Minky Couture Week 20 high school star athletes of the week

Boys Basketball

Kestin Richins, North Summit (Sr.)

North Summit is off to a great 8-1 start this season, including six straight victories.

One of the catalysts has been senior Kestin Richins. The guard is averaging 7.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.0 steals for the Braves.

“Kestin has developed into a leader for our team this year. He has been asked to play in different roles this season and has taken them on, giving 100 percent with each one,” said North Summit coach Aaron Preece.

“He has made shots when needed and also gets the ball to the open player when they have a better shot, which has helped his teammates look for the same. He loves the game and plays every game with heart and hustle, which in turn helps his team play the same.”

Richins enjoyed his best performance of the season last Friday, scoring 22 points in North Summit’s dominant 65-35 win over Valley.

Girls Basketball

Jessica Maynard, Mountain Ridge (Sr.)

Jessica Maynard is tearing it up for Mountain Ridge early this season.

The senior is averaging 20.3 points this season to go along with averaging nearly 10 rebounds per game.

“Jess is an amazing ball player. She can impact the game in a variety of ways on both sides of the ball. On offense she can score inside or space and stretch the floor shooting. Defensively she can defend the other teams best guard on the perimeter, or anchor the defense as our rim protector,” said Mountain Ridge coach Matt Montgomery.

Last week she scored 15 points in a 51-41 win over Davis and then 23 points in a 45-38 win over Lehi.

Montgomery said Maynard is all about the wins.

“But what makes her special is she doesn’t care who scores, she just wants to win. If you leave her open she’ll shoot, if you double her she’s just as happy setting up a teammate. She’s the ultimate team player and leader, and she’s a joy to coach,” said Montgomery.

Boys Swimming

Sean Cannon, Canyon View (Jr.)

Sean Cannon’s dedication in the pool is paying big dividends this season.

The junior owns the best time in the entire state in two events this season and ranks in the top 10 in five other events.

“Sean consumes all things swimming, all things made available to him. If there is something written, video, or spoken about swimming, Sean can make it part of his training and convert it into success,” said Canyon View coach Kirt Brown.

A year ago, Cannon was the 3A champ in the 200 free and finished third in the 100 butterfly.

Fast forward to this season, and his time of 1:45.99 is the best mark in the entire state six weeks into this season. His time of 21.66 is also the top mark in Utah.

His other top statewide marks are in the 100 back (second), 100 fly (third) and 200 individual medley (fifth).

Girls Swimming

Layleigh Turner, Syracuse (So.)

A year after making a big splash as a freshman at Syracuse, Layleigh Turner has picked up right where she left off.

Six weeks into the season, she owns the best time statewide in the 200 free (1:57.04) in addition to ranking in the top five in five other events.

She owns the second best time in the 500 free and 100 backstroke.

“Layleigh is a dream to coach. She absolutely has the heart of a champion. She just simply refuses to lose and if she does happen to lose a race, she doesn’t let it get her down. She uses it as motivation and works that much harder for the next meet,” said Syracuse coach Kyle Cunningham.

“Not only is she a great swimmer, she’s a great student too and it’s an honor for me to be her coach. I’m grateful to have a front row seat to watch this amazing young woman in action. I have no doubt that she will be successful in anything she decides to do in life”

As a freshman last year, Turner won the 6A title in the 200 individual medley and finished second in the 100 breaststroke.

Boys Wrestling

Kaden Martineau, Juab (So.)

Kaden Martineau enjoyed a sensational weekend at the Juab Winter Classic dual meets this past weekend.

He went 8-0 at the tournament at 150 pounds, winning three matches by fall and five by technical fall.

“Kaden has always been a hard worker, but he is especially focused and motivated this year. This week he was able to see the results of his efforts, going 10-0 on the week. We anticipate more success for Kaden as the season progresses. We are grateful for example and leadership on our team,” said Juab coach Joel Holman.

As a freshman last season, Martineau finished with a 46-12 record and placed third at state at 144 pounds. He’s looking to take the next step this season and win an individual state title.

Girls Wrestling

Alexandra Gates, Cedar Valley (Sr.)

Alexandra Gates ran her record to 9-0 with a great performance at the Corner Canyon Cup last weekend.

Gates went 5-0, winning all five matches by fall at 138 pounds. She was named the most outstanding wrestler at the tournament.

“Alex has worked really hard the past year and a half by going to camps and traveling with her club, Champions Wrestling Club, to Western Regionals and nationals. Plus she is a former Teen Miss Eagle Mountain who is fierce on the wrestling ma,” said Cedar Valley coach Erik Gonzalez.

Gates is one of the top wrestlers in 6A this year as she looks to build on last year’s 135-pound state title in 5A as she finished the season with a 32-9 record.