The Mount Vernon News sports department’s Athlete of the Week is a weekly feature that spotlights local student-athletes and their schools. Based on their performances, we will select an Athlete of the Week and recognize other outstanding athletic accomplishments.
Our Athlete of the Week winners for this week are Kameron Stover (Highland volleyball) and Levi Lyons (Danville football).
Female Athlete of the Week
Kameron Stover
The Highland Fighting Scots are off to a 16-1 start (10-0 in MOAC), and in last week’s 3-1 win over Shelby, they were led by Kameron Stover, who had an astronomical 30 kills on the day. She also had three aces, a 90% service percentage, two blocks and 16 digs. Highland volleyball coach Rob Terrill said Stover is a team player and team inspiration. “Kameron is our leading hitter at five-plus kills per set, and she draws a lot of attention from defenses,” Terrill said. “Her ability to swing from anywhere on the court makes her tough to defend. Kameron is always very positive and a great cheerleader for our team.”
Honorable mention
Cardington-Lincoln’s Izzy Wickline was efficient with 13 kills on 14 attempts with no errors in a 3-0 win over Northmor. Wickline also had six blocks (four solos) to keep C-L undefeated in KMAC
In Danville’s 3-0 win over Northside Christian, leading the offense was Kenzie Neitzelt with 10 kills and 16 assists. She also had one ace and a serve percentage of 100%. Neitzelt was a top defender as well, with five blocks and three digs.
In Fredericktown’s 3-0 win over Columbus Academy, Jillian Bouton led the offense with eight kills and four aces while serving at 90.9%. She also posted eight blocks and three digs.
Male Athlete of the Week
Levi Lyons
Danville is off to a second-ranked start in Ohio’s Div. 7, Region 25 action, and middle linebacker Levi Lyons, a two-time All-Ohio linebacker, has been a defensive leader. In last week’s 28-20 win over Cardington-Lincoln, Lyons led the defense with 15 tackles – 12 solos, one tackle for loss, one sack and a hurry. Danville football coach Matt Blum said Lyons' range and energy were game-changing, and he was also an offensive stalwart. “Levi is an excellent pick and well-deserving,” said Blum. “In addition to his defensive play, Levi opened up multiple running lanes on offense while playing right guard. He was by far our best defensive player Friday night and was flying all over the field.” Blum praised Lyons’ off-field demeanor as well. "Levi is a four-year starter, captain and a high-character kid who excels in the classroom and on the field. We are lucky to have him in our football program and he will do great things in his future. He is by far one of the most coachable and smart kids I have had the privilege of coaching,” Blum said.
Honorable mention
Highland running back Dane Nauman ran for 308 yards and five touchdowns on 39 carries in a 44-20 win over Shelby. It was his third 300-plus yard game this season and fourth of 200 yards or more.
Centerburg’s Tyler Johnson was 12-for-17 for 144 yards and two TDs with a quarterback rating of 135.4 and 22 carries for 188 on the ground in the Trojans’ 28-14 win over Mount Gilead. On defense that game, Trojan Gauge Stepp shut down the Indians with 10 tackles.
East Knox’s Cole Delaughder threw a 68-yard touchdown pass in an option play and carried 23 times for 149 yards in the Bulldogs’ 36-23 loss to Northmor.
Cardington-Lincoln’s defense was led by Colin McAvoy, who had 11 tackles, including three for loss, in its 28-20 loss to Danville.
Fredericktown’s Teegan Ruhl was a workhorse for the Freddies, carrying the ball 37 times for 221 yards and scoring four touchdowns. He also caught a 45-yard touchdown pass vs. Loudonville
We congratulate all of these local student-athletes on great character and performances as well as the many who did not make this week’s feature, but who will be recognized in weeks to come.
To coaches and community members, join us in our award process. Send us your choices for MVN Athlete of the Week, a recap of their prowess in competition and a photo of them and give them the community recognition they deserve. Encourage your community members and coaches to contact us each week. Send your selections to mike.blake@mountvernonnews.com.
