Five San Juan County girls basketball players named to All-State teams

Nine high school student-athletes representing San Juan County were named to All-State teams for the 2022-23 winter sports season that recently came to a close.
The Deseret News released its list of girls and boys basketball honorees March 22 and 23 based exclusively on coaches’ votes from a list of nominated players from each team.
In addition, the San Juan Record is also honoring eight wrestlers who finished third or better at their respective state competitions.
The Record is proud to present each of these outstanding student athletes along with photos and comments from their coaches. Girls basketball profiles appear in this issue of the paper with additional profiles appearing in upcoming issues.

Alyah Blackwater
MONUMENT VALLEY - senior
1A girls basketball first team
13.7 points per game

Head Coach Terri James: “Alyah has been the backbone of our team for a couple years now. She is super competitive, driven, and a hard worker. She leads by example and the rest of the team follows her lead during games. She is very vocal on the court, helping the others, motivating the team, and adjusting the defense or offense. Alyah is always looking to improve her game and works hard to achieve this.
“Off the court she is also a leader. She is very vocal and is involved with school activities. She is an officer in the school’s Unity Club and is involved in senior class activities also. In the community she is involved with promoting cultural awareness and volunteers in various ways helping elders.”

Raemi Nez
MONUMENT VALLEY - senior
1A girls basketball second team
11.7 points per game

Head Coach Terri James: “Raemi is the opposite of her teammate Alyah. Raemi is more quiet and reserved. She also leads by example and works hard at improving her game. She is always willing to help her teammates out whether that be through modeling skills, helping them practice skills, or something as simple as giving them a smile when they accomplish something in practice or on the court.
“Raemi always has a positive attitude. Off the court she is an excellent student who is self-motivated and serious about her studies. She is also involved in the school Unity Club and other leadership programs. She volunteers and does service work of various kinds in the community with the club.
“I am very proud of these girls. They will be very hard to replace. I will miss them next year and so will the rest of the team.”

Shunbaah Begay
WHITEHORSE - junior
1A girls basketball second team
9.2 points per game

Head Coach Joni Dickson: “During the season Shunbaah came into practice every day and worked hard. As a sophomore she was placed on our varsity team to gain experience to lead the team. This season as a junior, she fulfilled that leadership role through her hard work, toughness, speed, and mental strength.
She plays with a lot of heart, confidence, and fearlessness. She has amazing support from her family, traveling team, and coach, who continue to work with her during the offseason. We know she works hard year round and that commitment has shown how determined she is to be the best.
“Shunbaah is a great scholar and has performed highly with her academics. She has been a part of the National Honor Society and has maintained her position throughout basketball and volleyball season. She is a great friend and teammate. She mentors and helps her younger peers and sets a great example for the younger athletes.”

LaMyia Benally
WHITEHORSE - sophomore
1A girls basketball honorable mention
7.6 points per game

Head Coach Joni Dickson: “LaMyia has shown a lot of strength throughout the two years she played varsity as an underclassman. As a varsity guard she brings determination, passion, and resiliency and proves to herself and her team that she will never give up.
“She shows her love and passion for the game as soon as she enters the gym. LaMyia continues to perfect her craft during the offseason. She has great support at home from her parents, her traveling team, and coach. It is amazing to see the amount of positive support she has.
“As a scholar she knows that academics are important. Her parents have instilled the mindset that staying on top of school work and meeting academic deadlines are the most important for her as a student athlete.
“LaMyia is also a very supportive and loving friend and teammate. During the offseason she shows her support to her teammates by cheering them on whenever they play.”

Serina Yanito
SAN JUAN - Senior
2A girls basketball honorable mention
12.8 points per game

Head Coach Kade Palmer: “It has been a privilege to have the opportunity to work with Serina the past few years. She is an amazing young woman and a very gifted athlete. She is very kind and friendly to everyone she comes in contact with and is always happy. Before every practice you can find her talking and laughing with her friends.
“As an athlete, Serina offered a lot to her team and teammates. She was voted team captain because of the natural leadership qualities she possesses. All of her teammates are just naturally drawn to her and try to follow and match her energy and how she does things. She was a very good role model and a big part in helping the underclassmen this year learn and improve. She will be missed this coming year.
“Serina was as positive and influential for San Juan High School. She was a mentor in the Freshmen Mentoring Program, she participated in several sports and activities, and attended all activities she could to cheer on others participating from our school. She will be as positive and a great leader in whatever she pursues going forward.”