The Hive Sports

by James Tate

In a region defined by disciplined defenses and smart guard play, Roy senior point guard Jazzi Prieto is the kind of player who changes a program’s trajectory. Steady, cerebral, fiercely competitive, and built for responsibility, she doesn’t need flash to control a game. She does it with pace, vision, toughness, and a relentless motor that keeps pressure on opponents from tip to buzzer.

Prieto averaged a career‑high 9.1 points per game this season, and her career totals, over 400 points, 200 rebounds, and 100 assists, reflect a player who has consistently impacted every part of the floor. She’s a confident playmaker with excellent court vision, the type of guard who sees the next pass before the defense recognizes the first one. Her high basketball IQ shows up in every possession, and her 4.0 GPA mirrors the way she processes concepts, reads defenses, and absorbs coaching at a high level.

Prieto rarely shows emotion on the court, but that calm exterior hides a fire that burns deep. Prieto competes with a quiet edge, an intensity that teammates feed off of, and opponents feel. Her growth each offseason has been intentional and disciplined, shaped in part by the guidance of her father, Coach Mario Prieto, Roy’s assistant coach and head coach of the Utah Starzz.

Basketball roots and family influence

That foundation runs deep. The Starzz program began as a family vision in 2014, in response to Northern Utah’s lack of a girls’ basketball program. Jazzi grew up in that environment, tagging along to rec and pro‑am games, watching, learning, and falling in love with the game. What started as a small family team grew into a respected program producing next‑level talent, including at least six college‑bound players this year. For Jazzi, basketball has always been more than a sport. It’s been family.

This season, her leadership was especially crucial under first‑year head coach and Roy alum Josie Williams, who leaned on Prieto from day one.

“Her experience and leadership were invaluable, especially as we worked to establish our culture and identity,” Coach Williams said.

Prieto embraced that responsibility fully.

“It meant the most to me to be able to step up and find my voice,” Prieto said. “I wanted to lead by example for the younger girls, staying positive, being uplifting during games, and helping them whenever they needed advice. A lot of it was taking them in and being a support system when things weren’t going their way, making sure they were in the right headspace to play to their potential.”

Growing as a player and leader

Her growth as a player mirrored her growth as a leader.

“Heading into my senior year, I really wanted to focus on being more of a complete player, being consistent, making the right play, and understanding the game at a more competitive level,” Prieto said. “I’ve always struggled a bit with having the mindset to take over, but coming into a new team I knew it was up to me to set the tone. I told myself to show it all for my last year at Roy High and leave no regrets on the floor.”

Her impact extended far beyond the stat sheet. She organized the offense, anchored the defense, and set the tone for Roy’s play. She was the senior who kept the group steady, the one younger players watched to understand what it meant to represent Roy High the right way.

Bright future for Prieto

The 2025-26 season marked the conclusion of Jazzi’s high school basketball career at Roy High. Her leadership, skill, and dedication culminated in a memorable final season that left a lasting legacy for the Royals.

Prieto has earned an offer to continue her education and basketball career at Colorado Northwestern Community College. This milestone reflects her work ethic and the complete player she has become.

“I’m very excited and blessed,” Prieto said. “I’ve wanted this since I was a little girl. I’m excited to grow as a player and a person, to learn more about the game, develop my skills, and challenge myself. I want to make an immediate impact on any program I join.”

In a region filled with tough, disciplined teams and standout guards, Jazzi Prieto stands out as a leader who elevates everyone around her, a player whose legacy at Roy will be measured not just in wins but in the standard she leaves behind.

Lifelong teammates

Former teammate and current Western Wyoming Community College player Jerzee Hart shared heartfelt thoughts on Jazzi’s impact beyond the game:

“There’s something really special about the way Jazzi connects on the court with her teammates, just her trust in her teammates finishing her passes, and the way she encourages others after a tough play and celebrates each other’s wins,” Hart said. “It’s not just about basketball; it’s about the bond you’re building through it. She plays with heart. She’s such a hard-working player. She stays humble. And what I admire most about Jazzi is that who she is off the court matches who she is on the court. She is supportive, respectful, and the kind of teammate every player hopes to have one day. She pushes you to be your best, always has your back, and is such a positive light in everyone’s life. I was truly grateful I got to play comp and high school ball with her and share the court. I miss playing with her every single day. I miss all her dime passes. Jazzi is going to go places.”

Current teammate Aniyah Gomez shared her perspective on Jazzi’s unique leadership and character:

“Jazzi Prieto is definitely one of a kind; there is no one out there like her,” Gomez said. “The way she presents herself as not only a friend but a teammate is incredible. Jazzi is so humble, but also such a baller. Jazzi isn’t the loudest, but that doesn’t stop her from being the leader she is. The way Jazzi carries herself influences others and younger kids to be just like her. As a captain this year, she definitely stepped out of her comfort zone and talked more than she probably expected and even louder. Everything that comes out of her mouth is nothing but the truth, and she makes sure people understand that they have talent. From playing together during the summer, to playing against each other, to playing together one last time has shown me how much of an amazing person she is, and she deserves every good thing coming towards her.”

Over the past four years and in over 80 varsity games in a Roy uniform, Jazzi Prieto has made a special mark on the program. As her high school basketball career at Roy High comes to a close, she has had an incredible impact on the court and on the entire Roy community. Her leadership, humility, and dedication have left a lasting legacy that will inspire teammates, coaches, and fans for years to come.

photos courtesy of James Tate