It's time to recognize the top performers from the past week in high school girls' athletics! The Journal Star girls athlete of the week nominees for May 4–9, presented by CEFCU, feature standout talent from Richwoods, East Peoria, and Canton, among others.
Last week's winner was Kylea Seidell of the Pekin softball team. Now, four new nominees are vying for the honor. Head to www.pjstar.com/sports to cast your vote before the poll closes at noon Friday. Have a nominee in mind? Email us at sports@pjstar.com or tag us on X @pjstarsports.
Let's meet this week's contenders:
Maddie DeLost, Pekin softball
The junior leadoff hitter was unstoppable, helping the Little Giants go undefeated for the week. In a thrilling 7–6 win over East Peoria on Tuesday, May 5, DeLost's RBI double sparked a three-run rally, and she later scored the game-winning run on a two-out single by Makaylynne Correa. She finished the week hitting .545 (6-for-11) with two doubles, an RBI, and four runs scored. With additional wins over Morton and Normal West, Pekin closed out a stretch of six wins in seven games.
Mackenzie Centoni, Dunlap softball
The senior ace continued to dominate in the circle. On Saturday, May 9, she threw a one-hitter with 13 strikeouts and just one walk, leading Dunlap to a 5–0 win over Morton and clinching a share of the Mid-Illini Conference title. The Illinois signee also helped her own cause, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs, including two in a three-run second inning. Earlier in the week on Thursday, May 7, she scattered three hits and struck out 13 in a 1–0 shutout of East Peoria.
Jada Alt, Washington track & field
The senior sprinter captured two conference titles at the Mid-Illini Conference Championship Meet on Wednesday, May 6. Alt blazed to victory in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.29 seconds and followed it up with a 25.43 in the 200-meter dash. This marks her 14th combined win in those events, with a perfect 7–0 record in the 100. She also took second in the 400-meter dash (1:00.47), finishing just behind Morton senior Nyameye Maison (59.91 seconds).
Shamari Green, Richwoods track & field
The senior earned a conference championship in the 400-meter dash at the Big 12 Conference Championship Meet on Friday, May 8. Green ran the quarter-mile in a season-best time of 58.13 seconds. It was her second victory of the week, having also claimed the 400 crown in 59.50 at the Peoria High triangular meet on Monday, May 4.
Whether you're a fan of softball or track and field, these athletes have shown incredible skill and determination. Vote now and help us crown this week's top performer!