Athletic awards given at William Kelley High School

Cherry, the two time defending Section 7A softball champion, looks like a solid favorite to defend its title. Deer River, also a two-time defending champion in Section 7A baseball, also looks like a solid favorite to repeat.

The computer rankings from Minnesota-scores.net being used for seeding by some softball and baseball sections needs some major reconfiguring if it is going to be continued to be used. Right now it does not take section records or head-to-head meetings into consideration.

The last softball rankings had Mankato Loyola and Cherry on top in A, Kasson-Mantorville in AA and North St.Paul in AAA. Littlefork-Big Falls was 8 in A, Hermantown 3 in AA and Denfeld 13 in AAA. In baseball Sleepy Eye St.Mary’s, Little Falls and Burnsville were the top teams. Deer River was 8 in A and Ely 16 with Floodwood, Mesabi East and Nashwauk-Keewatin getting votes. Hermantown came in at two in AA with Cloquet at 15 and Grand Rapids received votes in AAA.

The following 2012 Mariner athletic awards were handed out on May 22.

All-Conference Awards

Football

All Conference: Luke Thun, Kyle Blood, Holden Panetti, Baruch Fischer. Honorable mention: Chad Smuk, Jordan Fralich.

Volleyball

All Conference: Marina Carter. Honorable mention: Shay Viola, Katie Smedstad.

Boys basketball

All Conference: Luke Thun, Kyle Blood.

Girls basketball

Honorable mention: Alicia Nopola.

Track

All Conference: Kyle Blood, Baruch Fischer.

Academic All Conference awards

Football: Luke Small.

Volleyball: Kari Smerud, Faith Frahm.

Boys basketball: Luke Thun.

Baseball:Brock LeBlanc.

Track: Abby Michels, Tzaddick Oltman.

Team awards

Football

Top freshman: Jordan Fralich. Top receiver: Kyle Blood. Top defensive player: Luke Thun. Top rusher: Holden Panetti. Top lineman: Baruch Fischer. Co-MVPs: Luke Thun, Holden Panetti.

Volleyball

Most improved: Alicia Nopola. Most ace serves: Katie Smedstad. Most digs: Shay Viola. Most set assists: Taylor Guzzo. Team award (unselfish play): Kari Smerud. MVP: Marina Carter.

Boys basketball

Most improved: Taylor Woodwick. Best rebounder: Baruch Fischer. Best defensive player: Kyle Blood. Best offensive player: Luke Thun, Kyle Blood. MVP: Luke Thun.

Girls basketball

Spirited sportsmanship award: Abby Spies. Hustle award: Tara Dow. Most improved: Brandi Nopola. MVP: Alicia Nopola.

Boys hockey

Most improved: Blake LeBlanc. Best defensive player: Jordan Fralich. Best offensive player and MVP: Luke Small.

Girls hockey

Best defensive player: Shay Viola. Best offensive player: Marina Carter. Rookie of the year: Madison Roy. Most improved: Cassie Swanson. MVP and top scorer: Taylor Guzzo.

Softball

Most improved: Rebecca Dilley. Rookie of the year: Rachel Dilley. Co-MVPs: Marina Carter, Katie Smedstad and Taylor Guzzo.

Senior triple letter winners: Marina Carter, Baruch Fischer, Taylor Guzzo, Jessica Hipple, Katie Smedstad, Luke Thun, Shay Viola, Daniel Wilson.

John Crego fan of the year: Bernie Zupancich.

Outstanding female senior athlete: Marina Carter.

Outstanding male senior athlete: Luke Thun.

Lee Christensen award (most inspirational athlete): Luke Thun.

Tags: sports, preps