Deseret News week 34 high school star athletes of the week

Baseball

Mason Strong, Snow Canyon (Sr.)

Snow Canyon has marched through the season with a terrific 17-2 record, and a big reason why has been the state’s top RBI producer, Mason Strong.

The senior catcher leads the state with 38 RBI, is tied for the state lead with six home runs and is second with 11 doubles.

“Mason is a leader on and off the field for us, he’s determined to be the best he can be and works hard to attain that. He’s a great teammate and knows he’s surrounded by a team that will help him achieve his and his team’s goals,” said Snow Canyon coach Reed Secrist.

For the season, Strong is batting .492 with an on-base percentage of .542.

Last week in a pair of wins over Canyon View, he went a combined 4 of 7 with home run in each game and four total RBI.

Softball

Attlyn Johnston, Tooele (Sr.)

Dixie state commit Attlyn Johnston has mowed down a lot of teams this year, but nothing quite like what she did last Friday in a 1-0 win over Spanish Fork.

In a showdown between the top team in 4A vs. the top team in 5A, Johnston struck out 17 batters and only allowed three hits to the lead the Buffaloes to the win after a walk-off home run by teammate Kate Hogan ended the game in the bottom of the seventh.

“Attlyn is an all-around player who has set high expectations for herself. She is willing to put in the work to see better results, and never settles for anything less. Her mental approach to the game this year has really set her apart from other pitchers we have faced. She continues to work hard and is willing to go the extra mile to find success,” said coach Marissa Lowry.

For the season, Johnston has struck out 103 batters and she currently owns an 8-1 record in the circle.

At the plate she’s also hit two home runs of her own with seven RBI.

Boys Soccer

Rhett Anderson, Lehi (Sr.)

One of the keys behind Lehi’s four-game region winning streak has been its rock in goal, keeper Rhett Anderson.

He’s only given up two goals in Lehi’s past four wins, including a pair of shutouts last week against Orem and Mountain Ridge. In seven region games, the Pioneers have only allowed four goals.

“He’s an extremely technical goalkeeper. Not to mention he is super athletic,” said Lehi coach Tim Graham. “Rhett’s goalkeeping skills have helped us in every game and have been a key to all of our wins this season. Rhett’s work ethic and knowledge of his position are astounding. I believe that he is just as big of an asset to our team if not more as a leader. Rhett is a third-year captain and leads our team daily. His commitment, drive and passion for our program inspires all of us.”

Boys Lacrosse

Hutton Murphy, Olympus (Jr.)

Olympus is a perfect 8-0 this season, and the state contributions of Hutton Murphy has been one of the catalysts.

The attack player has recorded 23 goals and 22 assists, which includes scoring three goals in a 10-5 win over Alta last Friday. Earlier in the week he recorded two goals and two assists in a 13-8 win over Timpview.

“Hutton has had a phenomenal start to this 2021 season. Now at the midpoint of the spring, he is Averaging over 6.5 points/game, and he impacts our team in a variety of ways at Olympus. He was elected a captain this year as a junior which speaks volumes to how his teammates and coaches view him as a leader and as a person,” said Olympus coach Nick Merrell.

“Hutt is tough, smart, competes through everything he does, is incredibly coachable, and really cares about his teammates. It should also be noted that Hutt is also a dedicated student and we’re thrilled he has another year left in the program.”

Girls Lacrosse

Belle Quiggle, Ridgeline (Sr.)

Ridgeline senior Belle Quiggle has led the Riverhawks to a 7-1 record so far this season and a current No. 7 ranking in the latest UHSAA RPI rankings.

So far this season she’s recorded 21 goals, including scoring a pair in each of last week’s wins over Green Canyon and Sky View.

“Belle has been a driving force for Ridgeline girls lacrosse over the past two years. She loves lacrosse and you can see it in the way she plays. Belle has been a go-to player all season when we need to score a goal, win a draw, or do whatever is needed. Her intensity and emotion for the game inspires her teammates and motivates the team. Belle is an amazing all-around player and a joy to be around,” said Ridgeline coach Aaron Quiggle

Ridgeline has games against Mountain Crest and Logan this week, and Quiggle will look to build on her strong season by extending her team’s five-game winning streak.

Boys Track

Cedar English, Monticello (Sr.)

Week after week, Monticello senior Cedar English proves himself to be one of the top jumpers in the state, and he does so with an unselfish attitude to help his team be as successful as possible.

Last weekend at the Uintah Invitational in Vernal with won both the long jump and high jump and anchored Monticello’s 4x100 relay team to a second place finish. He also placed fifth in the 100 meters.

For the season he owns the best long jump in the entire state with a mark of 22’07.00 back at Juab High School on April 2. He also has the sixth best throw in the javelin this year, recording a distance of 167’04 at the Snow Canyon Invitational back in March.

“Cedar has 100% bought into doing whatever he needs to do not only for his own success, but also for the team’s success as well. We can put him in almost any event and know we are going to get everything he has,” said Monticello coach Jeffrey Hunt.

English was recently named to the Deseret News first team 1A all-state basketball team.

Girls Track

Amare Harlan, Fremont (So.)

Fremont sophomore Amare Harlan has burst onto the scene as one of the fastest athletes in the state this spring.

She reiterated during an outstanding performance at the Davis Invitational last weekend. Harlan won the 100 meters with a time of 12.21, the 200 meters with a time of 25.07 and the long jump with a mark of 17’09.50.

Her times in the 100 and 200 meters are the fastest times in the entire state this season. Her long jump ranks sixth in the state.

Boys Tennis

Kyler Williams, Juab (Fr.)

Just a freshman, Kyler Williams has been a great asset for Juab’s tennis team at the No. 1 singles spot this season.

Last week he finished first in the B Division of the St. George Invitational at first singles, improving his record to 11-1 in the process.

“Kyler has been great for our program by coming in as a freshmen and helping his teammates improve as he continues to improve as our No. 1 singles player. He has put a lot of time and energy into tennis over the years and it is paying off early on in his first season with the Juab tennis program,” said Juab coach Brett Lovell.

Girls Golf

Aubree Johnson, Bonneville (Sr.)

Through five Region 5 matches this season, Aubree Johnson is having an outstanding season as she sits in second place in region with a 76.3 scoring average.

Last week in a region match at Davis Park Johnson shot a second-best 70 to tie for first place.

“First off Aubree is an incredible person. She’s one of the most caring and kindest people I’ve ever had the privilege of coaching. Golf will always be a byproduct of the humble and endearing personality that she has,” said Bonneville coach Tyler Dunyon.

“She’s a fierce competitor and has high standards and expectations when it comes to her golf game. For those that know and understand the game they can have a real appreciation for not only her physical abilities but her mental capacity as well. I’m excited to see how the remainder of the year turns out for her and for our team. She has a great future in the sport and I look forward to supporting her throughout the coming years.”

There are three more matches in the Region 5 season before the 5A state tournament in May.

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