It's playoff season, and the action on the diamond is heating up! The StarNews Athlete of the Week poll is back with a massive 28 nominees, all of whom delivered standout performances during a thrilling, extra-innings showdown between New Hanover and Cleveland.

In a game that had everything—dramatic catches, close plays at the plate, and late-inning heroics—Cleveland ultimately edged out New Hanover 9-6 in extra innings on May 8. But the real story is the incredible individual efforts that made this matchup unforgettable.

From the mound to the batter's box, players left it all on the field. New Hanover's Tate Nelson showed off his arm with a laser throw to first for a key out, while teammate Colton Creech sprinted safely into second base, sparking a rally. At the plate, the Wildcats' Hudson Southerland connected for a solid hit, and Chase Leonard dove back into first base just in time to beat the tag.

On the defensive side, Camden Croom made a slick play at first base and hauled in a pop fly, while Nick Marren showed his instincts by diving back safely to first after a wild throw. Logan Pearce and Patrick McIntosh each took their turns on the mound, battling through a high-pressure playoff atmosphere.

Cleveland, however, had answers at every turn. Henry Blackman was a force on the basepaths, sliding safely into home plate twice, while Caleb Lynn anchored the defense and kept the Wildcats off balance. Landon Wendel made a tough play at first, and the entire Cleveland squad came together to support pitcher Caleb Lynn during a critical moment in the game.

Whether it was a clutch hit, a defensive gem, or a heads-up base running play, these 28 athletes proved why they deserve your vote. The polls are now open—so rally behind your favorite player and help crown this week's Athlete of the Week!