From Deseret News archives:

MVPs brought variety of skills to their teams

Published: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 12:31 a.m. MDT
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In fact, just before the state tournament, the Bobcats were trying to practice at 80 percent.

"I didn't want anyone to get hurt," Hansen said. "But after missing several shots she usually makes, Amy turned to her coach and said, 'Hey, this 80 percent thing isn't really working for me.' So we let her do her thing. She's never sitting; she's never standing around. She's one of the last ones shooting free throws at the end of practice, and for such a young player, she's very confident."

Andrus' ability to mix it up down low may come from having older brothers who played football. The only girl, she wasn't about to be left out, so she kept up. She learned to harness her energy and control her emotions this season, which made her invaluable to have on the floor when the game was on the line.

"Her maturity really developed this year," Hansen said.

3A MVP:

Tara Gehring, Wasatch

The Wasps finished a perfect 25-0 season behind the leadership and athletic ability of one of the most humble players in the game, senior Tara Gehring.

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"She is simply the best basketball athlete we have," said Wasps head coach Roger Pyper. "Everything we've done has been centered around her skills. ... She's one of those gifted athletes who can do almost anything you need her to do."

Winning a 3A title without a loss takes consistency and mental toughness, and those were qualities Gehring possessed aplenty.

"She was the most focused kid we had all year," Pyper said. "It's been really amazing this season. The kids just didn't want to be beat. Sometimes you have letdowns, but this team was always focused."

Gehring wasn't the team's vocal leader, but when something needed to be done, she jumped right in and did it.

"She's a little shy, but when she wants to get her point across, she is not afraid to tell you," he said. "I think she's very underrated. She's just one of these gifted athletes who is always moving to get open, to make something happen. You can't teach it; you can't really coach it. Very few athletes have what she has inside."

Gehring, also a soccer standout, hasn't decided if she'll play sports in college, despite several offers, but with a 3.9 GPA she also has academic scholarship offers.

2A MVP:

Jaden Parsons, S. Sevier

The Rams earned their second-straight title with junior Jaden Parsons at the helm of a talented, athletic team.

Recent comments

WAY to go ALLIE, You deserve this aton, your a great basketball and...

Rebel student | March 13, 2008 at 12:06 p.m.

Congratulations Jadie Parsons!!!

Anonymous | March 11, 2008 at 12:33 p.m.

Allie Eastman is da bomb!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous | March 11, 2008 at 11:53 a.m.

Image

5A MVP, Dani Peterson, Skyline

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