The polls are now closed for the February Athlete of the Month challenge.
Congratulations to Barakat Adekola on being named our West Athlete the Month! Barakat will receive a commemorative plaque presented by Country Financial and be featured in this week’s edition of Pioneer Press. Thank you to all of our challengers and voters!
This program is governed by these rules. Voting results are considered preliminary and are not final until winners are announced at the end of the voting period.
Looking for your school? Find the correct zone.
More: Official rules | Athlete of the Month: FAQ | Questions? Concerns?
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Name: Jared Crutcher
Year in school: Senior
School: West Aurora
Sport: Boys basketball
Season stats: A 6-foot-5 forward who plans to continue playing in college at Division III Loras, Crutcher has been a consistent force in the paint on offense and defense for the Upstate Eight Valley leaders. He is averaging 10.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.5 blocks. In three successive games this month he posted season highs of nine blocked shots, 18 rebounds and then 20 points.
Name: Ian Ridgway
Year in school: Senior
School: Metea Valley
Sport: Boys bowling
Season stats: The Mustangs may not have a full boys team, but they have their first state qualifier in school history. That’s because Ian Ridgway took second place at the Taft Sectional to advance to the state finals at St. Clair Bowl in O’Fallon. A week earlier, Ridgway opened regional play with a perfect 300 and finished with a six-game total of 1,287 to place eighth with a 214.5 average. At sectional he had a six-game total of 1,358 for a 226.3 average.
Name: Barakat Adekola
Year in school: Sophomore
School: East Aurora
Sport: Girls basketball
Season stats: The 5-foot-11 center is one of five sophomore starters on the Tomcats and continues to be a force on the boards in her second year on varsity. She had 14 and 12 rebounds in two recent games, which included a 51-46 win over West Aurora. The improving Tomcats (10-10) will be looking for their first postseason win since 2013.
