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.
Last week, most schools opened their girls basketball seasons, and some of the boys teams played scrimmages. The girls saw several big-time season-opening performances; and for the boys, one school continued to play OHSAA competition, and that was Danville, who played a hard-fought final match against No. 1-ranked Warren JFK. From the basketball season-openers and the football season-ender, our Athletes of the Week are Cally Carpenter (Fredericktown basketball) and Max Payne (Danville football).
Female Athlete of the Week
Cally Carpenter
In Fredericktown’s 51-40 overtime win over Highland, the Freddies’ sophomore Cally Carpenter scored 20 points. She hit a clutch 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter and also hit two pressure free throws with less than two seconds left to send the game into OT. Carpenter went 9-for-10 from the line to lead Fredericktown’s come-from-behind season-opening victory. In the fourth quarter, to gain the tie in regulation, Carpenter scored seven of the Freddies’ nine points on a three and four free throws.
Fredericktown coach Tim Maceyko wants the ball in Carpenter’s hands at crunch time. “Cally Carpenter is clutch,” Maceyko said. “I have complete faith in her coming through down the stretch. Whenever the game is in the balance, she’s the one we want at the foul line. She’s the one we want taking that game-winning shot attempt. And she’s only a sophomore. Her future is extremely bright.”
In addition to her court presence, Maceyko appreciates Carpenter’s demeanor. “Beyond the basketball court, she’s an amazing young lady, always has a smile, and is just great to be around. We are fortunate to have her in our program,” Maceyko said. “I’m excited to watch her and her teammate Grace Sipes work together and really lead this year’s team. How far we go will ultimately come down to the leadership of those two.”
Honorable mention goes to Centerburg’s Kennedi Glenn, who hit five treys in the Lady Trojans’ OT loss to Mount Vernon. For the winners, Lady Jacket Brooklyn Thayer hit for 17 points and pulled down 10 rebounds, and Kymber Bell had 13 points and 11 rebounds to lead Mount Vernon.
For Cardington-Lincoln, Madison Linkous followed a nine-point season opener with a 19-point second game in the Lady Pirates’ first win on the year, a 34-point win over Ridgedale.
Male Athlete of the Week
Max Payne
Danville played its final game of the season the OHSAA football District 7, Region 25 final that ended in a nail-biting 22-21 loss to No. 1-Warren JFK. The Blue Devils fought to the end and were beaten with 36 seconds left on the clock. The Danville boys played tough and well and were led on the field by Max Payne, a three-time Athlete of the Week nominee this season.
Payne went 3-for-5 passing for 20 yards and a touchdown and was the top Blue Devils’ rusher, gaining 100 yards on 20 carries and a TD as Danville was held to only 92 total yards on the ground. On defense, Payne was a force with four solo tackles and eight assists.
Danville coach Matt Blum said Payne was a great teammate and inspirational player all season for the Blue Devils. “Max Payne did it all for us this past year, and that included on Saturday night against JFK,” said Blum. “He flipped the field multiple times with his punting. He executed his kickoffs well. Alongside this, he had over 100 total yards on offense and was responsible for two TDs and also had 12 tackles on defense. He is a warrior and embodies our program very well.”
Honorable mention goes to Danville’s Walker Weckesser, who completed 10 of 17 passes for 103 yards, made an interception and revered a fumble for a score. Bryan Boeshart recorded seven solo tackles – two tackles for loss and four assists – and Kendall Carter finished with five solos and four assists – two TFLs
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.
