What makes a player valuable differs from team to team. Some are fiery and physical, others are hard-working, talented leaders who may not have a lot to say. But regardless of how different their personalities or skills are, an MVP always offers her squad what it needs most to be successful.

Whether they did it through vocal leadership or working harder than anyone else on the team, this year's Deseret Morning News Most Valuable Players led their teams to state titles by elevating the play of those around them while offering their best to the teams and schools they represent.

5A MVP:

Dani Peterson, Skyline

For the past three seasons, the Eagles have relied on the athleticism, size and skill of Dani Peterson in the paint. But this year, her consistency and leadership elevated the play of her younger, more inexperienced supporting cast.

With just two returning starters, some expected the Eagles to struggle. And while they lost one non-region game and one region contest, the Eagles found a way to continue doing what they've done so well the past few years.

With Peterson in the post, Skyline has compiled an impressive 65-7 record and two 5A state titles. This year she averaged 17.1 points, 10.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game as she led the squad to a 5A championship.

"She's competitive, versatile and has an amazing set of skills for a post player," said Skyline head coach Deb Bennett. "She has improved each year and will continue to tap into her wealth of potential as she is challenged at the (collegiate) level."

Peterson and her Skyline teammate, Jenteal Jackson, will join forces next season as members of the BYU women's basketball team. The duo has helped three different sets of teammates to the 5A finals the last three years, and part of that is due to Peterson's friendship with her teammates.

"She is a great teammate and supports others," Bennett said. "When she asserts herself, she is vocal and leads with fiery determination. Her teammates respond to that and follow her lead. ... She has learned to fight through adversity and, when focused and confident, she's unstoppable."

4A MVP:

Amy Andrus, Sky View

Courage and toughness have always been trademarks of Amy Andrus, but this year the sophomore post player showed off her court sense, maturity and athletic skill as she led the Bobcats to their first-ever girls basketball title.

"She's a hard worker," said Sky View head coach Paul Hansen. "She's self-driven and self-motivated. She leads by example and plays 100 percent all the time."