The votes are in, and the competition is heating up for the Daily News Boys Athlete of the Week! After a thrilling week of spring sports action, it's time to crown the next standout performer for April 27-May 3.
Last week's winner, Hudson's Jack Finocchario, set the bar high. The junior pitcher dominated on the mound, throwing six innings of three-hit ball with four strikeouts in a 9-2 victory over Marlborough. He also contributed at the plate with two hits, two RBIs, and two runs. Finocchario earned 34.53% of nearly 1,000 votes, edging out Ashland's Jared Grunbaum (21.72%) and Framingham's James Winders (16.5%).
Now, a new crop of athletes is vying for the top spot, and their performances from April 27-May 3 are nothing short of spectacular. From clutch home runs to record-setting jumps, here are the nominees:
Charlie Ballarino, Franklin lacrosse: Lit up the scoreboard with five goals and two assists in a dominant 12-3 win over Stoughton.
Charlie Barbosa, Dover-Sherborn track & field: Soared to victory in the high jump, clearing 5-foot-10, and helped lead the Raiders to the Division 5 MSTCA State Relays championship.
Finn Bell, Wayland volleyball: Unleashed an explosive performance with 23 kills and two blocks in a 3-1 win against Acton-Boxborough. He also added 13 kills and four aces against Waltham/Weston.
Joe Bent, Assabet Valley boys lacrosse: Found the back of the net four times in a commanding 15-3 win over Worcester.
Jason Blake, Hudson track & field: Doubled up with wins in both the mile and the 800 meters, powering the Hawks to a victory over Lunenburg.
Max Boehm, Wellesley baseball: Delivered in the clutch with a two-run homer and then slammed the door with two strikeouts in the seventh inning to secure a 3-0 win against Needham.
Grady Clark, Ashland baseball: Made his first career start one to remember, striking out 11 in a 10-3 win over Dedham. He also went 2-for-2 at the plate with two walks and two RBIs.
Jerry Desronvilles, Medway track & field: Leaped into the record books with a first-place finish in the long jump, setting a school record at 22 feet, 5.75 inches at the MSTCA State Relays.
Voting is open now and runs until noon Monday. Don't miss your chance to support the area's best athletes as they battle it out for this week's top honor. With spring playoffs on the horizon, every vote counts!