Beachwood’s Jack Spero, Kirtland’s Maddie Zuberer and Independence’s Hallie Zumack have been named Ward’s Lawn Care & Landscape Co. Players of the Week for the week ending Sunday, September 14.
Jack Spero Sophomore Beachwood High School
A first year runner, Spero has made a big impact on the Beachwood cross country team. During the week of Sept. 8, Spero ran an 18:04 to finish in 13th place at the McDonough Invitational.
Spero, who also carries a 4.0 grade point average, followed that up with a third place finish at the Cardinal Husky Invitational on Saturday.
“As a first year runner he has improved every meet,” said Beachwood coach Jamie Lader. “He really trains hard.”
Maddie Zuberer Junior Kirtland High School
Zuberer all just one goal in three Kirtland wins. That goal came in a 3-1 win over Wellington. She posted shutouts over Cuyahoga Heights (2-0) and Orange (3-0).
She has 23 shutouts in her Kirtland career.
Hallie Zumack Junior Independence High School
In three matches, Zumack recorded 96 assists (an average of 10.6 per game) for the undefeated and state-ranked Blue Devils.
The junior co-captain also coordinates Independence’s fast-paced offense and her leadership is integral to the team’s success.
“Hallie had a great week of distributing 96 assists to our hitters,” said Independence head coach Megan Osysko. “She delivers a great set where the hitters are able to see the block and open holes on the opponents’ side. Hallie does a nice job of bettering the second ball and making a good decision for the team’s success to get a point.”
Coaches, click here to nominate your players. Nominations are due each Monday by 10:00 p.m.
Steve Hare is the Chagrin Valley Conference's Sports Information Director. He also created and publishes OhioVarsity.com, an online publication dedicated to providing hyperlocal coverage to area high school athletic programs.
Hare began covering high school sports for the Lake County News Herald in 1997.
Hare attended Willoughby South High School through the middle of his senior year, then graduated from Berkshire High School in Burton in 1986. He played football, wrestled and was an all-Geauga county baseball player (1986). He lives in Chardon with his wife Paulette and their children.
Geneva edged Edgewood by three points to win the boys championship, while St. John claimed the girls title at the 2026 Ashtabula County Cross Country Championships. Conneaut’s Vivianna Cellini and Grand Valley’s Sam Steimle won individual crowns.
Two undefeated rivals. One conference championship. North and South enter Friday's Civil War at 8-0 with perfect seasons, playoff positioning and bragging rights on the line.
The Chagrin Valley Conference recognizes 19 Players of the Week for Sept. 28-Oct. 4, 2026, following record-breaking performances, postseason golf qualifications, big football games and standout efforts across six sports.
Orange leads the Chagrin Valley Conference with three state-qualifying entries, including district singles champion Genevieve Hayden. Hawken and Willoughby South also will compete at the OHSAA Girls Tennis State Championships in Mason.
Chagrin Falls finished as Division II girls state runner-up, West Geauga's Dylan Phillips placed fifth, and Perry's Benjamin Dame tied for 16th. Independence's Kaden Schuette and Orange's Anuja Patel entered the final round in state title contention.
Jack Spero
Maddie Zuberer
Hallie Zumack
