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, girls basketball teams competed in the OHSAA tournaments and boys hoops ended regular season play. Our Athletes of the Week are Madilyn Elson (Mount Gilead basketball) and Hudson Rohler (Mount Vernon basketball).
Female Athlete of the Week
Madilyn Elson
Madilyn Elson led her No. 5-seed Mount Gilead Indians to a 61-15 blowout victory over No. 5 Groveport Madison Christian (16-6, 10-2) in the second round of the OHSAA Division IV, Region 15 playoffs to set the school record for wins in a season.
Elson, who was named KMAC Player of the Year, scored 20 points on 9-14 from the field and 2-5 from 3-point range, and added seven rebounds, five assists and six steals. In the previous round playoff win over Ridgedale, Elson scored 16 points and had seven steals.
Mount Gilead Athletic Director Jack Bault said Elson has been a leader on both ends of the court all season and her game against Madison Christian was no different.
“Madilyn came out playing her aggressive in-your-face defense and captured three steals in the first quarter for layups to put us ahead early and the team never looked back,” Bault said. “Madilyn is one of the quickest basketball players I have ever watched and this makes it very hard to guard her. She has been face-guarded, double-teamed and had some great defenders on her this year and she just tends to get right around everyone. No one ever beats her down the court.”
Bault describes Elson as a triple threat.
“She's a winner, she's a worker, she's a leader,” Bault said. “Madilyn wants to excel in anything she's doing and she will put in the time and effort to get there. She will not let anyone outwork her. She is part of our student leadership committee, she's a three-sport athlete and she's a model student academically. She is exactly what we want our student-athletes to be.”
Honorable mention goes to Ella Proper of Danville, who had a team-high 15 points, including three from deep. She also had six boards, four assists and two steals in the Blue Devils’ upset playoff win over No. 2-seed Newark Catholic, 60-55. In the previous round, a 69-27 drubbing of No. 16 Shekinah, Proper had 18 points to lead all scorers, and also had three boards, two assists and four steals.
Male Athlete of the Week
Hudson Rohler
Hudson Rohler, who was Athlete of the Week in Mount Vernon’s season-opening win over Centerburg (21 points for Rohler), earns the honor again for his 28-point performance in the Yellow Jackets’ 69-63 overtime victory over Northridge, Feb. 14. In the season-ender vs. Watkins Memorial, Rohler followed up with 23 points to finish the regular season averaging 19.4 points per game.
Mount Vernon basketball coach Nick Coon said Rohler returned from injury with dedication to his teammates.
“Hudson had an efficient offensive year for our team,” coach Coon said. “After missing his entire junior season with an ACL injury, he put in the work and commitment to return to the court. He did it all to share the court with his teammates. He had many tremendous games this season and it was exciting to see him back on the floor. Hudson is a high-character kid and we are proud of him for who he is and how he represented our basketball team."
Honorable mention goes to Utica’s Brody McDaniel, who led the way in the Redskins’ 85-61 win against East Knox. McDaniel had 24 points, including six 3-pointers. McDaniel’s teammates also earn honors, as Trenton Collins and Roman Gamble each scored 23 points in the victory. Collins followed with 24 points vs. Newark Catholic.
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.
