D4 > SPORTS TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 2012 D4 > SPORTS TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 2012

THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE

4A M KARLEE KARTCHNER 4A MVP KARLEE KARTCHNER, M O UN T A I N C R E S T N CREST

5 A M V P B R IIT T N E Y M A R T I N , S Y R A C U S E 5A M BR TTNEY MARTI SYRACUSE

strength Martin had uncompromising strength

By KYLE By KYLE GOON
The Salt Lake Tribune The Salt Lake Tribune

CHRIS DETRICK The Salt LakeTribune CHRIS DETRICK |I The Salt Lake Tribune

Mountain Crest's Karlee Kartchner had 19 double-doubles this Mountain Crests Karlee Kartchner had 19 double-doubles this year. She had 25 points and 22 rebounds in the semifinal year. She had 25 points and 22 rebounds in the seminal game.

surprised, Kartchner surprised, court dominated on court

By KYLE GOON By KYLE GOON
The Salt Lake Tribune The Salt Lake Tribune

In September, first-year In September, first-year coach Candace Thornton coach Candace Thornton got a call from the Mountain got a call from the Mountain Crest administration about Crest administration about Karlee Kartchner. Karlee Kartchner. The senior forward was The senior forward was in the gym practicing after in the gym practicing after hours but she wasn't alhours but she wasnt allowed to there. lowed to be there. "It during one of the It was during one of the times aren't allowed times when we arent allowed to coach," Thornton said. "I to coach, Thornton said. I think letthink they thought I was letting Karlee ting Karlee in, but she was going on her own. I actually had ing on her own. I actually had to kick her out the gym." to kick her out of the gym. Kartchner 4A Kartchner came at the 4A field a tornado this seafield like a tornado this season, leading the classificason, leading the classification in scoring and reboundtion in scoring and rebounding this year after being ing this year after being somewhat obscured othsomewhat obscured by other great Mountain Crest player great Mountain Crest players as an underclassman. She ers as an underclassman. She was a double-double machine, a double-double machine, getting 19 this season. getting 19 this season. Thornton After games, Thornton heard the same thing from heard the same thing from opposing coaches: "Where opposing coaches: Where did 13 come from?" did No. 13 come from? "Last I was more a Last year, I was more a

defensive different-style defensive different-style player," Kartchner said. "This er, Kartchner said. This I knew I had to step up year, I knew I had to step up and for and be more of a scorer for my team." my team. Kartchner a knack Kartchner had a knack for stepping up in games, for stepping up in big games, most memorably matching most memorably matching Makenzi Morrison point-forMakenzi Morrison point-forpoint and nishing with 30 in and finishing in a win over Alta. a win over Alta. "It got to the point where It got to the point where they put Morrison on Karthey put Morrison on Karlee, trying to figure out a lee, trying to gure out a way to stop her," Thornton said. to stop her, Thornton said. "She will find a way to rise to She will nd a way to rise to the occasion." the occasion. Even in a defeat to SpringEven in a defeat to Springin the semifinals, Kartville in the seminals, Kartchner tried keep chner tried her best to keep the Mustangs alive, getting the Mustangs alive, getting 25 points and 22 rebounds. 25 points and 22 rebounds. And although the loss still although still stings, there's a bright future stings, theres a bright future ahead her at Utah ahead for her at Utah Valley University as a forward. University as a forward. It's worth wondering what Its worth wondering what it might've to have it mightve been like to have one more season with Kartone more season with Kartchner, the tornado saw chner, the tornado no one saw coming. coming. "It crazy," Thornton It was crazy, Thornton said. "I was glad I was said. I was just glad I was along the ride." along for the ride.

Syracuse coach Rob Reisstill preparing for the beck is still preparing for the he'll the day when hell walk into the gym to start a new season gym to start a new season and Brittney Martin won't and Brittney Martin wont be there. there. The ever-upbeat, ever-grinThe ever-upbeat, ever-grinning magnetic on ning forward is magnetic on the court. the court. "Even I Even in eighth grade, I see that going could see that she was going to the best players to to be one of the best players to play in Utah," he said. "It's ever play in Utah, he said. Its going to her." going to be weird without her. By the end of last summer, By the end of last summer, the 5-foot-ll the 5-foot-11 Martin was ESPN's 18 senior prospect, PNs No. 18 senior prospect, Oklahohad committed to Oklahoma and conma State and was widely considered a must-watch playsidered a must-watch playBut one thing er in the West. But one thing 2011 haunted her: losing the 2011 title to title game to Alta. "She took it upon herself She took it upon herself that everybody did they that everybody did what they were supposed to do," Reisdo, "... She just wasn't beck said. She just wasnt to denied." going to be denied. wasn't the Martin wasnt always the statistical she statistical leader, but she was the the the unquestioned heart of the Titans got their second Titans as they got their second

undefeated three undefeated season in three years and beat every oppoand every opponent by double digits. always seemed to put She always seemed to put big shot, come up with down a big shot, come up with a momentum-killing steal or a momentum-killing steal or to lead a stunning be the one to lead a stunning Opponents strugfast break. Opponents strugstop her, and teamgled to stop her, and teammates fed off her energy. energy. "I kinda tried to get my teamI kinda tried to get my teammates more involved, and make matesmoreinvolved,andmake sure insure everybody was scoring instead of just a few people," Marstead of just a few people, Martin said. I couldnt win games "I couldn't them." without them. MarBehind the scenes, Martin dealt with an unimaginadealt an unimaginaas she mourned ble loss, as she mourned Oklahoma State coaches who died a plane crash a week after in a plane crash a week after she intent. she signed her letter of intent. Reisbeck recalled that she was stayed strong devastated, but stayed strong her teammates. in front of her teammates. The Titans got their chamThe Titans got their chamMartin sepionship back. Martin selegacy in she cured a legacy in which she only five games in her lost only five games in her career. four-year varsity career. "I think she's far from done I think shes far from done with what she'll accomplish shell accomplish life not just in basketball but life in general, Reisbeck says. general," Reisbeck says. "The sky is the limit her." The sky is the limit with her.

CHRIS DETRICK I The Salt LakeTribune CHRIS DETRICK | The Salt Lake Tribune

Syracuse senior four-year Syracuse senior Brittney Martin, a four-year starter, led the Titans to two state titles in the past three years. two state titles in

Bean's speed made Beans speed made for touch matchups

By PARKER LEE
Special to The Tribune Special to The Tribune

1A M V P K A T E B E R 1 A M V P K A T IIE B E R R Y , ST. J O S E P H ST. JOSEPH

CHRIS DETRICK The Salt LakeTribune CHRIS DETRICK |I The Salt Lake Tribune

Richfield junior Megan led Class 2A in scoring at 15.9 Richeld junior Megan Bean led Class 2A in scoring at 15.9 points per helping points per game, helping the Warriors go 8-0 in Region 2.

Richfield through Richeld rolled through 2A's and Class 2As Region 2, and nobody else even had a chance. The cruised an The Wildcats cruised to an 8-0 and 8-0 region record and were 1 in 2A for most ranked No. 1 in 2A for most season. of the season. team The junior-laden team was a force to be reckoned a force to reckoned and that likely with, and that likely will case again next be the case again next year for one reason junior for junior forBean. ward Megan Bean. in Bean performed well in freshman sophoher freshman and sophoshe rose more years, but she rose to new heights as a junior, a she's The Triwhich is why shes The Tribune's 2AMVP. bunes 2A MVP. "The biggest difference The biggest difference my confithis year was my confidence," Bean "I dence, Bean said. I was much more experienced, so easier that made it easier to jell with my teammates and see more things better. I was more comfortable." comfortable. Richfield's opponents Richfields opponents anything comwere anything but comfortable to fortable when they had to against the star match up against the star in post player. Bean led 2A in scoring with 15.9 points per

2A 2 A MV P MEGAN BEAN, G N BEAN. H FIELD R I C HF I E L D

game. She was second in resecond bounds, with 7.7 per game. per Make no mistake, though mistake, though Bean doesnt just camp out doesn't in the key and hope for the and ball. She makes things hapShe makes things pen everywhere on the floor. on the oor. What impresses me the "What the most about her game is her game quickness. She is as quick as as quick most teams guards, Richteams' guards," field coach Marc Peterson Peterson said. She can get a rebound "She can rebound and run it all the way down the court for a layup on the end." other end. What's that Whats scary is that Bean another still has another year to elWith her evate her game. With her stout senior headlining a stout senior next season, Richfield class next season, Richeld state should contend for a state championship. "Every gets Every season, she gets better in every facet of the the game," Peterson "The game, Peterson said. The season just ended, but she is already asking me what she needs to do to become a better player. player."

CHRIS DETRICK The Salt LakeTribune CHRIS DETRICK |I The Salt Lake Tribune

3A MVP AMY H A R R I S S N O W CANYON 3A MVP AMY HARRIS, SNOW CANYON

Katie Berry to the 1A Katie Berry led St. Joseph to the 1A title win, scoring 31 win, 3-pointers 15 points per 3-pointers this season and averaging 15 points per game.

Berry's Berrys passion led championship team to championship

By RICH WINTER By RICH WINTER
Special to The Tribune Special to The Tribune

offered 'complete package' Harris offered the complete package

By JON CLIFFORD By JON CLIFFORD
Special to The Tribune Special to The Tribune

On 3, the St. Joseph On Feb. 3, the St. Joseph girls' basketball team got girls basketball team got crushed home loss crushed in a 58-21 home loss to Rich. Fifteen days later, to Rich. Fifteen days later, the team rode the hot hand the team rode the hot hand of senior guard Katie Berry, of senior guard Katie Berry, who scored 19 points, as St. scored points, as St. Joseph captured the Class Joseph captured the Class 1A title with a 48-34 win over 1A title with a 48-34 win over Rich. Rich. Berry the heart and Berry was the heart and soul of a team usually linked soul of a team usually linked academic excellence as with academic excellence as opposed to basketball prowopposed to basketball prowess. She averaged 15 points ess. She averaged 15 points per and Joseph per game and led St. Joseph with 31 3-pointers this year. with 31 3-pointers this year. For her efforts, Berry is The For her efforts, Berry is The Salt Lake Tribune's 1A girls' Salt Lake Tribunes 1A girls basketball MVP. basketball MVP. "Winning all still hasn't Winning it all still hasnt really sunk in," said Berry. really sunk in, said Berry. "We knew we were capable, We knew we were capable, but it's still a shock and a rebut its still a shock and a really great feeling." ally great feeling. The only child of Julie and The only child of Julie and Edward along Edward Berry, Katie, along with best friend Sam Bischoff, best friend Sam Bischoff, picked up basketball to do picked up basketball to do something away from school something away from school

that physical and that provided a physical and emotional release. emotional release. "It kind of someIt was kind of just something do at first, but the thing to do at first, but the more I played, the more I more I played, the more I loved game," she said. loved the game, she said. On h e a d n c e m e n t On tthe advvaancement through the tournament through the tournament and particularly the unlikeand particularly the unlikely win over St. Joseph ly win over Rich St. Joseph coach Joe Cravens said it coach Joe Cravens said it a matter of timing, and was a matter of timing, and the team in their the team believing in their leader. leader. "It seemed It seemed our team kind of at the right time and peaked at the right time and our confidence grew with our confidence grew with every state," said every game at state, said Cravens. "Katie was really Cravens. Katie was really wired against Rich, and her wired against Rich, and her first couple of shots barely first couple of shots barely touched the net, and I think touched the net, and I think that gave our girls some conthat gave our girls some confidence." dence. One just two players in One of just two players in St. Joseph history to reach St. Joseph history to reach 1,000 Berry trib1,000 points, Berry paid tribute to her teammates and ute to her teammates and school. school. "It was a total team effort, It was a total team effort, and it was great to see our and it was great to see our school so fired up about basschool so red up about basketball," she said. ketball, she said.

For Snow Canyon's For Snow Canyons Amy Harris, girls' Harris, the 2011-12 girls basseason started ketball season started with a game she can't remember game she cant remember and finished with a game and finished with a game she'll never forget. shell never forget. for her efforts, she And, for her efforts, she The Salt Lake Triearned The Salt Lake Tribune's Class 3A MVP award. bunes Class 3A MVP award. The guard suffered The junior guard suffered a concussion in final seca concussion in the nal secof a loss to Juan Diego onds of a loss to Juan Diego on Dec. 1 that sent her to the 1 that sent her to the hospital and sidelined her for hospital and sidelined her for four games. four games. "I don't remember anyI dont remember anything from that day," Harris thing from that day, Harris said. "Me and the [defendsaid. Me and the [defender] hit heads, I hit my head er] hit heads, I hit my head on the ground, got whiplash on the ground, got whiplash and a concussion. and a concussion. "It h u r t much to It hurt me so much to have to watch during practo watch during practice and to get tice and not be able to get during the out there during the games. I just wanted to get back out I just wanted to get back out there." there. Once cleared she Once cleared to play, she led the Warriors to a 19-5 led the Warriors to a 19-5 record and capped it with a record and capped it with a standout performance in a standout performance in a state title-clinching victostate title-clinching victory last month. It was Snow ry last month. It was Snow

Canyon's second girls' title Canyons second girls title and first and the rst since 1998. "I threw the into the I threw the ball into the air, and were running air, and we were running around each otharound hugging each other," said Harris, who averer, said Harris, who averaged team in points aged team highs in points (16), rebounds (7) and steals (16), rebounds (7) and steals (4). "It was so exciting. It was (4). It was so exciting. It was huge for us because I think huge for us because I think we wanted it more than any we wanted it more than any team out there." team out there. In championship In the championship game victory against Desert Hills, victory against Desert Hills, Harris scored 11 of the WarHarris scored 11 of the Warriors' final 12 points and riors final 12 points and made 5 of 6 free throws in made 5 of 6 free throws in the final minute. the nal minute. Snow Canyon coach Snow Canyon coach Wade Jensen, who has known HarJensen, who has known Harris since she was in third ris since she was in third grade, said Harris has algrade, said Harris has always possessed the drive to ways possessed the drive to be the best. be the best. "She's a gym rat, and she Shes a gym rat, and she spends a lot of time working spends a lot of time working game," Jensen said. on her game, Jensen said. "She's constantly Shes constantly working on her game, and she loves basher game, and she loves basketball. ketball. "We knew how good she We knew how good she was going to be and what she was going to be and what she is capable of, but I felt like is capable of, but I felt like this year we saw the comthis year we saw the complete package that Amy Harplete package that Amy Harris had to offer." ris had to offer.

CHRIS DETRICK I The Salt LakeTribune CHRIS DETRICK | The Salt Lake Tribune

Snow Canyon junior Amy Harris averaged team highs in Snow Canyon junior Amy Harris averaged team highs in points, rebounds and steals for the Warriors. points, rebounds and steals for the Warriors.

M W W W ..S L T R I B . C O M WW SLTR

TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 2 0 1 2 S P O R T S < D5 T U E S D A Y , M A R C H 20, 2012 SPORTS < D 5

CLASS 5A CLASS 5A F TEAM F I RS T T E A M

CLASS 4A CLASS 4A TEAM FIR S T TEAM

CLASS 3A CLASS 3A TEAM FIRST TEAM

CLASS 2A CLASS 2A F IR S T T E A M RST TE

CLASS 1A CLASS 1A F IR S T T E A M RST TE

MVP Brittney M a r t i n MVP Brittney Martin Forward Forward Senior, Syracuse Senior, Syracuse

MVP Karlee Kartchner MVP Karlee Kartchner Forward Forward Senior, Mountain Senior, Mountain Crest

MVP Amy Harris MVP Amy Harris Guard Guard Snow Junior, Snow Canyon

Megan Bean MVP Megan Bean Center Center Richfield Junior, Richeld

Katie Berry MVP Katie Berry Guard Guard Senior, St. Joseph

Guard Guard Makenzi Makenzi Morrison, Morrison, Sr. Alta Alta

Guard Guard Dezz Ramos, Dezz Ramos, Sr., Hunter Sr., Hunter

Guard Guard Mercedes Mercedes Riggs, Riggs, Sr., Timpanogos Timpanogos

Guard Guard Shannon Shannon Jensen, Jensen, Sr., Westlake

Guard Kailie Kailie Quinn, Soph., Soph., Memorial Judge Memorial

Guard Kobe Kobe Farrer, Sr., Juab

Guard Kelsey Barney, Sr., North North Sevier

Guard Keri Brunson, Millard Sr., Millard

Guard Katie Panushka, Panushka, Jr., St. Joseph

Guard Megan Hatt, Megan Hatt, Sr., Green River

Guard Guard Cassidy Cassidy Fraughton, Fraughton, Jr., American Fork American Fork

Guard Guard Erica Erica Olpin, Sr., Weber

Guard Guard Natalie Natalie Parsons, Parsons, Sr., Woods Cross

Guard Guard Emily Moore, Emily Moore, Sr., Sr., Mountain Mountain Crest

Guard Miranda Miranda Averett, Sr., Carbon

Guard Rashel Rashel Blazzard, Blazzard, Soph., Morgan Soph., Morgan

Guard Taylor Phelps, Enterprise Jr., Enterprise

Guard Kaytee Glover, Kaytee Glover, Sr., Kanab

Guard Tristin Bowers, Sr., Rich

Guard Kierra Gleave, Soph., Piute

Forward Forward Makenlee Makenlee Williams, Sr., Syracuse Syracuse

Forward Forward Micaelee Micaelee Orton, Orton, Sr., Kearns Kearns

Forward Forward Malia Malia Nawahine, Nawahine, Jr., Springville Springville

Forward Forward Emilie Emilie Volk, Jr., Bonneville Bonneville

Forward Forward McKenzie McKenzie Schenk, Schenk, Soph., Morgan Morgan

Forward Forward Megan Leavitt, Megan Leavitt, Jr., Snow Canyon Snow Canyon

Forward Roundy, Sloane Roundy, Richfield Jr., Richeld

Forward Hattie Hattie Snyder, Jr., Beaver

Forward Courtney Lamborn, Lamborn, Sr., Rich Rich

Forward Michaela Michaela Hughes, Hughes, Jr., Green River

Forward Forward Whitney Whitney Saunders, Saunders, Jr., Riverton Riverton

Forward Forward Ashley Baugh, Ashley Baugh, Jr., Jr., American Fork American Fork

Forward Forward Eternity Eternity Galeai, Soph., Soph., Timpanogos Timpanogos

Forward Forward Lori Lori Parkinson, Sr., Cyprus Sr., Cyprus

Forward Forward Blair Blair Bliss, Soph., Soph., Desert Hills Desert Hills

Forward Forward Arlynn Robinson, Robinson, Sr., Wasatch

Forward Riley Riley Lyman, Fr., Enterprise Enterprise

Forward Chennin Benson, Benson, Jr., Pa rowan Parowan

Forward Sarah Taylor, Soph., Wayne

Forward Sydney Cornforth, Sr. Sr., Bryce Valley

Center Center Britney Britney Johnson, Johnson, Sr., Pleasant Grove Pleasant Grove

Center Center Karlie Karlie Taylor, Sr., Lone Peak Sr., Lone Peak

Center Center Miquelle Miquelle Askew, Askew, Sr., Skyline Skyline

Center Center Lyssa Hanks, Lyssa Hanks, Sr., Salem Hills Sr., Salem Hills

Center Center Tessa Tessa Bradford, Jr., Juab

Center Center Haley Bodnar, Haley Bodnar, Soph. Soph. Desert Hills Desert Hills

Center Center Macail Macail Wood, Soph., Soph., Beaver

Center Center Calli Jackson, Sr., Kanab

Center Center Whitni Syrett, Bryce Jr., Bryce Valley

Center Center Haley Haley Robins, Sr., Wayne

Class 5A second team Class 5A second team

Guard Whitney Guard Whitney Mitchell, Sr., Taylorsville Taylorsville Guard Summer Yack, Sr., Guard Summer Yack, Sr., Bingham Bingham Guard Erin Reichle, Jr., Weber Guard Erin Reichle, Jr., Weber Guard Guard Cami Simons, Sr., Lone Peak Lone Peak Forward Forward Siu Loamanu, Sr., Taylorsville Taylorsville Forward Courtney Forward Courtney Starks, Jr., Syracuse Syracuse Forward Courtney Hurst, Sr., Davis Forward Courtney Hurst, Sr., Davis Forward Maddy Chin, Forward Maddy Chin, Soph., Brighton Brighton Center Courtnee Wood, Sr., Center Courtnee Wood, Sr., Layton Layton Center Lejla Hadzialijagic, Center Lejla Hadzialijagic, Jr., West Jordan West Jordan

Class 4A second team Class 4A second team

Guard Dannika Guard Dannika Webb, Sr., Sky View Sky View Guard Savannah Park, Soph., Guard Savannah Park, Soph., Springville Springville Guard Guard Kaitlyn Hurley, Soph., Roy Guard Aleksa Gappmayer, Jr., Guard Aleksa Gappmayer, Jr., Maple Mountain Maple Mountain Forward Forward Tara Goldman, Jr., Sky View Sky View Forward Rachel Forward Rachel VanderToolen, Soph., Olympus Soph., Olympus Forward Julie Caputo, Jr., Cyprus Forward Julie Caputo, Jr., Cyprus Forward Madison Roemer, Jr., Forward Madison Roemer, Jr., East East Center Emily Howey, Sr., Center Emily Howey, Sr., Woods Cross Woods Cross Center Lauren Mott, Jr., Logan Center Lauren Mott, Jr., Logan

Class 3A second team Class 3A second team

Rebecca Mawhinney, Guard Rebecca Mawhinney, Jr., Wasatch Autumn Shipp, Jr., Guard Autumn Shipp, Jr., Snow Canyon Snow Canyon Guard Taylor Gordon, Soph., Guard Taylor Gordon, Soph., North Sanpete North Sanpete Guard Kelli Hales, Sr., Guard Kelli Hales, Sr., Spanish Fork Spanish Fork Forward Tara Shipp, Jr., Cedar Forward Tara Shipp, Jr., Cedar Forward Monique Forward Monique Mills, Fr., Diego Juan Diego Forward Kennedy Springer, Jr., Forward Kennedy Springer, Jr., Delta Delta Forward Forward Lancee Whetman, Jr., Whetman, Juan Diego Juan Diego Center Kelsey Henry, Sr., Morgan Center Kelsey Henry, Sr., Morgan CenterJordanelle Tyler, Sr., Union Center Jordanelle Tyler, Sr., Union

2A team Class 2A second team

Guard Blayr Jeffs, Jr., Emery Guard Blayr Jeffs, Jr., Emery Guard Whitney Houston, Jr., Kanab Guard Dalila Rodriguez, Jr., Guard Dalila Rodriguez, Jr., American Leadership American Leadership Mandee Christensen, Jr., Guard Mandee Christensen, Jr., Manti Manti Britney Forward Britney Blackner, Sr., Beaver Beaver Forward Alisha Lewis, Soph., Summit South Summit Forward Kassidee Evans, Fr., Forward Kassidee Evans, Fr., North Summit North Summit Forward Morgan Okerlund, Sr., Okerlund, North Sevier North Sevier CenterJeridi Price, Jr., Emery Center Jeridi Price, Jr., Emery Center Cheryl Stephenson, Soph. Center Cheryl Stephenson, Soph., Millard Millard

1A second team Class 1A second team

Guard Kennedy Netto, Soph., Milford Milford Guard Destinee Holiday, Sr., Monument Valley Monument Valley Guard Carly Holman, Sr., Guard Carly Holman, Sr., Panguitch Panguitch Guard Cassidy McKee, Sr., Rich Guard Cassidy McKee, Sr., Rich Forward Chandler Rose, Soph., Forward Chandler Rose, Soph., Milford Milford Forward Shaundeen Filfred, Sr., Filfred, Whitehorse Forward Darci Clark, Sr., Wayne Forward Darci Clark, Sr., Wayne Forward Abbey Moore, Sr., Intermountain Christian Intermountain Christian Center Shantaya Strebel, Sr., Center Shantaya Strebel, Sr., Tabiona Tabiona Center Chelsie Sylvester, Sr., Piute Center Chelsie Sylvester, Sr., Piute

Nancy Warner led Red Devils back to title game

By KYLE GOON By KYLE GOON
The Salt Lake Tribune The Salt Lake Tribune

College commits
Brittney Martin, Syracuse Brittney Martin, Syracuse Oklahoma State Oklahoma State Makenzi Morrison, Alta BYU Makenzi Morrison, Alta BYU Micaelee Orton, Kearns BYU Micaelee Orton, Kearns BYU Makenlee Williams, Syracuse Makenlee Williams, Syracuse Utah State Utah State Miquelle Askew, Skyline Miquelle Askew, Skyline Boise State Boise State Dezz Ramos, Hunter Dezz Ramos, Hunter Weber State Weber State Karlee Kartchner, Mountain Karlee Kartchner, Mountain Crest UVU Crest UVU Whitney Mitchell, Taylorsville Whitney Mitchell, Taylorsville Western Wyoming Western Wyoming Summer Yack, Bingham SLCC Summer Yack, Bingham SLCC Whitney Lott, Hillcrest Whitney Lott, Hillcrest Casper College Casper College

H OF YEAR COACH OF THE YEAR NANCY W R NANCY WARNER , SPRINGVILLE R, S P R I N G V I L L E

'We need to take this seriousWe need to take this seriously' " senior forward Aliza Allly, senior forward Aliza Allred said. "Coach Warner would red said. Coach Warner would lay it all out for us and tell us lay it all out for us and tell us what we needed to do to win. what we needed to do to win. It was kind of our decision It was kind of our decision whether or not to do it, and we whether or not to do it, and we started to do what we had to." started to do what we had to. It's counterintuitive to recIts counterintuitive to recognize Warner's first seaognize Warners first season without a championship son without a championship in three years as one of her in three years as one of her best coaching performances. best coaching performances. However, very few coaches However, very few coaches could have led that 4-8 team could have led that 4-8 team to the nals. to the finals. But sure enough, come FebBut sure enough, come February, Springville was once ruary, Springville was once again in the 4A title game. again in the 4A title game. And although the Red Devils And although the Red Devils did not win, it was an achievedid not win, it was an achievement to even get there. ment to even get there. "It was basically an all-new It was basically an all-new group playing together for the group playing together for the first time a lot of the girls first time a lot of the girls hadn't even practiced with the hadnt even practiced with the

Halfway through the season, Halfway through the season, Springville wasn't making anySpringville wasnt making anyone forget about Lexi Eaton. one forget about Lexi Eaton. A year after the spectacular A year after the spectacular star graduated, the Red Devils star graduated, the Red Devils were mired in mediocrity with were mired in mediocrity with a 4-8 record and playoff hopes a 4-8 record and playoff hopes quickly slipping through their quickly slipping through their fingers. ngers. Coach Nancy Warner told Coach Nancy Warner told them a cold, hard truth: If you them a cold, hard truth: If you lose this next game, you will lose this next game, you will not go to state. not go to state. "It like, It was when we were like,

varsity team last year," Warvarsity team last year, Warner said. "We had to take it a ner said. We had to take it a day at a time, and make a lot of day at a time, and make a lot of changes. And it finally started changes. And it nally started to click." to click. A new star was undoubtedA new star was undoubtedly a critical component to that ly a critical component to that success. Junior Malia Nawasuccess. Junior Malia Nawahine, who moved to Springhine, who moved to Springville from San Diego, Calif., ville from San Diego, Calif., became one of the most conbecame one of the most consistent scorers and reboundsistent scorers and rebounders in the state. ers in the state. Savann ah Park HanS av a n n a h Pa rk,, Ha nnah Packard and Allred also nah Packard and Allred also stepped up. Springville tore stepped up. Springville tore through the second half of through the second half of

region play on a 7-2 streak region play on a 7-2 streak leading into the playoffs. leading into the playoffs. In the tournament, SpringIn the tournament, Springville knocked off top-ranked ville knocked off top-ranked Cyprus, followed by Sky View Cyprus, followed by Sky View and Mountain Crest. It came and Mountain Crest. It came up a bit short against Timpaup a bit short against Timpanogos, but the players will renogos, but the players will remember it fondly. member it fondly. "I love this team more than I love this team more than any other this year, because any other this year, because we were such a team and evwe were such a team and everyone wrote us off," Allred eryone wrote us off, Allred said. "I think it was hard and said. I think it was hard and frustrating for Nancy because frustrating for Nancy because she's won a lot and hates losing, shes won a lot and hates losing, but she took it in stride." but she took it in stride.