DIVISION IV HONORS: Adelson sixth man named MVP

When Adelson School lost in the first round of last season’s playoffs, then-sophomore guard Rom Izkovich didn’t sulk.

He dedicated himself to a rigorous offseason, in hopes of leading the Lions to a state title the following season.

Although Adelson fell in the state semifinals last week, it went undefeated in league play and made its first state tournament appearance. Izkovich was a key component, averaging 10.7 points per game and being a lock-down defender.

For his efforts, he was named the by Division IV Southern League Most Valuable player by the coaches.

“I think he was motivated by not making the all-league team last year,” Adelson coach Robert Blackwell said. “He was also motivated by the fact that we lost in the first round of the playoffs last year. Instead of complaining, he took all of his frustrations out in the gym. He put on muscle, worked on his pull-up jump shot and practiced running through defenders.”

Izkovich did everything his coached asked of him this season. One of those things was coming off the bench, something he fully embraced for the benefit of his team.

“He played the role of sixth man for most of the year,” Blackwell said. “In doing that, he accepted the role with open arms and provided a spark for us on offense and defense. That willingness allowed some continuity among the freshman. His teammates appreciated that. He’s a truly unselfish player and motivates everybody around him.”

Izkovich’s teammates, freshman Jake Buchman and junior Sean Perry, were named to the All-Southern League first team.

Round Mountain’s Carlos Chavez, Tonopah’s Tyler Gallegos, Beatty’s Jake Zamora, Word of Life’s Edoziem Okafor and Spring Mountain’s George Brown and Harlow Hawkins rounded out the first team.

Blackwell was named the Coach of the Year by his peers.

“I haven’t done anything different since I began the program seven years ago,” he said. “It’s a true honor, but those accolades come by way of your players buying into the system and having some ability. I’m humbled by my peers, but I’m also very grateful to have an assistance coaching staff that’s worked so hard.”

Pahrangat Valley won its 14th girls state title this season, so it’s no surprise that the Panthers swept the top awards.

The Panthers were a balanced team all season, and league coaches clearly saw that as Bailee Hosier, Traci Strong and Kimberly Lewis shared the league’s MVP award.

Pahranagat Valley coach Amy Huntsman was named Coach of the Year.

The Panthers had two more players — Kennedy Huntsman and Jamie Hansen — named to the all-league first team.

They were joined on the first team by Beatty’s Christina Thompson, Round Mountain’s Morgan Manley, Tonopah’s Julia Klapper and Ashley Gray, and Alondra Dowl and Kelsea Reid from Lund.