Baseball
Walker Baird, Kanab (Jr.)
Whether on the mound or in the batter’s box, Kanab junior Walker Baird has played a key role all season for the Cowboys, who head into the final week of the season this week with their eyes on a 2A state championship.
Baird owns an 8-1 record on the mounds with 86 strikeouts and a .151 opponents batting average.
At the plates, he’s batting .379 with seven doubles, 25 hits, 19 RBIs and a .528 on-base percentage.
“What makes Walker Baird a key member of our team is his leadership on and off the field. Walker is always working on how he can be better on the mound and also in the box. Walker is always locked in anytime he steps foot on the field,” said Kanab coach Craig Brinkerhoff.
No. 2 seed Kanab resumes state tournament action this Thursday at BYU against No. 3 seed Gunnison Valley.
Softball
Aleya Wegner, Taylorsville (Sr.)
Taylorsville is in the thick of the Region 4 championship race heading into the final week of the regular season, and the steady play of senior Aleya Wegner has been a big reason why.
At the plate, the senior is hitting .426 and in the circle she’s racked up 115 strikeouts. For her career, she recently went over 450 career strikeouts for the Warriors.
“Aleya has been a force on the mound and amazing teammate. She shut down two strong 6A teams this season,” said Taylorsville coach Kjera Miranda.
One of her best performances of the season came against 6A power Herriman as she struck out six in the victory.
Wegner has signed to play softball collegiately at USU Eastern.
Boys Soccer
Cooper Harward, Davis (Jr.)
Cooper Harward hasn’t skipped a beat in his transition from the back to the front for Davis soccer this year.
A traditional outside back, he’s played higher up the field in an attacking position this season and been phenomenal with a team-leading 12 goals and nine assists.
“Cooper is a special player who balances technical ability and creativity with exceptional athleticism and work rate. He is a natural leader who consistently elevates those around him. His love for the game and competitive nature have significantly raised the bar for our entire team,” said Davis coach Dillon Richens.
Davis finished the regular season with a 14-2 record and a perfect 8-0 record in region play. The Darts will head into the 6A state tournament next week in the midst of a 12-game winning streak.
Boys Volleyball
Aiden Holbrook, Ogden (Sr.)
Top seed Ogden will be the team to beat in the 3A state tournament this week, and just as he’s been all season, senior libero Aiden Holbrook will be one of the keys to the Tigers’ success.
In helping Ogden rack up a 19-6 record this season, Holbrook has racked up 301 digs, 51 assists and 35 aces.
“Aiden is a part of the solid foundation of our team. His drive and competitive nature help push the team to do their best not only on game day, but during practice as well. Aiden is one of our captains and has done a great job becoming a leader for the team,” said Ogden coach Tim Wright.
In Ogden’s final regular season win last week against Logan, he recorded 14 digs and four assists in the 3-0 sweep.
Boys Track
Matthew Bryant, Lone Peak (Sr.)
Matthew Bryant looked right at home at his future home track last week at the BYU Invite.
The Lone Peak senior, and BYU commit, won the discus with a throw of 186’06.25 at the BYU Invite, and then finished second in the shot put with a toss of 62’05.25.
“Matthew is a great leader not just because he throws far and is very coachable but because he’s always willing to help his younger teammates to improve,” said Lone Peak assistant track coach Dan Bryant.
Matt Bryant has won the 6A discus state title each of the past two years, and will be going for a 3-peat at the state meet in two weeks. He’s also the defense state champion in the shot put.
Girls Track
Amelia Nadauld, Snow Canyon (Sr.)
Running and hurdling sensation Amelia Nadauld enjoyed another dominant performance at the BYU Invitational last week.
A year ago as a junior she won three events at the BYU Invite, but this past weekend the Snow Canyon senior won four events (100 and 200 meters, 100 and 300 hurdles) for the Warriors and set a new overall state record in the process as well.
Nadauld won the 300 hurdles with a blistering time of 40.36, which broke her own state record of 41.05 which the BYU commit set earlier this season.
“Amelia steps to the line and executes with confidence, composure and trust in the process,” said Snow Canyon girls coach James Thompson.
Echoed coach Justin Redfearn, “I couldn’t agree more. She is absolutely amazing. It has been such an honor to work with such a humble, fun loving athlete who understands when it is time to have fun and a time to perform.”
Boys Lacrosse
Josh Vashaw, Farmington (Sr.)
Senior Josh Vashaw’s value to his team goes far beyond the state sheet according to coach Scott Beynon.
“As a team captain, Josh is a leader in every sense of the word and the backbone of our team. He leads in the locker room and on the field, setting the tone with his work ethic, focus, and consistency. In big moments, when the game is on the line, his teammates naturally look to him, and time and again, he rises to the occasion,” said Beynon.
Led by Vashaw, the 12-2 Phoenix have already clinched the Region 1 title with a 6-0 region record and two region games remaining.
For the season, the middie has tallied 22 goals, 35 ground balls and eight caused turnovers.
“Josh has a unique ability to lift those around him. He makes his teammates better through his encouragement, accountability, and the example he sets every day. He has played alongside many of these teammates for years, building trust and chemistry that show up whenever they step on the field together,” added Beynon.
Girls Lacrosse
Jeanine Webb, Bear River (So.)
Led by sophomore sensation Jeanine Webb, Bear River will look to put the finishing touches on a perfect regular season this week.
Webb leads the state with 126 points this season (59 goals and 67 assists) to go along with 104 draw attempts with 90 wins. She’s also collective 30 ground balls.
“Jeanine Webb helps in almost every part of the game. But what stands out most is her team-first attitude. She is always looking to help her teammates and keep the offense working together, instead of focusing on herself,” said Bear River coach Jeremy Webb.
Webb was a 4A first team all-stater last year and she’ll try and help the Bears capture a fifth straight 4A state championship when the playoffs get underway next week.
Boys Tennis
Adam Miner, Crimson Cliffs (Sr.)
Defending 4A first singles state champ Adam Miner will be chasing his repeat this week
The Crimson Cliffs senior earned the top seed in this week’s 4A state tournament at Liberty Park in his quest to repeat as a first singles champ. He’ll also be going for a fourth individual state title, as he won the 4A second singles state title as a freshman and sophomore.
“We are really lucky to have Adam as part of the herd at Crimson. In my time coaching here, Adam really stands out for both his ability and his potential. He has proven himself as one of the top players in the state but is still climbing and that’s what makes him so exciting,” said Crimson Cliffs coach Jason Anderson.
Girls Golf
Avery Rasmussen, Union (Jr.)
Fresh off of capturing the Region 13 championship, Union junior Avery Rasmussen has her sights set on the 3A state tournament this week.
A year ago at the state tournament she finished just outside the top 20, but her 87.2 scoring average this season led Region 13 and ranked seventh in 3A.
The two-day 3A state tournaments takes place at Stansbury Park Golf Course this Wednesday and Thursday.
“Avery is truly dedicated and resilient on the golf course. She is committed to constantly working on her swing and is always focused on improvement,” said Union coach Rowdy Cloward. “Even when faced with challenges or tough shots, she remains headstrong and determined, showing just how mentally tough she can be. We’re excited to see how far she can go and are very grateful for the opportunity to coach her.”