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.

With winter sports nearing the halfway mark, local student-athletes have stepped up in big ways. This week, one student-athlete was named Invitational game MVP and another led her team to a one-point victory. Our Athletes of the Week are Lauren Johnson (Northmor basketball) and Brady Lester (Fredericktown basketball).

Female Athlete of the Week

Lauren Johnson

Northmor won a squeaker over Fredericktown (46-45), and they needed every point, steal, and rebound senior guard Lauren Johnson could give them. Johnson answered the call with 19 points, three assists, four steals, and five rebounds to seal the Lady Knights' 46-45 victory.

Northmor girls basketball coach Freddie Beach said Johnson is an all-around player who gives maximum effort.

"Lauren is a very hard worker and I ask a lot from her," Coach Beach said. "She responds by scoring and playing defense. Lauren is a great kid who seems to enjoy being a student-athlete and a great teammate to the other girls. She is also a licensed basketball ref. Lauren has worked very hard for four years to get to this point and deserves to be nominated for Athlete of the Week."

Honorable mention goes to Fredericktown's Cally Carpenter, who outscored Johnson 20-19 but saw the Lady Freddies fall one point short in the final score.

Fredericktown girls basketball coach Tim Maceyko said Carpenter has been solid all season.

"I think she's now averaging around 15 points per game, but it's those intangible things like her leadership that have been invaluable," Coach Maceyko said. "We are a young team that needs guidance, and it is better when it comes from within and from Cally rather than the coaches all the time."

Also recognized for her stellar play is Centerburg's Kayla Larimore, who scored 15 of the Lady Trojans' 33 points in their 38-33 loss to Cardington-Lincoln.

Male Athlete of the Week

Brady Lester

Brady Lester was solid from start to finish in all phases of the game in Fredericktown's 66-55 win over Lucas in the Fifth Annual Wendy's MVNUnited Holiday HOOPLA at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Lester was named Holiday Hoopla game MVP. He poured in 18 points against Lucas and grabbed six rebounds a day after the Freddies beat Northmor 55-47, led by Lester's 13 markers and five boards.

Fredericktown basketball coach Derek Dibling said Lester's best work might have been on the defensive side of the ball.

"Brady had great back-to-back games not only leading in the scoring department but also keeping the opposing team's top scorer (Lucas' Corbin Toms) in check," Coach Dibling said. "Brady is a great teammate and leader. His commitment to the squad is shown in many ways, including his discipline and willingness to defend the other team's top scorer while also having enough energy to get it done on the offensive end. He is a fiery competitor and selfless teammate."

Honorable mention goes to Hudson Rohler of Mount Vernon, who seems to get recognition here every week. This time, he makes the list for a top-scoring 18 points in the Yellow Jackets' 59-54 loss to Madison Comprehensive.

Mount Gilead saw a pair of scorers on fire in the second half in the Indians' 75-66 win over Galion. Matthew Bland scored 23 points in the game; 18 were scored in the second half and he put in eight points in the fourth quarter. Teammate Carter Kennon scored 20 – all in the second half – scoring 13 in the fourth quarter.

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.