Emery High School senior Katelyn Nielson was named to the 3A All-State First Team, leading three selections for the Lady Spartans.
Joining Nielson is fellow senior Kali Jensen, who was selected to the All-State Second Team. Junior guard Kabree Gordon earned an honorable mention. The Deseret News All-State teams were published on Friday and based on coaches’ votes throughout the classification.
Nielson jumped from a third-team selection in 2024 to a first-team with an outstanding season and increased production. Leading Emery by scoring 15.8 points per game, Nielson crossed the 20-point barrier five times, including a season-high 26 against North Sanpete on Feb. 4.
Dominating on the glass, Nielson recorded at least 10 rebounds on five separate occasions, leading to a team-high five double-doubles on the season. On Jan. 28, Nielson grabbed 16 boards with 16 points as Emery topped the eventual state champion Canyon View Falcons 59-53.
Nielson’s accolades were topped off with a 3A All-Tournament selection. One of six players to receive the nod, Nielson averaged 16 points, six rebounds, and one block over three games.
Jensen’s second-team selection comes after averaging 7.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game.
One of the most athletic guards in the classification, Jensen elevated her game, becoming one of the most prolific two-way players in 3A. Scoring a season-high 19 against Delta on Dec. 10, Jensen regularly stuffed the stat sheet. Her most rounded performance came in a crucial region showdown with Juab on Feb. 6, where she helped propel the Lady Spartans to a 55-47 win with 14 points, 13 rebounds, and five steals.
Gordon earned an honorable mention after leading the Lady Spartans in three-pointers made and percentage.
Gordon scored 10 or more points during her junior campaign six times, twice at the 3A state tournament. Connecting on 38 attempts from the perimeter, Gordon became a consistent outside threat. On Dec. 6, she finished a perfect 4-4 from beyond the arc, scoring 12 points in a setback to Draper APA.
In addition to her accomplishments in her junior season, Gordon was also named to the 3A All-Tournament Team. Joining teammate Nielson, Gordon significantly impacted the Lady Spartans’ run to the state championship, averaging 12 points a game while hitting 11 three-pointers.
