Football
K’Von Houston, Hillcrest (Sr.)
Hillcrest has surged to a 7-2 record so far this season, and a big reason why has been the steady play of quarterback K’Von Houston.
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The senior leads 5A in passing yards (2,673) and passing touchdowns (31) heading into the final week of the season. He’s also rushed for 427 more yards and eight touchdowns.
He holds the single-season and career records at Hillcrest in passing yards, passing touchdowns, total yards and total touchdowns.
“K’Von is everything you want in a quarterback. He is tough, competitive and a loyal teammate. He is a vocal leader and has a great work ethic, always leading by example,” said Hillcrest coach Robert Kaelin.
“He has grown a lot these past four years, reading the defense correctly, getting the ball out quickly and is able to create in space, extend plays and make things happen when plays fall apart. We have a lot of great playmakers on our team this season, but none has been more vital to our team’s success than K’Von.”
In last week’s 49-0 win over Taylorsville, he completed 21 of 28 passes for 288 yards and four TDs.
Volleyball
Kiersten Attig, Canyon View (Sr.)
One of the stand-out players for Canyon View’s success this season in 3A has been senior outside hitter Kiersten Attig.
She’s averaging 4.5 kills per set (338 total) and has consistently passed over a two this season. She’s added 230 digs and is serving over 90 percent.
“Kiersten brings so much to our team as an outside hitter and all-around player. She is one of the most complete players I’ve coached. Her volleyball IQ and work ethic stand out, and she is incredibly coachable. She listens, makes adjustments and is always working to improve herself and her teammates,” said Canyon View coach Lynette Whittaker.
“It’s a privilege to coach her and I’m proud of the way she has handled pressure this year and leveled up her game because of it. Her consistency as a passer and server and hitter makes her a threat anywhere on the court, and we love her ability to put away out-of-system balls. She supports the girls around her and sets a standard of excellence for Canyon View volleyball.”
Girls Soccer
Layla Valadez, Corner Canyon (Sr.)
Corner Canyon heads into the 6A state tournament this week winners of four of its past five matches, and senior Layla Valadez has been a big part of that success.
The Ute commit leads the Chargers with 10 goals this season and she’s consistently creating opportunities for herself and her teammates.
Valadez has scored three goals in the past five games for Corner Canyon, which opens the playoffs against Copper Hills in the 6A first round.
“Layla is the definition of hard work and drive. When the goal is in sight, she will do whatever it takes to get there. Layla’s leadership on the team is evident in her ability to give 100% on and off the field. She challenges herself, elevates those around her and consistently sets the example of what it means to be a committed student-athlete,” said Corner Canyon coach Kelsey Haag.
Corner Canyon’s coach added that as a captain, Valadez always leads through her actions, bringing energy, accountability and an unwavering commitment to getting better every day.
Boys Cross Country
Peter Marble, Tooele (Jr.)
Tooele’s Peter Marble capped an outstanding Region 11 cross country season last week by capturing the region championship with a great kick to the finish line.
The junior won the region title at Cottonwood Complex with a time of 15:21.7, finishing just 0.30 seconds ahead of the runner-up from Ridgeline.
“Peter is one of the hardest-working athletes I have coached over the past 12 years. He truly embraces the slogan that it is ‘earned, not given,” said Tooele coach Jonathan Lundgreen.
After finishing in 42nd at the 4A state meet a year ago, Marble has made a huge jump this year and will be a much bigger factor at the state meet later this month.
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In the classroom, Marble maintains a 4.0 GPA with a heavy class load of AP and college classes. He’s also a member of the Academic Olympiad team and plays in Tooele’s orchestra.
Girls Cross Country
Eliza Johnson, Cedar (Jr.)
Cedar junior Eliza Johnson enjoyed a dominant performance at the Region 9 cross country championship last week at Bloomington Hills North Park.
Johnson won the championship race with a time of 18:42.03, finishing with a 26-second cushion over the runner-up from Hurricane.
It was her third win of the season, as she also won a pair of Cedar Invitationals.
“Eliza is one of the most impressive individuals I’ve ever had the privilege to coach. This season she has continued to improve as a complete runner. She is coachable, hardworking, goal-oriented and competes every race. Eliza is an even better person, though. She speaks kindly about everyone, her teammates love her and even her opponents do too. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for Eliza,” said Cedar coach Greg Harris.
A fifth-place finisher at the 4A state meet as a sophomore last season, Johnson will be in the mix against at this year’s state meet later this month.
Girls Tennis
Kamryn Newman, Bingham (Jr)
A year after coming up short in the 6A first singles final, Bingham’s Kamryn Newman got over the hump in impressive fashion this past weekend.
Newman rolled to a 6-1, 6-0 win over Lone Peak’s Ava Jensen in the championship Saturday at Liberty Park.
After the match, she spoke with the Deseret News about how she had more confidence in this year’s final than the previous one.
“I trusted my shot more (this year),” she said. “At first, I really felt the anxiety and nerves but got some momentum and really felt the energy with all of the people cheering for me.”
Boys Golf
Laslo Waltman, East (Sr.)
East senior Laslo Waltman was instrumental in leading East to the Region 10 championship this season.
An eighth-place finisher in the region a year ago, Waltman improved his region stroke average by 3.2 this season to claim Region 10 medalist with a 71.0 average.
“Laslo has been exceptional for us this season, both as a golfer and as a leader. As one of our team captains, he leads by example, competes with confidence and brings out the best in his teammates. His talent on the course speaks for itself, but what truly sets Laslo apart is his character, work ethic and genuine commitment to his team’s success. He’s everything you want in a player and a captain and I couldn’t be more proud of him,” said East coach John Evans.
Last season as a junior, Waltman finished in 38th place at the 4A state meet, but he’ll be one of the golfers to watch this Wednesday and Thursday at this year’s state meet at Palisade Park in Sterling.
Baseball
Kyson Miller, Panguitch (So.)
Kyson Miller was clutch throughout the regular season for Panguitch, so it was no surprise that on the biggest stage of the state tournament last week, he delivered again.
Miller earned a 2-0 record on the mound during the tourney, striking out 18 in 11 1/3 innings, while he also delivered an at-the-plate record of six hits and driving in seven runs.
“Kyson has become a very coachable player and is up for any challenge that’s put in front of him. Kyson has had a very successful sophomore season and helped his team significantly to a 29-0 record,” said Panguitch coach Rawley Burningham. “Kyson is simply a player.”
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