When the Richfield Wildcats trailed in the overtime of the 2A championship game to their biggest region rival, it was senior Jaquel Christensen that helped the team focus in those critical final minutes.

"She kept everybody together," said Richfield head coach Marc Peterson. "She's the one who wanted the ball."

It is Christensen's work ethic that helped transform her from a solid player to a standout.

"Her work ethic was something all of the young players were able to see," Peterson said. "She was a hard one to get out of the gym."

She shot 60 percent from the field to lead the team's offense, while earning 71 blocks on the season to lead the defense. The Academic All-State winner earned 7 rebounds and 12 points per game as she helped the Wildcats to earn the 2A state title.

Peterson said Christensen's defense in the paint changed the game for the Wildcats and made it tougher for opponents to get to the basket.

"Her impact on the defensive end can't be over-stated," Peterson said.

Christensen committed to play basketball at Snow College.