Here are my picks for all-Utah County

In the next few weeks, we'll be announcing the all-state basketball teams. Also, the coaches from Regions 6 and 7 will be selecting their all-region teams.

However, as the guy responsible for covering prep sports for the 13 high schools in Utah County, I feel the need to start a new tradition — my all-Utah County teams. I figure I watched close to 100 basketball games the past few months, so I have a pretty good idea of who to label as having a good, mighty fine, exquisite and great season. I want to do this before my votes are tainted by who the coaches choose to honor.

The boys team, other than the first three selections, were a tough call. (Hint: pay attention to the order listed.) The girls team has more disparity from top to bottom. No certificate or trophy comes with this honor. But feel free to put this column in a scrap book, or just tape it on the fridge to show grandma and grandpa next time they're over.

The envelopes, please:

ALL-RAYBURN BOYS:

MVP: Tai Wesley, Provo. The 6-foot-7 center was a one-man wrecking crew. I've never seen a high school player demand so much defensive attention, and on most nights, still pick it apart. He carried the Bulldogs from mediocrity to a state title in a few short weeks.

FIRST TEAM: Chris Miles, Timpview; Mac Nelson, Timpanogos; Tyler Newbold, Payson; Danny Johnson, Mountain View; Jackson Emery, Lone Peak.

SECOND TEAM: Matt Pinegar, Timpview; Nate Allman, Mountain View; Blake Francom, Payson; Rick Shoff, American Fork; Ben Walker, Lehi.

THIRD TEAM: Ben Wade, Lone Peak; Drew Robinson, Lehi; Chad Evans, Pleasant Grove; Clayton Searle, American Fork; Mack Bakker, Meridian.

BEST OF THE REST: Brenan Davis, American Fork; Brandon Knight and Cory Chase, Lone Peak; Cory Carter and Kade Koop, Provo; Gavin Gardner, Spanish Fork; Alex Allred and Trevor Nerdin, Lehi; Matt Mortensen and Brandon Carter, Timpview; Jesse Riggs and Scott Pickering, Springville; Craig Cusick, Orem; Nate Clement and Landon Hallman, Pleasant Grove.

ALL-RAYBURN GIRLS:

MVP: Ashley Cheesman, Mountain View. On a team with so much talent, I felt her post skills and offensive rebounding were the reasons the Bruins dominated. She also made her teammates better.

FIRST TEAM: Michelle Harrison, Lehi; Lora Mitchell, Mountain View; Mallary Gillespie, Mountain View; Sandy Marvin, Payson; Sarah Red, Timpview.

SECOND TEAM: Lindsey Freeze, Timpview; Stephanie Red, Timpview; Tiara Bowman, Mountain View; Marsha Heimuli, Orem; Ellie Belnap, Provo.

THIRD TEAM: Jessica Harmon, Timpview; Aubrey Stay, Orem; Michelle Boone, Provo; Kristen Louder, Timpanogos; Cassie King, Provo.

BEST OF THE REST: Tess Bateman, Karlee Partridge and Aubrey Orton, Payson; Candice Martin, Timpanogos; Nicole Dahl, Orem; Shana Burgess, Lone Peak; Dallas Brooks, Provo; Amy Mack, Mountain View; Diane Stewart and Jessica Anderson, Spanish Fork; Jessica Bradford, Springville; Danielle Sargeant, Pleasant Grove; Shantell Durrant, American Fork.

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E-mail: jimr@desnews.com