Deseret News week 38 high school star athletes of the week

Baseball

Ashton Harrow, Bear River (Jr.)

Ashton Harrow has been a big-game pitcher for Bear River all season, and that was no different in Bear River’s Super Regional series win over Crimson Cliffs last weekend.

He got Bear River off the right foot in Game 1, picking up the complete-game victory in the 6-2 win. At the plate he also went 2 for 4 with an RBI.

“Ashton has been a big game pitcher for us all year. Whether that be opening of the series or in the pivotal game 2 of a series he has pitched extremely well and given us a chance to win ball games. This past weekend was no different,” said Bear River coach Donald Hawes. “He competes every time he steps on the field and our team feeds off his energy, and he is a great kid in the classroom and the community.”

Softball

August Cowan, Grantsville (Sr.)

Whether at the plate or in the circle, Grantsville senior August Cowan was the driving factor in Grantsville’s 3A state championship this year.

In the final two games of the playoffs last week, she struck out a combined 20 batters while picking up the win in both games.

At the plate she went a combined 4 for 6 with four RBIs, upping her season batting average to .590.

“August Cowan is a coach’s dream. Not only is she physically gifted, especially at softball, she is an extremely hard worker. She is the first one to come and last one to leave all practices and events. She remains focused at all times and betters her teammates by example and quiet words of encouragement. She is a fabulous student-athlete who excels under pressure as demonstrated by her leading Grantsville softball to their fourth consecutive state title. She is one-of-a-kind,” said Grantsville coach Tony Cloward.

Boys Soccer

Joao Campregher, Orem (Sr.)

Orem only won two games during the regular season, but Joao Campregher came up big when his team needed him the most in the 5A first round last week for win No. 3.

Campregher scored two goals in the second half as No. 27 seed Orem pulled off the major upset of No. 6 seed Salem Hills 2-1.

“João is a very passionate team player that brings stability to our attack. He’s one of the best at holding the ball and waiting for support to come in and has proven time and time again that he is vital in our attacking efforts as we move the ball forward. On top of that, he is a wonderful young man,” said Orem coach Joey Sandres.

Boys Lacrosse

Quinten Mecham, Cedar Valley (Jr.)

Junior Quinten Mecham led Cedar Valley to its first playoff win in school history on Saturday as the Aviators topped Clearfield 10-4 in the Division C first round.

Mecham recorded three goals and three assists to lead the Aviators.

“I was hired to recruit as many athletes from other sports as possible and try to find a way to make them lacrosse players. As open field started I saw one player that stood out from the rest. He was gifted and natural. He was making it look so easy. I knew Quin was a great player but learned as the season went on that he was a an even better leader. I wouldn’t be here as a coach and the team wouldn’t be here as far as we’ve come without Quin Mecham,” said Cedar Valley coach Drew Rykert.

For the season, Mecham has recorded 25 goals and 20 assists.

Girls Lacrosse

Kate Yost, Payson (Jr.)

Kate Yost is coming off one of her best games of the season last week as she led Payson to its first state tournament win in school history.

Yost scored six goals to power Payson to the Division C first round victory over West last Saturday.

“Kate Yost is one of the our top offensive players and one of our captains. Although this is her very first year playing lacrosse, she has great skills which are complimented by her natural quickness and speed. She is also a very smart player, and uses this often to exploit her opponent’s weaknesses. We are extremely lucky to have her on our team,” said Payson coach Andrew Wright.

For the season, Yost has scored 49 goals to go along with her two assists.

Boys Track

Connor Saunders, Syracuse (Sr.)

Connor Saunders heads into the state meet this week as the athlete to beat in the high jump after his incredible jump at the Region 1 championships last week.

he cleared 6’10.50 at the region meet at Davis High School last week, the best jump in the entire state this year.

“Connor is a great young man. He’s a hard worker and has dedicated himself to being the best he can in track and life. High jumping is a frustrating event. Even the winner walks away mad because they missed their last jump. We were all so happy for Connor on his final make (6’10.5”) that his final miss at 7’0” didn’t matter. Proud of him,” said Syracuse coach Brian Berrong.

Only 11 athletes in state history have ever cleared 7’0”

Girls Track

Lucie Prettyman, East (Jr.)

East junior Lucie Prettyman enjoyed a near-perfect Region 6 championships last week in the week leading up to the 5A state tournament.

She finished with personal bests in the 200 meters (25.87), 400 meters (57.89) and long jump (17’00) and then she anchored East’s 4x400 winning relay team.

“What makes Lucie special is not only her performance on the field and willingness to lead by example, but her willingness to give back to community, local youth track program and her teammates. Lucie is very coachable athlete and continues to work out hard to improve in every aspect of her races and jump. Only a junior this year her window of opportunities continues to open,” said East coach Roland Tolbert.

Boys Tennis

Max Miner, Crimson Cliffs (Fr.)

Crimson Cliffs freshman Max Miner sure made a big impression in his first high school state tournament.

Miner plowed through the first singles bracket, winning all four matches in straight sets and only dropped three total games along the way to claim the individual state title.

“Max Miner is an outstanding athlete and the dream of every coach. It would be enough to say that as a freshman playing at the No. 1 singles spot went he undefeated and took state his first year, but Max is much more than that. He is a dedicated, focused player that strives for excellence on and off the court,” said Crimson Cliffs coach Colin Brown. “As good as he is, he is still coachable and humble. He is the last person on the court picking up balls or doing whatever is required of him. He is amazing in the big things but also does all of the little things, and that is what makes him great.”

He was one of three singles champs at the state meet as Crimson Cliffs claims the 4A team title as well.

Girls Golf

Piper Harris, Richfield (Sr.)

Piper Harris had a great final day at the 3A state tournament at Mountain View Golf Course last week to claim 3A medalist, joining her sister Hayden Harris, who won state medalist honors as well in 2018 and 2019.

Harris shot a 75 to finish with a two-day 152. She finished in a tie for first place and then won the first playoff hole on No. 18 with a par.

Her performance also helped Richfield claim the 3A team title.

“I think we were more excited. We were just ready to go get it. Our team was definitely motivated to beat them again,” said Harris.

Harris finished with an 80 stroke average to win Region 12 medalist honors as well.

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