Who did enough to be recognized as the top athletes over the past week in Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties? Here’s your chance to decide the area’s boys and girls Athlete of the Week for April 13-18, 2026. The polls close Friday at 11:59 p.m. Multiple votes are allowed.

South Point baseball’s Brody Crawford and West Lincoln softball’s Kaitlyn Carpenter were voted the area’s top athletes during the last round of voting prior to spring break.

Nominations are compiled courtesy of information obtained by The Gaston Gazette and Shelby Star by coaches, athletic directors and statisticians through emails, MaxPreps, game results or highlights posted to social media. If a top performer’s name doesn’t appear on the list, encourage their coach to email submissions to jhughes@gastongazette.com or sports@gastongazette.com.

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Caden Browning, Gaston Christian baseball: Hit two home runs along with seven RBIs in wins over Metrolina Christian, Gaston Day and Covenant Day.

Brian Buttrick, Burns baseball: Pitched eight innings over two games against Cherryville, allowing three runs — none earned — on four hits with nine strikeouts.

Rex Champion, Forestview track and field: Placed first in the shot put (44 feet, 4 inches) and discus (148 feet, 10 inches) events at the North Gaston Relays.

Christian Cherry, Lincoln Charter baseball: Was 8-for-13 with a double, two home runs, seven RBIs and three runs scored over three games.