Emery High School senior Aliya Lester earned a 3A All-State First Team selection, leading four selections for the Lady Spartans.

Lester garnered a 3A All-State First Team selection after leading the Spartans in scoring, while giving the team a consistent perimeter threat. Averaging 13 points, three rebounds and two steals per game, Lester was efficient from the field all season long as she connected on 39-percent of her attempts from deep.

Lester’s season-high came on Feb. 6 as she poured in 25 points to lead Emery past Manti 72-54 in the second round of the 3A state tournament. She managed to score 20 or more on four separate occasions throughout the season.

Sophomore Kenadie Maughan earned a Second Team All-State selection after leading the Lady Spartans in several statistical categories off the bench in a sixth man role.

A dominant post threat, Maughan nearly averaged a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing eight rebounds per tilt. Defensively she also made her presence felt averaging over one block per outing.

Junior Katelyn Nielson received an All-State third team nod. Another walking double-double threat, Nielson averaged 12 points and seven rebounds per game.

One of Nielson’s most memorable performances came in the semifinals against Grantsville as she poured in 15 points without missing a single field goal attempt. She also finished with nine rebounds and one block, helping Emery clinch a spot in the 3A state championship.

Senior point guard Karleigh Stilson earned an Honorable Mention as she finished her senior campaign averaging seven points, four assists and three steals per game.

Emery put together an unforgettable season in 2023-24, finishing the season ranked No. 5 in the state. Wins over Manti, Judge Memorial and Grantsville put the team in the state championship game, where they fell short in a 56-49 loss to the Richfield Wildcats.