Athlete of the Week: 

This week we want to recognize Independence basketball player Yancy Thomason being selected this week’s top athlete. He has not received a lot of press, but his level of  consistency and his court performance has improved with every game. He has certainly become a dependable asset with good upside potential and will be returning next season.

The junior athlete had a huge game against arch rival Butler on Friday night keeping the Patriots within striking distance against their conference rival. Thomason also had a solid game against Rocky River earlier in the week. He contributed 10 points, while grabbing 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal vs. the Ravens. Against the Bulldogs he led the scoring with 17 points, added 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal in a productive week for Independence.

Honorable Mention: 

Tosh Alberga – A prolific shot blocker had 9 blocks this week, 6 against Butler, tallied 15 points, hauled down 15 rebounds, and 3 tip balls continues to be a force for Independence inside the paint. He now has 77 blocked shots this season with more games to be played.

Kolbe Johnson – The junior accumulated 16 points this week, he grabbed 13 rebounds, 8 against Butler, had 3 blocks and 2 tips on the week.

Kamryn Kitchen – The sophomore standout continues to produce for the Lady Patriots. She scored 16 points against the Ravens, contributed 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals. Against Butler she had 14 points, with multiple rebounds, assists and steals.

Jayden Lyles – The Ravens excellent PG/SG continues to be a top performer on a weekly basis. He had 28 points against Independence, he grabbed 8 rebounds, along with 2 assists and one steal. He also scored 24 points against the Wildcats recently. He is among the top guards in 4A Conference 59.

Natalie Goodfellow – The scrappy Lady Stallion senior with a can do attitude had another solid performance. She scored 20 points, hauled down 7 rebounds, 9 assists, and 3 steals against the Comets. Also, had a triple-double in a game against SCCS 30 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists in a 42-32 victory.

Nasya Allen – Another Stallion senior scored 20 points, while grabbing 11 rebounds for a double-double against Carolina International.

Josh Kreis – In the 4A state finals in indoor track he placed 8th with a Shot Put of 48-03.25 for Independence out of 21 finalists.

Morgan Brown – In the Girls Triple Jump she placed 8th in the finals with a 35.03.00 out of 15 finalists for the Patriots.

Alexandria Jefferson – The Ravens Shot Put specialist finished 3rd with a 40.01.50 in a field of 21 finalists.