All-State girls basketball: MVPs were talented, unselfish and tough

It is one thing to develop your own skills as a player.

It is quite a different talent to be able to help others reach their potential. This year's Deseret News Most Valuable Players did just that as they led their teammates to both personal and team success. All five girls are a rare combination of compassion and toughness, humility and confidence.

5A MVP

Makenzi Morrison, Alta

When Makenzi Morrison began playing basketball for Alta High as a freshman, she ended every practice with some words for her coach.

"She'd come up and say, 'Thank you, coach', every day," said Hawks head coach Kristi Jensen. "She's one of the nicest people you'll ever meet."

Don't mistake her manners for weakness, however. The junior guard is one of the toughest, hardest working players in the state. That was evidenced when she led the Hawks through a tough region schedule, and then to an unexpected 5A state title.

Morrison scored 13 points, grabbed seven rebounds, earned six assists and grabbed three steals in the 67-59 victory. The loss was the first this season for Syracuse.

"She has a lot of great strengths," said Jensen. "She's an amazing defender....She is also a really good leader."

Her style isn't to hoot and holler, but more to lead and by working so hard, her teammates want to join her. She led the Hawks in rebounding, despite guarding mostly point guards.

"Every part of her game was an important part of what we did," said Jensen. "She works her butt off, but she's a pretty quiet person. She doesn't yell at people; she just gets it done. And she's the kind of person people follow."

The junior committed to BYU last summer and Jensen expects she'll continue to work hard despite earning a scholarship and a state title. She is just as dedicated in the classroom maintaining a 3.9 GPA.

Her example means good things for the Hawks next season.

"She works so hard, and it makes everybody else step up to that kind of level."

4A MVP

Lexi Eaton, Springville

Lexi Eaton is so talented she probably could have gotten by with half the effort other players have to expend. But that's not the kind of girl she is.