HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
Boys
Luke Grden, Friendswood
Notable: Grden completed 25 of 47 passes for 388 yards and six touchdowns in a thrilling 63-60 overtime win over Galveston Ball. His 19-yard touchdown pass to Nolan Smith was the winning score. Grden also connected with Smith on a 9-yard scoring pass with 50 seconds left to force OT. Friendswood moves to 3-3 in District 9-5A Division I play.
What coach Robert Koopman said: “Luke is finally getting close to full strength after his foot injury and has thrown for 740 yards in the last two games.”
Other nominees
Semaj McCall, Texas City: McCall rushed for five touchdowns and 201 yards, averaging 11.8 per carry, in a 65-13 victory over Dayton.
Lucian Paul, Elkins: Paul returned two interceptions for touchdowns as Elkins shut out
Dulles 33-0 to clinch a playoff spot.
WalkerWarncke, Needville: Needville lost to Lindale in the area playoffs, but Warncke rushed for 237 yards and four touchdowns on 26 carries along with a 95yard kickoff return for another score.
Girls MeganWilson, Kingwood
Notable: The senior Oklahoma signee and Under Armour All-American is riding an 11-match streak with double-digit kills, collecting 15 on 59.1 hitting percentage along with four assists, two blocks and six digs in a bi-district playoff sweep of Pasadena Memorial. Kingwood is looking for its first regional quarterfinal appearance since 2013 in the area round against Clear Springs on Tuesday.
What coach Christie Mewis said: “She’s definitely been a leader on the court. She plays two different roles for us. Sometimes we use her as an outside (hitter). Sometimes we use her as a middle. She’s really been a true team player and accepted any role that we needed her. She’s been one of our go-to girls when things are tough.”
Other nominees
Julia Chew, Cy-Fair: Chew had 30 assists in a bi-district playoff sweep of Carnegie Vanguard.
Anna Linskey, Atascocita: Linskey’s 10 kills and 17 digs helped Atascocita beat Dobie in the bi-district playoffs.
Bre’yon White, Shadow Creek: The Oklahoma signee scored 19 points with 12 rebounds in a 6029 non-district victory over Cinco Ranch.