the first singles spot for Box Elder.
Jenson ran his record 10-2 last week with a straight sets win over Clearfield’s top player. He’s won eight straight matches since starting the season 2-2 against some tough competition.
“He’s a great teammate who’s always willing to help others improve and share his knowledge. When he competes, his focus and determination really stand out,” said Box Elder coach Austin Butterfield.
As a freshman two years ago, Jenson advanced to the 5A state tournament Round of 16 as a No. 18 seed. Last year qualified for the state tournament as the No. 10 seed and advanced to the Round of 16 once again.
With his strong play in the opening month of the season, Jenson looks like a lock to earn a top 10 seed for this year’s state tournament.
Girls Golf
Stratton Durrant, Bingham (Jr.)
In the opening Region 2 golf tournament of the season last week, Bingham’s Stratton Durrant established herself as the golf to beat in the region.
The junior shot a 75 at The Ridge Golf Course, no coincidence according to Bingham coach Brett Boberg who praised her strong work ethic.
“Stratton absolutely loves the game of golf. She always wants to play or practice, it doesn’t matter the weather, the course, who she’s playing with, she literally cannot get enough of the game,” said Boberg. “After a grueling 18 hole tournament, most players just want to get away from the game and the course, but you’ll usually find Stratton on the practice green.”
A year ago as a sophomore, Durrant finished in sixth place in the final Region 2 standings with a stroke average of 79.88, and then placed 12th at the 6A state tournament with a two-day 155.
With her strong start to the season, a top 10 finish at state is certainly within reach.