Star Texas Excessive Faculty quarterback Cade Klubnik repeated as nationwide Offensive Soccer Participant of the 12 months throughout the 2022 USA TODAY Excessive Faculty Sports activities Awards present, which debuted July 31.
Klubnik wrapped up his profession at Westlake Excessive Faculty with three Texas 6A state championships and nil losses. The 6-foot-3 quarterback greater than lived as much as the hype in his senior yr, proving as soon as once more why he’s at present enrolled at Clemson and was ranked because the No. 1 QB recruit for the Class of 2022. He accounted for 3,722 scrimmage yards and 55 complete touchdowns, whereas finishing 71% of his passes.
Klubnik graduated as Westlake’s all-time chief in passing yards and touchdowns, topping a checklist that features Tremendous Bowl MVPs Nick Foles and Drew Brees. He was one in every of three finalists for the Offensive Soccer Participant of the 12 months award. The others had been offensive sort out Zach Rice, a senior from Liberty Christian Academy in Virginia; and working again Nicholas Singleton, a senior from Governor Mifflin Excessive Faculty in Pennsylvania.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Offensive Soccer Participant of the 12 months!
The USA In the present day Excessive Faculty Sports activities Awards is the biggest highschool sports activities recognition program within the nation. Over 800 athletes had been honored and winners for 29 sports activities and different particular awards had been introduced throughout the present, which was hosted by former NFL tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Vernon Davis.
Here’s a full rundown of the occasion’s different award winners and finalists:
DEFENSIVE FOOTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Walter Nolen III, Powell Excessive Faculty (Tennessee), senior
Why he received: USA TODAY’s No. 1 general recruit for the Class of 2022, Nolen doubled down this fall when he joined the nation’s prime recruiting class at Texas A&M. The 6-foot-5, 280-pound defensive sort out racked up 14 sacks and 31 tackles for loss. The switch from St. Benedict in Memphis helped Powell Excessive Faculty cap a particular season with a 13-2 general document and Class 5A state championship.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Defensive Soccer Participant of the 12 months!
Finalists: Travis Hunter, Collins Hill Excessive Faculty (Georgia), senior; Shawn Murphy, Unity Reed Excessive Faculty (Virginia), senior
GIRLS BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Kiki Rice, Sidwell Associates Faculty (Washington, D.C.), senior
Why she received: UCLA’s highest-ranked basketball recruit ever, Rice’s resume contains prestigious honors comparable to MaxPreps Nationwide Athlete of the 12 months, McDonald’s All-America Recreation MVP and Naismith Excessive Faculty Participant of the 12 months. The do-it-all level guard led nationwide No. 1 Sidwell Associates to the District of Columbia Class 2A state championship and a nationwide title on the inaugural State Champions Invitational. To prime it off, Rice owns a pair of gold medals enjoying internationally for USA Basketball.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Ladies Basketball Participant of the 12 months!
Finalists: Lauren Betts, Grandview Excessive Faculty (Colorado), senior; Gabriela Jaquez, Adolfo Camarillo Excessive Faculty (California), senior
BOYS BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Nick Smith, North Little Rock Excessive Faculty (Arkansas), senior
Why he received: Smith masterfully used his 6-foot-5 body to create scoring angles and dimension mismatches, averaging 26.5 factors, 8.0 rebounds and seven.3 assists per recreation. He was at his greatest within the state remaining, dropping 25 factors to steer North Little Rock to the Arkansas Class 6A state championship. The centerpiece of the College of Arkansas’s No. 1 rated recruiting class, Smith’s NBA Draft prospects have been on the rise since he began within the McDonald’s All-America Recreation and was named Co-MVP of the Jordan Model Traditional.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Boys Basketball Participant of the 12 months!
Finalists: Dereck Energetic II, Westtown Faculty (Pennsylvania), senior; Brandon Miller, Cane Ridge Excessive Faculty (Tennessee), senior
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Audrey Rothman, Spain Park Excessive Faculty (Alabama), senior
Why she received: Rothman closed her extremely embellished highschool profession in becoming vogue — hammering down the ultimate kill in Alabama’s Class 7A state championship match. The dominant 6-foot-4 outdoors hitter was named 7A MVP and recorded 24 kills and 12 digs within the state match. She helped lead Spain Park to a 47-4 general document and is primed for large issues at Florida State this fall.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Ladies Volleyball Participant of the 12 months!
Finalists: Averi Carlson, Lovejoy Excessive Faculty (Texas), senior; Jordan Middleton, Hamilton Excessive Faculty (Arizona), senior
BOYS VOLLEYBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Ryan Peluso, Winter Park Excessive Faculty (Florida), senior
Why he received: Identified for his all-around play on the court docket, Ryan Peluso did slightly little bit of every part to cap Winter Park’s 8-0 run by means of the postseason. The Lengthy Seaside State signee had 30 kills, 24 assists, 12 digs and two aces in a five-set win over Freedom Excessive in Florida’s state match. For the season, Peluso racked up a kill proportion of 60.4 to go along with 445 assists, 68 aces and 85 blocks. The Wildcats completed the yr 28-2 and ranked No. 18 in USA In the present day’s remaining Tremendous 25 ballot.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Boys Volleyball Participant of the 12 months!
Finalists: Dillon Klein, Loyola Excessive Faculty (California), senior; Zach Rama, Sandra Day O’Connor Excessive Faculty (Arizona), senior
FIELD HOCKEY PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Ryleigh Heck, Japanese Regional Excessive Faculty (New Jersey), senior
Why she received: Heck took her goal-scoring prowess to new heights, her 125 targets setting a brand new single-season nationwide document. One of the best half? Purpose No. 125 capped her group’s comeback win in New Jersey’s Event of Champions. Japanese Excessive Faculty prospered throughout Heck’s four-year tenure, piling up a mixed 89-4 document, two undefeated seasons and two state championships. She completed her profession with 323 complete targets and is taking her skills to the College of North Carolina.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Discipline Hockey Participant of the 12 months!
Finalists: Maci Bradford, Delmar Excessive Faculty (Delaware), junior; Alaina McVeigh Gwynedd Mercy Academy (Pennsylvania), senior
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY RUNNER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Colin Sahlman, Newbury Park Excessive Faculty (California), senior
Why he received: Sahlman seized his senior season within the highlight for the highest highschool cross nation group within the nation. Behind his trademark ending kick, he claimed California’s state Division I particular person title earlier than making historical past on the Garmin RunningLane nationwide championship meet in Alabama — the place he smashed a U.S. highschool 5K document that had stood for 20 years. Subsequent, Sahlman will be part of the reigning nationwide champion males’s group at Northern Arizona College.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Boys Cross Nation Runner of the 12 months!
Finalists: Riley Hough, Hartland Excessive Faculty (Michigan), senior; Leo Younger, Newbury Park Excessive Faculty (California), junior
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY RUNNER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Natalie Prepare dinner, Flower Mound Excessive Faculty (Texas), senior
Why she received: On the Texas Class 6A state championships, Prepare dinner was untouchable. At nationals, she was undisputed. The primary-ever woman to win at each the Garmin RunningLane and Eastbay Cross Nation Championships, Prepare dinner etched her title within the historical past books with a dreamlike senior season. She received the 6A state race by 56 seconds, and her dominant efficiency at RunningLane included MileSplit’s quickest recorded time within the nation. She’ll be a runner to observe for years to return at Oklahoma State.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Ladies Cross Nation Runner of the 12 months!
Finalists: Angelina Perez, Lakeland Regional Excessive Faculty (New Jersey), senior; Riley Stewart, Cherry Creek Excessive Faculty (Colorado), senior
BOYS BOWLER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Kieryn Knox, West Orange Excessive Faculty (New Jersey), senior
Why he received: Knox rolled an ideal recreation at New Jersey’s group state bowling championships and that was solely the start to a postseason run for the historical past books. Knox’s 300-point recreation was the seventh of his profession and the seventeenth in state historical past. Days later, because the No. 4 seed, he defeated seeds 5, 3, 2 and 1 en path to successful the state particular person crown. Knox will proceed his bowling profession at Savannah Faculty of Artwork and Design in Georgia.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Boys Bowler of the 12 months!
Finalists: Ethan Caruso, Minooka Neighborhood Excessive Faculty (Illinois), sophomore; Keaton Ostrowski, Rush-Henrietta Senior Excessive Faculty (New York), sophomore
GIRLS BOWLER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Jenna Hedgepath, Lipscomb Academy (Tennessee), senior
Why she received: Hedgepath closed her highschool bowling profession with a bang. The Vanderbilt-bound senior claimed her second TSSAA particular person state title in three years, and did so in dominant vogue, rolling 9 strikes within the remaining recreation to go away little doubt. She then joined the boys, serving to Lipscomb’s co-ed bowling group win this system’s first group championship in class historical past. Hedgepath rewrote the state historical past books throughout the group competitors, setting state information for particular person event common and excessive collection.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Ladies Bowler of the 12 months!
Finalists: Victoria Varano, North Rockland Excessive Faculty (New York), senior; Emma Yoder, Triway Excessive Faculty (Ohio), sophomore
HOCKEY PLAYER OF THE YEAR, SPONSORED BY LOGISTICS PLUS
Winner: Alex Bump, Prior Lake Excessive Faculty (Minnesota), senior
Why he received: Bump’s pure scoring capacity was on full show in his remaining yr of highschool as he racked up 83 factors in 31 video games and was named The Related Press Participant of the 12 months for Minnesota. Within the fall, Bump tallied six targets in 14 video games skating with the USHL’s Omaha Lancers. Eligible for the NHL Draft, the College of Vermont signee is ranked because the No. 69 general skater in North America.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for USA TODAY HSSA Hockey Participant of the 12 months!
Finalists: Rylee Bartz, Fargo North Excessive Faculty (North Dakota), junior; Max Giblin, Hudson Excessive Faculty (Wisconsin), senior
GYMNAST OF THE YEAR
Winner: Madelynn Crow, Pike County Excessive Faculty (Georgia), senior
Why she received: Historical past was made at Georgia’s gymnastics state championship meet when Crow posted a tremendous all-around rating of 39.7 out of 40. She posted an ideal 10 in three occasions — the vault, beam and flooring — and added a 9.7 on bars to win the Class A-5A state particular person title in a runaway. The one feminine to win state for gymnastics at her highschool, Crow will proceed turning heads on the College of Georgia.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Gymnast of the 12 months!
Finalists: Ella Margheim, Olathe North Excessive Faculty (Kansas), senior; Karina Muñoz, East Brunswick Excessive Faculty (New Jersey), senior
BOYS WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Nick Feldman, Malvern Prep (Pennsylvania), senior
Why he received: Probably the most dominant pound-for-pound wrestler within the nation, Nick Feldman racked up league, state and nationwide titles on his method to an undefeated senior season. Identified greatest for his chiseled, 285-pound body on the mat, friends and scouts alike know Feldman for his heat and likable character. He’s the nation’s No. 1-ranked general wrestler by each MatScouts and FloSports, and he’s destined for large issues on the mat and past at The Ohio State College.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Boys Wrestler of the 12 months!
Finalists: Nic Bouzakis, Wyoming Seminary (Pennsylvania), senior; Casey Swiderski, Dundee Excessive Faculty (Michigan), senior
GIRLS WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Shelby Moore, White River Excessive Faculty (Washington), junior
Why she received: It’s one factor to go undefeated on the wrestling mat — it’s one other to pin each opponent you face. Moore completed that unbelievable feat throughout an undefeated season that ended with a state championship at 130 kilos. It was an superior yr general for the White River Excessive star, who additionally racked up 5 nationwide championships in a four-month span. Considered as the very best ladies wrestler within the nation no matter weight class, Moore’s subsequent objective is to begin competing for world championships.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Ladies Wrestler of the 12 months!
Finalists: Audrey Jimenez, Sunnyside Excessive Faculty (Arizona), sophomore; Haley Ward, Fort Osage Excessive Faculty (Missouri), junior
BOYS GOLFER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Aaron Kilos, The Woodlands Christian Academy (Texas), junior
Why he received: A rising star, on the Nationwide Excessive Faculty Golf Affiliation’s No. 1-ranked group within the nation, Kilos posted a head-turning rating of 13-under-par 138 to win the Texas 5A Personal state particular person title. It was the fruits of an epic run that included district and regional championships, and a first-place end on the Texas Junior Novice in July. The Texas A&M commit shall be a reputation to observe on the highschool and junior circuit in 2023.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Boys Golfer of the 12 months!
Finalists: Luke Clanton, American Heritage Faculty (Florida), senior; Evan Woosley-Reed, Cascade Excessive Faculty (Tennessee), senior
GIRLS GOLFER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Yana Wilson, Coronado Excessive Faculty (Nevada), sophomore
Why she received: 4 photographs again after the primary spherical of the Nevada Class 5A state event, Wilson surged with a 6-under 65 in Spherical 2 to assert the person title as a sophomore. Her end helped Coronado seize the group championship with a state-record rating of 2-under par. Turning into one of many prime names to comply with on the Junior circuit, the sky’s the restrict for Wilson, who GolfWeek ranks because the No. 3 general ladies golfer within the nation.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Ladies Golfer of the 12 months!
Finalists: Sara Im, Lambert Excessive Faculty (Georgia), junior; Sophie Linder, Gordonsville Excessive Faculty (Tennessee), junior
BOYS LACROSSE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Joey Spallina, Mount Sinai Excessive Faculty (New York), senior
Why he received: With 507 profession factors, Spallina graduated because the all-time main scorer in Lengthy Island historical past. The Syracuse signee completed the 2022 season because the nation’s No. 1 ranked recruit with 73 targets and 83 assists. Spallina’s prowess on the sphere earned him a four-year partnership with Gait Lacrosse — making him the primary highschool lacrosse participant within the nation to signal an NIL deal.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Boys Lacrosse Participant of the 12 months!
Finalists: Riley Figueiras, St. John’s Faculty Excessive Faculty (Washington, D.C.), senior; Bo Lockwood, Hartland Excessive Faculty (Michigan), senior
GIRLS LACROSSE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Fran Frieri, Lockport Excessive Faculty (Illinois), senior
Why she received: Frieri rewrote the U.S. highschool lacrosse document books by posting 200 targets this season — a feat no different scholastic participant within the sport, male or feminine, has ever completed. She additionally chipped in 40 assists and 137 floor balls. Her four-year complete of 545 profession targets now stands as one other nationwide highschool No. 1, in response to NFHS information. The educational and athletic standout at Lockport will proceed her profession at Notre Dame.
Extra:Meet the nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Ladies Lacrosse Participant of the 12 months!
Finalists: Kori Edmondson, McDonogh Faculty (Maryland), senior; Peep Williams, Seton Catholic Central Faculty (New York), senior
BOYS SOCCER PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Aidan Payne, New Hanover Excessive Faculty (North Carolina), senior
Why he received: Payne powered New Hanover to a 27-0-1 season and the primary state championship in program historical past. The All-American ahead scored 54 targets, together with a pair in his group’s 3-0 conquer Hough Excessive Faculty in North Carolina’s 4A state remaining. He completed with three or extra targets on 9 events this season and in addition tallied 11 assists. Payne will proceed at North Carolina State College.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Boys Soccer Participant of the 12 months!
Finalists: Elyes Ellouz, Olathe West Excessive Faculty (Kansas), senior; Jacob Murrell, McDonogh Faculty (Maryland), senior
GIRLS SOCCER PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Natalie Bain, Notre Dame Academy (Kentucky), senior
Why she received: The star of Notre Dame Academy’s back-line, Bain was named MVP of the district, regional and state tournaments, main a squad that completed 28-0-1 and allowed 4 targets — complete — on the season. A goal-scoring specialist off nook kicks, Bain netted the game-winner towards Frederick Douglass within the KHSAA state championship recreation. Bain is taking her extraordinary skills to Xavier College.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Ladies Soccer Participant of the 12 months!
Finalists: Elise Evans, Woodside Excessive Faculty (California), senior; Eliza Wealthy, Lake Norman Constitution (North Carolina), senior
BOYS SWIMMING & DIVING ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Winner: Baylor Nelson, Neighborhood Faculty of Davidson (North Carolina), senior
Why he received: Nelson capped off his highschool swimming profession with seven complete particular person titles at North Carolina state meets. At this yr’s championship, he shattered his personal state document within the 200 Particular person Medley and now ranks fourth-best within the occasion all-time in response to the Nationwide Federation of State Excessive Faculty Associations. Sure for Texas A&M, Nelson added a second state document swim within the 100 fly.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Boys Swimming & Diving Athlete of the 12 months!
Finalists: Liam Custer, Riverview Excessive Faculty (Florida), senior; Josh Zuchowski, King’s Academy (Florida), senior
GIRLS SWIMMING & DIVING ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Winner: Claire Curzan, Cardinal Gibbons Excessive Faculty (North Carolina), senior
Why she received: It was a record-smashing yr within the pool for Curzan, the Stanford-bound phenom who set a nationwide highschool document within the 100 backstroke — and an American general document within the 100 butterfly — at her remaining highschool state championship meet. At 17, she was the youngest swimmer on the roster for the U.S. World Nationwide Crew and can quickly be wanting so as to add to the silver medal she received on the 2020 Summer time Olympics.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Ladies Swimming & Diving Athlete of the 12 months!
Finalists: Leah Hayes, Kaneland Maple Park Excessive Faculty (Illinois), sophomore; Lucy Thomas, Brookfield East Excessive Faculty (Wisconsin), junior
BOYS TENNIS PLAYER OF THE YEAR, SPONSORED BY WILSON SPORTING GOODS
Winner: Noey Do, Kempner Excessive Faculty (Texas), freshman
Why he received: Do was dominant enjoying in his first UIL event, sweeping the Texas state, Area 3 and District 24 singles championships. He outscored his opponents 36-11 in complete video games and didn’t drop a set in his three state event matches to turn out to be the primary state singles champion in Kempner’s historical past. A blue-chip prospect as a rising sophomore, Do concluded his debut season with a 20-0 document.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for Boys Tennis Participant of the 12 months sponsored by Wilson
Finalists: Nicholas Patrick, Alleman Catholic Excessive Faculty (Illinois), freshman; Masato Perera, San Marcos Excessive Faculty (California), senior
GIRLS TENNIS PLAYER OF THE YEAR , SPONSORED BY WILSON SPORTING GOODS
Winner: Valeria Ray, Doral Academy (Florida), junior
Why she received: Ray added one other chapter to her close to flawless highschool resume, finishing an undefeated season along with her second straight singles state title. The star junior was named Class 4A Participant of the 12 months and 2022 Miss Florida Tennis. Sure for Vanderbilt after highschool, Ray has now gathered eight mixed group and particular person state tennis championships in her three seasons at Doral Academy.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for Ladies Tennis Participant of the 12 months sponsored by Wilson
Finalists: Alyssa Ahn, Torrey Pines Excessive Faculty (California), freshman; Stephanie Yakoff, Fort Lee Excessive Faculty (New Jersey), junior
BASEBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Druw Jones, Wesleyan Faculty (Georgia), senior
Why he received: Jones’s elite, all-around skills on the baseball diamond made him the No. 2 general choice on this summer season’s MLB Draft. Showcasing spectacular protection and velocity, complemented by a gentle bat on the plate, he led Wesleyan to a GHSA state title this previous season. Jones batted .570 with 13 dwelling runs and 39 runs batted in, whereas swiping 32 steals on the bottom paths. The son of former MLB nice Andruw Jones, Druw additionally posted a 10-1 document on the mound this season with 53 strikeouts.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Baseball Participant of the 12 months!
Finalists: Jackson Holliday, Stillwater Excessive Faculty (Oklahoma), senior; Termarr Johnson, Walton Excessive Faculty (Georgia), senior
SOFTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Keagan Rothrock, Roncalli Excessive Faculty (Indiana), junior
Why she received: A future Florida Gator, Rothrock confirmed why she’s at present ranked as Softball America’s No. 1 general recruit. She led the Royals to an undefeated 33-0 document and an IHSAA state title, sporting a 0.70 ERA within the pitcher’s circle with an unbelievable 382 strikeouts. The junior additionally hit .523 on the plate with 14 dwelling runs and 55 RBIs.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Softball Participant of the 12 months!
Finalists: Maci Bergeron, Notre Dame Excessive Faculty (Louisiana), senior; Ava Brown, Lake Creek Excessive Faculty (Texas), junior
BOYS TRACK & FIELD ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Winner: Rodrick Nice, Junipero Serra Excessive Faculty (California), junior
Why he received: Nice’s blazing velocity was on show on the CIF state championship meet, the place he swept each dash occasions to earn a pair of particular person titles. His wind-legal time of 10.14 seconds set a brand new state document within the 100-meter sprint. Nice additionally mastered the 200-meter distance this season, posting the nation’s No. 2 general time at California’s Southern Part Meet.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Boys Monitor & Discipline Athlete of the 12 months!
Finalists: Casey Helm, Madison Excessive Faculty (Kansas), senior; Colin Sahlman, Newbury Park Excessive Faculty (California), senior
GIRLS TRACK & FIELD ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Winner: Juliette Whittaker, Mount De Gross sales Academy (Maryland), senior
Why she received: Whittaker’s 800-meter time of 1 minute, 59.80 seconds on the Trials of Miles Monitor Night time in New York Metropolis ranked as this yr’s U.S. No. 1 and the second-fastest time ever recorded. The longer term Stanford Cardinal added a U.S. No. 3 time within the mile run on the Brooks PR invitational, after taking gold in three occasions at IAA of Maryland state championship meet.
Extra:Meet all 24 nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Ladies Monitor & Discipline Athlete of the 12 months!
Finalists: Adaejah Hodge, Alexander Excessive Faculty (Georgia), sophomore; Gracelyn Leiseth, Hamlin Excessive Faculty (South Dakota), junior
PREMIERE AWARDS
GIRLS OVERALL ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Winner: Claire Curzan, Cardinal Gibbons Excessive Faculty (North Carolina), senior
Why she received: Already making waves as one in every of Crew USA’s most dominant swimmers, Curzan entered her remaining yr at Cardinal Gibbons nonetheless recent off her first Olympic Video games in Tokyo, the place at 17 she received a silver medal within the 4×100-meter-relay and positioned tenth within the 100 butterfly. She was true to kind at this yr’s North Carolina Excessive Faculty state championships, reducing the nation’s highschool commonplace within the 100 backstroke to 49.61 seconds and including an general American document within the 100 fly of 49.24 seconds. She’s solely gotten stronger since the highschool season ended — capturing 5 gold medals on the FINA World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, over the summer season.
Finalists: Kiki Rice, Sidwell Associates Faculty (Washington, D.C.), senior; Juliette Whittaker, Mount De Gross sales Academy (Maryland), senior
BOYS OVERALL ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Winner: Druw Jones, Wesleyan Faculty (Georgia), senior
Why he received: In July, shortly after graduating from Wesleyan Faculty in Georgia, Jones was drafted No. 2 general by the Arizona Diamondbacks within the 2022 MLB First-12 months Participant Draft. Reminding many of his father, Atlanta Braves legend Andruw Jones, Druw’s elite velocity and abilities in middle discipline earned him a 2022 Rawlings Gold Glove Award. And whereas his slugging stats had been by means of the roof — he batted .570 with 65 hits and 13 dwelling runs — it was his willingness to step in as a pitcher that helped propel Wesleyan to Georgia’s Class A Personal state title. It was Druw’s first highschool championship ring and Wesleyan’s first in seven years.
Finalists: Gabe Escobedo, Miami Excessive Faculty (Arizona), senior; Colin Sahlman, Newbury Park Excessive (California), senior
BOYS TEAM OF THE YEAR
Winner: Newbury Park Excessive Faculty (California) boys cross nation
Why they received: Led by two pairs of brothers — the Sahlmans and the Youngs — Newbury Park blasted state and nationwide information on their method to highschool cross nation lore. The Panthers swept the highest 4 spots and scored a state-record 16 factors at California’s large-school Division I championship meet, their team-time of 73 minutes, 23 seconds a runaway course document. They set their sights even larger getting into the Garmin RunningLane Nationals in Huntsville, Alabama, looking the nationwide particular person 5K document time of 14 minutes, 10 seconds. Three of Newbury Park’s runners wound up decimating that mark, which had stood for 20 years. Sahlman, a senior, was the pack chief, ending in a national-record time of 14-minutes, 3.29 seconds. Shut behind had been twin brothers Leo and Lex Younger, who each completed in 14 minutes, 5 seconds. These occasions have highschool cross nation historians calling the 2021-22 Newbury Park Excessive Faculty cross nation group the best of all time.
Finalists: Saint Mary’s Prep (Michigan) Baseball; Westlake Excessive Faculty (Texas) soccer
GIRLS TEAM OF THE YEAR
Winner: Lake Creek Excessive Faculty (Texas) softball
Why they received: Behind unflappable junior pitcher and slugger Ava Brown, Lake Creek was excellent in each sense of the phrase throughout the 2022 season — simply the varsity’s third yr of varsity competitors. On their method to a 41-0 season and No. 1 nationwide rating within the USA TODAY Tremendous 25, the Lions outscored their opponents 337-33. Their nineteenth shutout of the season, a 7-0 rout of Georgetown, clinched the Texas 5A state title and the primary softball championship in class historical past. The catalyst was Brown, a Florida commit who fired a 1-hitter with no walks and eight strikeouts within the state recreation. Head coach Michell Rochinski deployed one other star junior in leadoff hitter Maddie McKee, who hit .511 on the plate and tormented opposing pitchers with 77 stolen bases. However there have been many standouts within the Lions’ relentless lineup that mixed to membership 29 dwelling runs, 16 triples and 71 doubles. With solely three complete seniors on the 2022 roster, Lake Creek will look to construct on its present stretch of 79 wins in 81 video games.
Finalists: Marymount Excessive Faculty (California) ladies volleyball; Hazel Inexperienced Excessive Faculty (Alabama) ladies basketball
PLAY OF THE YEAR
Winner: Jaren Kanak, Hays Excessive Faculty (Kansas), senior
Why he received: Recruited by the College of Oklahoma to play linebacker, it was Kanak’s bulldozing spotlight on a designed quarterback run that went viral throughout a recreation towards Maize Excessive Faculty in November.
Identified for his elite velocity on the soccer discipline, Kanak ran the forty first greatest time within the nation within the 100 meter sprint throughout the spring monitor and discipline season. He proved he packs loads of energy, too, throughout the highschool soccer season in November. He trucked not one, however 5 totally different defenders and broke by means of one remaining sort out on his approach to a jaw-dropping, 61-yard landing on a designed quarterback run.
Finalists: Diego Leon, Dowling Catholic Excessive Faculty (Iowa), senior; Maci Neely Cameron Excessive Faculty (West Virginia), freshman
COURAGE AWARD
Recipient: Tate Myre, Oxford Excessive Faculty (Michigan), junior
Why he received: Myre was one in every of 4 Oxford college students who died after being shot within the faculty by a fellow scholar on Nov. 30. A number of college students mentioned they noticed Myre, a standout soccer participant and wrestler, working within the path of the shooter whereas others ran out of the varsity.
“Realizing Tate, figuring out how he was raised, he’s the form of child that wouldn’t give it some thought twice,” mentioned Ross Wingert, who coached Myre in soccer and wrestling. “And he’s gonna do it.”
Juniors are not often made captain, however Myre was a uncommon athlete and teammate. He was a direct standout and was introduced as much as the varsity as a freshman. Oxford coach Zach Line is decided to ensure Myre won’t ever be forgotten, particularly the braveness he displayed within the remaining moments of his life.
“Subsequent yr goes to be fascinating, however I feel Tate shall be with us,” Line mentioned. “Ultimately we’ll be taught to stroll with Tate and never have a cloud over our heads, which I feel will give this group quite a bit energy.”
SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Recipient: Kamari Graham, Homestead Senior Excessive Faculty (Florida), sophomore
Why he received: Graham not solely has an mental incapacity, however at a younger age suffered accidents from a firework accident that left him with out his left hand. A participant in Particular Olympics since attending Homestead Center Faculty, Graham participates in a number of sports activities and was instrumental within the group successful an FHSAA state championship in Unified flag soccer. He then helped Homestead turn out to be a two-time nationwide champion, catching a key landing move within the semifinals of the 2022 USA Nationwide Video games in Orlando. Homestead represented Florida on the Video games and introduced dwelling a gold medal. Graham can be a pacesetter within the classroom, serving as Vice President of his faculty’s Unified Membership.
BOYS RISING STAR OF THE YEAR
Winner: Dee Lockett, Stillwater Excessive Faculty (Oklahoma), freshman
Why he received: Months earlier than his first highschool wrestling match, Lockett delivered a pair of assertion wins on the U15 Nationwide Championships. He outscored his opponents 51-8 within the Freestyle event and was named Excellent Wrestler, leaving with a pair of nationwide titles. Lockett rode that momentum into his first highschool expertise, successful the distinguished Ironman Event in Ohio. He capped his stellar debut season by claiming Oklahoma’s 6A state championship at 145 kilos, beating a junior and senior on his method to the ultimate. He’ll enter an anticipated sophomore season with a top-10 nationwide rating at 152 kilos by FloSports.
Extra:Meet the nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Boys Rising Star of the 12 months!
Finalists: Cameron Boozer, Columbus Excessive Faculty (Florida), freshman; Bryce Underwood, Belleville Excessive Faculty (Michigan), freshman
GIRLS RISING STAR OF THE YEAR
Winner: Joyce Edwards, Camden Excessive Faculty (South Carolina), sophomore
Why she received: The Camden Excessive Faculty ladies basketball group has a brand new profession factors chief in Edwards, who surpassed the two,000-point milestone as a sophomore whereas main Camden to South Carolina’s 3A state recreation. The highest-ranked basketball recruit within the Class of 2024, Edwards noticed her first varsity video games as a seventh grader and this yr averaged 23.8 factors, 12.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists per recreation. With Division 1 school basketball affords rolling in, together with Oregon and Oregon State, Edwards shall be a reputation to observe in 2023 and past.
Extra:Meet the nominees for All-USA In the present day HSSA Ladies Rising Star of the 12 months!
Finalists: Jaloni Cambridge, Ensworth Faculty (Tennessee), sophomore; ZaKiyah Johnson, Sacred Coronary heart Academy (Kentucky), freshman
BOYS TEAM COACH OF THE YEAR, SPONSORED BY MUNICIPAL
Winner: Vito Campanile of Bergen Catholic Excessive Faculty (New Jersey) soccer
Why he received: Teaching at a faculty the place soccer state championships are the expectation, not the objective, Campanile earned his first ring as head coach at Bergen Catholic behind a 12-0 season. It was the soccer group’s first excellent season in 24 years. The Crusaders completed the yr with a powerful win over Don Bosco in New Jersey’s Non-Public A state recreation. They completed No. 3 in USA TODAY’s remaining Tremendous 25 ballot, behind solely California prep energy Mater Dei and Texas Class 6A powerhouse Westlake Excessive. Few give their applications the form of private funding as Campanile, who was named a finalist for the All-American Bowl’s Coach of the 12 months honor and is at all times fast to deflect credit score from himself to his gamers, particularly his seniors.
Finalists: David Peavy of Duncanville Excessive Faculty (Texas) boys basketball; David Zimmerman of Conestoga Excessive Faculty (Pennsylvania) boys soccer
GIRLS TEAM COACH OF THE YEAR, SPONSORED BY MUNICIPAL
Winner: Tamika Dudley of Sidwell Associates Faculty (Washington, D.C.) ladies basketball
Why she received: Dudley’s basketball program scored a hat trick this postseason — successful three separate event championships on its method to a 30-0 season. The Quakers’ postseason haul included a nationwide title on the inaugural State Champions Invitational in Tampa, Florida, and dominant performances in each the Unbiased Faculty League and D.C. State Athletic Affiliation championship video games. Together with her program now firmly established as a nationwide powerhouse, Dudley received the distinguished Naismith Coach of the 12 months Award, thought-about among the many highest honors in prep and school basketball.
Finalists: Sue Butz-Stavin of the Emmaus Excessive Faculty (Pennsylvania) discipline hockey; Valorie McKenzie of Horizon Excessive Faculty (Arizona) ladies volleyball