UTAH – Olympus sits a perfect 6-0 in Region 6 and has emerged as one of the top contenders in 5A this season, and a big reason why is the steady contribution of Jack Wistrcill.
The junior leads Olympus in scoring (19.4 ppg) and rebounding (6.2 rpg), and has scored in double figures in every game but one this season.
“Jack has a great feel for the game. His ability to score inside and out gives opposing defenders a tough match up. Also he is a great passer which helps when teams try to double him. He does what the game tells him to do. He is only a junior with a big upside,” said Olympus coach Matt Barnes.
Last Tuesday he recorded 20 points and seven rebounds in a win over Cottonwood, and followed it up three nights later with 16 points and six rebounds as the Titans topped East.
Girls Basketball
Lealani Falatea, Herriman (Sr.)
In her first year at Herriman High School, senior Lealani Falatea has turned the Mustangs into an instant contender.
The former East all-stater is averaging 17.5 ppg this season for the Mustangs, who own an 12-1 record this season with the lone loss coming back in December to Lehi.
In Herriman’s lone game last week Falatea scored 13 points as Herriman crushed defending 6A state champion Bingham 61-40.
“Nani is a natural scorer. She can get a shot anytime she wants. But what makes her a great teammate is she enjoys passing and getting her teammates involved. She has signed with BYU. We feel lucky she moved to Herriman,” said Herriman coach Kent Smith. “She also holds herself to a very high level and expects the same of her teammates. The tougher the game the better she plays. She has had a 17-point quarter. A seven 3-pointers made game. A 10-assist game.”
Boys Swimming
Trevan Staker, Provo (Sr.)
When Trevan Staker flips the mental switch on the blocks, he’s tough to beat.
The Provo senior wrestler has enjoyed an outstanding season so far, and ranks first in 5A in the 200 freestyle (1:45.49), 100 free (47.59) and 100 backstroke (54.05).
“Trevan is a natural in the water. He has a desire to get better in each practice and it translates to his performance in competition. He warms up and prepares for each meet the same way each time. Trevan has a laid back personality until he steps on the blocks. When he is swimming he flips a switch and wants to win and be the best each time. It has been fun to watch his growth the past few years both in and out of the pool,” said Provo coach Heath West.
Staker’s times in the 200 and 100 free rank as the second-best in the entire state this season.
Girls Swimming
Haley Guymon, Emery (Sr.)
Despite the challenges COVID-19 has created this year, senior Haley Guymon has continued to excel throughout the season.
With the state meet just around the corner in February, Guymon has been one of the top swimmers in 3A as she ranks in the top six in all eight individual events, including the top ranking in the 200 freestyle (2:09.68), 100 backstroke (1:07.14) and 100 breaststroke (1:12.69).
“Haley is a swimmer that understands the definition of commitment. She has learned when you are committed to something, you accept no excuse, only results. Haley is also a great teammate and encourages all around her,” said Emery coach Alicia Whitesel.
Boys Wrestling
Gabe Sanders, Mountain Crest (Jr.)
Junior Gabe Sanders is enjoying one of the best seasons in the abbreviated 2020-2021 wrestling season.
Earlier this month he won the Richardson Memorial at 145 pounds, including an 11-second pin in the first round. Then at the all-star duals he edged Zeke Kelley 4-3 in a 152-pound match.
Sanders was a state runner-up at 138 pounds last season, and he’ll be one of the wrestlers to beat at the state meet next month.
Girls Wrestling
Arleth Antonio, Granger (Sr.)
Participated in the Utah All-Star Duals earlier this month for the second straight season, and continues to be one of the top wrestlers in the state.
The two-time state placer has a 20-6 record and has placed in every tournament she’s wrestled in this year. She’s been a team captain the past two years.
“Arleth is a hardworking, dedicated, and loyal wrestler. She believes in herself and her teammates,” said Granger coach Sam Vidal. “She works hard in the offseason even while playing soccer in the fall. Arleth has shown leadership throughout her years at Granger and continues to do so by leading an up-and-coming girls’ program. Granger wrestling is a program that encourages hard work, self-accountability, and most importantly, Integrity. She is the epitome of a Granger wrestler.”