Argus Leader Athlete of the Week Nominees for Oct. 5-10
Voting closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, for the Argus Leader Athlete of the Week ballot covering high school sports performances from Oct. 5-10, argusleader.com reported. Readers decide the winner of the weekly honor by casting votes online.
The nominees span multiple fall sports across the region, featuring standout efforts in football, tennis, cross country, and volleyball. Athletes are listed in alphabetical order by last name across boys and girls divisions.
Defensive Dominance and Offensive Sparks in Football
Tea Area junior Ben Bruns wreaked havoc in the Mitchell backfield during a 41-21 victory. Bruns recorded three tackles for a loss, including 1.5 sacks for 14.5 yards, eight total tackles, and a fumble recovery.
Teammate Mitch Grant also delivered a multi-phase performance in the same win over Mitchell. Grant completed 5-of-8 passes for 46 yards with a touchdown and an interception, ran seven times for 49 yards and a score, returned an interception 92 yards for a touchdown, and added nine total tackles with a sack and an assisted tackle for a loss.
Sioux Falls Washington junior Darius Harrison anchored his squad during a 57-21 loss to Sioux Falls Lincoln. Harrison tallied a team-high eight tackles and returned a punt 30 yards for a touchdown.
On the opposing sideline, Sioux Falls Lincoln senior running back Brayden Jackson faced his former team and capitalized on eight carries. Jackson rushed for 62 yards and punched in three touchdowns.
Sioux Falls Jefferson senior Tyson Tycz rounded out the offensive football nominees by scoring three times in a 41-0 shutout of Sioux Falls Roosevelt. Tycz caught four passes for 51 yards and two touchdowns while also taking a 34-yard reverse into the end zone.
Local Athletes Win State Tennis Championships
Brandon Valley senior Kennedi Boomsma anchored her squad with consistent play during sweeps over Sioux Falls Jefferson and Pierre. Boomsma notched seven kills in each match.
Harrisburg sophomore Hope Gabel secured the second singles Class AA tennis state championship in Rapid City, sweeping three consecutive opponents without dropping a set. Gabel later teamed with Noa Lovro in first doubles to finish fifth.
Sioux Falls Lincoln freshman Emily Lease captured the fourth singles crown and the second doubles title in Rapid City to earn her status as a two-time Class AA tennis state champion. Lease entered the fourth singles bracket as the No. 2 seed, swept her way to the final, and won in three sets before partnering with Lily Statema for the doubles victory.
Harrisburg freshman Brianna Reilly claimed the ESD Conference Cross Country Meet title by exactly 40 seconds over teammate Hannah Genrich. Reilly covered the 5,000-meter course in 17:30.7, finishing 20.8 seconds shy of her season best.
Sioux Falls Lincoln senior Ella Smith powered her team’s offense in a 3-0 sweep of Tea Area. Smith contributed 10 kills, two blocks, and three digs.
Voters Decide Weekly Recognition by Friday
Community members and local sports supporters have until Friday night to determine which nominee claims the weekly recognition. The complete list of candidates highlights athletes from Brandon Valley, Harrisburg, Sioux Falls Jefferson, Sioux Falls Lincoln, Sioux Falls Washington, and Tea Area.