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.
Basketball season is in full swing as wrestling invitationals have started and bowling has taken to the lanes of competition. This week, basketball takes center stage. Our Athletes of the Week are Jaylyn Workman (Danville Basketball) and Trenton Collins (Utica basketball).
Female Athlete of the Week
Jaylyn Workman
In Danville’s 53-42 overtime win over Centerburg, Jaylyn Workman took the game over.
Down by five points entering the fourth quarter, Workman scored 11 in the frame to help the Lady Blue Devils tie the game at 42-42. In the overtime, Workman scored five of Danville’s 11 to get the win. She finished with 19 points, 16 rebounds (including 10 defensive boards), three steals and a block. She was 7-for-9 from the field and 1-for-1 from 3-point range.
Danville girls basketball coach Matt Proper said Workman played a big role in the win.
“If someone watches us play, they frequently see Jaylyn diving after loose balls and playing a very physical all-around game,” Coach Proper said. “She put in a lot of hard work on her game in the offseason, which is evident by her play on the court this season. She is a great student-athlete.”
Honorable mention goes to a player on the other side, Centerburg’s Kayla Larimore, who scored 17 for the Lady Trojans. Honorable mention also goes to East Knox’s Sydney Opfer, who hit for 14 points in EK’s first win of the season. Bulldogs girls basketball coach Mandy Todd said that Opfer, along with teammate Ella Divan, led the effort.
“These two really stepped up on both ends of the floor for us,” Coach Todd said.
Male Athlete of the Week
Trenton Collins
There were some big scoring performances in boys b-ball last week. A commanding effort was put forth by Trenton Collins of Utica. Collins scored 36 points in the Redskins’ season-opening 70-49 win over Mount Gilead. Collins was a force all game, scoring eight in the first, 11 in the second, seven in the third and 10 in the fourth. He also finished with seven rebounds, three assists and three steals and came within five points of George Nash’s 41-point school record set in 1977.
Utica basketball coach Brian Radabaugh said Collins led a team effort by inspiration as well as by function.
“Trenton is a tremendous worker,” Coach Radabaugh said. “He spends an incredible amount of time outside of practice working on his game and it is great to see it continue to pay off for him.”
Honorable mention goes to several high scorers. Mount Gilead topped Danville 77-75, and Matthew Bland scored 36 points, including seven makes from downtown, and hit 17 points in the fourth quarter to drive the Indians to a close victory. Danville’s Spencer Payne scored 30 points, including 10 in the first, in a losing effort. And in Mount Vernon’s 74-72 overtime win over Ashland, Hudson Rohler continued his hot season start with 26 points, including hitting five threes from behind the arc.
On the mat, high school wrestlers deserve recognition. Leading Highland to victory at the Tom Ellis Classic Invitational were champions Caleb Wetzel at 138 lbs., Cael Gilmore at 144 and Rem Baker at 157. At the Tom Brown Memorial, Mavrick Gregory won for Mount Vernon at 150 lbs. and East Knox’s Blake Elliott won at 190.
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.
