Show your support by voting for your favorite male and female athlete—once per day, now through June 1. The winners YOU choose will be featured, along with all Athletes of the Week, in a special edition publishing in late June. Good luck to all our incredible student athletes! 🙌✨

Throughout the past school year, the Tri-County Tribune has featured top athletes, male and female, each week, highlighting their success and achievement. Following you will find every athlete selected and a short informational section about them. Please read through and then vote on the Tri-County Tribune website for your pick to be honored as Athlete of the Year at www.tricountytribune.news!

Here are the Pratt/Tri-County Tribune Athlete of the Week list of winners 2024-25 sports seasons – 20 for male and 20 for female by week (not in any particular order). Athletes who won more than once have been combined into one entry per person resulting in 20 entries for male and 20 entries for female students from the Tri-County Tribune coverage area.

Category: Boys

1. Brock Deterding, Kiowa County High School, basketball/track – Deterding knocked in 33 points to lead his team to an 86-56 basketball win over South Barbar and was a team leader in scoring all season. On the track Deterding (the defending 1A state champ in the 100 and 200 who did not lose a 100-meter final) topped all runners at the SPIAA League track meet with a first place 10.92 time in the 100m, and first place 22.74 time in the 200m dash. He also anchored the Mavericks first place 4X100 and 4×400 relays.

2. Jude Nelson, Skyline High School, cross country/track – First place finisher several times in fall season; finished 9th at the 2024 State Cross County Meet led Pratt-Skyline cross country team which was ranked 1st in state by Sports in Kansas. On May 9, Nelson, a senior at Skyline High School in Pratt, broke the school’s 30-year-old 800m school record at the Ellinwood meet, taking first in a time of 1:59.42. The old record, 2:01.10, was set in 1995. This mark ranks #1 in 1A this season.

3. Taye Wilson, Pratt High School, football/wrestling/baseball – 2025 Lyle Neville Excellence Award recognizing Kansas’ top senior wrestler after a standout career at Pratt; went 48-0 this season at 175-pounds to win his third consecutive 4A state title, finishing his career with a 156-17 record and four state medals; undefeated is junior and senior seasons; 2024 Folkstyle Junior Nationals, finished second at the 2025 Folkstyle Junior Nationals, and placed sixth at the 2025 NHSCA Nationals. He posted winning records at the 2024 Junior Duals and 2024 Fargo Nationals, and was runner-up at the 2024 Kansas Freestyle and Greco State tournaments; named Most Out-Standing Wrestler at Regional Tournament; a multi-sport athlete earning 2024 first team all-league football honors at running back and linebacker and was named honorable mention all-state by The Wichita Eagle, KSHSAA Covered, and Sports in Kansas; earned 2022 all-league honors in baseball as a designated hitter and lettered in golf;  also a four-time KWCA Academic First Team All-State honoree with a 3.68 GPA.

4. Silas Hawkins, Kiowa County High School, football – senior football player anchored a Maverick line as DE and C, putting in the time both ways and propelling his team to several pivotal wins.

5. Owen Schmidt, Pratt High School, basketball – Owen Schmidt of Pratt High School has been named our first ever 2024 Tri-County Tribune male Athlete of the Week after making a huge impact in the Pratt Greenback’s football win, 70-0, over Larned on Friday, September 20 during a home game in Zerger Field in Pratt. Schmidt had 2 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries, 4 defensive touchdowns, and 1 receiving touchdowns, for a total of 6 touchdowns in just 1 quarter.

6. Ethan Robinson, Skyline High School, cross country/track – Ethan Robinson finished in 4th place at the state cross country meet and is the reason why Skyline has won all four of their competitive meets this year.

7. Braxton Alpers, St. John High School, football/basketball – This junior quarterback and free safety has been a season-leader for the Tiger team on offense and defense. His performance Friday, October 18 in the Tiger’s 60-14 win over Stafford was on point as he scored five touchdowns, completed 7 of 14 passes for 139 yards and led his team in rushing yard carries with 188.Alpers is a leader on the field on offense and defense, and off the field he leads Fellowship of Christian Students and is involved with many other school activities. He was state track medalist last year and is a standout for the St. John-Hudson Tigers basketball team as well.

8. Carlito Lara, Pratt High School, cross country/track – The Tri-County Tribune honors senior Carlito Lara, Pratt High School cross country runner as our week 6 male Athlete of the Week. Lara is running in the 4A State Cross Country Meet this Saturday in Wamego. Lara has led the Greenback running team with strong performances all year, but specifically in regionals (9th), the CKL (3rd), and home invitational (2nd). There will be a sendoff for Lara in the PHS Commons at 3:20 p.m. this Friday as he heads to state.

9. Diego Esparza, Macksville High School, football/basketball – Diego Esparza, a senior basketball player at Macksville High School surpassed 1,500 points scored in his high school career last week. Esparza scored more than 500 just this season and earns a nod for the Tri-County Tribune week 11 male Athlete of the Week recognition. Garcia, who averaged 28 points per game, and the Macksville Mustangs with a record of 16-6, were ranked 7th in Division 1A state rankings by MaxPreps Sports. Though Esparza scored 35 points in the 1A D1 Sub-State Tournament, Macksville lost to Kiowa County in the semi-finals. Esparza was a team leader in points and assists.

10. Blake Dillard, Pratt High School, rodeo – Pratt High School student Blake Dillard is also a bull rider and has been racking up some top rides this winter season. He earned a 74 in Great Bend in mid-December, added in an 80 early December near Byers at the Stratford Ranch, and has been working on his rodeo skills in addition to attending regular classes at USD 382. DIllard won first place at two rodeos in May 2025 in bull-riding, solidifying his place among athletes to be reckoned with from the Tri-County Tribune coverage area.

11. Sawyer Campbell, Kiowa County High School, basketball – On January 7, Kiowa County’s Brock Deterding (#5) had a big night with 26 points in a 72-49 win over Bucklin. Deterding – who poured in six 3s – was one of three Mavericks in double figures joined by Boone McDonald (#4) with 21 and Sawyer Campbell (#11) with 16. The win improved the Mavericks record to 5-2 on the season with the two losses by two and three to Meade and St. John just prior to the break.

12. Arley Morrell, Pratt High School, football/basketball/track – Pratt High School junior Arley Morrell made a name for himself as a top receiver for the Greenback football team in a successful 2024-25 season. He also became an offensive and defensive force to be reckoned with on the basketball courts (hit career record of 500 rebounds, scored 39 points in one game). In track Morrell won medals repeatedly in triple jump, long jump, and high jump (including a 7 ‘ personal best).

13. James Greenleaf, Kiowa County High School, wrestling – Congratulations to James Greenleaf, Kiowa County High School wrestler who is coming onto the high school wrestling scene and making a name for himself as the Mavericks continue to build a new program. Greenleaf won first place in the 120lb. weight class at the Scott City Wrestling Classic last Saturday, took home a first-place medal from the Cimarron Tournament on January 24, and earned 1st place at Ulysses in December.

14. Emmett Delp, St. John-Hudson, basketball – Freshman Emmet Delp at St. John High School has been contributing in a big way to the success of the Tigers basketball team. Last Tuesday the 6’5 post scored 18 points and a dunk in limited minutes against Chase. Delp had a big game with 25 points and 15 rebounds the prior week when the Tiger’s beat LaCrosse. St. John boys are now 11-5 on the year and Delp is averaging 17.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game while shooting 54% from the field.

15. Blake Winsor, Pratt High School, wrestling – Earned Tri-County Tribune Athlete of the Week during wrestling season, but this senior was instrumental to the Greenback’s football success as well. On the wrestling mats, Windsor was first in his division at the CKL Championship and notched more than 100 career wins this year! He earned a medal at state and was chosen to wrestle in the East vs. West Shriner’s Wrestling Championships in Wichita, during which he won his match at 157 lbs.

16. Caleb Strong, Pratt High School, basketball – Only a sophomore, Pratt High School’s Caleb Strong made an impact on the Greenback boys’ basketball team that helped in post-season play and contributed to State Tournament class 4A competition. Strong had 15 points and 5 rebounds in an exciting 4A Sub State championship won by the Greenbacks.

17. Grant McAtee, Pratt High School, golf – Grant McAttee, Pratt High School, has started his 2025 senior golf season off in fine fashion, placing first at the Pratt Invitational, and second at the Crazy Horse Golf Course at Nickerson this past week. McAtee has been a presence near the top of the Class 4A state leaderboard in each of his first three seasons. He is a 4A golfer to watch this year, already showcasing a great talent with several title wins including the CKL championship.

18. Kendall Grippin, Macksville High School, baseball – Senior baseball player Kendall Grippin of Macksville/Kinsley (2-1A, 7-1) had a hot start to the year both on the mound and at the plate. Grippin batted an outstanding .615 on the year with 6 doubles and a triple. On the mound he has 28 strikeouts in 15 innings with an ERA of just .933. Grippin is committed to continue his baseball career at Friends University at the next level.

19. Kollyn Strong, Pratt High School, football/basketball/track – A state-ranked shot put and throw champion from Pratt High School, Kollyn Strong is our Tri-County Tribune male Athlete of the Week for week 5. Strong signed a letter of intent earlier this year to continue his athletic career in track and field with the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Also a football and basketball player for the Greenbacks, Strong has been a stable and competitive influence for Pratt and continues to garnish attention as track season progresses. He was the regional champ and second at state in shot in 2024 and looks to be a top contender for 2025 state throw titles.

20. Hudson Rector, Pratt High School, football/cheer/golf – Holding the line in football, rounding out a competitive golf team, and a stable base for the Pratt High School cheer squad, senior Hudson Rector has received an athletic scholarship to be a yell leader in the cheerleading team at Fort Hays State University. He plans to study biology with a pre-med track at FHSU to eventually become a pediatric oncologist. Always one to be counted on, Rector is deserving of Tri-County Tribune Athlete of the Week recognition.

Category: Girls

1. Lydia Reed, St. John-Hudson High School, volleyball/basketball/track – Reed was a standout volleyball player leading her Lady Tigers team deep into state playoffs. In basketball she was a high point scorer many games with totals over 20 several times. Committed to Fort Hays State University for basketball.

2. Brylie Ackerman, Skyline High School, volleyball – This senior volleyball player smashed more than 30 serve aces two months into the competitive season; ranked in state, and league for serving statistics.

3. Mia Meyer, St. John-Hudson High School, basketball – junior Mia Meyer scored 26 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead the Lady Tigers in Sub-State qualifying games.

4. Anastin Teasley, Pratt High School, golf/softball – Senior golfer 5th at Regionals, propelling the Greenbacks to second place as a team; finished 31st at state leading Pratt to top 12 finish; pitcher gaining notoriety on the mound for Pratt.

5. Morgan Sebes, Macksville High School, volleyball – led her team in serve aces in the Pawnee Heights Tournament to defend Mustangs 4th consecutive tournament title.

6. Ryann Eastes, Pratt High School, volleyball – Our female Athlete of the Week pick for week 1 of this contest is Pratt High School senior volleyball player Ryann Eastes (4A) surpassed 1,000 career assists as they went 2-0 beating Nickerson and Smoky Valley in league action last week. Congratulations to Eastes and the Lady Greenbacks as they continue their winning ways this week!

7. Kory Anschutz, Skyline High School, volleyball/basketball/softball – Skyline High School took home the free-throw competition title when Senior Kory Anschutz won for the third year in a row in last week’s 54 Classic Basketball Tournament. Anschutz has been a team leader for the Thunderbirds on offense and defense throughout the season, plus has racked up tremendous respect and accolades as a Skyline baseball player. She has signed a letter of intent to compete at York University in Nebraska this fall.

8. Kate Jackson, Pratt High School, tennis – Pratt High School sophomore Kate Jackson is our week 5 female Athlete of the Week. She is a top-notch tennis player for the Greenbacks and qualified for State last week with a 6th place Regional finish in Winfield on Saturday, October 12. Earlier in the season, Jackson won 1st place in #1 Singles at the Hillsboro tournament, and she finished 2nd in the CKL league earlier this month. Though she lost in the early rounds of the 2024 State Tennis Tournament, this was Jackson’s second year to qualify for the top competition.

9. Kooper Wesley, Skyline High School, basketball – named 4th Annual Kiowa County Shootout Girls Free Throw Champion making 22 of 25 from the charity line.

10. Renee Hamm, Pratt High School, basketball – Renee Hamm, a senior on the Pratt High School girls’ basketball team, is the week 12 pick for female Athlete of the Week by the Tri-County Tribune. Though not a leader in scoring, steals, or even rebounding, Hamm is an example of true dedication to team and school as she fought back from injuries to be a team contributor this season. Sometimes it is the behind-the-scenes work and team leadership by example that matters the most, and Hamm has been an excellent example of this kind of athlete. Congratulations to the Greenback girls for a fine season despite an end in sub-state last week.

11. Wendy Candia, Pratt High School, wrestling – Pratt High School’s senior wrestler Wendy Candia gets a second honor as the Tri-County Tribune female athlete of the week, this time for week 11, because she is phenomenal. Just last weekend Candia won the Girls 4A State Wrestling Champion title at 130 lbs! She concluded an outstanding high school career with a win in the state finals and has provided leadership to a team that will be a force to reckon with for years to come.

12. Isabela Ortiz, Macksville High School, basketball – A leading scorer and stealer for the Macksville Lady Stangs, Isabela Ortiz is the female Athlete of the Week for week 9 of the Tri-County Tribune’s special Winter Athlete of the Week program. Isabela scored 17 points against Kinsley last week and made the KSHSAA girls stat leader board in steals on the February 7, 2025 update. Congratulations to Ortiz for her scrappy play and leadership for the Lady Stangs.

13. Quinn Thibault, Pratt High School, basketball – Senior Quinn Thibault (#22) led the way with 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 steals in an important win over Nickerson. Thibault averaged just under a double-double on the year with 10.9 points and 9.6 rebounds per contest.

14. Emily Delgadillo, Stafford High School, basketball/track – Stafford High School senior Emily Delgadillo sparked her basketball team through a difficult season, often scoring 8-10 points to keep things interesting. In track and field she has become a discus thrower to watch, earning points and medals as the season progresses.

15. Mica Stapleton, Pratt High School, softball – Pratt High School softball player Mica Stapleton has been a driving force in keeping the Greenbacks close in several tight losses as the team begins a promising season. Stapleton, always solid behind the plate, has been swinging a good bat and getting on base when needed and scoring. Last week at Great Bend, Stapleton kept her team motivated in their extra-innings match, but the Greenbacks fell short 7-5.

16. Gaby Eubank, Skyline High School, softball – Skyline High School senior Gaby Eubank is an all-around athlete who competes in volleyball, basketball, and softball, but it is on the softball field where she shines as a field general behind the plate catching for her Thunderbird softball team. Last week, Eubank collected two hits in game one against Cunningham, then three hits in four at bats during a Skyline win in the second game.

17. Addison Sowers, Pratt High School, softball – The Pratt High School softball has many outstanding players rising to the occasion and contributing to a successful spring season. Many are deserving of Athlete of the Week honors but this week the spotlight goes to Addison Sowers who led the Greenbacks in RBIs in a recent game against Nickerson. Sowers collected a total of six RBIs, going 3-3 with a home run and a triple. Pratt won this game of 20-5.

18. Diana Ibarra, Macksville, volleyball/track and field – Diana Ibarra, a senior at Macksville High School has made a name for herself on the volleyball courts throughout her prep athletic career, but this past week the PCC volleyball commit blasted onto the state sprint rankings in track and field. Ibarra ran 13.79 in the 100m dash at the Kiowa County Track and Field Invitational on Friday and is now ranked 13th in state in class 1A.

19. Hope Hughes, Pratt High School, basketball/softball – Often described as a player with grit, Hope Hughes has been a go-to player on the basketball court for Pratt High School, knocking down three-point shots under pressure and stepping up to be a Greenback leader. Against Nickerson, this Pratt junior PG had a big night with 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals. She is also a member of the Greenback softball team and has played tennis for Pratt as well.

20. Tess Clarkson, Pratt High School, cheerleader – Tess Clarkson, the Tri-County Tribune female Athlete of the Week choice for week 5, is a senior from Pratt High School. She was recently selected to be part of the Lipscom University cheer squad for fall 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Clarkson has been a highflyer on the Greenback cheer squad, known for her jumps, twists and acrobatic maneuvers for four years. She has also been a track athlete (sprints, pole vault), powerlifting medalist, and high academic achiever.