Mountain View's Gillespie invited to Nike camp

Wandering the hallway of her high school, Mallary Gillespie is the epitome of nice. With a shy smile and soft voice, she couldn't be a more sweet, self-effacing young woman.

But put a basketball in her hands and she turns into something that would scare a lot of grown men.

Athletic and intelligent, Gillespie has been an all-state basketball player since she was a freshman when she helped Mountain View to a state title. This year, as a junior, she caught the attention of national media and coaches in the Nike Tournament of Champions when she scored a team-high 14 points against the top girls prep basketball team in the country, Florida's Ribuilt.

The Bruins' junior was rewarded for her hard work this week with an invitation to the Nike Girls All-American Basketball Camp. The camp is held in July and boasts some pretty famous and successful alumni, including Swin Cash, Sue Bird, Tamika Catchings, Diana Taurasi and Kara Lawson.

At the camp, the prep stars will learn the game's nuances from high school, college and professional coaches as well as attend leadership training seminars. Gillespie was one of 80 girls chosen from high schools across the country.

Gillespie is the first girl from Utah to be invited to the camp, which is a "Who's Who of high school girls basketball." The junior, who also plays shortstop for the Bruins' softball team, was also named USA Today National Player of the Week after a 36-point performance this season.

LONE PEAK HOOPS: Lone Peak High School is looking for a new basketball coach. After a 12-10 season and missing the state playoffs, coach Mike May has resigned. According to Lone Peak administrators, May has decided to pursue a certificate in administration. He will remain at the school teaching physical education.

Coaches interested in applying for the coaching vacancy should contact principal Jim Starr at 736-7050 ext. 106. The application deadline is April 25.

The Knights finished 4-4 in Region 7.

ASAY HONORED: Mountain View High School's Courtney Asay has been named the 2002-03 Gatorade Utah High School Girls Soccer Player of the Year.

Asay, a two-time Deseret News 4A MVP, led the Bruins to three straight state titles and 40 consecutive wins. In her senior year she scored 29 goals and had 14 assists. She'll play next season for Brigham Young University.

Gatorade honors the top high school student-athletes nationwide and in each state in 10 different sports.