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Meet Louisville-area high school boys athlete of the week nominees

The nominees for this week's Courier Journal boys athlete of the week delivered on Louisville-area basketball courts.

Voting is underway for The Courier Journal's boys athlete of the week. The poll closes at 6 p.m. Thursday, and the winner will be announced Friday.

Follow our sports Instagram page, @courierjournal_sports, to get the latest local and statewide news.

Looking for more high school sports coverage? Subscribe here today and sign up for our high school sports newsletter.

Here are the nominees:

Jarel Butler, Fairdale basketball

Fairdale's Jarel Butler (25) pins the shot of LaRue County's Michael Harris (2) against the backboard as the Fairdale Bulldogs face the LaRue County Hawks in the first round of the King of the Bluegrass tournament at Fairdale High School. Fairdale won 85-66 on Dec. 18, 2025.

Junior had 23 points and 12 rebounds in an 80-64 victory over Bullitt Central on Feb. 11.

Cole Edelen, Ballard basketball

Ballard Cole Edelen (1) drives past St. Xavier Connor Klein (2) during action of their game at St. Xavier High School, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026 in Louisville Ky. Ballard won 73-70.

Senior hit five 3-pointers and posted 31 points and four rebounds in a 74-68 victory over Trinity on Feb. 11.

Pierre Rondo, North Oldham basketball

North Oldham's Rajon Pierre Rondo (2) drives to the basket during the second-round game between the Jeffersontown Chargers and the North Oldham Mustangs in the 2025 Louisville Invitational Tournament at Valley High School on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Eighth-grader posted 22 points in a 67-45 victory over Collins on Feb. 10.

Mark Woods, Manual basketball

Manual's Mark Woods (15) avoids a double-team during the first-round game between the Ballard Bruins and the Manual Crimsons in the 2025 Louisville Invitational Tournament at Valley High School on Monday, January 12, 2026.

Senior had 22 points and five rebounds in an 89-66 victory over North Hardin on Feb. 11.

Kolton Wuchterl, South Oldham basketball

South Oldham's Kolton Wuchterl (11) drives against North Oldham's Gray Schmittel (10) during the second half of their 8th Region Championship game, Tuesday, March 18 2025 in New Castle Ky.

Senior had 22 points and four rebounds in a 76-39 victory over St. Henry on Feb. 13.

Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; jfrakes@courier-journal.com; Follow on X @kyhighs.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville high school Courier Journal athlete of the week boys poll

Meet Louisville-area high school girls athlete of the week nominees

The nominees for this week's Courier Journal girls athlete of the week delivered on Louisville-area basketball courts.

Voting is underway for The Courier Journal's girls athlete of the week. The poll closes at 6 p.m. Thursday, and the winner will be announced Friday.

Follow our sports Instagram page, @courierjournal_sports, to get the latest local and statewide news.

Looking for more high school sports coverage? Subscribe here today and sign up for our high school sports newsletter.

Here are the nominees:

Kathryn Cline, Christian Academy basketball

Eighth-grader posted 23 points and four rebounds in a 67-50 victory over Oldham County on Feb. 9.

Ava Crace, North Oldham basketball

Freshman had 22 points and 25 rebounds in a 64-39 victory over Collins on Feb. 10.

Leah Stinson, Valley basketball

Valley’s Leah Stinson hit the 2,000 mark in scoring for the Vikings in her junior year. 
Jan. 17, 2025i

Senior scored 26 points in a 73-16 victory over Fairdale on Feb. 9.

Ziya Velez-Smith, Central basketball

Central's Ziya Velez Smith (0) prepares to launch a three as the Central Yellowjackets face the Manual Crimsons in KHSAA girls basketball action on Monday, February 9, 2026.

Sophomore hit seven 3-pointers and scored 28 points in a 58-50 victory over Campbellsville on Feb. 12.

Bri Wilkins, Sacred Heart basketball

Feb 1, 2025; Louisville, KY, USA; Brianna Wilkins (21) of Sacred Heart shoots the ball during the Girl's LIT Championship game at Valley High School.

Senior had 32 points and eight rebounds in a 76-64 victory over Elizabethtown on Feb. 10. 

Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; jfrakes@courier-journal.com; Follow on X @kyhighs.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville high school Courier Journal athlete of the week girls poll

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