Minky Couture Week 8 high school star athletes of the week

Football

Dyson Parker, Weber (Sr.)

Weber picked up a big win over Farmington last week behind a big game from Dyson Parker.

The senior carried the ball 31 times for 199 yards and three touchdowns as the Warriors won 35-31 on Parker’s game-winning TD with under two minutes remaining.

“Dyson is a key component to our team success. Not just his playmaking ability but his leadership on and off the field. He is the hardest worker in the room and does all things right. He takes the messages and turns them into results which elevates those around him. Thankful to have Dyson Parker on the Hill,” said Weber coach Mo Cannon.

For the season, Parker has rushed for 734 yards and six TDs on 118 carries.

Last year, Parker rushed for 1,584 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Girls Volleyball

Maya Jensen, Fremont (Sr.)

Led by Fremont’s Maya Jensen, Fremont is in the midst of a five-game winning streak and is enjoying an outstanding 15-1 season.

Last week in Fremont’s 3-1 region win at Roy, Jensen recorded two aces, eight kills and one block.

The week prior in wins over Bonneville and Northridge, Jensen recorded a combined 17 kills, two blocks, two aces and one dig.

“She is a super hard worker and an amazing leader. She is the best example of what we want from our younger girls so she has been such a huge asset to our program for the last few years,” said Fremont coach Analaine Mailoto.

For the season, Jensen has racked up 117 kills, 20 aces and 20 total blocks.

Girl Soccer

Malia Smith, Carbon (So.)

Carbon sophomore Malia Smith has been lethal in front of goal this season, and the trend continued last week against North Sanpete.

Smith scored five goals in an 8-0 win, giving her a state-best 37 goals on the season.

“Malia is an amazing player who always gives her all in everything she does. She is a team player who encourages and uplifts her teammates and is a great leader. Malia works very hard on and off the field, and that has contributed to Carbon’s great success this season,” said Carbon coach Cynthia Lancaster, whose team owns an 11-2 record with four matches left in the regular season.

As a freshman last season, Smith notched 28 goals and was voted a 3A second team all-stater forward.

Boys Cross Country

Jonas Clay, Davis (Jr.)

Davis junior Jonas Clay had an outstanding race at the Davis District Cross Country Championships last week at Layton City Park, pulling away in the final few meters to win his first meet of the season.

Clay finished with a time of 13:36.54, with Harrison Skousen in second with a time of 13:37.37.

The Darts won the meet ahead of runner-up Layton.

“I’ve been lucky to be part of Jonas’ running journey for a lot of years. You won’t find a kid who works harder or cares more about the sport. He’s always asking, ‘What else can I do?’ So much of our team’s success comes from the way Jonas leads—he lifts the whole group,” said Davis coach Jami Caldwell.

With a month left in the season, Clay will try to build on the performance to be peaking at the 6A state meet, where he finished in 41st place as a sophomore last season.

Girls Cross Country

Lily Alder, Timpview (Sr.)

An elite runner who was often upstaged the past two years by teammate Jane Hedengren, Lily Alder reiterated last week what makes her such an elite runner.

Alder won the elite Woodbridge Classic in California last weekend, outkicking La Jolla’s Chiara Dailey in the final 20 meters to win with a time of 15:40.0.

“Lily loves to work and loves to hurt and is not afraid of any race or competitor and is always willing to just go give it a shot,” said Timpview coach Jaimie Ribera.

Alder was the 5A runner-up at last year’s state cross country meet, and then on the track at the 5A state meet she finished runner-up in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters and then set a new overall state record in the 800 meters.

Girls Tennis

Sara White, Desert Hills (Sr.)

Sara White’s clutch performance at the Region 9 tournament last week helped Deseret Hills capture the region championship.

White beat Snow Canyon’s Maggie Crosby — whom she lost to previously this season — 6-0, 6-4.

“She remained present on the court and kept her mind on the task at hand, winning the second set 6-4. It was an important milestone for Sara and the coaching staff all knew she could make it happen if she could just relax and play her game,” said Desert Hills coach Emily Christensen.

White will now turn her attention to the 4A state tournament next week. She advanced to the first singles semifinals a year ago.

“Sara has been such an incredible asset to our team over the past four years. She’s an amazingly talented player and it’s been fun to watch her grow and become the strong athlete she is. More importantly, she is kind and supportive of all of her teammates and wants them to feel cared about and know that their contribution to our team is valuable. We are so proud of her accomplishments,” said Christensen.

Boys Golf

Adam Deng, Waterford (Fr.)

Waterford freshman Adam Deng heads into the final week of the season in firm control of the Region 17 championship.

In a tournament last week at Sleepy Ridge, he shot a 70 to lower his season stroke average to 71.8. That’s good enough for a three-stroke advantage heading into the final week of the season.

“Adam is a tremendous young golfer. He has solid skills in all phases of the game. I am constantly impressed with his accuracy when hitting to a green and his putting once he is on the green. Adam’s extensive tournament experience allows him to stay steady and focused, not getting too excited or too frustrated when he plays,” said Waterford coach Jeff Instefjord.

Baseball

Corbin Turner, Maeser Prep (So.)

Heading into the final week of the regular season, sophomore Corbin Turner has been one of the big bright spots for a program in need of underclassmen stepping up.

Turner is batting .585 for the Lions with 24 hits, five doubles, three triples and 31 RBIs. He’s only struck out three times.

“He absolutely crushes the ball. He helps lead our team by example, with his bat, and with his arm. He’s a joy to have on the team, and I look forward to his continued success. He’s been a great utility player for us, starting on the mound, playing catcher, center field, third base. Really, wherever I need him, that’s where I can put him,” said Maeser Prep coach Erik Gulbrandsen.

“In a season where we needed the underclass to fill big shoes, he has answered that call. The future is bright for Corbin.”