ST. GEORGE — The pipeline of players from St. George to Brigham Young University in is expanding its outpour into Major League Baseball.
The Houston Astros selected former Snow Canyon High School and BYU star third baseman Austin Deming in the 10th round of the recent MLB Entry Draft.
Deming was the final pick off the board on the second day of the draft, July 10.
“He’s a great guy; I’m happy for him,” longtime Snow Canyon manager Reed Secrist told St. George News. “I kind of thought it would happen sooner for him; I think the COVID year had something to do with that. But what a great year he just had.”
Deming started as a freshman for the Warriors and played all four years in high school before continuing his career in Provo. Snow Canyon coaches saw that Deming was something special early on, Secrist said.
“I wish he was still playing for me,” he said. “Just a great kid, willing to learn and willing to work. He always did what he was asked to do. Just an all-around great kid, great family, great player. He was fun to coach for four years.”
Deming is listed at 6 feet, 200 pounds. He played the corner infield positions — first and third base — at BYU. Last year he hit a .418 batting average, including 19 home runs and 68 runs batted in.
Deming joins an Astros franchise that won the American League West in five of the last six seasons and won two World Series titles (2017, 2022).
From St. George to Provo
After Deming goes to the Big Show, BYU still has a handful of former stars from St. George on its roster.
Signing to play for the Cougars in this year’s class was another Snow Canyon Warrior, outfielder Luke Anderson, who was the Region 10 Most Valuable Player two seasons ago.
Also in this year’s class is Desert Hills product, Payton Gubler. Gubler brings two-way potential to the Cougars: he can pitch in the mid-90’s and he can also play the infield and hit.
Sophomore Cooper Vest is on BYU’s roster. The lefthander plays outfield and first base for the Cougars after a stellar high school career at Dixie.
Another Dixie Flyer, Cayson Bell, will be going to BYU after finishing his high school career in St. George.
The right-hander can pitch in the mid-90’s and received attention from PAC-12 schools after a stellar season on the mound for Dixie.
Writer’s Note: This report was updated with the information about Cayson Bell.
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