News-Herald players of the week for Dec. 8

Dec. 8—Ava Gabriel

Wickliffe>>Girls basketball

Sophomore>>Point guard

On the court: In a 33-29 win over Crestwood, had 21 points, four rebounds, two assists and four steals. Was 2 of 3 on 3-pointers. In a 43-39 win over Trinity, had 39 points, 10 steals and four rebounds.

Off the court: "My favorite basketball memory this year so far is winning the Brookside Tournament with my teammates." Enjoys spending time with friends and family. Favorite team is the Cavaliers, and her favorite player is Darius Garland. Enjoys watching the UConn women's college basketball team.

Quinn Kwasniak

Cornerstone Christian>>Boys basketball

Sophomore>>Guard

On the court: Scored 30 points and made 11 of 13 free throws in a win over John Adams. Scored 30 points, including five 3-pointers, and had five assists and five steals in a win over Fuchs Mizrachi. In an overtime win over Open Door, had 38 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

Off the court: "Turtle" is a Chester Township resident. His favorite sports memories include cutting down state championship nets as a ball boy. Favorite athlete is Steph Curry. His favorite teacher is Pastor Jim Davis. "The person I look up to the most is my brother BK, who is a plebe at the United States Military Academy at West Point." Favorite Bible verse is, "I can do all things through Christ." Philippians 4:13.

Lilly Stukus

Chagrin Falls>>Girls basketball

Sophomore>>Shooting guard

On the court: In three wins, averaged 20.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.3 assists per game, including a 24-point, seven-rebound performance in a win over Beachwood and a 17-point, 11-rebound game in a win over Perry.

Off the court: "Stuwey" says "I am a basketball junkie and spend most of my time in a gym getting shots up, playing or watching basketball. Someone is always working on their game, and I know that — this motivates me." Her favorite athletes are Paige Bueckers, Naz Hillmon and Caitlin Clark.

Peyton Budrys-Rini

Lake Catholic>>Boys basketball

Junior>>Shooting guard

On the court: Set the school record for points in a game with 47 in the Cougars' 108-83 win against North in their first game of the season. Also had five rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Off the court: "P" is a Concord Township resident. "My favorite sports memory is beating our rival last season." Favorite subject is math, and favorite food is Chipotle. Favorite team is the 76ers.

Henry Westendorf

Chagrin Falls>>Hockey

Senior>>Center

On the court: With Chagrin Falls facing a short bench because of injuries and illness, he scored the only two goals of the game, including one shorthanded, in a league win over Orange.

Off the court: Wants to play club hockey in college. Also plays lacrosse and golf. Favorite team is the St. Louis Blues.

Darren Bittner

Lake Catholic>>Boys swimming

Freshman

In the pool: Against Independence, won 100 and 200 free and was on winning 200 and 400 free relays, with 400 free relay setting a school record. At the Hilltopper Invitational, was on first-place 200 medley relay, was third in 50 back, second in 100 free and fourth on 200 free relay; the 200 medley relay and 100 free are also school records.

Out of the pool: Is a Willoughby resident. "Being the youngest swimmer in my family, I remember wanting to swim like my brother and sister. I started competing when I was 5 years old. I enjoy drawing, fishing and kayaking in my free time. Nutella goes well with just about anything, and is always my go to snack!"

Uzonna Nzekwe

Beachwood>>Wrestling

Senior>>215

On the mat: Became a two-time Ron Madow Memorial Tournament champion and was selected Outstanding Wrestler for the tournament. Compiled four pins, including one over a Division I state-ranked opponent and a 20-5 technical superiority in the final.

Off the mat: "Uzo" also played middle linebacker in football. He has five offers to play in college. Hobbies include lifting weights and training for football. Enjoys watching college and Olympic wrestling. Favorite food is Chick-Fil-A. TV show he's watching right now is "Emily in Paris" on Netflix.

Colin Hering

Berkshire>>Wrestling

Junior>>106 pounds

On the mat: Went 5-0 at the Ron Madow Memorial Tournament at Beachwood. He had five pins in a combined 2 minutes, 8 seconds.

Off the mat: Says, "I love wrestling more than anything." Favorite thing to do is go camping with his best friends. Favorite interests are space and the creation of the universe. The best show is definitely "Young Sheldon."

Varsity coaches from all sports can nominate athletes for Players of the Week until 8 p.m. every Monday. They can be emailed to Scores@News-Herald.com. We do not take nominations via social media or text message.