Under Armour Men’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – Week 14
MARKIETH BROWN JR • EVERETT
SOPHOMORE • GUARD
Markieth Brown Jr, Shadle Park HS / Spokane, WA., averaged 31.5 points per game to good with 9 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals and a pair of blocks to lead the Trojans to a perfect 14-0 record in the North and a Everett's second consecutive North Region title.
Last week, Brown broke the all time scoring record at Everett with 1,330 points. Brown is currently 2nd in the NWAC in scoring with a 26.1 ppg average. He is also 1st in 3pt attempts made (116).
"Markieth's play this past week was motivated by helping his team win games and finish region play undefeated, said EvCC head coach Mike Trautman. "He passed the ball very well and took great shots. When the team needed him to score, he did by hitting a game winner against Whatcom, finishing with 39 points and going 8/17 from 3FG. Markieth also passed Derek Brown (Portland St) as the program's all time leading scorer with the win over Whatcom. Markieth is currently getting lots of interest and offers from high level NCAA D2 and NAIA programs across the country."
Under Armour Women’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – Week 14
ASHLYNN BURGESS • WENATCHEE VALLEY
SOPHOMORE • GUARD-FORWARD
Ashlynn Burgess, Chugiak HS / Eagle River, AK., averaged 21.5 points and 13.0 rebounds per game to go with 5 assists and 2 steals. She also went 11-13 from the free throw line for a 84.6% FT percentage.
Burgess is currently 8th in scoring (18.6 ppg) and 6th in FG% (55%).
Knights head coach Rachel Goetz has been excited about Burgess' performances, "Ashlynn's solid play down the stretch has been a huge factor in leading this team to a playoff position and the #2 seed in the Eastern Region! She is consistent in scoring and most importantly consistent with her defensive effort. Ashlynn logged back to back double-doubles against Yakima and Blue Mountain, ending regular season play with an impressive 27 game double digit scoring stat. Ashlynn and her teammates are excited to carry this momentum into post season play!
Under Armour Men’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – Week 13
TARIK COOL • LANE
SOPHOMORE • GUARD
Tarik Cool, Desert Vista HS / Chandler, AZ., averaged 30 points on 67.7% shooting and 5.5 rebounds to go with 10 assists and 3 steals to lead the 3rd-ranked Titans to a pair of 27+ point victories.
Cool is currently 3rd in points per game with a 22.8 ppg average and is 13th in assists with 112 dishes on the season.
"Tarik has been instrumental to our success this season and we're very lucky to have him," said Lane head coach Joe White. "We're happy for Tarik for earning this recognition and it's good to see his hard work get recognized. He has been a pleasure to coach this season and we look forward to his continued success."
Under Armour Women’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – Week 13
NIZHONI WHEELER • LOWER COLUMBIA
SOPHOMORE • CENTER
Nizhoni Wheeler, Port Angeles HS / Port Angeles, WA., averaged 21 points on 58.3% shooting, 5.7 rebounds and 5.7 blocks per game while only committing 3 fouls in 3 wins on the week.
Wheeler currently ranks 1st in blocks (59), 9th in FG% (52.6%) and 17th in points per game (15.3)
“Nizhoni is major impact player for us. Her presence in the paint makes our offense run," said Red Devils head coach Lucas Myers. "In the last couple weeks Nizhoni has dealt with double and sometimes even triple teams all while still being efficient on the offensive end, either by scoring or passing it out to our great shooters. Nizhoni is a major part of why we as a team have been steadily improving this year and were able to secure a West Region Championship. We are proud of her growth on and off the court.”
Under Armour Men’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – Week 12
MAGNUS JESPERSON • EVERETT
FRESHMAN • CENTER
Magnus Jesperson, Aarhus Business College / Aarhus, Denmark, averaged 15.5 ppg on 73.7 % shooting and 23.5 rebounds per game to go with 5 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks in wins over Shoreline and Edmonds.
Jesperson is currently 2nd in the league is rebounds per game (13.7), 2nd in total rebounds (287) and 8th in FG% (59.5%).
"Magnus is a force on both ends of the floor as he leads the NWAC in defensive rebounds, said Trojan head coach Mike Trautman. "He also plays with a high basketball IQ , is a great passer and shoots a very high FG% from the floor. Magnus is a leader and a very good student and well liked and respected by his teammates, teachers, and the school administration."
Under Armour Women’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – Week 12
CJ BUCKLEY • CLACKAMAS
SOPHOMORE • GUARD
CJ Buckley, Century HS / Hillsboro, OR., averaged 27.0 ppg on 54.1% shooting to go with 6 rebounds, 4 steals and 7 assists in wins over Linn-Benton (11-14) and 3rd-ranked Umpqua (21-4).
She had a signature performance against Umpqua, scoring 36 points with 5 assists, 4 steals and 2 rebounds in the upset victory over the Riverhawks. Buckley scored 7 of team’s 10 points in overtime.
She is currently 3rd in free throws made (101), 7th in free throw percentage ( 78.3%) and 2nd in scoring (21.0 ppg).
"CJ has been tremendous for us all year!, exclaimed Cougar head coach Jim Martineau. "Her excellent play last week helped us to two huge wins, keeping us alive for post-season play. Her 36 points on Saturday against the 3rd ranked Riverhawks was a career high. Currently CJ is the leading scorer in the NWAC during region play at 23.6 points per game."
Under Armour Men’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – Week 11
NATE PRYOR • NORTH IDAHO
FRESHMAN • POINT GUARD
Nate Pryor, West Seattle HS / Seattle, WA. scored 38 points on 70.8% shooting with 8 rebounds, 10 assists and a pair of steals to lead the top-ranked Cardinals to a 114-80 win over Big Bend.
Pryor is currently 5th in the league in assists (109), 19th in points per game (18.1) and 18th in steals (38).
"Nate has been a big part of our success all season," said Cardinal head coach Corey Symons. "He has a high IQ and is really an extra coach on the floor. Nate really impacts the game at all levels."
Under Armour Women’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – Week 11
KELSEY SORENSON • BIG BEND
FRESHMAN • FORWARD
Kelsey Sorenson, Carbon HS / Price, UT., scored 28 points on 57.9% shooting with 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and no turnovers in the fourth-ranked Vikings' convincing 78-58 win over fifth-ranked North Idaho.
Sorenson is currently 6th in the NWAC in rebounds per game (9.2) and 25th in total assists (64).
"Kelsey played an all-around great game against NIC," said Vikings head coach Preston Wilks. "She is tough to guard because she can attack the rim with either hand. She can hurt you with her passing as well, as she leads our team in Region play with 3.0 assists per game. Against NIC, she was in a groove in the 4th quarter and was virtually unstoppable with an assortment of tough finishes around the rim. Her play that night was the catalyst in leading our team to a 20-point road victory over the 5th ranked team in the NWAC. She has been really consistent in region play as a freshman, averaging nearly a double-double with 12.3 PPG along with 9.4 RBPG. Kelsey is a great student as well with a stellar GPA."
Under Armour Men’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – Week 10
JAKE ALBRIGHT • WALLA WALLA
SOPHOMORE • CENTER
Jake Albright, Clarkston HS / Clarkston, WA., averaged 25.5ppg on 70% shooting, 10.5 rbg, 4.5 apg, & 3.5 bpg.
His 64.9% FG percentage ranks 4th in the league to with 10.4 rebounds (5th) and 29 blocks (3rd).
"Jake had a great overall weekend for us last week, said Warrior head coach Jeff Reinland. "His 51 points, 21 rebounds, 9 assists and 7 blocks were instrumental in the Warrior’s two big wins over Wenatchee Valley College and Yakima Valley College…More importantly Jake is one of our team leaders whose presence on the court makes us a much better team than when he is not, regardless of his statistical performance. Jake is a great kid and a great student with a bright future at the next level."
Under Armour Women’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – Week 10
TARA CHAMBERLAIN • TREASURE VALLEY
SOPHOMORE • FORWARD
Tara Chamberlain, Challis HS / Challis, ID., averaged 21.0 ppg on 54.2% shooting and 7.5 rpg to go with 5 assists & 7 steals on wins over Blue Mountain and fifth-ranked North Idaho.
"Tara has continually shown growth as a two way player and leader in our program," said Chukar head coach Gabe Fuentes. "As our best defender, Tara typically draws the assignment of defending the other team's best offensive player. Despite expending so much energy on the defensive side of the ball she still manages to be one of our biggest weapons on offense. Her constant sprinting of the floor and timely perimeter shooting were the key to our success last week. Her grit has been huge for us in region play, so it was not a surprise to see Tara rise to the challenge and help lead us to a couple tough East region wins."
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Under Armour Men’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – Week 9
MALIK PARSONS • WENATCHEE VALLEY
FRESHMAN • GUARD
Malik Parsons, Lincoln High HS / San Diego, CA., averaged 27.6 points on 53% shooting from the field, 7 rebounds and 5 assists in 3 consecutive wins.
Parsons currently leads the NWAC in scoring at 26.7 points per game and is averaging 30.7 ppg during East Regional play.
"Malik is a high level athletic scoring guard with a great feel for the game, said Knight head coach Jeremy Harden. "His natural ability to put the ball in the hole and get to the foul line is second to none as he leads the NWAC in scoring and free throw attempts. His scoring ability was in full affect against Yakima as he scored 31 points in the second half alone. In our next game, he drew two defenders which showcased his play making abilities by creating opportunities for his teammates, which led to his 15 points and 9 assists in a 20-point win over Big Bend. In our final game of the week against Treasure Valley, Parsons scored 31 points along with 8 rebounds and 3 assists.
Malik is a great teammate that leads by his work ethic. I have enjoyed coaching and developing him. He has grown a lot on and off the court and I am excited to see how his second half of the season finishes out."
Under Armour Women’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – Week 9
KYLIE GUELSDORF • LANE
FRESHMAN • GUARD
Kylie Guelsdorf, Oregon City HS / Oregon City, OR., averaged 15.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 13.0 assists to go with 5 steals and a block while leading the top-ranked Titans to wins over Linn-Benton and Clackamas.
Guelsdorf leads the league in assists with 123 in 20 games.
"Kylie continues to improve on her decision making skills, finding her teammates in scoring opportunities which has lead to her conference leading assist total," said Titans head coach Greg Sheley. "Recently she has also looked to score the basketball more which has helped balance our team scoring. Her unique ability to score and assist has helped our team continue to improve. She has been a pleasure to coach this season and we look forward to her continued success."
Under Armour Men’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – Week 8
KEVIN BAKER • GREEN RIVER
SOPHOMORE • FORWARD
Kevin Baker, Kentlake HS / Kent, WA., averaged 32.5 points, 15 rebounds, 2.5 assists and a steal. He shot 48% from the field, 50 percent from 3 and 93 percent from the free throw line on 15 attempts.
Baker is currently 5th in scoring (22.7 ppg) and 6th in rebounds (10.1 rpg)
"Kevin Baker has an outstanding week of basketball during our rivalry week vs Tacoma and #6 Highline, said Gator head coach Godfrey Drake. "Kevin completely dominated the competition vs Tacoma with a 43 and 14 rebound performance that even had Tacoma fans on their feet. He followed that up with a dominating 22 and 16 rebound performance against #6 Highline. In both games Kevin had a monster lob dunk that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Kevin put up big numbers and was very active on the defensive end getting 13 deflections total for both games."
Added Drake, "Kevin is a fan favorite on campus and his teammates love him. Kevin excels in the classroom as well as on the court. He is one of the best people that I know and it’s been a pleasure to know Kevin and coach him for as long as I have. Kevin is one of those people that is just destined for greatness and I’m just glad to be a part of his story."
Under Armour Women’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – Week 8
ASHLYNN BURGESS • WENATCHEE VALLEY
FRESHMAN • FORWARD
Ashlynn Burgess, Chugiak HS / Eagle River, AK., averaged 31.5 points on 60% shooting to go with 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals and shot 89.9% on 9 free throw attempts in big wins over sixth-ranked North Idaho (14-4) and #11 Spokane (15-4). She also protected the ball well, allowing only two turnovers.
Burgess is currently 10th in scoring (17.5 ppg) 7th in FG% (56.4%) and 3rd in FT% (85.9%).
WVC head coach Rachel Goetz added, “Ashlynn was a strong and steady sophomore force that we needed to compete against 2 strong Eastern Region opponents last week. Ashlynn proved she can score from the paint, the perimeter and from the charity stripe vs NIC and Spokane. Ashlynn wouldn't be comfortable with out giving her teammates a shout out for their great passing and execution that put her in situations to be successful last week!"
Under Armour Men’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – Week 7
ALEX SOMMERFIELD • GREEN RIVER
SOPHOMORE • GUARD-FORWARD
Alex Sommerfield, Thomas Jefferson HS / Federal Way, WA., averaged 18.5 points and 8 rebounds per game to go his 2 assists, 3 steals and 4 blocks as Green River knocked off 2nd-ranked South Puget Sound and 8th-ranked Lower Columbia. Sommerfield is also an excellent student and sports a very high GPA.
"Alex shot the lights out in both games, said Gator head coach Godfrey Drake. "In both games he got rolling from the 3 point line and the other team had to call timeout. He also came up with big blocks at the end of both games to seal the deal."
Drake added, "Alex is great on campus and he is in to broadcast journalism. His sports podcast is very well done and he has a bright future with that. He also led our efforts in the off season with several trips to NW Harvest to do some community service. The sky is the limit for Al and I’m just lucky to be the guy that he calls coach."
Under Armour Women’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – Week 7
DARIAN MITCHELL • UMPQUA
FRESHMAN • FORWARD
Darian Mitchell, Douglas HS / Dillard, OR., averaged 27.5 points and 14 rebounds to go with 3 assists, 2 steals and a pair of blocks while leading 7th-ranked UCC to double-digit wins over Clackamas and Linn-Benton. She is currently 1st in the league in rebounds (13.3rpg) and 7th in scoring (17.8ppg)
“Darian has been a great rebounder from day one but her steady improvement as a legitimate back to the basket scorer has added a new dimension to our offense," said Riverhawk head coach Dave Striklin. "As she continues to work hard and get better, our team will continue to get better, which is absolutely necessary as Southern Region play continues."
Under Armour Men’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – Week 6
MARQUS GLISON • CENTRALIA
SOPHOMORE • FORWARD
Marqus Gilson, Westlake HS / Salt Lake City, UT., averaged 19.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per games to go with 3 assists and 4 blocks in wins over Whatcom and Everett.
"Marqus Gilson has been our team leader all year long. said Trailblazer head coach Jason Moir. "He is absolutely one of the best young men I have coached. On the court, he averages 20 point and 9 rebounds per game, but it is leadership off the court that deserves recognition. Marqus maintains a very good GPA in the academically demanding Associate of Science - Pre-Pharmacy program. This achievement inspires his teammates to also excel in the classroom. In addition to his challenging athletic and class schedules, Marqus works 15 hours each week, splitting his time between working with incarcerated students and underrepresented high school students. Marqus is a humble young man with high character and a strong moral compass; he is a natural, all-around leader."
Under Armour Women’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – Week 6
JESSICA CHENEY • WALLA WALLA
FRESHMAN • GUARD
Jessica Cheney, White Swan HS / White Swan, WA., averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds per game to go with her 5 assists and 3 steals in wins over Spokane and Yakima Valley.
“What makes Jessica’s stats stand out is that she got them against two very good Eastern Region defensive teams, said warrior head coach Bobbi Hazeltine. "Jessica is a very good shooter, but she also gets her points in other ways, which makes her an all-around solid offensive player. The biggest surprise contribution we are getting from Jess is her rebounding. She is putting up big rebounding numbers for being 5’7, and she showed that this week in two tough games."
Under Armour Men’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – Week 5
ROBERT FORD • CLACKAMAS
FRESHMAN • POINT GUARD
Robert Ford, Jefferson HS / Portland, OR., averaged 17 points, 12 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game as the Cougars went 3-0 at the Clackamas Holiday Classic. He also tallied 5 steals and 2 blocks while shooting 61.5% on 16 shots beyond the arc. With his performance, Ford ws named the Holiday Classic MVP.
Ford is having an amazing early season as he is currently 1st in steals (3.5 spg), 1st in assists (8.9 apg), 3rd in rebounds (11.3 rpg), 6th in 3PT accuracy (53.2 %) and 14th in points per game (19.1 ppg).
"We recruited Robert as elite on ball defender who could also be a floor leader, said Cougar head coach Clif Wegner. "He has played well defensively and continues to take on tough assignments on that end of the floor as well. His offensive punch has been more of a pleasant surprise.
Best of all, Robert is a team oriented co-captain who has also been one of the top team leaders in terms of work ethic and team goals."
Under Armour Women’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – Week 5
JESSICA OLSON • SPOKANE
SOPHOMORE • GUARD-FORWARD
Jessica Olson, Moses Lake HS / Moses Lake, WA., averaged 20.3 points and 9 rebounds per game to go with 7 assists and 4 steals as Spokane collected three wins at the Skagit Valley Cardinal Classic last week.
"Jessica has been solid throughout the preseason, said Sasquatch head coach Bruce Johnson. "She is a quiet leader and is a go to girl when we need a score. She has been our best player this year on both ends of the floor.”
Under Armour Men’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – Week 4
MARKIETH BROWN JR. • EVERETT
SOPHOMORE • GUARD
Markieth Brown Jr., Shadle Park HS / Spokane, WA., led the Trojans to a 3-1 record for the week averaging 35 points, while shooting 43% from 3 point FG and 83% from the stripe.
"Markieth is scoring from all three facets of the game and passing the ball well, averaging over 4 assists a game on the season," said EvCC head coach Mike Trautman. "He also finished the fall quarter with a high GPA and is on pace to complete his AA this Spring."
Under Armour Women’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – Week 4
ASHLYNN BURGESS • WENATCHEE VALLEY
SOPHOMORE • GUARD-FORWARD
Ashlynn Burgess, Chugiak HS / Eagle River, AK., averaged 19 points and 7 rebounds while leading the Knights to three wins on the week.
Ashlynn led her team to 3 wins with her defense first menaltality," said WVC head coach Rachel Goetz. "Her ability to score in multiple ways made her a tough matchup for opponents. Ashlynn is a true competitor that expects nothing but her best effort from herself everyday!Under Armour Men’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – Week 3
KAI WARREN • BELLEVUE
FRESHMAN • GUARD
Kai Warren, North Kitsap HS / Poulsbo, WA., averaged 24.3 points on 61% shooting, 7.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game to help lead Bellevue to the Bulldog Classic tournament championship. Warren led the Bulldogs in the title game with a 40 point, 13 rebound performance hitting 70% on his 10 shots from the arc.
"Kai had a tremendous weekend leading us to the championship of the Bulldog Classic," said BC head coach Donald Brady. "He was named all-tournament after a championship game in which he scored 40 points to go with 13 rebounds and 7 assists. Kai can score from anywhere on the court and he's learning all the ways he can effect a basketball game. We are excited to watch him continue his growth as a basketball player.
Under Armour Women’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – Week 3
TAYLOR STRICKLIN • UMPQUA
SOPHOMORE • GUARD
Taylor Stricklin, Sutherlin HS / Roseburg, OR., averaged 23.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.7 steals in three wins last week. Stricklin is the league's second leading scorer with 23.4 ppg. She is also 7th in assists (4.7) and 13th in steals (2.6).
“Taylor had another outstanding and very productive week at both ends of the court as she continues to deliver big things for us," said Riverhawk head coach Dave Stricklin. With all the extra time she puts in we anticipate that she will continue getting better as the season progresses.
Under Armour Men’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – Week 1
RAYQUAN EVANS • NORTH IDAHO
SOPHOMORE • GUARD
RayQuan Evans, Skyview HS / Billings, MT., averaged 19 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.6 assist and 3 steals per game to help lead the Cardinals to 3 wins.
“RayQuan is a huge part of our early season success!'" exclaimed Cardinal head coach Corey Symons. "He is able to score the ball at all three levels and does a great job on the defensive end of the floor! This past week he lead us in all categories and help us get 3 quality wins!! “
Under Armour Women’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – Week 2
KENYA LORTON • LOWER COLUMBIA
SOPHOMORE • GUARD
Kenya Lorton, Adna HS / Adna, WA., averaged 20 points, 12 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game in two victories including a 78-71 win over perennial league powerhouse Lane. She was especially hot at the arc making 7 of 16 shot attempts.
"Kenya played with great urgency and determination this week," said LCC head coach Lucas Myers. "Kenya shot the ball extremely well this week from long distance and has steadily improved her game when attacking the basket. But what has really set her game apart this year and week has been her rebounding. Kenya is currently leading our team in ppg and rebounding. Congratulations to Kenya for a great week of basketball."
Under Armour Men’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – 2018 Week 1
KOBY HUERTA • BIG BEND
SOPHOMORE • GUARD
Koby Huerta, Kentwood HS / Covington, WA., averaged 23.5 points and 8 rebounds per game to go with 6 assists to help lift the Vikings to three wins at the Skagit Valley Tourney.
"Koby is a captain on our team and plays point guard and shooting guard," said Viking head coach Mingo Scott. "He can shoot the 3, hit the pull up jumper, and finish at the rim. He is a consistent scorer and sets up other players for shots as well. He led us in scoring in all three games this weekend and led the team to a 3-0 start. We expect a great season from him moving forward.
Under Armour Women’s Basketball Athlete of the Week – 2018 Week 1
TAYLOR STRICKLIN • UMPQUA
SOPHOMORE • GUARD
Taylor Stricklin, Sutherlin HS / Roseburg, OR., averaged 23.8 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 2.5 steals in four wins last week. Her top performance was her 31 points in 102-99 win against Clackamas.
“As our only sophomore, Taylor did exactly what sophomores are supposed to do early in the season – she led by example, played consistently well, and hit big shots when we needed them," said Riverhawk head coach Dave Stricklin.
Under Armour Men’s Basketball Player of the Week – Week 14
SHATON DANIELS JR. • CHEMEKETA
FRESHMAN • GUARD
Shaton Daniels Jr., McKay HS / Salem, OR., came off the bench for Chemeketa and led his Storm to a crucial win over Clackamas to help Chemeketa to a playoff berth on the final day of the regular season. Daniels tallied 25 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and a block in the victory.
"Shaton is our energy... When he comes in a contest, he has the ability to effect the game at both ends of the floor with his speed and athleticism," said Chemeketa head coach David Abderhalden.
Under Armour Women’s Basketball Player of the Week – Week 14
SARAH HALL • LANE
SOPHOMORE • FORWARD
Sarah Hall, Sheldon HS / Eugene, OR., led the #3 ranked Titans in handing top-ranked Umpqua its first loss of the season, snapping the Riverhawks' 28 game win streak last Wednesday in Eugene. Hall led the team in scoring with 21 points and turned in 4 rebounds and three steals. She also had a double-double against playoff bound Mt. Hood where she tallied 14 points and 10 rebounds.
"Sarah has been a consistent performer for us the entire season. said Lane head coach Greg Sheley. "She has stepped up her game in the last half of league which has helped us achieve some big victories and finish the regular season strong."