The Journal Star invites readers to participate in the voting process for the Girls Athlete of the Week, recognizing outstanding performances from February 9 to February 14. Sponsored by CEFCU, the poll is accessible on the Journal Star website and will close at noon on Friday. This week features a range of talented nominees who have made impressive contributions to their respective sports.
One standout from last week is Saniyah Jones of the Peoria High basketball team. The senior played a crucial role in leading her team to a perfect record of 3-0. Jones achieved a significant milestone by surpassing the 1,000-point mark during her varsity career. She scored 18 points and secured eight rebounds in the game against ROWVA/Williamsfield, which ended with a commanding score of 49-20. Jones continued her strong performance with a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds in a victory over Lewistown, which concluded at 53-25. Her week ended with a contribution of nine points in a regional quarterfinal win against South Fulton, which resulted in a score of 45-29.
Another nominee, McLaughlin, made headlines for her record-setting performance. The junior achieved an unusual double-double with an impressive total of 11 blocks and 13 rebounds during a game against Fieldcrest, where her team triumphed 72-46. Her contribution included scoring 12 points to help Tremont secure a decisive 62-37 win over Fisher, marking the team’s first victory since January 26.
In addition, Tibbs shined brightly for her team, the Class 3A top-ranked Panthers. She delivered a game-high of 34 points in a significant victory over Class 4A’s third-ranked Aurora Waubonsie Valley, which ended with a score of 71-58. This performance marked her 2,000th career point and followed her earlier performance of 15 points leading Washington to a 57-37 win over Morton, securing the Mid-Illini Conference title outright.
The wrestling arena also showcased impressive talents. Hedges, a competitor with a record of 33-3, clinched the championship in the 115-pound weight division. She achieved this with an 18-13 decision against Streator’s Laila Vaughn in the finals. Hedges’ path to the title included a dominating 18-2 technical fall over Bloomington’s Autumn Starr in the semifinals, and she began her championship journey with a quick 55-second fall over LaSalle-Peru’s Emily Lowery.
Lastly, Sutton, a senior and the sole state qualifier for her team, sought to become the second female wrestler in her school’s history to medal. Although she faced a 5-3 defeat in the title match, Sutton assured her place at the upcoming state finals, thanks to her earlier victories, including a 2:52 pin against LaSalle-Peru’s Audri Plut in the semifinals.
Voting for the Journal Star’s Girls Athlete of the Week is open until noon on Friday at www.pjstar.com/sports. Readers are encouraged to make their voices heard and recognize the exceptional achievements of these young athletes. For any additional nominations, please reach out via email at [email protected] or tag @pjstarsports on social media.
