2024 State Champs

Boys & Girls High School

McKenzie Christiansen

Megan Chambers

, and

Utah Lacrosse Report Staff

May 28, 2024

Fans! Thank you for joining us this season at Utah Lacrosse Report! Today, we highlight our 2024 State Champions! Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 28th, we will share the 2024 Region Awards!

Utah Lacrosse Report sponsors make this all possible. Visit our title sponsors Tribal West Lacrosse (website) & MinersTown Strength and Condition(website).

4A State Champions Judge Memorial

by: Jackson Landon

Judge Memorial, Your newest 4A State Champions! This past Friday (May 24th) they showed exactly what made them the best in the state at 4A. Judge memorial showed their Dominant offense, and strong ball movement. The Bulldogs had a dominant first quarter, outscoring the Bobcats 6-1. Judge continued this powerful performance throughout the game, with 3 goals to the Bobcats 1 in the second quarter, 2 goals for both teams in the third, and scoring 2 more in the final quarter closing off the game with a final score of 13-8. Judge memorial had a strong showing in their wing and faceoff play, Going almost 57% on the face. With the season coming to an end, and Judge Memorial having a young team consisting heavily of sophomores, one can’t help but wonder if this championship will be the first of many.

5A State Champions Brighton

by: Benjamin Beaud & McKenzie Christiansen

It was all Brighton as the Bengals defeated Park City 10-3 in the 5A state championship on Friday (May 24th) in Herriman at Zions Bank Stadium. The Bengals capped off their 20-1 season with a win Friday night. Brighton is the first newcomer in winning 5A with Park City being the only other winner the past two years. Brighton returns most of their offense next with Gabe Carrera, Austin Taylor, and Andrew Salinas, but bids farewell to some key players such as Donovan Wismer, Luke Reece, Ethan Salmon, and Mason Fray. The future is bright for this talented Bengals team, congratulations on winning state.

From the get-go, Brighton established their dominance. The first quarter was a masterclass in offensive prowess, with the Bengals netting four goals while Park City managed to slip in just one. As the second quarter commenced, defenses tightened, and neither team scored, setting the stage for an intense second half.

The third quarter reignited Brighton's fire. They surged ahead with three more goals, leaving Park City struggling to keep pace. By the final quarter, the Bengals had secured their victory with three additional goals, while the Miners could only muster one more in response.

Standout performances were aplenty on Brighton's side. Gabe Carrera, the sophomore sensation, led the charge with three goals and an assist, showcasing his sharpshooting skills with a remarkable 50% shooting percentage. Grayson Harris and Andrew Salinas also shone brightly, each contributing significantly to the scoreboard.

In goal, Mason Fray was an impenetrable fortress for Brighton, facing 21 shots on goal and making 18 stellar saves, cementing his role as a key player in this playoff victory.

Despite Park City's efforts, including a commendable faceoff performance by Becker Ruzek, who won 9 out of 15 faceoffs, they couldn't break through Brighton's formidable defense. The Miners' scoring was led by Reece Smith, Bracken Birch, and Billy Alnwick, each netting a goal.

As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 10-3, a testament to Brighton's superior strategy, skill, and determination. This victory propels the Bengals into the championship title, while the Miners reflect on their valiant effort. Fans and players alike will remember this game as a high-energy clash filled with spectacular plays and relentless competition.

6A State Champions Corner Canyon

by: Porter Wells

Coach Ika leads Corner Canyon to 4 Straight Titles. Corner Canyon repeats again, to win 4 straight State Championship Titles. Davis forces double over time, and Freshman Midfielder Kampton Dutton scores the golden goal.

The game started out fast for the Chargers as Junior Midfielder Micheal Wheatley nets the first goal of the game, followed by Junior Easton Danes and Senior Kisen Muramoto to put the Chargers up 3-0. Yet, after a face off goal from Senior Jacob Faerber, the Darts offense started to rally, scoring three straight goals back to equalize the game. Freshman OJ Ika scooped up a ball and put it in the back of the net just as the first quarter expired.

Shortly into the second quarter, Senior D-Mid Connor Zaharis made a big play for the Chargers as he scored coming down off a clear. Senior Nick Johnson netted his second goal of the game for the Darts as he went left down the alley. Corer Canyon led the game into halftime with a score of 8-4. Muramoto, Ika, and Freshman Pierson DeGracie all scored before the half.

As the third quarter progressed, Braden Larsen and Ashton Free both found the back of the net in transition to add to the Charger’s lead. However, after trailing by 6, Davis decided the game wasn’t over. The Darts did not withdraw from the game, as they scored three straight from Draper, Edelman and Roylance.

With an outstanding defensive stand in the fourth quarter, and even more impressive performance by Senior Goalie Hunter Keller, the Chargers offense did not score. Ben Roylance tallied two more goals, followed by Junior Ashton Wood who also scored his third goal of the game. Keller had multiple clutch saves for the Darts in the final minutes, and Draper finds Jensen for the game tying goal to force overtime.

The first overtime had fans on edge as no one could seem to get a shot past either goalie. Senior Goalie Mitch Phippen had a last second save for the Chargers as the clock expired. All fans were on their feet as the second overtime started. The ball went back and forth between the midline. Finally, Freshman Midfielder Kampton Dutton carried the ball down in transition and scored the game winner. The freshman signed off the season in a nail biting victory, to secure the 4th straight title for the Corner Canyon Chargers.

4A State Champions Bear River

by: Megan Chamber

Capping the season strong, Bear River came out on top again in the 4A state championship keeping their 2024 undefeated record intact! Under the guidance of head coach Jeremy Webb, the Lady Bears traveled from Garland, Utah to achieve their 36th consecutive victory and secured their third consecutive 4A state championship with a 12-9 win over Payson last night at Zions Bank Stadium.

The Bears rebounded from an early 3-1 deficit against Payson in the first quarter, launching a 7-2 run to lead 8-5 at halftime. Although Payson matched the Bears' second-half output with a 4-4 tie, the Bears pulled out a win as a team.

Both teams showcased unified teamwork and strong individual performances, particularly from their goalies. Bear River had sophomore Tristin Smart (#7) in goal, while Payson relied on McKenna Mecham (#55) to defend their net.

Bear River's junior Shelby Wilkinson (#9) had an impressive 79 goals this year prior to the game. Senior Makenzie Mickelsen (#28) was equally remarkable, with 112 goals to her name before the game. Together, their scoring prowess significantly contributed to Bear River's success.

Payson’s Morgan Jacobsen (#10) and Carol Yost (#7), senior captains for Payson, have been crucial to the team's success. The Payson Lions have every reason to be proud. It's been an outstanding year for them, ending with an undefeated 10-0 Region 8 record and 18-2 overall record. They displayed their full potential, leaving nothing behind on the field. With their exceptional talent, they showcased an impressive game.

Congratulations to both teams on an amazing season! Your dedication and teamwork have truly paid off.

Kudos to all the graduates for their accomplishments and contributions to a memorable season! Payson graduates include Erika Davies (#1), Alayna Bullard (#3), Addison Corbin (#5), Carol Yost (#7), Morgan Jacobson (#10), Isabelle Ericksen (#17), Lisa Martin (#47), Madison Shepard (#49), Alice Hales (#51), and Mckenna Mecham (#55).

Bear River graduates include Jasey Larkin (#12), Josephine Tanner (#19), Bethany Richard (#25), Makenzie Mickelsen (#28), Halley Anderson (#31), Saydee Pehrson (#32), Saydee Adams (#38), and Sydney Cummins (#40).

5A State Champions Olympus

by: McKenzie Christiansen

What a game! The 2022 State Champions, Olympus, took on the 2023 State Champions, Park City, in a thrilling battle for the 2024 State Championship. These two top-seeded teams have clashed all season, pushing each other to new heights for this very moment.

Olympus had a shaky start, ending the first quarter down 1-2. However, they came roaring back in the second quarter, igniting the field with their fierce determination. Their gameplay was seamless, showcasing clean passes, outstanding teamwork, excellent communication, and an impressive field vision.

Leading the charge for Olympus were Sarah Anne, Lizzie Anne, Hannah Nelson, Hazel Baker, and Sydney Rossi. Rossi, in particular, emerged as a standout MVP with her phenomenal saves. Park City, known for their powerful shots, found their efforts thwarted time and again by Rossi's stellar performance.

In the end, it was a showcase of skill, strategy, and sheer willpower, with Olympus emerging victorious in this unforgettable showdown.

A great amount of credit is due to both teams and their coaching staff, who have dedicated countless hours to reach this point.

For Park City, we bid farewell to graduates: #1 Macy Hoeksema, #6 Charlie Iacobelli, #19 Sophie Neff, and #41 Peyton McClelland.

Olympus also says goodbye to an outstanding group of graduates: #0 Sydney Rossi, #3 Hannah Nelson, #5 Hazel Baker, #9 Lily Arrowood, #11 Lily Nelson, #15 Emma Davis, #16 Addison Wride, #18 Lily Nydegger, #21 Kate Lowry, and #26 Olivia Smart.

Their hard work and commitment have left a lasting impact on their teams and the sport.

6A State Champions Fremont

by: McKenzie Christiansen

A game with an outcome no one saw coming! Earlier this year, Fremont faced Battle Mountain Ridge and fell short. But they learned from that experience, came back stronger, and defied all odds to secure their first-ever state championship title. The Fremont Silverwolves made it to the semifinals and state championships this year, surprising the entire 6A lacrosse community.

We always knew Fremont was a strong competitor, but now they've proven their dominance. Senior McKaylee Sargent led the team with impressive draw controls, crucial turnovers, and a standout performance of 3 goals and 2 assists. Sophomore MacKenzie Souza made game-changing saves, including 8 critical stops against Mountain Ridge's formidable attack, making all the difference on the field.

Fremont's journey from underdogs to champions is a testament to their hard work and determination. Their victory is a story that will be remembered in the 6A lacrosse community for years to come!

Let's give a round of applause to both teams for an incredible season and the countless hours everyone dedicated to making this year outstanding.

Mountain Ridge graduates include Jaycee Ostler (#3), Allison Stewart (#8), Liv Mackey (#18), Kylee Taylor (#19), Zaidy Rosjas (#23), Bailey Sanders (#27), Emmery Clark (#32), and Caroline LeBaron (#42).

Fremont graduates include Raina Button (#1), Jensie Jeffries (#9), Kali Parkinson (#10), Addyson Jeppsen (#13), Arwen Higley (#19), Hailee Torgerson (#31), and McKaylee Sargent (#33).

Congratulations to all the graduates on their achievements and contributions to an unforgettable season!