Despite a week of high school sports abbreviated by severe weather, numerous athletes in the Fayetteville region delivered outstanding performances. The Eastern Sandhills Conference wrestling championships saw South View's boys and Seventy-First's girls claim titles, with Devin Williams and Saliyah Brooks earning Wrestler of the Year honors. Fayetteville Academy's boys' basketball secured a significant 2A victory, while Terry Sanford's girls' basketball achieved one of the season's largest wins. Eleven exceptional athletes have been nominated for 'Athlete of the Week' based on these remarkable achievements.
Exceptional Athletic Achievements in a Shortened Week
In a week where adverse weather conditions led to a reduced schedule for high school sports, student-athletes from the Fayetteville area managed to deliver a series of remarkable performances, showcasing their talent and determination. The Eastern Sandhills Conference wrestling tournament was a highlight, with South View's male team and Seventy-First's female team clinching championship titles. Individual accolades were also abundant, as Devin Williams and Saliyah Brooks were honored as Wrestlers of the Year for their exceptional skills on the mat. Beyond wrestling, the basketball courts also witnessed significant triumphs. Fayetteville Academy's boys' basketball squad secured a crucial 2A victory against Harrells Christian, demonstrating their prowess. Terry Sanford's girls' basketball team delivered an astounding 78-point win over Gray's Creek, marking one of the most dominant performances in the state this season. These achievements underscore the resilience and competitive spirit of the region's young athletes, setting a high bar for the remainder of the sports calendar.
The extraordinary efforts of these athletes have not gone unnoticed, culminating in a selection of eleven nominees for the prestigious 'Athlete of the Week' award. Among the basketball standouts, Jaidiah Blake from Terry Sanford girls' basketball impressed with a versatile performance, recording 20 points, eight steals, six rebounds, and six assists in her team's landslide victory. Her teammate, Amya Harrington, also shone brightly, contributing 21 points, eight rebounds, and three steals. Kingston Carlsen of Fayetteville Academy boys' basketball achieved a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Allison Lett from Freedom Christian girls' basketball continued her dominant season, averaging 27.5 points and 11 rebounds. Ja'Von Motta of Trinity Christian boys' basketball reached a significant career milestone, scoring 27 points to hit the 1,000-point mark. Karsten Swinney, also from Freedom Christian boys' basketball, made history by accumulating 3,000 career points despite a team loss. On the wrestling front, Saliyah Brooks maintained an impressive 19-3 record, earning her Wrestler of the Year, while Devin Walker of Westover boys' wrestling secured a first-place win. Mason Walker from Terry Sanford boys' basketball showcased his all-around talent with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Devin Williams, named Eastern Sandhill Conference Wrestler of the Year, finished with a strong 23-8 record. Lastly, Tre Williams of Kid Stars Rising boys' basketball marked his return with 25 points and six assists. These nominations celebrate a week filled with outstanding individual and team accomplishments.
Athlete of the Week Nominees and Their Stellar Performances
The recent abbreviated sports week in the Fayetteville area culminated in an impressive lineup of eleven nominees for the 'Athlete of the Week' award, each recognized for their exceptional contributions to their respective teams. These athletes demonstrated not only skill but also leadership and resilience in their games. From the basketball courts, Jaidiah Blake of Terry Sanford's girls' team delivered a standout all-around game, accumulating 20 points, eight steals, six rebounds, and six assists in a dominant win. Her teammate, Amya Harrington, also had one of her best performances of the year, contributing 21 points, eight rebounds, and three steals. Kingston Carlsen from Fayetteville Academy's boys' basketball team was instrumental in their win, achieving a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Allison Lett of Freedom Christian's girls' basketball continued her remarkable season, averaging an impressive 27.5 points and 11 rebounds over two games. On the boys' side, Ja'Von Motta of Trinity Christian not only scored 27 points in a conference win but also achieved a significant career milestone of 1,000 points. Karsten Swinney from Freedom Christian, despite a team loss, made history by reaching an incredible 3,000 career points, showcasing his prolific scoring ability. These basketball talents highlight the offensive and defensive prowess present in the region's high school sports.
In the wrestling arena, two athletes particularly distinguished themselves, earning Wrestler of the Year titles in their respective conferences. Saliyah Brooks of Seventy-First's girls' wrestling team earned the Eastern Sandhills Conference Girls' Wrestler of the Year, boasting an impressive 19-3 record in the 185-pound weight class. Her consistent performance and dominance on the mat were pivotal to her team's success. Similarly, Devin Williams from South View's boys' wrestling team was named the Eastern Sandhill Conference Wrestler of the Year, having completed his regular season with a strong 23-8 record in the 138-pound weight class. Another notable wrestling achievement came from Devin Walker of Westover's boys' wrestling team, who secured a first-place win with a quick 1:56 fall. Beyond these individual wrestling champions, Mason Walker of Terry Sanford's boys' basketball team also had a significant impact, recording a double-double with 26 points and 11 rebounds, including six 3-pointers. Lastly, Tre Williams, the star point guard for Kid Stars Rising boys' basketball, made a strong return to the court, contributing 25 points and six assists. These diverse performances across basketball and wrestling underscore the breadth of athletic talent in the Fayetteville area and provide a compelling pool of candidates for the weekly honor, demonstrating the dedication and hard work of these young individuals.