Preps of the week

JAKE ORCHARD, Highland: A big reason the Rams are off to a fantastic 9-1 start is the play of this junior.

After scoring 18 points against Bountiful last week and then 23 against Murray, Orchard upped his scoring average to 18.6 ppg — fifth best in Class 4A.

"His total effort and ability to play at full speed for an entire game are the characteristics that distinguish him from other good players in the game," said Highland coach Keith West. "Jake is one of the most competitive kids I've ever coached."

The 6-foot-2 guard is shooting 52 percent from the field and 76 percent from the foul line. He maintains a 3.94 GPA, and was also a starting wide receive and defensive back on Highland's football team.

EMMI NELSON, Grantsville: When Emmi Nelson asked Butch Boegler to take over the girls basketball program at Grantsville High, he did so for several reasons, but at the top of the list was Nelson's ability and effort.

"I knew the kind of player she could be," Boegler said of the senior who ran track for him as a freshman. "She's a very intelligent basketball player that leads by example and is a relentless worker...It's a team deal, but I did have that player I could build around."

The 4.0 student has helped the Cowboys to their best season in many years with a 10-2 record and a No. 5 ranking as she averages 16.5 points per game. Last week, it was her defense led the team to its first ever win over Ogden's basketball team. She's also a varsity tennis and softball player for the Cowboys.

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To nominate a boy, contact James Edward at jedward@desnews.com. To nominate a girl, contact Amy Donaldson at adonaldson@desnews.com.