Payson Lions

Sport: Girls basketball

Class: Senior

Position: 5-foot-11 center

The numbers: The Lions' go-to post player is one of only two seniors for the defending state champions. Orton, one of the top returning players in the valley, got off to a slow start and missed several games following a bout with appendicitis. However, she's now healthy again and back in top form. In her team's win last week over the Delta Rabbits she had her best game of the year — scoring 19 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, blocking eight shots and compiling four steals. Orton has agreed to play college ball at Southern Utah University.

Jordan Butler

Orem Tigers

Sport: Boys basketball

Class: Senior

Position: 7-foot center

The numbers: With injuries leaving the Tigers a bit shorthanded this season, Butler's emergence as a defensive force, reliable rebounder and role player has been a pleasant surprise to Orem's coaches. The big center is one of the valley's top shot-blockers and has also managed several quality games on the offensive end. Butler has scored in double figures in three of Orem's wins, and his defense was key in the Tigers' victory over Pine View. He had a career-best game in last week's win over Viewmont with 20 points and eight rebounds.