The 2026 Deseret News Baseball Players of the Year honor a select group of high school athletes whose performances defined the season across Utah’s classifications.
Among them, pitcher‑hitter Kenny Johnson of American Fork emerged as a dual threat, posting an 8‑0 record with 38 strikeouts and a 1.35 ERA while also batting .394 with 19 RBIs and 13 doubles.
Two‑Way Excellence at Maple Mountain
Jeremiah Hall from Maple Mountain combined a .465 average with eight home runs and a .763 slugging percentage, showcasing a blend of power and consistency that helped his team reach the 5A state championship series.
Snow Canyon’s Trey Vaughn turned heads with a .505 batting average, 10 home runs and 60 RBIs, driving his squad to the 4A state title and earning recognition for his leadership and dedication to continual improvement.
Leadership and Grit
Gannon Labrum of Union was lauded for his on‑base prowess, scoring 42 runs and stealing 11 bases, while his work ethic and willingness to help teammates earned coach praise for his competitive mindset.
Kanon Virostko from Kanab added mental toughness to his .495 average, 10 home runs and 50 RBIs, and as a catcher limited opponents to just nine stolen bases, underscoring his all‑around impact.
Each awardee’s story reflects not only statistical excellence but also the intangible qualities of leadership, resilience and teamwork that the Deseret News seeks to highlight.