Vote for The Charlotte Observer high school athlete of the week: Nov. 17
Below are the nominees for The Charlotte Observer high school athlete of the week.
The poll closes Friday.
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This week’s nominees
Morgan Bleakney, Myers Park field hockey: The Mustangs’ junior scored two goals in 4-0 win over R.J. Reynolds in the NCFHA state semifinals Nov. 7. Bleakney had seven goals in four playoff games, and 14 goals and four assists for Myers Park, which lost 2-1 in overtime to Raleigh’s Cardinal Gibbons in the state championship game on Nov. 11.
Charlie Bloom, Community School of Davidson soccer: The Spartans’ senior goalkeeper earned his third shutout in four playoffs games during 3-0 win over Salisbury in the 2A state quarterfinals on Nov. 9.
Bloom also allowed two early goals, before shutting down Newton Conover for no more goals over the final 75 minutes in 3-2 third round victory Nov. 6.
Through Sunday, Bloom had 10 shutouts and 0.47 goals against average per contest for Community School of Davidson (21-2-1).
Antoni Ceciliano, Lincoln Charter soccer: The Eagles’ senior scored one goal and had one assist in a 3-2 win over Southwest Randolph in third round of the 2A state playoffs on Nov. 6.
Ceciliano also scored one goal in a 3-1 loss at Owen in the 2A state quarterfinals Nov. 9.
Through Sunday, Ceciliano had 24 goals and 16 assists for Lincoln Charter (17-7-1).
Tucker Kern, Weddington soccer: The Warriors’ senior midfielder had both assists in 2-1 win over Independence in the third round of the 4A state playoffs Nov. 6. Kern finished the season with eight goals and 18 assists for the Warriors, who lost to Hickory Ridge in the N.C. 4A quarterfinals.
Beckham Linthakhan, Hickory Ridge soccer: The Ragin’ Bulls’ senior midfielder is “an unsung hero,” for his team as he played a pivotal role for Hickory Ridge this week “doing all the dirty work in the midfield by breaking up plays and keep possession for his team,” according to coach Sean Noble, whose team hosts South Mecklenburg in a regional championship game Tuesday.
Linthakhan’s play helped Hickory Ridge (17-2-5) to a third round playoff win over Lake Norman (2-0, Nov. 6) and a 4A state quarterfinal victory over Weddington (2-1, Nov. 9).
Paul Northcutt, South Mecklenburg soccer: The Sabres’ senior goalkeeper had a clean sheet with nine saves, including one save on a penalty kick, in a 2-0 win at Porter Ridge in the third round of the 4A state playoffs on Nov. 6.
Northcutt also had nine saves, including two on penalty kicks, as South Mecklenburg outlasted rival Ardrey Kell on the road (4-2 penalty kicks) after a 0-0 tie in regulation and overtime play in the 4A state quarterfinals on Nov. 9.
For the season, Northcutt has 71 saves, four shutouts and has allowed just 11 goals this season in 1,412 minutes of action as goalkeeper for South Mecklenburg (15-6-3), which plays at Hickory Ridge in a regional final Tuesday night.
Reed Shunkwiler, Ardrey Kell soccer: The Knights’ junior forward scored two goals in a 3-1 win at Cuthbertson in the third round of the 4A state playoffs on Nov. 6.
Ardrey Kell (19-3-5) also lost 4-2 on penalty kicks to South Mecklenburg in the 4A state quarterfinals (0-0 in regulation) on Nov. 9.
Shunkwiler had nine goals and eight assists for Ardrey Kell (19-3-5).
Jacob Whittington, Lake Norman Soccer: The Wildcats’ senior captain overcame major surgery 11 months ago and played what Lake Norman coach Brandon Costilow called “a pivotal role” for the team, including during last week’s 2-0 loss to Hickory RIdge in the third round of the 4A playoffs. Whittington finished the season with six goals and assists for the Wildcats.
** Information published today includes statistics through November 11.
If you want to nominate an athlete: Athletes of the week highlights high school players with outstanding performances. The goal is to recognize all athletes in all sports, both the most accomplished and the underrated or underappreciated players. If you want to suggest someone to be included in the athletes of the week column, send email to Jay Edwards at edwardswork23@gmail.com. Please include the athletes’ name, school, class and applicable game performance statistics. Coaches must be willing to verify information.
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