Winner of The News Tribune’s Athlete of the Week (March 29-April 3)
Congratulations to the winner of The News Tribune’s high school Athlete of the Week poll (March 29-April 3). Thanks to everyone who voted and supported local student athletes.
Want to nominate a high school athlete from the South Sound in the future? Email TNT sports reporter Lauren Smith with the athlete’s first and last name, school, year, position and a stat line from game(s) during the past week. Nominations must be submitted by 5 p.m. Sunday.
This week’s winner is:
Kiana Gutierrez, Auburn Riverside soccer
You can read about the candidates and their accomplishments below.
Note: The polls can be found below each category. If you’re having trouble viewing them, try opening this story in a different web browser, such as Chrome or Safari. Votes can only be submitted through the poll on this page. Votes e-mailed will not be counted.
Note: State leaders in track and field do not include marks set by high school athletes competing unattached in club events.
Rylen Bayne, South Kitsap baseball: Finished 3-for-4 with two runs scored, two doubles, an RBI, walk and stolen base in a win over Sumner, and 1-for-4 with a run scored, homer, three RBI and tossed five complete innings allowing three runs on six hits with five strikeouts and two walks, earning a win over Gig Harbor.
Logan Brady, Steilacoom football: Hauled in 15 catches for 190 yards and a TD in a win over Fife.
Donte Grant, Puyallup baseball: Went 2-for-4 with two runs scored, a homer, five RBI and a stolen base in a win over Rogers, and 2-for-4 with two runs scored, a walk and a stolen base in a win over Emerald Ridge for the undefeated Vikings.
Kiana Gutierrez, Auburn Riverside soccer: Scored two goals in a win over Kennedy Catholic, breaking the school’s all-time scoring record, which was held by Julie (Futch) Williams for 16 years. Gutierrez has eight goals and four assists in four games.
Ashley Hollenbeck, Bonney Lake track and field: Holds top time in state in 100 meters after running a personal-best 12.11 against Stadium and Lakes.
Carley Huber, Emerald Ridge track and field: Holds top time in state in 300-meter hurdles after running a season-best 48.83 against Bethel.
Nic Lewandowski, Bonney Lake baseball: Finished 1-for-3 with an RBI and tossed a scoreless innings with two strikeouts and a walk in a win over Wilson. Went 2-for-3 with a run scored, double, triple and RBI, and tossed three innings allowing one run on one hit with five strikeouts and three walks, earning a win over Spanaway Lake.
Chance McDonald, Steilacoom football: Completed 25-of-35 passes for 396 yards, four TDs and an INT and also rushed for a TD in a win over Fife.
Keekee McQueen, Spanaway Lake track and field: Holds top time in state in 200 meters after running a personal-best 22.62 against Lincoln. Also ranked top-five in the 100-meter dash at a personal-best 11.09, and part of the Sentinels’ 4x100 relay which leads the state at 43.64.
Jay Mentink, Sumner baseball: Finished 4-for-4 with three runs scored, a double, three RBI and a stolen base in a win over Bellarmine Prep, and 1-for-2 with a double, two RBI and a walk in a loss to South Kitsap.
Marcel Mercado, Stadium baseball: Went 1-for-3 with 2 RBI and tossed three innings allowing a run and two walks while striking out six in a win over Bonney Lake.
Jay O’Neill, Stadium baseball: Went 3-for-3 with two runs scored, a double and RBI in a win over Bonney Lake.
Justin Stransky, Emerald Ridge baseball: Catcher went 1-for-3 with an RBI in a loss to Puyallup and caught a base runner attempting to steal. Finished 2-for-3 with a run scored, double, homer and four RBI in a win over Bethel and caught another runner.
Marquez Thompson, Lakes track and field: Holds top time in state in 100 meters after running a personal-best 10.94 against Stadium.
Rieko Wilford, Curtis track and field: Holds top marks in state in long jump (personal-best 18-11) and triple jump (season-best 38-4 1/2) following first meet against Sumner. Also jumped a personal-best 40-5 1/2 last month in the triple jump at a club event.
Jacob Yang, Puyallup baseball: Went 1-for-3 with a run scored, walk and stolen base in a win over Rogers, and 3-for-4 with two runs scored, a homer and five RBI in a win over Emerald Ridge for the undefeated Vikings.
This story was originally published April 5, 2021 at 11:55 AM.
