Larry H. Miller Week 12 high school star athletes of the week
Football
Andrew Wood, Brighton (Sr.)
Brighton rolled to a 5A second round win over Woods Cross last week, 44-7, and senior linebacker Andrew Wood was one of the catalysts of that defensive dominance.
Wood recorded eight total tackles, two of them for loss, while also forcing a fumble.
“Andrew has been so consistent for our defense this season. He is a very hard worker and is a great example and leader on our team,” said Brighton coach Casey Sutera.
For the season, the captain has recorded 73 total tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack and one interception.
He will lead the No. 8 seed Bengals into the 5A quarterfinals this week against top seed Timpview.
Volleyball
Sami Blackett, Orem (Sr.)
Orem High School won its first volleyball state championship in 42 years, and outside hitter Sami Blackett was at the heart of that success.
The senior finished the season with 513 kills and 75 assists, including 13 kills in the state championship sweep of Green Canyon last week.
“Sami has been a varsity player since her freshman year. She’s athletic and a baller. Going into season this year, we have lots of conversations about leading and motivating the team. Sami is one of our three captains alongside Ava Napierski and Addie Penrod. Sami’s ability to use her toolbox along with her passing has been a key success in our state tournament. No doubt about her energy and intensity because we push those things daily whether in practice or in weights,” said Orem coach Bill Sefita.
She averaged five kills per set and a total of 31 blocks.
Boys Cross-Country
JoJo Jourdon, Olympus (Sr.)
After several years of near misses at the top at both state cross-country and state track, Olympus senior JoJo Jourdon finally felt the thrill of breaking the tape himself.
The Wake Forest commit captured the 5A state championship, finishing first with a time of 14:58.3, a full 17-seconds faster than the runner-up from Viewmont.
“JoJo has been putting in the work, consistently and with great dedication all season, and for several years now. JoJo is naturally talented, but honestly, his work ethic and his determination is what makes him a standout athlete,” said Olympus coach Chris Humbert.
“He is confident, having fun, and building on each success as the season goes on. He’s been a great leader for the Olympus team, leading by example, showing what hard work can do for an athlete, helping whenever asked. I’m so excited to see what the future holds for this bright young man and gifted athlete.”
Last year Jourdon finished fourth at the state cross-country championships, and in track finished second in the 3,200 and third in the 1,600.
Girls Cross-Country
Julie Moore, Mountain View (Jr.)
A year after not finishing her state championship race, Mountain View’s Julie Moore made up for it in a big, big way.
The junior won the 4A state championship race at the Regional Athletic Complex last week, rolling to a 33-second victory as she won with a time 18:01.6.
“Julie is such a wonderful person, it has been a pleasure to work with her. Julie is that athlete that comes ready to work everyday but always seems to find deeper meaning once the run begins. She has always had her hopes aimed at a state championship so it was great to see her accomplish that individually and lead her team to a win as well,” said Mountain View coach Mike Strauss.
Led by Moore, Mountain View dominated the 4A team race as it won with a team score of 54 points. Timpanogos finished second with 92 points.
