Seven girl's basketball student athletes earn All-State honors

Nine high school basketball players representing San Juan County were named to All-State basketball teams for the 2023-24 winter sports season that recently came to a close.
The Deseret News released its list of girls and boys basketball honorees on March 26 and 27 based exclusively on coaches’ votes from a list of nominated players from each team.
The Record is proud to present each of these outstanding student athletes along with photos and comments from their coaches.

Shimequa Hudson
1A Girls Second Team
Monument Valley Senior Guard/Forward
11.2 points per game

Head Coach Terri James: “Shimequa was our team leader and motivator throughout the season. She works hard during practice and plays hard during games. She is always working on ways to improve her game and skills.
She helps others on the team and is respected by her teammates. Shimequa is comfortable playing any position on the court and has the skills to do this. She controls the tempo of the game and is vocal on court.
The girls became accustomed to looking for her guidance and direction. She will definitely be missed by the underclassmen next year.”

Precious Bedonie
1A Girls Second Team
Monument Valley Senior Forward
8.4 points per game

Head Coach Terri James: “Precious knows her job on the court. She has the skills to play post and is very good at it. She is very patient and was instrumental in helping the younger girls learn to play the position.
On the court Precious is a strong player who can create points from offensive rebounds and inside plays. She has a quiet leadership style that has earned the younger players’ respect.”

Nevaeh Wilson
1A Girls Second Team
Monument Valley Senior Forward/Center
13.8 points per game

Head Coach Terri James: “Nevaeh has come a long way from last season. This season she became a solid player underneath the basket. She rebounds, shoots, and has even played as a guard at times. She has improved her game tremendously down low and was an asset both defensively and offensively this year.”

Shunbaah Begay
1A Girls Third Team
Whitehorse Senior Guard
8.8 points per game

Head Coach Joni Dickson: “Shunbaah has been an amazing leader and captain. She is also such a great friend who radiates happiness and laughter. She is one of the strongest and most resilient young ladies we have had the pleasure to work with and get to know.
Shunbaah leads by example both academically and athletically. We know she has the skills, motivation, and strong work ethic to be a leader and excel in whatever she chooses to do. She has worked so hard to earn all the awards and recognition she deserves. We are very proud of her.”

Mariah Begaye
1A Girls Honorable Mention
Monument Valley Senior Guard
6.2 points per game

Head Coach Terri James: “Mariah is one of our guards. When she is in the zone she can knock down three-point shots easily. She’s not afraid to take the ball to the basket either. And she is a hard worker on defense. She always looks like she’s having fun on the court and plays with a smile. She works hard at improving her skills and game.”

Heidi Clark
1A Girls Honorable Mention
Whitehorse Junior Guard
9.5 points per game

Head Coach Joni Dickson: “Heidi really grew over the past year to become a varsity leader. All of her hard work and support at home has really shown her commitment to become the best. Her athleticism and quickness are very big strengths.
Everyone who has watched her knows she is a great shooter and that is one of her many strengths as a ball player. Heidi is also a very outgoing friend who loves to laugh. Her happiness and laughter is very contagious. We are proud of her.”

Shikeeya Hudson
1A Girls Honorable Mention
Monument Valley Sophomore Forward
8.9 points per game

Head Coach Terri James: “Shikeeya is nothing like her sister, Shimequa; they are total opposites.  Shikeeya doesn’t always like to play outside her comfort zone. She is one we depend on for rebounds, and look for underneath the basket. She continues to work on improving her footwork, rebounding, and shooting skills down low. She will definitely be one to look out for in the future.”