South Sound Showstoppers: Vote Now for The News Tribune’s High School Athlete of the Week

The winter sports season in the South Sound is heating up, and the region’s high school athletes are already delivering performances that demand recognition. From the hardwood to the mat, this past week (December 8-13) was packed with individual brilliance that powered teams to crucial early-season victories. Now, it’s your turn to step into the spotlight and help decide who deserves the honor. The News Tribune’s Athlete of the Week poll is now live, celebrating the finest achievements from Tacoma and its surrounding communities.

This weekly tradition is more than just a poll; it’s a community celebration of the dedication, skill, and heart displayed by our local student-athletes. Your vote directly amplifies their hard work. Voting remains open until noon this Wednesday, so study the candidates, pick your favorite, and make your voice heard. The poll is located at the bottom of this story—if you don’t see it, try refreshing the page or opening it in a different browser like Chrome or Safari. Remember, votes sent via email will not be counted.

Meet the Contenders: A Week of Stellar Performances

This week’s nominees have set a remarkably high standard, showcasing versatility and clutch play across multiple sports. Let’s dive into the accomplishments that earned them a spot on this prestigious list.

Natalie Buchanan, Black Hills Girls Basketball, made an undeniable case with a pair of explosive outings. The junior guard was a two-way force, starting with a 20-point, 13-rebound double-double complemented by a staggering eight steals in a win over Elma. She followed that up with a 24-point effort against Toutle Lake, proving her scoring prowess is both consistent and formidable.

But Buchanan isn’t the only star shining bright. The ballot is packed with talent, including standout wrestlers who dominated their mats, basketball players who filled the stat sheet, and potentially a swimmer or gymnast who shattered personal records. Each nominee’s detailed stat line is available in the official poll, telling a story of a week where they rose above the rest to help their team.

Expert Analysis: What Makes an Athlete of the Week?

As a seasoned observer of South Sound sports, the criteria for this award extend beyond just points scored. We look for impact. Did the athlete’s performance directly lead to a win? Did they demonstrate leadership in a tight moment? Was their stat line a testament to all-around, team-oriented play?

For instance, a double-double is always impressive, but when it’s paired with eight steals—like Buchanan’s—it indicates a player controlling the game on both ends of the floor, creating transition opportunities that energize the entire team. Similarly, a wrestler securing a pin in a pivotal match or a point guard dishing out 15 assists demonstrates a value that resonates throughout the lineup.

This week’s slate of games often featured early-season tournaments and key non-league matchups. Strong performances during this period set the tone for the entire campaign, building momentum and confidence. Recognizing an athlete now is a nod to their preparation and their potential to be a cornerstone for their team all winter long.

How to Participate and Nominate Future Stars

Your civic duty as a South Sound sports fan is clear: Vote now for The News Tribune’s Athlete of the Week. The process is simple:

• Scroll to the poll at the bottom of the original article.
• Review each athlete’s accomplishments from December 8-13.
• Select your choice and submit your vote.
• Voting closes at noon Wednesday—do not delay!

Want to see your favorite athlete featured in the future? The process is driven by you. Nominations must be submitted by 5 p.m. each Sunday for the previous week’s games. To nominate, reach out to The News Tribune’s dedicated preps reporters:

• Email Jon Manley at jon.manley@thenewstribune.com
• Email Tyler Wicke at twicke@thenewstribune.com
• Send a direct message on Twitter/X to @manley_tnt or @WickeTyler

Include the athlete’s full name, school, graduation year, position, and most importantly, a detailed stat line from their game(s) that week. This community-driven system ensures no great performance goes unnoticed.

Predictions and the Lasting Impact of the Award

While we won’t pick favorites here, history shows that Athlete of the Week winners often parlay this recognition into landmark seasons. The confidence boost from community support is tangible. Furthermore, this poll serves as an invaluable scouting report for fans, highlighting who to watch as league play intensifies in the new year.

Will a multi-sport athlete break through? Could a underclassman announce their arrival with this award? The beauty lies in the unpredictability. What’s certain is that the winner will join an esteemed lineage of South Sound standouts, their name forever part of the local sports conversation.

Beyond the trophy, this initiative fosters a vital connection between the teams and their supporters. It turns individual stats into community stories, and game results into shared pride. In an era where high school athletics are a cornerstone of local identity, pausing to celebrate excellence is a tradition worth upholding.

Your Vote Matters: Make It Count

The buzzer is sounding on your chance to participate. These athletes have left everything on the court, the mat, and in the pool. Now, from the sidelines, you have the power to acknowledge their extraordinary effort. Do not let this week’s most thrilling performances go without your endorsement.

Navigate to the official poll, cast your vote, and perhaps even share the link to rally support for your local high school. Let’s show the South Sound that we are a community that backs its young talent. The stories from December 8-13 have been written; now, you hold the pen to write the headline. Vote now for The News Tribune’s Athlete of the Week and crown this week’s champion.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.