News-Herald players of the week for Feb. 9
Feb. 9—Cami Welty
North>>Girls basketball
Junior>>Wing/post
On the court: Had a combined 19 points and 24 rebounds in a loss to Chardon and a win over Kenston. Her 18 rebounds against Chardon were a career-high. Also had two assists, two steals and one blocked shot for both games.
Off the court: "Cam" also plays volleyball. One of her favorite sports memories is winning the WRC championship last season. Enjoys going out to eat with friends and teammates. Favorite food is Chipotle tacos. Favorite subject is English.
Vince Carriero
Kirtland>>Boys basketball
Sophomore>>Point guard
On the court: In two games, he had 28 points, nine rebounds, four assists, six defensive deflections and three steals. He is a two-year starter and leads the team in assists and is second in scoring.
Off the court: "VC" says his favorite sports memory is scoring his first varsity point. Enjoys skateboarding. Favorite movie is "Step Brothers." Favorite food is doughnuts.
Mackenzie Callender
Beaumont>>Girls basketball
Junior>>Forward
On the court: In wins over Andrews Osborne and and Lake Catholic, averaged 12.5 points, 11.5 rebounds and two blocked shots per game. Shot 11 of 21 from the field. Grabbed 11 offensive rebounds against AOA.
Off the court: Oakwood Village resident's nicknames include "Kenzie," "Kenz," and "Mac." Has played basketball since she was in third grade, and played CYO at St. Rita. Her dad played, coached and is a college official. "Being 6-feet tall, it has kind of come naturally to me. Over the years, I've played soccer, volleyball, lacrosse and run track. Although I played two years of lacrosse at Beaumont, I will be switching back to track this spring. I've developed versatility on the court due to my experience in other sports. I've been trying to improve my effectiveness off the court this season. I have had some pretty good games this season, but I also know where I need to improve." Enjoys hanging out with friends and teammates.
Trey Liebhardt
Chardon>>Boys basketball
Senior>>Point guard
On the floor: In two wins, had 35 points (including a career-high 21 vs. South), six rebounds, six assists and five steals.
Off the court: Will play football at Central Michigan. Enjoys hanging out with friends. Favorite food is steak. Favorite movie is "Gladiator." Is a big Ohio State and Dayton basketball fan. Enjoys the music of NBA YoungBoy. Favorite song is "My Girl" by the Temptations. Favorite show is the football "Last Chance U." Favorite sports memory is running off the field in the 2020 state championship game after Columbus DeSales missed the field goal.
Paul Gall III
Cardinal>>Boys basketball
Senior>>Center
On the court: In a double overtime loss to Kirtland, had 10 points, 15 rebounds and four blocked shots.
In a win over Crestwood, he had 15 points, 17 Rebounds and two blocked shots.
Off the court: Plans on getting his real estate license. "My favorite memory in basketball this year was always the ride home from a road game win with my teammates!" Hobbies include investing, swimming, four-wheeling and hanging out with the family around the fire. Lists juggling as a unique talent. Favorite food is pizza. Prefers watching YouTube over regular TV. Favorite teams are the Browns and the Cavailers.
Bridgette Donovan
Kenston>>Gymnastics
Senior>>All-around
In the gym: In the Bombers' meet last week she led the team placing sixth in the all-around with a 32.9, with scores of 8.7 in the beam, 8.25 in the vault, 8.2 in the floor and 7.75 in the bars.
Out of the gym: Plans on joining a club gymnastics team in college. Participated in club gymnastics from age 7 to 15. Joined Kenston's team her sophomore year. "My favorite event is bars, but my favorite to compete in is on beam because every stuck routine in competition helps me realize that all my hard work was worth it." Loves hanging out with friends, her brother and taking care of the animals in her house. Loves filmmaking as a hobby, and plans to pursue filmmaking or cinematography as her college major. "Music is also a very important thing in my life and I have loved Taylor Swift ever since I was 4 when my mom got me my very first CD ("Fearless" by Taylor Swift) but some honorable mentions are Conan Gray, Gracie Abrams and Joshua Bassett.
Nolan Leben
Perry>>Wrestling
Sophomore>>215 pounds
On the mat: His 15-6 major decision in the regional championship match against South Range clinched the team win to send the Pirates to the Division III state duals next week.
Off the mat: Enjoys watching "South Park" and playing first-person action video games. Enjoys all food, adding "I wrestle 215 for a reason!" Loves his mom, Mandi.
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.
