Football
Brigg Palmer, San Juan (Jr.)
Brigg Palmer stepped into a new role for San Juan this year, and the five-time defending state champion Broncos have skipped a beating.
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In six games this season, Palmer is averaging 202 rushing yards per game on 9.9 yards per carry. He’s tallied 16 touchdowns and also recorded 46 tackles defensively.
“Brigg has been on fire this season. He stepped into the running back role for us this year and has been a key part to our success. He is shifty and can make guys miss, he can lower his head and gain extra yards and he has the speed and burst to run away from defenders,” said San Juan coach Barkley Christensen. “He will break away and score a long touchdown, then turn around and play linebacker and help get us the ball back. He has a great offensive line and team that supports him and follows him. With all of this success, he is still an ultimate team guy and is just as happy for his teammates’ success (as) he is for his own.”
Palmer was a wide receiver last year for San Juan and didn’t have a single rushing yard. This year he’s already rushed for 1,213 yards.
Girls Volleyball
Kaidence Pippy, Tabiona (Sr.)
Tabiona ran its record to 16-2 on the season with wins over Altamont and Manila last week, and senior Kaidence Pippy has been a big part of that success all season.
A three-year varsity captain, the senior middle blocker is averaging 2.5 kills per set with a 40% kill rate.
“Kaidence is an incredibly dynamic player who makes an impact far beyond the stat sheet. Her ability to draw blockers with her approach creates opportunities and opens up the offense for her teammates,” said Tabiona coach Kaylie Defa. “She has a great understanding of the game and consistently puts her teammates in positions to be successful. Kaidence’s unselfish play and ability to make those around her better are a huge asset to our team.”
Pippy was voted a Deseret News second team all-stater a year ago.
Girl Soccer
Berkley Stein, Bonneville (Sr.)
Whether she’s playing in the midfield or in the center of the defense, senior Berkley Stein is the glue for the Bonneville Lakers.
“Berkley is a true do-it-all player for us. She will guard the other team’s top offensive player when called upon and then be the engine of our offense when needed,” said Bonneville coach Brady Nicholls.
“Berkley’s ability to control the ball under pressure, deliver swift passes and impact the game both offensively and defensively makes her one of our most versatile players. Berkley is a team player and a joy to coach.”
For the season, the University of Utah commit has recorded three goals and four assists,
She’s coming off one of her best games of the season last week as she recorded two goals and two assists in a 6-0 win over Roy.
Boys Cross Country
Falcon Jones, Westlake (Jr.)
One of the top underclassmen runners in the state coming into the season, Westlake junior Falcon Jones is coming off a fantastic performance at the Royal Invitational last weekend.
Competing against a field of 20 teams in a meet hosted by Roy high School, Jones pulled away, winning with a time of 15:04.98. He finished five seconds ahead of the runner-up runner from West Field.
“Falcon approaches running the same way he does everything in life: full speed and pedal to the metal. When he has a goal, he goes after it and won’t stop until he gets there. This dedication has been quite the benefit to our team as they have pushed to accomplish some big goals with many of them still in the works,” said Westlake coach Kyle Reini.
Jones finished in sixth place at the 6A state meet a year ago as a sophomore, and big things are expected of him at this year’s state meet.
Girls Cross Country
Ellie Dorius, Farmington (Jr.)
Ellie Dorius has been in great form for Farmington cross country this season.
Last week she won the Davis District Cross Country Championship at Layton City Park, finishing first with a time of 16:30.95. She crossed the line with a 15-second cushion over second place.
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“Ellie is so much fun to coach. She has a lot of natural talent. She’s a harder worker and a true competitor. She is always pushing herself to be better and listens well to feedback. I love seeing her succeed,” said Farmington coach Jessica Gibbs.
Earlier this season, Dorius also finished first at the pre-Region 1 meet and then had a second-place finish behind 6A defending state champion Skye Jensen at the Park City Invite.
Girls Tennis
Lynsey Hatch, Millard (Sr.)
Lynsey Hatch has been a grinder on the court this year, and heading into the final week of the season leads the state in wins at first singles.
The senior owns a 25-4 record this season competing primarily against upper-classification competition.
“Lynsey is a great example to her team. She shows the girls how to work hard and go after what they want. Whether she is on the court or in the classroom, Lynsey is the kindest person you could come in contact with,” said Millard coach Kathy Larsen.
The 3A state tournament brackets will be released this week, and Hatch should be in the mix once again. As a junior last year, she earned a No. 10 seed and reached the quarterfinals.
Boys Golf
Hank Donnelly, Waterford (Jr.)
Waterford junior Hank Donnelly had another great round last week as he remained atop the Region 17 standings heading into the final week of region play.
Donnelly shot a 69 at Rose Park Golf Course, finishing in second place — one shot behind teammate Cruz Wardle.
For the season, Donnelly is averaging 71.3 strokes, two strokes better than second place.
“Hank has been our No. 1 golfer all season. He has greatly improved his awareness of his strengths and weaknesses and organizes his practice sessions with that knowledge,” said Waterford coach Jeff Instefjord.
“Hank has tremendous length in his game, but this year has adjusted his play to incorporate better course management decision making that plays to his strengths. I am proud of the maturity he has displayed throughout the season.”
Baseball
RJ Pau’u, Wayne (Jr.)
The composure at the top of the order from RJ Pau’u has played a big part in Wayne’s success this season.
The junior is batting .667 with 44 hits and 47 stolen bases. His coaches praise him for the way he lets the game come to him, and it’s helped the Badgers improve to 16-5 this season amid a five-game winning streak.
“RJ’s numbers speak for themselves, but what impresses us most is how disciplined he is at the plate. Watching him between pitches, even when he steps out of the box those warm up swings (have) a purpose,” said Wayne coach Jeremy Burningham.
“He’s got 40-plus hits, and probably half of those are up the middle. That’s what we preach as a coaching staff: use the whole field, put a good swing on the ball, make solid contact and let the defense get them out. RJ does that about as well as anybody.”
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