It's that time of the week again, sports fans! We're thrilled to bring you the Times Recorder Boys Athlete of the Week poll for April 27 through May 3. These standout athletes have been crushing it on the field, track, and court, and now it's your turn to decide who takes the crown. Cast your vote once per day until midnight on May 9—every vote counts!
Let's break down the incredible performances that earned these athletes a spot on the ballot:
On the baseball diamond, Jace Thompson of Crooksville was a workhorse, tossing a complete game with five strikeouts in a 4-1 win over Meadowbrook on April 28, then following it up with another complete game effort in a tough 5-2 loss to West M the day before. Ryan Lamonica of Tri-Valley brought the power, smashing two home runs and driving in five RBIs in a 13-3 rout of Crooksville on April 30. Ashton Ansel of West M was simply unstoppable, going 8-for-11 at the plate with three doubles and seven RBIs, while also logging 10 innings on the mound with 14 strikeouts and just two earned runs in two wins. Layton Massie of River View delivered clutch hits, including a triple, double, and three RBIs in an 11-0 shutout of Claymont on May 2, plus a triple and single with three RBIs in a win over Maysville on April 30. Connor Croy of Ridgewood was dominant on the mound with a complete-game five-hitter, zero walks, and six strikeouts, while also contributing a single and a walk in a win over Tusky Valley. Jacobie Balo of Rosecrans was a difference-maker, pitching six innings with one run allowed and six strikeouts, then throwing out a runner at the plate with two outs in the seventh to seal a 5-4 victory over Shenandoah.
On the track, Ethan Zell of John Glenn turned heads by winning the 800 meters at the Dan Adams Invitational with a blazing time of 1:58. Creed Hill of Sheridan dominated the shot put, winning the Dan Adams Invite with a massive throw of 50 feet, 0.5 inches. Carter Smith of West M was a versatile star, winning the high jump at both the Maysville tri-meet and the Dan Adams Invite, and also taking the 400 meters at the Maysville tri.
Over on the tennis court, Connor Baldwin of Zanesville helped the Blue Devils to wins over Claymont and Coshocton with two straight-set victories.
Don't forget to check out more local sports coverage, including insights on postseason threats emerging on MVL diamonds and how an incredible lift from Connor Young set a new squat standard in Ohio. Now, get voting and show these athletes some love!