The Mount Vernon News sports department’s MVN 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 Gwyn Sands (Centerburg volleyball) and Max Payne (Danville football).
Female Athlete of the Week
Gwyn Sands
Leading Centerburg to victory in the first round of the Division 3 sectionals volleyball tournament, Gwyn Sands earns the top spot after gaining an honorable mention for a 10-kill game vs. Cardington-Lincoln 2 weeks earlier. Sands was also an Athlete of the Week winner last year for a 41-kill, 20-block, four-ace week of games .
In the Division 3 sectionals opening round, Sands led a 3-0 sweep for Centerburg over Columbus Tree of Life. In front of a home crowd, Sands was vocal and energetic on the court and finished with 12 kills, two aces, two blocks and three digs. Centerburg volleyball coach Abigail Boudinot said Sands is a team leader through her energy and skill. “She is the teammate you want on the floor with you. She showed a lot of determination and passion in this game. Gwyn is an excellent teammate that is always hyping up her team and encouraging those around her.”
Above her skills and leadership on the court, Sands is a multi-layered individual. “Gwyn is a caring, funny, and outgoing young lady,” said Boudinot. “She has high expectations for herself and doesn't settle for less than her best.”
Honorable mention goes to Danville’s Kenzie Neitzelt. In the Lady Blue Devils' Division 4 sectionals loss to Liberty Christian Academy, Neitzelt was inspirational and a force all over the court, fighting to the end. She finished with eight kills, one ace, eight blocks, nine assists and 21 digs. For Cardington-Lincoln in its Division 3 sweep over West Jefferson, a trio of Lady Pirates earned extra recognition. Audrey Brininger had 19 kills, two aces, one block and 10 digs; Jadine Mills was a monster setting the ball with 41 assists and had six digs and five aces; and Cadie Long was the star on defense with 19 digs to go with her two aces.
Male Athlete of the Week
Max Payne
Danville’s Max Payne earned honorable mention earlier this year for an all-around game vs. Worthington Christian in which he kicked a 72-yard punt, gained 94 yards rushing, scored two TDs, converted three PATs, and made two tackles for loss and a sack on defense. Last year, he was an honorable mention for a five-touchdown game vs. Cardington-Lincoln. This time, Payne earns Athlete of the Week honors for leading the Blue Devils to their first Devil-Dog Trophy win in five years. Against East Knox, Payne had what Danville football coach Matt Blum called “a tremendous game.” Payne carried the ball 21 times for 186 Yards with two touchdowns. He gained 20 yards passing and threw a TD pass; had two catches for 18 yards; sprinted on a 75-yard kickoff return; and kicked a punt that was downed at the 1-yard line. Blum said Payne played a very tough and physical game. “Max made some big plays in both the first half and second half,” Blum said. “He was instrumental on both offense and special teams to forward our victory.”
Blum was eager to praise his student-athlete’s qualities. “Max is a high-character kid who does anything we ask him to do,” said Blum. “Before this year, he was our starting quarterback for the two years previous. However, he has stepped in a new role on both sides of the ball and has excelled.”
Honorable mention goes to Centerburg’s Tyler Johnson with 194 yards gained and three TDs on 23 carries. He also threw for two TDs against Fredericktown, and Trojan teammate Caylan LeMaster had 130 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. For Northmor against Loudonville, Hunter Fulk caught five passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns and also picked off two interceptions on defense. For Cardington-Lincoln, Kaiden Beach carried 18 times for 141 yards and passed for 80 yards, and Colin McAvoy had 10 tackles against Mount Gilead. For East Knox, Carson Steinmetz ran in TDs from 75 yards (on a pass) and 40 yards (on a run), and Bulldog teammate Cole Delaughder sprinted to the outside and outraced the defense on an 80-yard TD run.
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.
