News-Herald players of the week for Jan. 5

Jan. 5—Kailey Minch

North>>Girls basketball

Senior>>Guard

On the court: In wins over Chardon and Lake Catholic, had 62 points, eight rebounds, three assists and five steals.

Off the court: "K" plans to attend Ursuline College and play basketball. Favorite food is buffalo chicken pizza. Favorite movies are "Step Brothers" and "Talladega Nights." Also enjoys watching college basketball, and her favorite team is Iowa.

Nate Linsz

Kenston>>Hockey

Senior>>Goalie

On the ice: Registered three shutouts in four victories while the Bombers played on five consecutive days.

Off the ice: Hasn't chosen a college, but wants to play hockey on varsity, club or intramural. "Despite living 17 years without my left hand, I still manage to participate in the sport I love dearly and enjoy the hobbies I have picked up over the years. I put my heart and soul into hockey, trying to improve my game as well as myself every time I step out onto the ice. Ever since elementary school, I have been putting my best efforts into hockey despite some vocal remarks from others saying that I will never be as good or capable as the "normal" goaltenders. These heckles only serve as fuel to perform better both in hockey as well as my other passion, music. I developed my love for thrash metal long ago. Whenever my dad would drive my younger brother, Logan and me to hockey games when we were first starting out, he would turn the radio to some metal or rock station to get us pumped. I still remember when he played "One" from Metallica's "...And Justice For All". Although I wasn't big into the genre at the time, it opened my eyes to the world of metal, and how influential and meaningful it could be. My appreciation for thrash didn't grow until I picked up guitar as a hobby. Originally, I had duct-taped a pick to my arm to play. But as time went on I was able to get a more permanent solution in the form of a prosthesis made by the same people who made the prosthetic I use to play hockey. After a ton of practice, I got to a level where I could learn and play the rock and metal songs my dad played in his car, starting with "One." It truly was my gateway to the genre, and my skills (along with my playlist) grew and grew. In recent history, I was fortunate enough to partner up with a few friends to start up our very own band, where I play and write music. We named the band "7th Floor" after my youngest brother, Fletch, was unfortunately diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in early 2022, and was administered for treatment on the seventh floor of the hospital. Thankfully, Fletch was pronounced cancer free later that year. I am inspired by my family with the strength they show and the support they give, and I wouldn't be who I am today without them. The combination of factors from the people and things around me have fueled me to put my best effort into whatever I put my mind to, no matter the circumstances, no matter the challenge."

Amari Hancock

VASJ>>Girls basketball

Senior>>Forward

On the field: Scored 23 points against Harvey and 24 points against John Adams. Also had 15 rebounds in each game. Was 7 of 10 on free throws.

Off the court: "Mari" is a Cleveland Heights resident. Plans on playing basketball in college, and is considering Hiram and others. Favorite sports memory is playing at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse this year. Is a big fan of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Favorite subjects are math and science.

Teddy Griffin

South>>Wrestling

Senior>>150 Pounds

On the mat: He won his weight class at the Kenston Invitational Tournament, his third tournament championship this season, improving his record to 21-1 with 15 pins.

Off the mat: Favorite sports memory is when South had six district qualifiers his freshman year. Hobbies include hanging out with friends and watching Cleveland sports. Can solve a Rubik's Cube in 15 seconds. Favorite food is pizza. Favorite show is "Game of Thrones." Enjoys the music of Kid Cudi. Favorite team is the Cavaliers.

Madison Tas

Riverside>>Gymnastics

Freshman

In the gym: In her first-ever high school meet, won the Flip for a Cure Invitational all-around with a 32.85. Also won the bars, beam and floor.

Out of the gym: "Madi" has been competing in gymnastics for nine years. Favorite events are beam and floor. "I enjoy cheering on my teammates and would be described as the entertainer of the group. Having fun has always been my No. 1 priority." Her favorite sports memory is competing at the Level 6 state competition last year, with a 37.6 in the all-around and taking first on the floor with a 9.7. Competes in three winter sports, including swimming and diving. In her free time, loves hanging out with friends and family, laughing, shopping and being outside. Her favorite the Spider-Man movies with Tom Holland, favorite color is pink and her favorite musical artist is Taylor Swift.

Claire Wakim

Madison>>Girls basketball

Junior>>Guard/forward

On the court: In a win over Lake Catholic, had 15 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. In a loss to Trinity, had 32 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, 14 rebounds, four assists and five steals.

Off the court: Favorite subject is math. Enjoys spending time with family friends.

Josh Brown

Berkshire>>Wrestling

Senior>>157 pounds

On the mat: Won a 6-2 decision in the championship match at the Defiance Tri-Border War over a state-ranked opponent, improving his record to 9-0.

Off the mat: "JB12" says, "I plan on taking my future steps in a trade. It could be plumbing, or being an electrician. I plan on making myself successful in any way that I can to support my future family and career goals." Favorite sports memory was from his sophomore year. "We had a very athletic and skilled wrestling lineup. We would go through dual meets and crush our competition. We loved to win and we loved to share the winning experience together, all the hard work payed off in the wrestling room thanks to our coaches." His favorite music could be anything, depending on his mood. Favorite food is the spicy chicken sandwich from Chick-Fil-A. Favorite hobbies are coaching younger wrestlers in the winter and being with family and friends as much as he can.

Marshae Hill

Cornerstone Christian>>Girls basketball

Senior>>Point guard

On the court: In a win over Chardon, had 20 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Had 17 points in a win over Orange.

Off the court: "Shae" is a Richmond Heights resident. Will play basketball at Kent State. Favorite sports memories include cheering on the JV team with her teammates before the varsity game. Favorite team forever is the Cavaliers. "I also still love LeBron, even though he decided to leave."

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.