Jackson has the unique gift to elevate the play of those around her, and it has enabled the Eagles to win consistently for the last four years. The team's worst finish was a final four appearance her freshman year, and as a sophomore, she led her much older teammates to title with both statistical and emotional leadership.

And at no time in her high school career was the challenge greater than this season.

"We had a very young guard line this year," said Bennett. "Jenteal has nurtured and supported them and believed in them until they could believe in themselves. She has never yelled at anyone, demeaned them, looked disgusted or rolled her eyes. She's never blamed them."

Instead, she's befriended, taught and loved them. Both she and senior teammate Dani Peterson, who will be her teammate at BYU next season as well, found a way to help their teammates find the confidence in themselves to make another championship run.

"Her high school performance speaks for itself," said Bennett. "Not necessarily in personal gain, but in leading her team (four different ones) to an 85-11 record."

That includes four 20-win seasons, two state championships, three state finals appearances and three region championships.

"She may not be the fastest, jump the highest or score the most points, but she is the best player," Bennett said. "She is a complete player. She has the heart of a champion and she not only knows how to win, but she knows how to motivate and inspire her team. She is very mentally tough and she lives her life from a place of integrity."

Jill Jackson said cheering on her daughter has become a source of fun and pride for their entire family — especially Jenteal's grandparents. She said her daughter's work ethic helped her convert talent into success.

"She's very humble and she never relied on just her athletic ability," Jill said. "She has always worked really hard, even when she's the best player. She is very humble, but very confident. She watches film, studies and practices. She earns it."

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E-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com