Preps of the week

SHAY LAWRENCE, Viewmont High School: No wrestler may have had a better week than Shay Lawrence. He was 7-0 for the week including five pins and a technical fall. He was also named the outstanding wrestler at the 5A Duals at Jordan High School over the weekend after going undefeated.

"Shay is a captain and he leads our team by example," said Viewmont coach Bart Thompson. "Sometimes when a kid wins state he doesn't work quite as hard during the offseason, but Shay is a two-time state champion and after each year he has won a title, he has come back the next season as a better wrestler. His work ethic is outstanding."

Lawrence is looking for a third straight state championship at 135 pounds, and he is undecided where, but is planning on wrestling at the next level. He also maintains a 3.4 GPA.

CHAVALAH WASHINGTON, Murray High: She may be just a sophomore, but this guard was just the leader the Spartans needed after a trying preseason schedule left them a little shaky.

"She's done a lot of stuff for us when (other players) were struggling," said coach Lisa White. "She gave us the momentum and inspiration to get through a rough preseason."

Washington has great hands defensively and is averaging 7.5 steals and 11.5 points per game. In her season high this year, she scored 23 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished out nine assists.

"Most of her points come from defense," White said. "She's very naturally talented."

Her athleticism helped the Spartans to a second-place finish at the 4A state tennis tournament this fall, when she and hoops teammate Keisha Catten were runners-up in second doubles.

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To nominate a boy, contact James Edward at jedward@desnews.com. To nominate a girl, contact Amy Donaldson at adonaldson@desnews.com.