Student-athletes from Geneva, Harvey, Independence and West Geauga have been selected as the CVC Athletes of the Week for the week ending Sept. 9.
Each student-athlete was nominated by his or her coach.
CROSS COUNTRY
JT BASCO, HARVEY
- Name: JT Basco
- School: Harvey
- Grade: 10
- Stats: Finished seventh out of 105 runners in the Walsh Jesuit Pat Ritchie Cross Country Invitational
- Coach’s Quote: “JT performed at a high level for the tough conditions also running against tough competition,” said Harvey coach Torrez Edwards. “The course was very muddy in addition to the pouring rain and the low temperatures. Finishing with a time of 17:40, I was very impressed with JT’s race.”
COLLIN PATTON, INDEPENDENCE
- Name: Collin Patton
- School: Independence
- Grade: 10
- Stats: Placed third out of 215 runners at the 2018 Tiffin Carnival
- Coach’s Quote: “Collin got out to a good start and persevered running with the front pack for most of the race,” said Independence coach Craig Polman. “His time of 17:41 was nearly a minute faster than his previous personal best time set at the Boardman Spartan Invitational last season.”
FOOTBALL
BRADEN SEARS, INDEPENDENCE
- Name: Braden Sears
- School: Independence
- Grade: 11
- Stats: Caught six passes for 101 yards with one touchdown and one two-point conversion
- Coach’s Quote: “Braden is our most consistent and reliable receiver,” said Independence coach Rick Adams. “He is a big target and knows how to find the open zones.”
BOYS SOCCER
DAVE BEATTIE, WEST GEAUGA
- Name: Dave Beattie
- School: West Geauga
- Grade: Senior
- Stats: Scored two goals with three assists in two games
- Coach’s Quote:
“Neither the Chardon nor the Harvey game was an easy victory but the games were wins thanks to David Beattie’s dominating play at midfield,” said West Geauga coach Mario Gerhardt.
SAM BELITZ, INDEPENDENCE
- Name: Sam Belitz
- School: Independence
- Grade: 12
- Stats: Scored six goals, including the 100th of his career, with one assist
- Coach’s Quote: “He makes everyone around him better and works hard in and out of season to compete at high levels,” said Independence coach Ryan MacRaild of the school’s all-time leading scorer. “His natural athleticism and skill with the ball, not to mention his finishing, make him the top player in the area, if not state, and he will have a great future in the sport collegiately.”
GIRLS SOCCER
AUBREY ZANELLA, WEST GEAUGA
- Name: Aubrey Zanella
- School: West Geauga
- Grade: 10
- Stats: Led West Geauga’s defense to a shutout over Kenston
- Coach’s Quote: “In games against Kirtland and Kenston this past week, the twin sister combination of Aubrey and Bailey Zanella allowed only two shots in the first half against Division III powerhouse Kirtland and six shots in the first half against Kenston,” said West Geauga coach Kory Chapic. “When the duo was not playing due to injury or substitution, the shot output of the opposition rose to 12 and 11 shots, respectively. The hustle, determination and grit shown by Aubrey Zanella has powered the Wolverines to an encouraging start to the 2018 season.”
VOLLEYBALL
MADDY BILINOVIC, INDEPENDENCE
- Name: Maddy Bilinovic
- School: Independence
- Grade: 11
- Stats: Averaged 9.6 digs, 9.8 service points and 2.8 aces
- Coach’s Quote: “Maddy continues to work hard to improve her skills as a player and team leader,” said Independence coach Tony Messina. “Her work ethic has a positive influence on our younger players and is a great asset to our team.”
MORGAN STOLTZ, GENEVA
- Name: Morgan Stoltz
- School: Geneva
- Grade: 10
- Stats: Recorded 40 digs in two matches this week
- Coach’s Quote: “Morgan has led our defense all season,” said Geneva coach Annah Haeseler. “She is a go get it and get it done kind of player. She is smart, never gives up and is always willing to go for it. Her passing has been unbelievable this season and her defense has been even better. I am looking forward to her future performances because I feel like she is just getting started.”