Rising above the rest
Lone Peak's Sears headlines 2007 All-Valley team
This year seemed even more difficult than most because of the parity across Utah County. There was no clear-cut dominant player and many of those who made our second team — or "Reserves" — were considered for our first team — "Starting Five" — recognition. Even many of those who are among the best-of-the-rest were on the bubble of being named to our second team.
Eight players were in the running for the our Utah Valley most valuable player. But in looking at the numbers, considering her impact on her team and her contribution on the floor in several aspects of the game, and the respect she earned from other coaches around the valley, one player emerged as our Utah Valley most valuable player.
After examining every player's importance to her team, consistency, shooting, rebounding, defense and games lost to injury, this is the 2006-07 Deseret Morning News All-Utah Valley girls basketball team.
MVP
Starting Five
Jenna Johnson — 5-foot-9, Jr., guard/forward, Spanish Fork: This girl has major star potential with her 5A-leading 20.86 points per game average. She was truly the heart and soul of her team as she led the Dons in almost every statistical category including putting in 42 3-pointers at an average of two per game. She could take over almost at will and drew multiple defenders whenever she stepped on the court.
Gabrielle Pinegar — 5-foot-6, Jr., guard, Timpview: This junior sharpshooter kept her team going through an up-and-down early season and helped them finish things off with a state title. She averaged 11.74 points per game and sunk 44 3-pointers, dropping them it at a 1.91 per game clip. She was also the T-Birds most stingy defender.
Cali Nelson — 6-foot-2, Sr., forward/center, Timpanogos: This six-footer has a shot, and her coach called her the best shooter on the team. She could pound it down low and take it to three-point land. She averaged 12.55 points per game, knew how to take down a board and loved to block shots. Her team always played better with her on the court.
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