Preps of the week

JAKE ORCHARD, Highland: On a national stage last week, this Highland guard proved to everyone that he's a big-time player.

The 6-foot-3 senior guard averaged 20.3 points in leading Utah's No. 1-ranked Rams to the championship of the San Diego Surf 'N Slam Tournament last week. He was named the tournament MVP.

He scored 13 points in a first-round win over Casa Roble, Calif., and then followed it up with a 28-point outing in a semifinal win over Chief Sealth, Wash. In the championship game against Shawnee, N.J., Orchard led the Rams with 20 points in the 57-54 victory.

A first-team all-stater last year, Orchard is averaging 18.4 points this year.

CASSIE PLATT, Canyon View: This sophomore is the last one to look for the spotlight, but it's almost unavoidable with the way she plays basketball.

"She may be the most humble kid I've ever been around," said Canyon View coach Steve Hodson. "She's expanded her game, so she's not just shooting threes. She's become a true point guard in that she makes all of the other players better. But she can still score when we need her to."

Platt, who maintains a 3.9 GPA and is also an all-state softball player, scored 18 points against Beaver, and also had six assists and six rebounds in the game. She recorded 48 3-pointers last year and already has 19 this season.

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To nominate a prep of the week, contact Deseret Morning News prep editor James Edward at jedward@desnews.com.