Sports briefs

Ohai named NSCAA Player of the Year

Kealia Ohai has been recognized as the 2009 National Player of the Year in high school girls soccer by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Ohai, who just wrapped her senior season at Alta High, was also named to the 2009 NSCAA adidas Girls High School All-America team. She was one of 11 players nationwide who earned a repeat All-American selection.

Ohai and the rest of the All-America selections will be honored at the annual All-America Luncheon, held in Philadelphia, on Jan. 16, as part of the 2010 NSCAA Convention.

The senior forward was a four year starter for the Hawks and tallied 126 career goals. She helped lead Alta to four consecutive 5A state titles during her high school career. Ohai was selected as the 5A MVP in 2007 and was named Ms. Soccer in 2008 and again this fall.

She will continue her soccer career at North Carolina in 2010. Ohai will join a Tar Heels team that just won its second straight NCAA championship — and 21st overall — this season.

Pair of Utah golf courses among the best

Two Utah golf courses have been named among the Best New Private Golf Courses by Golf.com.

The Red Ledges Golf Club in Heber, designed by Jack Nicklaus, was listed No. 1, while Victory Ranch, near Francis, Summit County, and designed by Rees Jones, was listed as No. 4. Others in the top five are Wilderness Club in Eureka, Mont., at No. 2, Ballyhack Golf Club of Roanoke, Va., at No. 3 and Shooting Star of Jackson Hole in Wyoming at No. 5.

Red Ledges was described as "meandering through Utah's signature red rock landforms ... combines typical Nicklaus hallmarks with atypical touches. Toss in stunning views of Mt. Timpanogos ... and you've got a ledge that's worth the climb."

Flash are busy, acquire 3 new players

OREM — The Utah Flash have acquired center Christopher Ayer, forward Darian Townes, and forward Jordan Brady. The trio will fill vacancies left by center Luke Nevill and guard Gavin Grant, who were waived earlier this week.