Minky Couture Week 21 high school star athletes of the week

Boys Basketball

JT Turley, Davis (Sr.)

A returning second team all-stater, JT Turley has played a big role in Davis’ 8-2 start to the season.

He leads the team in scoring at 14.1 ppg to go along with his 3.2 rpg and 3.7 apg.

Last week, he helped lead Davis to three wins and the tournament title at the KSA Events Pre-Holiday Tournament in Orlando.

“JT’s success is a product of his dedication to getting better every day. He also has a willingness to do whatever is asked of him. I have never had to ask JT to play harder or give more — if anything, sometimes I have to hold him back — so I love his competitive spirit and that benefits him in everything he does,” said Davis coach Chad Sims. “The combination of his skill, coach-ability and a deep desire to win makes him a joy to coach. JT’s successes never come at the expense of our team; the things he’s able to do on the court benefit our whole team and make everyone around him better.”

Girls Basketball

Tabitha Clark, Pleasant Grove (Sr.)

Tabitha Clark had a very good junior season last year, averaging 13.7 points and 6.8 rebounds, but this season her production has gone way up as she’s a big part of the Vikings’ 11-0 record at the midway point of the regular season.

Clark, who’s signed with UVU, is averaging 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists.

“Tabitha is the kind of player every coach hopes for. She’s a true producer, when she’s on the floor, she puts points on the board. You can’t leave her open anywhere. She’s a threat from the 3-point line, the mid-range and at the rim, and she makes defenses pay for every mistake,” said first-year Pleasant Grove coach Angela Villa. “Beyond that, she’s reliable, selfless and a coach’s dream. She’s an incredible teammate, an outstanding human being, and in my opinion, the best player in the state of Utah.”

In three wins last week over Lone Peak, Payson and Cedar, she was incredibly consistent, scoring 20, 19 and 20 points respectively.

Boys Swimming

Ethan Brown, Mountain Ridge (Jr.)

Ethan Brown’s junior season has been a continuation of his outstanding sophomore season.

A state-runner-up in events at last year’s 6A state tournament, Brown owns a top-10 time in the entire state in six different events this season.

His best performance came in the 100 breaststroke, with his time of 58.40 ranking second.

“Ethan is an incredibly fun swimmer to watch race because every time he touches the water, you know there’s a chance he could pull off something amazing,” said Mountain Ridge coach Katherine Crenshaw. “He has an exceptional confidence in his ability to step on the block and swim fast, and that confidence is backed by the dedication and effort he puts into practices each day. His work ethic, coach-ability, and entertaining personality make him a highly valuable member of our team and a great athlete to coach.”

Brown’s 50 freestyle time ranks third in the state.

Girls Swimming

Camryn Tanton, Timpview (So.)

Camryn Tanton’s competitive nature has led to big results this season.

The sophomore’s 100 breaststroke time of 1:05.74 ranks second in the entire state this season, while her time of 2:12.22 ranks fifth in the state.

“Camryn is the kind of athlete every coach wants in a big race. Her competitive nature and desire to win make her someone you can trust when it matters most,” said Timpview coach Braden Tiffany. “She thrives under pressure, always finding another gear, and races with confidence and intensity. Her versatility allows her to step into any role and her energy and drive help lift the entire team.”

A year ago at the 5A state meet, Tanton placed fifth in the 100 breaststroke and 10th in the 200 I.M., but she’s well on her way to improving those finishes this season.

Boys Wrestling

Austin Paris, Layton (Sr.)

Austin Paris enjoyed a weekend at the Reno Tournament of Champions last week that he won’t soon forget.

The senior went undefeated in his 157-pound bracket to finish in first place and improve to 18-2 on the season. Ironically, the Wyoming commit beat teammate Gavin Regis in the 157-pound final 18-1.

“He is an extremely grateful kid. He is working harder than he ever has and wants to be the best-prepared for college that he can be. He and his training partners are focused and determined. I’m proud of him,” said Layton coach Adam Fager.

This is Paris’ first season wrestling at Layton High School. He competed the previous three years at Grand High School in Moab, winning an individual state championship all three seasons.

Girls Wrestling

Khatira Keith, San Juan (Sr.)

Kharira Keith has only been wrestling for one calendar year, but she’s taken to the sport very quickly.

A defending state champ in 2A, Keith already owns a 13-1 record this season with tournament victories at the Panguitch Invitational and the Western Slope Showdown in Montrose, Colorado.

Last weekend, Keith finished in second place at the Trinity Battles at Utah Military Academy, losing to Hunter’s Vanessa Carranza in the final.

Keith first started wrestling after the Christmas break during the 2024-25 season, and went on to win the 170-pound state title with a first-period pin.

Keith is a multi-sport start at San Juan, also competing in softball and being named a 2A second team all-stater last year.