Vote now: Who is the Topeka-area's high school athlete of the week for Jan. 2-6?
TOPEKA — The first week of competition following the winter break has concluded. From wrestling to swimming and basketball, these athletes made a big impact for their teams last week.
These are the nominees for Capital-Journal Athlete of the Week for Jan. 2-6:
Koti Best, Seaman wrestling
The junior is emerging as one of the top wrestlers in the state. Best won the 130-pound weight class of the Lady Vikes Invitational on Friday, finishing the tournament 5-0 with all of her victories coming via pin. Best remains perfect at 15-0 as she continues to take down every opponent in her way.
Simon Everhart, Cair Paravel basketball
The senior was the best player on the court for the Lions on Friday. He scored 28 points and grabbed eight rebounds as Cair Paravel dominated Maranatha 68-52. Everhart has been a key piece early as the Lions hold a 4-3 record under first-year head coach Chip Kueffer.
Hailey Horton, Rossville wrestling
The senior continued her stellar season at Rossville’s home meet on Saturday. Horton won the individual title in the 155-pound weight division. She dispatched all of her opponents via pin as she improved her season record to 16-3. The Highland Community College softball signee helped Rossville take fourth place as a team.
Evan Johnson, Shawnee Heights wrestling
The sophomore highlighted the Thunderbirds' successful performance at the Wichita North Invitational on Saturday. Johnson was one of four wrestlers to win their weight class. He finished in the top spot of the 157-pound division. Johnson won all of his bouts via pin to move his record to 17-5. Shawnee Heights came away as the team champion with 201 points which was 16 more points than second-place finisher Olathe West.
Detrick Johnson, Topeka High wrestling
The junior was the top wrestler in the 215-pound division at the Joel Rios Invitational on Saturday. Johnson dominated the competition as he pinned all three of his opponents to take the top spot. Johnson has improved his season record to 16-5.
Amare Jones, Washburn Rural basketball
The junior was eye-popping in Washburn Rural’s notable win over Hayden on Friday night. Jones was all over the court as he intercepted passing lanes and grabbed rebounds all night. His ability to cross over his opponents while finishing at the rim made him unstoppable. Jones’ game-high 20 points helped the Junior Blues record their first win of the season.
Luke Lemke, Washburn Rural swimming
It was a big week for Lemke and Washburn Rural swimming. Lemke came away with two individual titles on Thursday at the Emporia Invite, finishing first in the 100-yard butterfly and the 100-yard backstroke. Lemke also helped the Junior Blues take first place in the 200-yard medley relay, which helped propel them to the team title. On Saturday, Lemke showed his versatility by winning the 200-yard IM at the Will Ensley Invitational, too.
Jack Pekarek, Seaman swimming
Pekarek can sprint and he can also go the distance. The Seaman swimmer won the 50-yard freestyle at the Emporia Invite on Thursday and also grabbed the individual title of the 500-yard freestyle. Pekarek’s performance helped the Vikings take second overall as they were just 26 points shy of Washburn Rural for the team title.
Lauren Sandstrom, Hayden basketball
The Wildcats needed their senior leader to make plays on Friday night. Sandstrom provided big minutes in a 46-38 win over Washburn Rural, scoring a game-high 22 points to snap a 12-game losing streak in the series. The Rockhurst commit was fantastic in transition as she was able to score through defensive contact.
Previous Winners
Dec. 4-9: Will Powell, Washburn Rural swimming
Dec. 11-16:Kendra Hurla, Rossville wrestling
Liam Keating covers high school sports for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Vote now for the Topeka-area's HS athlete of the week for Jan. 2-6
