The nominations are in with a few players’ postseason accomplishments impacting the most recent round of Allen County Area Athlete of the Month nominations.
Voting is through March 12. Readers can vote online by clicking here or call the Register office at (620) 365-2111.
Zoie Hesse, Iola junior wrestler
Topping the list this month is Iola junior Zoie Hesse (34-4), who recently took second in the 190 lbs. weight class at last weekend’s KSHSAA 4A State Wrestling Championship in Salina. With the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association ranking Hesse in the top five for much of the season, her run to the championship was expected. It took two-time state champion Abby Brenn to finally knock Hesse down, but not without Hesse first picking up a takedown and threatening near-fall points before Brenn caught Hesse off balance in the second period.
Savannah Koch, Humboldt senior wrestler
Another female wrestler reaching the medal podium is Humboldt senior Savannah Koch. Koch (22-15) seemed a longshot for the medal podium after taking third at the regional tournament. She more than proved her qualifications with a pair of consecutive first-period pins, including No. 5 ranked Layton Roberts of Douglas. Similar to Hesse, it took No. 1 ranked senior state champion Cadence Greeson to knock her down. Koch later climbed the consolation bracket to take fifth place.
Breighlynn Rutherford, Iola freshman forward
When it comes to this nomination, sometimes stats do not truly articulate a player’s impact. Breighlynn Rutherford was one of many Iola freshmen foisted into varsity competition.Although not finishing some of the Mustangs’ most iconic plays, she played a key role in many of their highlight reels, including a bombing the ball nearly half the court to awaiting freshman guard Haidyn Desmarteau, who scored the game-winner against Osawatomie. She also provided more than a few timely put-backs in the paint and was also a reliable 3-point shooter throughout the season.
Jacob Catron, Iola freshman Special Olympian
Jacob Catron was one of many Special Olympians taking the hardwood during the annual contest pitting Iola athletes against Marmaton Valley in a battle for Allen County.
Catron is a multi-sport athlete. He also competes in bowling and is training for the upcoming Special Olympics track and field competitions.
Sheen Saunders, Allen freshman forward
Looking f or a powerful post to complement their perimeter shooting, the Allen Red Devils more than found their man in freshman Sheen Saunders.
After the new year, Saunders seemed like a completely different player with crowd-roaring dunks and reliable rebounding underneath. He reached double digit scoring in four of his last five games, including a 10-point performance in Tuesday’s postseason opener against Labette.
Garrett Morrison, MV senior guard
When the Marmaton Valley Wildcats needed a spark this season, one way or another, that spark flowed through senior guard Garrett Morrison. Along with providing reliable shooting, Morrison also provided reliable leadership, especially when they briefly lost senior guard Tyler Lord to injury. In their regular season finale against Uniontown, Morrison scored 14 points, which followed seven in his brief action during a blowout of Altoona-Midway and 11 points against No. 2 ranked Lebo.
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