Athletes from seven different schools have been named the Chagrin Valley Conference Athletes of the Week for the week ending Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024.
Each athlete was nominated by his or her coach. All statistics incurred from Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, through Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Name: Sam Crooks
School: Independence
Grade: 12
Stats: Scored 32 points with 15 rebounds, and three steals while shooting 65 percent on 2-point tries and 50 percent on 3-point tries
Coach’s Quote: “Sam has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication, making him an integral part of our team’s success this week,” said Independence coach Marc Holliday. “On the court, Sam has been a standout performer, leading us to a 3-0 record, our first LaBella Tournament championship in school history, and eclipsing 1,000 career points. However, it is his ability to elevate his teammates that truly sets him apart. Off the court, Sam exemplifies the values of leadership and selflessness. As a member of our team’s Leadership Council, he has helped guide the team with a focus on mutual respect, accountability, and growth. His involvement in the National Honor Society speaks to his dedication to academics and his well-rounded character. Most importantly, Sam has fully embraced our team’s mantra of Mudita—finding joy in the success and well-being of others. His unselfishness, whether through assists, encouraging his teammates, or leading by example, embodies the spirit of Mudita in every practice and game.”
Name: Aidan Duncan
School: Trinity
Grade: 12
Stats: Averaged 16 points, 10.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 3.0 steals per game
Coach’s Quote: “Aidan is a leader on our team and in our program,” said Trinity coach Dan Urban. “He’s been attacking the basket and getting us into early offense all season, which has helped us to get off to great starts. He’s a strong athletic lead guard who does a lot for us. He rebounds extremely well, especially for a guard. He is a really good on and off-ball defender and plays with a high motor. As a senior, he knows what we expect and pushes everyone around him to be better. We go as he goes.”
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Name: Leah Brock
School: Madison
Grade: 10
Stats: Averaged six points and six rebounds per game in four games
Coach’s Quote: “Leah continued to show growth this week at the varsity level,” said Madison coach Heather Reho. “In four games, I have seen an increase in rebounding, shot selection, and confidence. Against Howland, Leah did a great job defensively against one of their talented forwards.”
Name: Honor Hall
School: Richmond Heights
Grade: 11
Stats: Averaged 29 points, six rebounds, 3.5 assists, and six steals in two games
Coach’s Quote: “It was great watching her take over the game in all aspects of the game,” said Richmond Heights coach Eugene White.
Name: Nevaeh Harrison
School: Trinity
Grade: 12
Stats: Scored 24 points with 11 rebounds, 11 assists, 13 steals, and one block in two games
Coach’s Quote: “Nevaeh has been amazing and has filled up the stat sheet in every category,” said Trinity coach Ron Donaldson. “She has stepped up to the plate as a senior leader and is doing everything asked of her.”
Name: Kristiana Katic
School: Kirtland
Grade: 12
Stats: Scored 26 points with 16 rebounds while shooting 10-of-14 from the free throw line in two games
Coach’s Quote: “Kristiana has been solid all year with her play,” said Kirtland coach Matt Ridgeway. “Kristiana attacks every day with an intent to get better and that translates to her game performances. Kristiana is one of the captains of the team, leads by example, and we so enjoy her presence.”
Name: Hannah Ward
School: Crestwood
Grade: 12
Stats: Scored 43 points with 12 rebounds, eight assists, and seven steals in two games
Coach’s Quote: “Hannah has been a big part of our program over the past four years, but this year has really stepped up,” said Crestwood coach T.J. Henderson. “Not only is she scoring, but she also moves the basketball to get assists, getting steals and rotating on defense, and bringing down rebounds on both sides of the floor. She continues to step up her game and help us win big conference games.”
SWIMMING
Name: Derek Fan
School: Beachwood
Grade: 11
Stats: Set school records in the 200 medley and 200 freestyle relays along with teammates Ben Keyerleber, Kevin Zhang, and Colin Elwell; set a school record in the 100 fly and swam a personal best in the 100 breaststroke
Coach’s Quote: “Derek is a master at his fly kick and underwater pullouts which makes him a top performer,” said Beachwood coach Brad Burget. “He won the 100 fly this weekend breaking the team record and finished in sixth place for his 100 breaststroke swim. He was a member of the 200 Medley and 200 Free Relays that placed third and fifth also smashing both team records.”
