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.
Last week, milestones, gritty performances and hard work paid off in local action. Our Athletes of the Week are Ella Divan (East Knox basketball) and Matthew Bland (Mount Gilead basketball).
Female Athlete of the Week
Ella Divan
East Knox has been hot of late and they kept it going against a top-rated Cardington-Lincoln team last week, winning a tough 38-27 game. Scoring nearly half of the Lady Bulldogs’ points was Ella Divan, who put in 18 points. Divan scored 10 in the first half and eight in the second and went 6-for-7 at the line.
East Knox girls basketball coach Mandy Todd was happy with the play she got out of Divan, saying that she has been improving consistently, with this game a major indicator of her hard work.
“Ella has been coming along nicely for us all season,” Coach Todd said. “She’s a talented sophomore who has a very bright future ahead at EK. She’s a team player who loves to compete and has begun to believe in herself. She not only elevates our team through her offensive attack but also finds ways to bring her teammates along with her. Ella is a hard worker who pushes herself to get better every day. She not only excels on the court, but also in the classroom. Ella is a well-rounded player who deserves Athlete of the Week.”
Honorable mention goes to a student-athlete who continued to excel, even during the toughest of times. Kayla Larimore scored 18 points for Centerburg in the Lady Trojans’ 56-30 win over Delaware Christian. Larimore hit 7-of-12 shooting including three 3-pointers in only three quarters of play. Larimore did not play in the fourth quarter as Centerburg took a 44-19 lead after the third quarter. Larimore also contributed five rebounds, two assists and one steal. The behind-the-scenes story is that just a few hours before game time, Larimore learned that her beloved grandmother, Becky Larimore, had died from her seven-year battle with colon cancer. Kayla Larimore remained calm throughout the contest and dedicated the game to her grandmother, saying, “This game is for Mamaw.”
Other top performances last week included Danville’s Ella Proper, who scored 20 points and added five rebounds and four steals to help Danville to a 56-43 win over Northmor. Proper got seven of her points in the fourth quarter. On the other side, Lady Knight Riley Johnson got 17 points, including three from downtown against Danville.
Male Athlete of the Week
Matthew Bland
A frequent honoree in this feature, Matthew Bland earns another award for joining the 1,000-point club in Mount Gilead’s 62-55 win over East Knox. His 21 points helped seal the win and he scored his milestone markers near the end of the game. Bland knocked down three from beyond the arc and contributed five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Mount Gilead basketball coach Dan Strasser said the 1,000 points is quite an accomplishment, especially considering that Bland only played in the last eight games his junior season due to a knee injury.
“Matt is one of a kind. Very hard working and accountable, which makes him very coachable," Coach Strasser said. “He has spent countless hours outside of our team workouts and practices shooting and working on his game with his dad, brothers, and other friends. The extra time that he has put into his game is what makes him a great player."
Bland will be honored before the Indians’ last home game and senior night on Tuesday, Feb. 14 vs. Pleasant. Bland is averaging 21.8 points per game this year.
Honorable mention goes to Colton Martin for scoring 22 points for Centerburg in the Trojans’ 59-48 win over Cardington-Lincoln; and to Utica’s Roman Gamble, who scored 21 points in the Redskins’ 49-40 loss to Granville. Gamble scored 11 in the second half and six in the fourth quarter to spark Utica’s rally.
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.
