Wednesday, May 25, 2022 | 2 a.m.
Being known as “Carl Crawford’s son” put a lot on pressure on Justin Crawford growing up, but the graduating Gorman star feels like he has moved beyond that and grown into his own player.
2022 Sun Standout Awards
- Female Athlete of the Year: Aaliyah Gayles, Spring Valley basketball
- Male Athlete of the Year: Justin Crawford, Bishop Gorman baseball
- Female Rising Star: Rebecca Diaconescu, Palo Verde swimming
- Male Rising Star: Yuval Cohen, Palo Verde soccer
- Sun Standout Award: Jenavi Alejandro, Centennial wrestling
- Team of the Year: Coronado girls golf
- Moment of the Year: Moapa Valley football returns home to a state-championship parade
- Game of the Year: Bishop Gorman beats Liberty in thrilling double-overtime basketball affair
- Female Scholar Athlete of the Year: Zoey Robinson, Boulder City volleyball
- Male Scholar Athlete of the Year: Jeffrey Morosini, Durango football and wrestling
- Citizen of the Year: Nykita Rustad, Spring Valley cross country and track
- Hank Greenspun Lifetime Achievement Award: John Kennedy, official
- Coach of the Year: Kevin Soares, Liberty basketball
- Unsung Hero Awards: Marshall Cohen, referee, Kathleen Eakins, transportation, Laquedra Parks, police officer and basketball coach
Justin reached another level during his senior season, batting .484 with five home runs, 40 RBI and 17 stolen bases heading into the state tournament. He also led the state with a .553 on-base percentage across 150 plate appearances.
“I think what I most bring best to the table is my speed,” Justin said. “It’s something I’m able to change the game with.”
Justin is committed to play collegiately at LSU but could also potentially turn pro, especially if he’s selected in the first round of the Major League Baseball Entry Draft in July. MLB.com’s latest mock draft has him going 29th overall—fittingly to the Tampa Bay Rays, the organization where his dad reached four All-Star Games and one World Series.
“I was fortunate to have a great training program growing up,” Justin said. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve just progressively gotten better.”
Finalists
Germie Bernard, Liberty football
Scored 20 combined touchdowns receiving, rushing and returning while starring for the Patriots. Committed to Michigan State University.
Nathan Carlin, Foothill cross country
Won the 5A state championship by 17 seconds with a blistering time of 16:29.
Joshua Jefferson, Libertybasketball
Led the Patriots to a state championship by averaging nearly 18 points, 10 rebounds and four assists per game. Committed to St. Mary’s University.
Darrion Williams, Bishop Gorman basketball
Won the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year award after averaging more than 15 points, 10 rebounds and 4 steals per game. Committed to UNR.
