Regardless of the obstacles and challenges they faced throughout the course of the season, the 2026 Deseret News Baseball Players of the Year played pivotal roles in their teams’ overall success. Whether it be clutch hitting or game-changing plays in the field, these athletes more than rose to the occasion game-in and game-out.
Here’s a look at the 2026 Deseret News Baseball Players of the Year.
6A Player of the Year
Kenny Johnson, American Fork, P/1B, Sr.
It was business as usual for American Fork this year, winning yet another 6A state championship which has become the standard year in and year out for the program.
This year’s success was due in large part to the performance and leadership of senior Kenny Johnson.
Johnson was virtually un-hittable for opposing batters, going 8-0 from the mound with 38 strikeouts and a commanding 1.35 ERA.
While Johnson has always been known for his arm and his pitching, he also took his offensive numbers up a notch this year.
At the plate, Johnson had a 394 average with 19 RBIs and 13 doubles.
Throughout the year, Johnson proved he was more than a talented pitcher, excelling offensively while demonstrating outstanding leadership and work ethic.
American Fork head coach Jarod Ingersoll says that the all-around play from Johnson is what really stood out to him this year.
“We always knew he was a good pitcher, but Kenny had a great year offensively for us. He was superb on the mound all year. He is an incredible young man with great leadership qualities. Hard worker in practice, games, and the weight room.”
5A Player of the Year
Jeremiah Hall, Maple Mountain, SS/RHP, So.
Maple Mountain’s Jeremiah Hall was a key contributor to Maple Mountain’s success this year. He impacted the games with not only his hitting, but also his play on the mound and his competitive mindset.
Hall had an astounding 465 batting average to go along with eight home runs and a .763 slugging percentage.
An elite two-way player in the Maple Mountain system, The play of Hall helped drive and push his team towards the 5A state championship series, where the group eventually fell to Spanish Fork. Throughout the year, Hall was able to earn the respect of his coaches and peers through his consistency, work ethic and leadership.
“Jeremiah Hall was a huge part of everything we accomplished this season at Maple Mountain. He is the type of player who can impact a game in so many different ways, whether it is with his bat, on the mound or simply by the way he competes every day,” said Maple Mountain head coach Jeremy Thomas.”
Even though Hall is still in the beginning of his high school baseball career, he has already shown his team the type of leadership that is needed if it wants to have continued success within the program.
“What stood out most about Jeremiah was his consistency and the confidence his teammates and coaches had in him. Even though Jeremiah was only a sophomore, he earned the respect of his coaches, teammates and opponents through his work ethic and results on and off the field,” added Thomas.
4A Player of the Year
Trey Vaughn, Snow Canyon, OF/P, Sr.
In his senior season, Snow Canyon’s Trey Vaughn had a season to remember for the Warriors, helping to lead Snow Canyon to a 4A state title over Deseret Hills.
Vaughn proved to be one of the most explosive offensive hitters in the region this season, having a 505 average with 10 home runs to go along with 60 RBIs and 10 doubles. In addition to his ability to consistently put the bat on the ball, Vaughn also showed incredible patience at the plate, drawing 13 walks throughout the season.
According to Snow Canyon head coach Reed Secrist, Trey’s leadership, work ethic and dedication helped lead his team to a state championship while his constant improvement made him an exceptional player and teammate.
“Trey has been one of the easiest players I’ve ever had the opportunity to coach. With his leadership, work ethic and his dedication to his teammates, he helped lead us to the 2026 state championship,” Secrist said.
Vaughn’s continued drive and desire to improve particularly stuck out to his coach.
“His commitment to improving was evident as he continued to build on his success each season. He was a warrior for four short years and I’m looking forward to him doing well at USUE,” Secrist added.
3A Player of the Year
Gannon Labrum, Union, OF/P, Sr.
Union’s Gannon Labrum has earned the respect of his coaches and teammates alike, having been voted captain the past two seasons in both football and baseball.
The four-year starter had an on-base percentage of 1.237 and constantly showed his speed on the bases, scoring 42 runs while stealing 11 bases on the year.
Gannon has proven to his coaches and teammates to be a driven leader, a fierce competitor and a teammate his peers can count on. His work ethic and commitment to helping others succeed have earned widespread respect on and off the field.
“Gannon is the ultimate competitor and teammate. He loves his teammates and wants them to succeed. He loves the process of what it takes to make oneself elite. He leads by example, he loves the grind in the cages in season and offseason alike,” said Union head coach Mike Labrum.
It’s not just about what Gannon showcases on the diamond that has made him stand out, but how he conducts himself away from the sport as well.
“He has a fire inside to win and be successful not only on the field, but more importantly in life. He has a caring heart for others and cheers for the underdog. It’s been an honor to coach him,” Labrum continued.
2A Player of the Year
Kanon Virostko, Kanab, C, Jr.
There were many players and moments throughout the course of the year that contributed to the success and ultimately a 2A state championship for Kanab.
One of the main contributors and catalysts to that success was the play of junior catcher Kanon Virostko.
Virostko was able to easily hold things down behind the plate, allowing just nine stolen bases on the season.
Virostko more than did his part with the bat as well. He filled up the stat sheet with a .495 batting average to go along with 10 home runs and 50 RBIs.
For Kanab head coach Craig Brinkerhoff, Virostko’s leadership, work ethic, mental toughness and passion for the game helped push his teammates to be better.
“Kanon is a great teammate and makes his other teammates better with how he leads on the field. Kanon puts in the work on and off the field to make himself a tremendous player. Kanon’s work ethic shows what type of player he is,” Brinkerhoff said.
Brinkerhoff added that that the passion and focus that Virostko has for the game is what makes him stand out above everybody else.
“Kanon is mentally tough, resilient and a true leader on and off the field. His ability to be a great catcher and hitter in the box comes down to his drive and love for the game. Kanon’s plate discipline and barrel control is proof of his stats through the year as he led the team to a state championship.”
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