Preps of the week

DANE NIELSEN, Brighton, soccer: This senior fullback has been solid and steady throughout the opening month of 2010 for the two-time defending 5A champs, and his efforts have helped the Bengals stay undefeated so far.

"He's been a very consistent player for us," said Brighton coach Ross Boyer. "He's a great mark-up defender. He's great at shutting down opposing strikers, and he's an integral part of our offense. He plays some great balls and gets our offense going in transition."

That much was obvious for everyone to see during the Bengals' huge win over Alta in the big rivalry game last Friday, as he played a phenomenal long ball that was headed home by Adam Hughes.

ALEXIS SHIMADA, Rowland Hall, softball: This senior takes whatever comes her way without getting frustrated or flustered.

"She is pretty much what makes our team go," said Rowland Hall head coach Kathy Howa. "She is the steady one on the mound. She is our team captain. She's our top hitter."

Shimada, who is also a four-year starter for the Winged Lions volleyball team, works just as hard off the field as she does in the circle. She's an honor student who had 16 strikeouts in her last two games, as well as going 3-for-3 at the plate.

"She is one of those quiet leaders," said Howa. "She really put in a lot of hard work in the off-season to become one of the best pitchers in Region 14."