Three St. Joseph players chosen for 1A All-State

By Rachael Sutherland

Special to the Intermountain Catholic

OGDEN — On Feb. 16, the Lady Jayhawks captured the Girls Basketball 1A State Title for the second year in a row, cementing them a place of pride in the school’s athletic Hall of Fame.

Before winning first place at state in 2012, the Saint Joseph Catholic High School’s girls basketball team had never won the championship. Their recent success can be credited to a combination of exceptional coaching, hardworking and talented players, and perseverance unlike any other team.

Three Jayhawks were selected recently by the

Deseret Morning News for the 1A All-State team: Katie Panushka was named 2013 1A Most Valuable Player, and Mady White and Liz Tomon were chosen for the 1A All-State Second Team.

Leading the team to victory was Panushka, a senior. A dedicated student as well as an impressive athlete, Panushka made a 3-point shot in this year’s state semi-finals that drove the game into overtime and giving the Jayhawks the momentum to beat Rich High School. She was the team’s lead scorer, with 12.3 points per game, and an impressive number of rebounds, assists and steals.

Panushka’s athletic abilities are not the only reason she was chosen MVP. Head Coach Joe Cravens recognizes her leadership ability. "She’s maybe the best leader I’ve had at any level, and doing it in a very subtle, charming way," he said. "She’s not up in your face; she leads by example."

Panushka is not the team’s only talented player. During the 2013 season, junior Liz Tomon had 9.0 rebounds per game, while sophomore Mady White was fifth at the 1A State level with 3.1 assists per game.

Panushka, Tomon, and White were selected for the 1A All-State Team; juniors Danielle Shinaut and Jessica Bischoff were given 1A Honorable Mention.

All of the girls push themselves during practice, and work together during games to secure victory. Sophomore Ali Koehler said practices are difficult, "but Coach always makes it fun through encouraging, funny comments and support."

The team’s focus and drive during games and championships is evident, and Coach Joe Cravens garners respect from the girls. The Jayhawks’ undefeated season enkindles a growing pride in their girls basketball program. The players, students, and entire St. Joseph community look forward with hope and anticipation to next year’s season.

Rachael Sutherland is a junior at St. Joseph Catholic High School.