The Mount Vernon News sports department’s 27th ATHLETE OF THE WEEK nominations continue the established procedure of spotlighting student-athletes’ skills and performances on the fields and courts of action.
Based on performances, we ask ADs, coaches and the community to nominate one boy and one girl from their athletic programs to compete against other schools’ nominations. We ask for a recap of their worthy performances and a picture. Please send your nominations to me, Mike Blake, MVN Sports Editor, at mike.blake@mountvernonnews.com. Make sure YOUR school is represented.
This week, two softball players were perfect at the plate; hit well and often and share the honors as Athletes of the Week.
FEMALE ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
Danville’s Keura Shilling is in her fourth year as a letter-winner and is returning as a Central District All-District team member from 2021. She started the 2022 season as hot as a player can be, going 5-for-5 in the season opener for the Blue Devils in their 17-1 win against Delaware Christian. Shilling’s day included three doubles, three runs scored, two RBI and a stolen base. Wednesday, she followed up, going 2-for-3 with another run scored and another RBI, while stealing two more bases. Danville softball coach Charlie Duncan said, “Keara has started the season off hot from the plate and is currently batting .875 in two games. She tied a school record for hits in a game, going 5-for-5 in our season opener. Her defense has been solid at second base as well. Great start to the season for ‘Keyno,'”
The second honoree this week is Northmor junior Taylor Cantrell. In the Lady Knights’ season opener against Bucyrus, Cantrell was perfect, going 4-for-4 with four RBI to lead Northmor to a 14-4 victory. Cantrell was an honorable mention in the KMAC last season, in which she batted .377 with a .427 on base percentage and .522 slugging percentage. Northmor softball coach Matt Wiseman said, “Taylor is a leader in her junior season, playing all over the diamond, including outfield, catcher and pitcher. Taylor moved to catcher because of injury, and had quite an opening night going 4-for-4 with four RBI in Northmor's opening-night win. She stepped up and deserves this honor.”
Congratulations on a great week by our ATHLETES of the WEEK, Keura Shilling, and Taylor Cantrell, and congratulations to all local athletes for solid efforts.
