SPRINGFIELD — The fall high school sports season is drawing to a close. Springfield-area athletes are preparing for the postseason, and top performances are being accomplished at the right moment.
It's now time to vote for the News-Leader's Athlete of the Week for Oct. 12-17. Voting closes at noon Friday, Oct. 23. Here are the nominees.
If an area player has made an impact, send nominees with stats to Liam Keating at lkeating@usatodayco.com or on X at @liamkeating7.
James Corbett, Springfield Catholic football
It takes an entire team to win a football game. James Corbett did his part kicking the game-winning field goal in Springfield Catholic’s 16-13 win over Clever. The Irish’s undefeated season continues as the team clinched the Mid-Lakes Conference title with the win.
Nolan Lashley, Republic football
There’s a new top
touchdown dog in Republic football. Lashley scored three touchdowns in the Tigers’ 26-22 win against Carthage. In the win, Lashley scored his 27th touchdown of the season, breaking Republic’s all-time record for touchdowns in a season. The previous record held by former Mizzou player Jerney Jones, who scored 26 touchdowns in 2015.
Lucy Roark, Ozark volleyball
Head coach Adeana Chrestman called Ozark’s ball control and passing its most valuable weapon. The sophomore setter has been one of the best in the area this season. Roark owns a team-high 467 assists. She helped the Tigers sweep Lebanon and Kickapoo this week to secure a conference title before this week’s district tournament where Ozark will be the No. 1 seed.
Hannah Schiman, Nixa tennis
The senior helped Nixa clinch the district championship over Republic on Thursday, Oct. 15. Schiman won the final match of the day giving Nixa a 5-4 victory. She defeated her Republic opponent 6-3, 5-7, (10-8) in a thrilling match.
Hays Tristan, Glendale football
Glendale’s offense steals the show consistently with its big scoring outputs. The Falcons defense has been the main reason the team is peeling off wins. Ozark was looking to drive down the field for a game-winner before Tristan secured an interception giving Glendale the victory. It was the defense’s second forced turnover in the final four minutes of the game. Glendale edged Ozark 20-17 for its fourth straight win.
Previous fall athlete of the week winners
Aug. 24-29: Alivia Arauz, Willard
Aug. 31-Sept. 5: Nolan Lashley, Republic
Sept. 7-12:Trevor Heman, Glendale
Sept. 14-19: Trenton Joplin, Kickapoo
Sept. 21-26: Trent Rosenthal, Marshfield
Sept. 28-Oct. 3: Jett Lewis, Springfield Catholic
Oct. 5-10: Braxton Bell, Ozark
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Vote for Springfield area's high school Athlete of the Week for Oct. 12-17
