AI-assisted summary The Cincinnati Enquirer honored top high school athletes from the 2024-2025 school year at the Enquirer High School Sports Awards.

Awards were presented for various sports, including premium awards like Athlete of the Year and Coach of the Year.

Winners included athletes from schools such as La Salle, Moeller, Lakota East, Mason, and Aiken.

The event recognized achievements in fall, winter, and spring sports.

The Enquirer sports staff selected winners based on factors like postseason awards, statistics, and coach feedback.

The Enquirer honored some of Cincinnati’s best high school athletes from the 2024-2025 school year Wednesday night at Princeton High School during the 2025 Enquirer High School Sports Awards, presented by Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine.

Hundreds of athletes were nominated and nearly 80 earned awards Wednesday night. Here are all the winners from the 2025 Enquirer High School Sports Awards:

Premium award winners from the 2025 Enquirer High School Sports Awards

Boys athlete of the year

Patrick McLaughlin, La Salle: This senior was one of the best quarterbacks in the area, leading his team to the regional finals. He led his team in rushing with 751 yards and seven touchdowns, and threw for 2,127 yards and 15 touchdowns. In basketball, he helped his team advance to the regional semifinals. He was third on the team in scoring, second in assists and first in 3-pointers. He also contributed on the track team in the sprint races and the long jump.

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Matt Ponatoski, Moeller: The junior two-sport standout became the first player in Ohio history to win the Gatorade Player of the Year honor in both football and baseball. He helped his teams to long playoff runs in both sports and is being recruited by the top Division I programs in the nation as both a quarterback and a shortstop, as he prepares for a senior year that he hopes is even better.

Other nominees: Tyler Fryman, Beechwood; Elijah Guttman, Cincinnati Country Day; Max Mehlman, Batavia; Jaxson Snell, Taylor.

Girls athlete of the year

Bailey Bacher, Lakota East: Bacher is not only a three-sport athlete, she pulled off the impressive feat of excelling at two sports in the same season. During the winter, she averaged 6.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.9 steals per game for the basketball team and qualified for the state swimming meet in the 200-yard medley relay, 100-yard freestyle, 200-yard freestyle, and 400-yard freestyle relay. In the Spring, she recorded a discus personal best of 105 feet, 7 inches and advanced to the Division I state meet in the shot put.

Other nominees: Rodnora Jones, Gamble Montessori; Lily Parke, Beechwood; Abigail Pettyjohn, Deer Park; Grace Pitzer, Mount Notre Dame.

Boys coach of the year

Tom Rapp, Mason cross country: He recently retired after 19 years of coaching one of the most prominent cross country programs in the state. Last fall, Mason won its 13th Greater Miami Conference title and fifth state title, all since he took over as head coach. The Comets beat Little Miami by five points for the regional team title, then beat St. Xavier by an astonishing 69 points for the team state championship.

Other nominees: Evan Dreyer, Anderson football; Kelven Moss, Lakota West basketball; Frank Russo, Moeller track; Scott Sievering, SCD boys soccer.

Girls coach of the year

Carlton Gray, Winton Woods girls basketball: After witnessing the Forest Park Chargers win an undefeated state title in 1984, he led the Winton Woods girls basketball team to a dominant 27-0 record and its first state championship. The Warriors held their opponents to 36.7 points per game and kept their season alive with a miraculous comeback in the state semifinal before beating Anthony Wayne, 70-55 for the title.

Other nominees: Tony Affatato, Mason track; Alyssa Flading, Roger Bacon volleyball; Justin Holthaus, Cooper girls basketball; Gretchen Krumdieck, St. Ursula girls volleyball; Jamie Tipton, Springboro girls soccer; Blaine Wallace, Western Brown softball.

Boys team of the year

Aiken boys basketball: This team finished 27-2 during the 2024-25 season, with two close losses, including a 63-61 loss in the OHSAA Division III state championship game, which was their first trip to the state finals. They had two of the best players in the state in seniors Jaiden Arnold and James Burnett, and the team was at its best when it mattered most, making a habit of overwhelming opponents in the second half of their postseason games.

McNicholas boys volleyball: After graduating just one senior from their state championship team in 2024, this team (which included the Division II Ohio Player and Coach of the Year) took on all expectations and conquered them. A 27-1 record came with a third-straight regional title and a second-consecutive state championship without dropping a single set in the postseason.

Other nominees: Covington Catholic boys tennis; Indian Hill boys soccer; Mason baseball.

Girls Team of the Year

Lawrenceburg girls soccer: The Tigers finished 21-1 for the season and won their first state championship in program history, claiming the Indiana Class 2A title. Senior keeper Hillary Knippenberg and a defense led by Aubree LaBazzo allowed only seven goals the entire season. Preslee Rugg led the scoring with 21 goals and 11 assists. Ava Merkel and Morgan Manford scored 17 goals apiece.

Other nominees: Badin flag football; Madeira girls soccer; Purcell Marian girls basketball; Seton volleyball.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Mary Jo Huismann, Mercy and Talawanda girls basketball: A pioneer for women’s sports, Huismann is the third girls basketball coach in OHSAA history to win 700 career games. She ranks second in OHSAA history in all-time wins with 769. A member of the Mother of Mercy Hall of Fame, Buddy LaRosa High School Sports Hall of Fame and Greater Cincinnati Basketball Hall of Fame, Huismann earned the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association’s John Wooden Legacy Award in 2024 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women’s Sports Foundation. The recipient of several city and league coach of the year awards, Huismann also helped establish AAU girls basketball in Cincinnati in the 1980s.

Courage Award, sponsored by Ohio Army National Guard

Gianna Moore, Walnut Hills: Growing up, Moore’s definition of strength aligned with her muscle tone. Over the last four years, the mental side became clearer as she began praying and reading daily affirmations. Back in 2023, Moore was diagnosed with a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. The diagnosis was somewhat of a relief, as it provided closure on why she experienced nearly two years of mysterious illnesses. The illness caused her to miss her senior soccer season. After being in and out of the hospital, she was able to attend her senior night. On Jan. 29 of this year, Moore had surgery to remove the tumors on her pancreas and lymph nodes. She recently underwent a series of scans to check on her recovering organs and they all “looked really good.” Her next and hopefully last step is to receive a liver transplant before the end of the year.

Spring sports winners from the 2025 Enquirer High School Sports Awards

The Enquirer sports staff chose the following athletes based on several factors, including postseason awards, statistics, college commitments, game-changing ability, team roles and divisional and positional diversity. We asked prominent coaches for feedback in nearly all categories.

Ohio baseball

Matt Ponatoski, Moeller: The Moeller junior helped his team to the Division I regional finals. The GCL-South Player of the Year, the junior was also named Gatorade Player of the Year and the Ohio Division I co-player of the year after hitting .440 with 38 RBIs, seven doubles, four home runs and a .538 on-base percentage in 29 games played.

Other nominees: Joey Buchanan, Milford; Conner Cuozzo, Moeller; Devlan Daniel, Indian Hill; Caleb Driessen, Badin; Eric Fleetwood, Anderson; Derek Fleming, Loveland; Wil Kraus, Oak Hills; Evan Lafferty, MVCA; Jack Ryan, St. Xavier; Wyatt Shaw, Princeton; Adrian Smith, Lakota West; Zion Theophilus, Moeller; Andrew Visconti, Mason.

Northern Kentucky/Indiana baseball

Adam Forton, Highlands: Forton was one of Northern Kentucky’s top players on the mound and at the plate, leading his team to a 27-8 record and the Ninth Region championship. He was 7-1 with a 1.59 ERA and 69 strikeouts in 48 innings on the mound, and when not pitching, he was an outstanding shortstop who hit .356 with a team-high 32 RBIs, 10 extra-base hits and 15 stolen bases.

Other nominees: Sam Bond, East Central; Chase Flaherty, Beechwood; Dylan McIntyre, Ryle; Tyler Ruete, Simon Kenton; Tyler Schumacher, Campbell County.

Girls flag football

Bella Heile, Badin: She led Badin to a state championship in its very first season of fielding a flag football team, recording eight touchdowns and three interceptions in three state tournament games, including a huge interception in overtime of the state semifinal game against Mount Notre Dame. She led Badin in touchdowns in 2025.

Other nominees: Harlowe Allen, Seton; Ta’Niyah Anderson, Aiken; London Armstrong, Shroder; Aly Beckenhaupt, Mount Notre Dame; Penelope Bolinger, St. Ursula; Lauren Bower, St. Ursula; Jamyala Brown, Spencer; Lauren Enginger, Mercy McAuley; Amiyah Foster, Hughes; Charlotte Holm, Seton; Morgan Mitchell, Clark; Tabriyia Richardson, Woodward; Evie Schoolfield, MND; Brooke Sebastian, Badin; Breanne Tereba, Ursuline.

Ohio boys lacrosse

Khalif Hocker, St. Xavier: The senior Ohio State commit is rated a five-star recruit and the No. 14 player in the country for the class of 2025 by Inside Lacrosse. He starred for the state champion Bombers this season, helping his team to be ranked as high as No. 17 nationally by USA Lacrosse at one point, before a lower body injury ended his season early.

Other nominees: Clay Barkimer, Milford; Garrett Brenkert, Sycamore; Seth Farrell, Mariemont; Alex Gordon, Wyoming; Khalif Hocker, St. Xavier; Gus Kleeman, Mason; Sam Koehler, Mariemont; Tyler Lupinski, Mason; Peter Marietta, Mason; Luke Sprong, St. Xavier; Talon Vianello, Mariemont; Trent Yelton, St. Xavier.

Northern Kentucky boys lacrosse

Brayden Brzygot, Dixie Heights: The junior led Dixie Heights in both goals and assists in 2025, leading his team to the fifth region championship and a run to the state quarterfinals, the only Northern Kentucky squad to win a state tournament game. He finished eighth in Kentucky with 63 goals and 23rd with 26 assists on the season.

Other nominees: Brady Dickman, St. Henry; Ryan Forbes, Cooper; Keegan Gregory, Walton-Verona; Blake Leiker, Ryle; Finn Maddox, Covington Catholic; Gideon Turner, Cooper; Bryson White, Ryle; Aiden Wood, Dixie Heights.

Ohio girls lacrosse

Faith Sellet, Seton: The senior attacker and University of Akron commit led the Girls Greater Catholic League with 109 goals and 41 assists in 2025. She also finished second in the league with 110 draw controls, third with 34 ground balls and fifth with 23 caused turnovers. She won the GGCL Athlete of the Year award in 2025, her third straight. Over her career, she netted 332 goals, which smashed the previous Seton record of 260 and places her second on the OHSAA’s all-time list. Over her career, she added 95 assists, 152 ground balls, 398 draw controls and 72 caused turnovers.

Other nominees: Carson Bahl, Indian Hill; Grace Bevington, Ursuline; Marin Bode, Kings; Ryley Heilmann, Ursuline; Cassie Larsen, Indian Hill; Macy LaShells, CHCA; Jane Muller, Mariemont; Jordana Ronis-Tobin, Sycamore; Mandy Schneider, Milford; Charlotte Soller, Mariemont.

Northern Kentucky girls lacrosse

Hannah Powers, Notre Dame: She finished 2025 tied for second in Kentucky with 95 goals (just one off the state leader who finished with 96 in two more games) and first in the state for goals per game with 5.0. She led Notre Dame to a dominant 17-2 season. The Pandas’ only loss to a Kentucky opponent came in the state semifinals, where they lost to Sayre 10-8.

Other nominees: Meaghan Bailey, Ryle; Andrea Carothers, Notre Dame; Georgi Kirtley, Notre Dame; Jessica Matusik, Cooper; Grace Panko, Notre Dame; Samantha Sandefur, Cooper; Sarah-Kate Siroky, Dixie Heights.

Ohio softball

Ella Teubner, Lebanon: As a senior, she had a hit in 31 of 32 games, led the Eastern Cincinnati Conference with a .585 batting average and 63 RBIs, and mashed 10 home runs. On Lebanon’s path to winning the Division I state championship, she scored the go-ahead run in the district championship and had the walk-off hit in the regional semifinal. She is a four-time All-Ohio honoree and is third on the OHSAA’s all-time list with 212 RBIs.

Other nominees: Kylie Bailey, Waynesville; Olivia Basil, St. Ursula; Kylie Cobb, Talawanda; Alisha Fox, Mason; AnnaBelle Geiser, Mason; Charlee Helton, Western Brown; Ava Hensley, Fairfield; Meghan McClellan, Milford; Grace Parkhurst, Kings.

Northern Kentucky/Indiana softball

Kaitlyn Dixon, Highlands: The junior was named the Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference Division II Co-Player of the year after racking up a 22-3 record, a 1.18 ERA and 295 strikeouts. She threw a true no-hitter with just one walk on May 6, then tossed 12 straight perfect innings during the 36th District tournament and the first round of the Ninth Region tournament.

Other nominees: Payton Brown, Highlands; Kaitlyn Dixon, Highlands; Hope Hamilton, Campbell County; Taylor Jones, Simon Kenton; Averie Lightner, Conner; Abby Turnpaugh, Notre Dame.

Ohio boys tennis

Greg Bernadsky, Mason: He won the Division I singles state title in 2025, beating St. Xavier’s Nihal Narisetty in straight sets. The win punctuated a dominant run through the OHSAA playoffs, where he made it through the sectional, district and state tournaments without dropping a single set. He also helped Mason to the OTCA team title. The Cornell commit accomplished all of that after missing his entire sophomore season with a wrist injury.

Other nominees: Drew Baumgartner-Peyton Nelson, Springboro; Neelan Gandhi-Michael Ryu, Indian Hill; Gareth Kurowski-Jeremy Starczynowski, Indian Hill; Nihal Narisetty, St. Xavier; Adi Nayak, Seven Hills; Janek Teply-Daniel Tonkal, Mason.

Northern Kentucky/Indiana boys tennis

Alex Yeager, Kalei Christensen, Blake Hussey, Covington Catholic: A season after Christensen and Yeager repeated as KHSAA doubles state champions, the duo split up, with Yeager transitioning to singles and Christensen getting Hussey as his new doubles partner. The shake-up worked to perfection, as Yeager grabbed his first singles state title and Christensen and Hussey won the state championship for doubles, Christensen’s third-in-a-row and Hussey’s first.

Other nominees: Shayaan Ahmad, Villa Madonna; Jacob Kramer/William Tribble, Covington Catholic; Finley Mackay, Walton-Verona; Neel Reddy, Beechwood; Navneeth Selvaraju, Ryle.

Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls tennis

Kayla Johnson, Cooper: The junior won the ninth region championship for the second straight year, making her way through the regional tournament without dropping a single set. She was the only Northern Kentucky athlete to make the Round of 16 at the KHSAA girls singles state tournament, where she lost to the eventual state champion.

Other nominees: Cassidy Derry-Isabella Norvell, Dixie Heights; Sadie Jones, Beechwood; Avery Love-Niveditha Selvaraju, Ryle; Kaylin Lovell, Scott; Julia Lyons, Villa Madonna; Isabella McElwee-Malia Christensen, Notre Dame Academy.

Boys volleyball

Gavin Gerhard, McNicholas: The Region 8 and Division II State Player of the Year led his team to a third-straight regional victory while winning the OHSAA Division II state championship for the second-straight season.

Joe Taggart, St. Xavier: The GCL South, Region 4 and Division I State Player of the Year, he had over 400 kills while leading the St. Xavier Bombers to a regional title and state tournament appearance for the second-consecutive season.

Other nominees: Cam Evans, St. Xavier; Konnor Farnsworth, Ryle; Bryce Fielman, Milford; Ethan Gundrum, McNicholas; Carter Lucas, Loveland; Josh Sabin, Fenwick; William Sauer, Moeller; Grant Simer, Lakota East; Tommy Tierney, Elder; Andrew Weigand, Roger Bacon.

Ohio boys track and field

Nathaniel Gockerman, CHCA: The sophomore won all but one of his 3,200-meter races this season, culminating in a new personal best of 9 minutes, 15.04 seconds to win the Division II state championship. While the two-mile was his specialty, he also recorded a 1,600-meter personal best of 4 minutes, 22.37 seconds at the Division II district meet.

Other nominees: Gavin Barry, Moeller; Teague Boland, Moeller; Dom Ellis, St. Xavier; Matt Fogler, Moeller; Nathaniel Gockerman, CHCA; Grant Harrison, New Richmond; David Lorek, Loveland; Joel Nimoh, Lakota West; Cale Wilson, Clinton-Massie; Matthew Wright, Purcell Marian.

Northern Kentucky/Indiana boys track and field

Charlie Ford, Newport Central Catholic: The senior was a dominant sprinter this season, winning every 200-meter dash and all but two 100-meter dashes he raced. He took home state titles in both events, breaking the Class 1A state meet record in the 200-meter dash with a time of 21.62 seconds. He also recorded personal bests of 21 feet, 2.5 inches in the long jump and 6 feet in the high jump.

Other nominees: Will Kemper, East Central; Josiah Lockridge, Lloyd Memorial; Brayden Polly, Simon Kenton; Will Sheets, Covington Catholic; Brennan Simpson, Dixie Heights; Paul Van Laningham, Cooper.iacio

Ohio girls track and field

Claire Iaciofano, Turpin: The junior went undefeated in her primary discipline this season, winning every pole vault competition with relative ease. She got better as the season went on, logging a new personal best of 13 feet on May 9 before breaking the city record with a height of 13 feet, 4 inches at the Division I regional meet. She then matched that height to take home back-to-back state titles.

Other nominees: Kristen Berwanger, Mercy McAuley; Delaney Cilley, Loveland; Lily Eagleston, Mason; Emma Goins, Little Miami; Chloe Hamilton, Mercy McAuley; Heidi Harmeyer, Seton; Claire Iaciofano, Turpin; Camille Lewis, Deer Park; Vivian Momper, Madeira; Penelope Webb, Wyoming.

Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls track and field

Ava Walters, Bishop Brossart: The senior ended her career with a second straight shot-put state title and her first discus title. After taking second place in the shot put at the regional meet, she out-threw her old personal best by nearly two feet to win the Class 1A title, then added a discus title with a mark of 123 feet, 8 inches.

Other nominees: Callie Bentley, East Central; Olivia Holbrook, Campbell County; Alexis Howard, Simon Kenton; Caroline Nordman, Beechwood; Lily Parke, Beechwood; Ava Walters, Bishop Brossart; Zoey Woosley, Bishop Brossart.

Winter sports winners from the 2025 Enquirer High School Sports Awards

Boys archery

Marshall Anstaett, Highlands: The senior won the Region 6 championship with a 288 and shot a 283 at the KHSAA state tournament. He also shot a 282 at the National Archery in the Schools Program state tournament and had a high score of 292 this season.

Other nominees: Jack Albertson, Ryle; Marshall Anstaett, Highlands; Kennan Caudill, Ryle; Logan Hammer, Boone County; Brayden Henry, Boone County; Corbin Jones, Grant County; Brayden Nevels, Cooper; Ethan Pauciulo, Ryle; Kayson Stone, Cooper; Christian Wallace, Ryle.

Girls archery

Lexus Goff, Scott: Goff finished second in the KHSAA Region 6 tournament with a 285 and shot 284 at the state tourney to finish 32nd. The 2024 state champion shot in the high 280s several times during this current season and her high score was 291.

Other nominees: Addison Alloway, Scott; Ava Boertlein, Notre Dame; Abigail Jewell, Ryle; Anna Beth McCarty, Simon Kenton; Nyla McIntosh, Simon Kenton; Cora Beth Mehltretter, Simon Kenton; Prisha Shah, Ryle; Kilee Spegal, Simon Kenton; Amelia Whalen, Ryle.

Ohio boys basketball

Jaiden Arnold, Aiken: Arnold averaged 19.6 points, 4.7 assists and 4.1 assists to lead his team to a 27-2 record and state runner-up. He was Southwest District and District 16 player of the year, and first-team all-state. He was Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference-Red offensive player of the year.

Trey Perry, Lakota East: Perry led his team to a 17-8 record, averaging 22.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists. He was Greater Miami Conference player of the year, first team all-district and second team all-state.

Other nominees: Tommy Clark, Kings; Alex Kazanecki, Moeller; Michael Lewis, Fairfield; Nate Riep, Oak Hills; Bryce Snell, Cincinnati Country Day; Joshua Tyson, Lakota West; Cayleb Walters, Summit Country Day; Jacob Wassler, St. Xavier; Kellen Wiley, Wyoming; Christian Wilkins, Winton Woods; Cam Williams, Elder.

Northern Kentucky/Indiana boys basketball

Andy Johnson, Cooper: He averaged 22.1 points per game to lead his team to a 24-6 record, their second Ninth Region championship, and the Sweet 16 state quarterfinals. He made 66 3-pointers and shot 77 percent from the foul line. The senior was a Kentucky Mr. Basketball co-finalist from the Ninth Region and the NKAC Division I player of the year.

Other nominees: Jay Bilton, Simon Kenton; Griffen Derry, Dixie Heights; Aaron Gutman, Walton-Verona; Garyn Jackson, Campbell County; Landon Lorms, Ryle; Finn Louden, Conner; Athens McGillis, Covington Catholic; Yamil Rondon, Newport; Jack Sullivan, Beechwood; E. J. Walker, Lloyd Memorial.

Ohio girls basketball

Dee Alexander, Purcell Marian: Over the course of her career, she won just about every award there is and is one of the best girls basketball players this city has ever seen. She is a four-time league player of the year, four-time district player of the year, and the second girl to ever win three Ohio Ms. Basketball awards. The University of Cincinnati commit ends her historic preps career with 2,375 points, 1,106 rebounds, 430 assists and 300 steals.

Other nominees: Katie Berrey, Waynesville; Kailee Bransford, Mount Notre Dame; Mari Gerton, Princeton; Layla Hale, West Clermont; Bryn Martin, Springboro; Ky’Aira Miller, Purcell Marian; Callie Nichols, St. Ursula; Madison Parrish, Mason; Alli Robertson, Harrison; Daniah Trammell, Winton Woods; Aniya Trent, Springboro.

Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls basketball

Caroline Eaglin, Newport Central Catholic: The senior topped the Ninth Region in scoring each of the past three years. She holds her school’s all-time scoring record with 2,546 career points and her team could always count on her to come through in the clutch. A three-time all-state honoree, she was named the 2025 Ninth Region Player of the Year.

Other nominees: Catherine Buddenberg, Dixie Heights; Marissa Green, Highlands; Isabella Jayasuriya, Campbell County; Maya Lawrie, Notre Dame Academy; Zoee Meyers, Bishop Brossart; Aumani Nelson, Holy Cross; Haylee Noel, Cooper; Brynli Pernell, Simon Kenton; Braylin Terrell, Walton-Verona.

Ohio boys bowling

Tanner Iles, Oak Hills: The senior winner had the highest average in Southwest Ohio, 223.9, including a 300 game. He won the Fairfield sectional with a 650 and finished third in the district tournament with a 739. He was the Greater Miami Conference player of the year and helped the Highlanders to third place in the sectional tournament, fourth in the district tournament and 12th in the state tournament.

Other nominees: Jace Amann, La Salle; Jayden Brown, Elder; Ben Carberry, Fairfield; Connor Copeland, Lebanon; Colby Hosier, Lakota West; Tanner Iles, Oak Hills; Sam Massie, Clinton-Massie; Aiden Rapien, Elder; Jordan Rottinghouse, Elder; Johnathan Schneider, La Salle; Will Shepard, West Clermont.

Northern Kentucky/Indiana boys bowling

Maddox Kuryla, Boone County: Kuryla had the highest average in Northern Kentucky in the regular season, 222. He won the Region 6 championship and finished fifth in the state tournament, and led his team to the second-best record in the regular season.

Other nominees: Tyler Blume, Simon Kenton; Kyan Brewer, Pendleton County; Dylan Davis, Covington Catholic; Peyton Elmore, Boone County; Tony Fox, Simon Kenton; J.D. Hitt, Campbell County; Tyler Ketron, Cooper; Maddox Kuryla, Boone County; Bryce Sargent, Campbell County; Kenny Sparks, Cooper.

Ohio girls bowling

Nevaeh Williams, Walnut Hills: Williams averaged 217.2 for the season, the best in Southwest Ohio Division I. She led her team to the Eastern Cincinnati Conference title and was player of the year. She finished sixth in the Fairfield sectional, sixth in the district tournament and seventh in the state tournament with a three-game series of 644.

Other nominees: Kaylee Braun, Mt. Notre Dame; Kendall Cook, Mercy McAuley; Carolyn Edmisten, Georgetown; Kylie Fisher, Wilmington; Anna Francisco, Harrison; Lily Holder, Western Brown; Taylor Hooks, West Clermont; Mackenzie Pyle, Wilmington; Izzy Rhoads, Wilmington; Nevaeh Williams, Walnut Hills.

Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls bowling

Alexis Tignor, Cooper: She saved her best bowling for last, winning the KHSAA individual state championship in impressive fashion. She averaged 222 in eight games and 247 for her three match-play games, ending with a 267 in the state championship match. Before that, she finished second in the Region 6 tournament. She averaged 185 in conference matches and was first team all-conference.

Other nominees: Alyssa Bechtol, Dixie Heights; Kree Brewer, Pendleton County; Teegan Ellison, St. Henry; Olivia Hicks, Lloyd Memorial; Maddie Marshall, Pendleton County; Ava Mayfield, Boone County; Hayley Pelstring, Notre Dame; Abby Sargent, Campbell County; Abree Young, Dixie Heights.

Gymnastics

Kiera Laite, Mariemont: She was the city champion in all five events and a state qualifier on the beam and the floor this past winter. At the City Championships, she won the all-around competition by more than two full points. Over the season, she had all of the top six all-around scores among Cincinnati gymnasts.

Other nominees: Leah DeVilbiss, Lakota East; Anya Freson, Lakota East; Kiera Laite, Mariemont; Leah McElveen, Lakota West; Zoey Ostdiek, Lakota West; Ella Oum, Turpin; Quinn Strong, Indian Hill; Maddy Smith, Turpin.

Ice hockey

Jacob Sackenheim, Moeller: He recorded 23 goals and 23 assists in 33 games for the Crusaders this season, helping the team to playoff wins over Thomas Worthington and Dublin Coffman. Moeller was the only Cincinnati-area team to win more than one playoff game in 2025.

Other nominees: Brendan Canham, Mason; Andrew Coburn, St. Xavier; Finn Friede, Moeller; Max Gerber, Moeller; Finn Hayes, St. Xavier; Maddox Malton, Northern Kentucky Norse; Eli Natorp, Mason; Brian O’Connor, St. Xavier; Joey Rusnak, St. Xavier; Jacob Sackenheim, Moeller; Braeden Sample, Moeller; Greyson Sanders, Springboro; Benjamin Unkraut, Northern Kentucky Norse.

Ohio boys swimming and diving

Cooper Burt and Conner Bennett, Ross: These two senior teammates, committed to Ohio State University and the University of Cincinnati, helped their team to the Division II team runner-up trophy. They both swam on the state champion 200-yard medley relay and 400-yard freestyle relay. Individually, Burt won a state championship in the 100-yard butterfly and set a state meet record to win the 100-yard backstroke. Bennett won state titles in the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard breaststroke.

Other nominees: Brady Campbell, Milford; Bryce Cousins, West Clermont; Jaeger Ellerman, St. Xavier; Chase Grisi, St. Xavier; Aidan Jansen, Mason; Hayden Meyers, Turpin; Arjun Velayutham, Indian Hill; Jason Zhao, Indian Hill.

Northern Kentucky/Indiana boys swimming and diving

Andy Pleiman, Ryle: The senior was the best freestyle sprinter in Northern Kentucky this year, winning regional titles at 50 yards and 100 yards, while also helping his team to the 200-yard and 400-yard freestyle relay regional titles. At the state meet, he was the 50-yard freestyle runner-up in 20.59 seconds and took third place in the 100-yard freestyle in 45.45 seconds. Both times put him under All-American consideration. Finally, he helped Ryle win its second straight combined team title.

Other nominees: Chanith Abeysinghe, Highlands; Griffin Barlow, Highlands; Chase Knopf, Ryle; Cono Presti, Beechwood; Isaiah Reinhart, Simon Kenton.

Ohio girls swimming and diving

Taylor Bacher and Julia Shafer, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy: Another pair of senior teammates that helped their team to a Division II runner-up trophy, the Penn State commit and Auburn signee combined to win four state titles this season. One claimed her third straight 200-yard freestyle state title and took second place in the 100-yard butterfly. The other won the 200-yard individual medley, the 100-yard freestyle, and swam a dominant anchor leg of the winning 400-yard freestyle relay.

Other nominees: Bella Basford, Anderson; Grier Gordon, Ursuline; Ansley Neff, Wyoming; Reese Reilly, Roger Bacon; Addie Robillard, Sycamore; Quinn Schureck, Walnut Hills; Maya Schweikert, Kings; Bella Teply, Mason.

Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls swimming and diving

Sadie Hartig, Notre Dame: She was the leader of Notre Dame’s freestyle distance squad. Each year of her high school career, she finished in the top three at the state meet in the 500-yard freestyle. This year, she was the 500-yard freestyle runner-up, took third place in the 200-yard freestyle and helped the Pandas take second place in the 200-yard freestyle relay.

Other nominees: Ryon Argo, Beechwood; Clare Herfel, Notre Dame; Sarah Jones, Highlands; Gabriella Stephens, Ryle; Reese Yauger, Ryle; Liv Wallace, Notre Dame.

Ohio boys wrestling

Gage Murphy, Reading: His 55-0 record can speak for itself. He won the 165-pound Division II state championship in comeback fashion, securing a pin after being down 8-0 in the second period.

Other nominees: Will Adkins, Moeller; Jack Hoffman, Springboro; Holden Huhn, La Salle; Matt Kowalski, Springboro; Konner Lambers, Elder; Isaiah Nichols, Edgewood; Kane Shawger, St. Xavier; Demetrius Stanley, Lakota East; Colin Wooldridge, La Salle.

Northern Kentucky/Indiana boys wrestling

Rider Trumble, Ryle: His team placed sixth on the podium with him being their lone champion. After a third-place finish at state last year, he moved up a weight class and won the 157-pound state title to cap a 50-2 season.

Ethan Davis, Grant County; Landon Evans, Ryle; Luke Hyden, Walton-Verona; Jonah McCloskey, Simon Kenton; T.J. Meyer, Walton-Verona.

Ohio girls wrestling

Camryn Gresham, Lakota East: After wrestling all throughout the offseason, she went undefeated in the winter against girls competition, including pinning her way through the 110-pound state tournament bracket.

Other nominees: Natalie Carlisle, Lebanon; Rylee Dearwester, Harrison; Gabby Fenton, Taylor; Liberty Johnson, CNE; Charley Jones, New Richmond; Kelsey King, Lakota West; Elizabeth Madison, Loveland; Chenelle Trammell, Lebanon; Leah Willen, Harrison.

Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls wrestling

Sophie Anderson, Walton-Verona: The fourth state placement of her career was the 132-pound state championship title, leading her to being named the Most Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament.

Other nominees: Peyton Brinkman, Ryle; Emma Hood, Highlands; Emma Moore, Walton-Verona; Leighna Prater, East Central; Rose Thomas, Conner.

Fall sports winners from the 2025 Enquirer High School Sports Awards

Ohio boys cross country

Alex Bruns, St. Xavier: He broke the tape in six races last fall, then took second place at the Division I regional and state meets. On September 21st, he became St. Xavier’s school record holder with a time of 14 minutes, 39.86 seconds. To cap his season, he took 23rd place at the Nike Cross Midwest Regional meet.

Other nominees: Samuel Darmanie, Springboro; Dom Ellis, St. Xavier; Nathaniel Gockerman, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy; Wyatt Gockerman, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy; Ryne Reynolds, Little Miami; Caden Winship, Mason; Ronan Wolfer, Loveland; Liam Woodward, Summit Country Day; Jason Xu, Mason; Michael Zegarski, Little Miami.

Northern Kentucky and Indiana boys cross country

Will Sheets, Covington Catholic: Sheets cemented himself as the best cross-country runner in his school’s history. He finished in the top three of every regular season meet, won his first regional title and took second place at the Class 2A state meet, all while setting a new school record of 14 minutes, 44.57 seconds. He also took fourth place at the Nike Cross Midwest Regional meet and ran in the national meet in Portland, Oregon.

Paul Van Laningham, Cooper: He not only set a new school record of 14 minutes, 56.2 seconds, he won the Class 3A meet in a new course record of 15 minutes, 19.87 seconds. He won six races in total and took 33rd place at the Nike Cross National meet.

Other nominees: Jake Chapman, Batesville; Jonathan Christopher, Campbell County; Lincoln Herald, Grant County; Nathan Hopper, Conner; Joe Mayer, Covington Catholic; Luke McLane, Covington Catholic; Paul Van Laningham, Cooper.

Ohio girls cross country

Abby Sewell, Mercy McAuley: The senior didn’t break 23 minutes in the 5K before her final high school season, but made a name for herself by winning seven races last fall, including a six-race winning streak in the middle of the season. A new personal best of 18 minutes, 8.28 seconds helped her take second place at the Division II state meet, and she closed out her season by running at the Foot Locker Midwest Regional meet.

Other nominees: Elle Campbell, Milford; Molly Deardorff, Lakota East; Callie Fox, Summit Country Day; Cate LeRoy, Madeira; Adriana Luking, Talawanda; Efa Paschka, Mason; Evelyn Prodoehl, Lakota West; Lucia Rodbro, Talawanda; Ava Shepard, Lakota West; Brady Sterbling, Bethel-Tate.

Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls cross country

Lily Parke, Beechwood: After two runner-up finishes at the Class 1A state meet, she finally broke through to win her school’s first individual state title. She won seven of her eight regular season races, including her third straight regional championship, and set a new school record of 18 minutes, 17.94 seconds.

Other nominees: Callie Bentley, East Central; Aidan Christopher, Campbell County; Lila Dunlevy, Campbell County; Olivia Holbrook, Campbell County; Allison Kopser, Ryle; Alexandra Rooney, Cooper; Jena Weiler, East Central.

Field hockey

Laura Fagan, Mount Notre Dame: She won this award as a junior last year and followed it up by nearly doubling her point total in her senior season. She scored 22 goals and added 22 assists in 20 games for the Southwest Region champion Cougars. In both 2023 and 2024, she was also the only Cincinnati-area player to be named to the All-Ohio first team.

Other nominees: Josie Broenner, Mount Notre Dame; Chloe Castellini, Summit Country Day; Rachel France, Mount Notre Dame; Kincade Givens, Indian Hill; Harper Hodgett, Ursuline Academy; Ella Jones, Mount Notre Dame; Maddie Lanphear, Indian Hill; Liz Thurnau, St. Ursula Academy; Julia Ward, Ursuline Academy.

Ohio football ‒ offense

Matt Ponatoski, Moeller: He led his team to the Division I state championship game on his way to being named Ohio Mr. Football and the Gatorade Player of the Year. He set several school passing records during the season, throwing for 4,217 yards and 57 touchdowns, which is 10th all-time in Ohio history. He completed 63.4 percent of his passes and threw only three interceptions.

Other nominees: Justice Burnam, Anderson, Devlan Daniel, Indian Hill; Gracen Goldsmith, Hamilton; Demico Harris, St. Bernard-Elmwood Place; Aidan Hopewell, Madeira; Trace Jallick, Anderson; Tucker Kattus, St. Xavier; Jamison Kitna, Lakota East; Cole Koops, Harrison; Jovan Love, Moeller; Patrick McLaughlin, La Salle; Caden Piening, Anderson; Jahmeir Spain, Mt. Healthy.

Northern Kentucky/Indiana football ‒ offense

Clay Hayden, Beechwood: Hayden led his team to its 18th state championship by throwing for 2,981 yards and 46 touchdowns with a 67.2 completion percentage. He holds school records with 8,823 career passing yards and 117 career passing touchdowns and was the 2024 Class 2A, District 5 Player of the Year.

Other nominees: Cash Harney, Covington Catholic; Isaiah Johnson, Cooper; Ryan Minges, East Central; Cam O’Hara, Cooper; Dylan Stewart, Conner; Adam Surrey, Highlands.

Ohio football – defense

Justin Hill, Winton Woods: Hill led the fierce defense which allowed 8.5 points per game on their way to compiling a 10-2 record. He was the Southwest District defensive player of the year and first-team all-state after posting 33 tackles including eight sacks, plus an interception. He has signed with perennial national power Alabama.

Other nominees: Grant Beerman, Lakota West; Ja’Kobe Clapper, St. Xavier; Raishawn Cotton, Mt. Healthy; Ryan Coyle, Cincinnati Country Day; Aaron Dowdell Jr., Taft; Jess Hauer, Wyoming; Jonah Hayes, Moeller; Paul Nelson, Princeton; Brady O’Connor, La Salle; Drayden Pavey, Taft; Jayonn Saunders, Anderson; Derek Uran, Elder; Trey Verdon, Hamilton.

Northern Kentucky/Indiana football ‒ defense

Austin Alexander, Cooper: The University of North Carolina signee was the defensive lynchpin as Cooper made its second straight run to the Class 5A state championship game. He had 52 tackles, 13 sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries (one returned for a touchdown). He was named to the All-Northern Kentucky first team and the Louisville Courier-Journal’s all-state first team.

Other nominees: Tyler Copeland, Lloyd Memorial; Mattox Kelly, Beechwood; Noah Knigga, Lawrenceburg; Tate Kruer, Covington Catholic; Jacob Savage, Ryle; Dillon Smith, Ryle.

Ohio boys golf

Finley Bartlett, Wyoming: He won the Cincinnati Hills League Athlete of the Year for the third-straight season and qualified himself for the state tournament as an individual. In the Division II state tournament, he shot a 140 to win his second-straight state championship.

Other nominees: Ethan Argus, Cincinnati Country Day; Landon Harris, Moeller; Marshall Morency, Anderson; Cayse Morgan, Elder; Michael Stagnaro, St. Xavier.

Northern Kentucky/Indiana boys golf

Paxton McKelvey, Ryle: The junior was the only Northern Kentucky golfer to be named All-State by the Kentucky Golf Coaches Association, totaling 880 points for the season to be the highest second-team All-Kentucky golfer. He was also the highest finisher at the state championships, finishing in 25th place after 36 holes.

Other nominees: Talen Beane, Campbell County; Ben Carter, St. Henry; Will Carter, St. Henry; Hank Shick, Highlands; Nate Surrey, Highlands.

Ohio girls golf

Eva Becerril, Sycamore: The Greater Miami Conference Athlete of the Year for a second time, she then qualified for the Division I state tournament where she braved the weather on day two to shoot a 68, finishing the tournament with a 143 to win the state title by a three-stroke margin.

Other nominees: Campbell Drum, Mount Notre Dame; Taylor Dunkle, Springboro; Sophia Fink, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy; Ellie Hartung, Madeira; Paige Treherne, Lakota West.

Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls golf

Reagan Ramage, Cooper: She golfed her way to the Region 7 title for the fifth-straight season and reached the state finals for the sixth time in her career. In her final round, she finished her prestigious high school career with a fourth-place finish overall.

Other nominees: Tatjana Andracenko, Dixie Heights; Didi Jiradamkerng, Notre Dame; Emma Laker, Bishop Brossart; Anika Okuda, Ryle; Rowan Pies, East Central.

Ohio boys soccer

Connor Wilkes, Indian Hill: The senior led his team to a 23-0-2 record and a state championship, the program’s first. He had 40 goals and 26 assists, and was named United Soccer Coaches All-American, Ohio Player of the Year, district player of the year and Cincinnati Hills League player of the year. He graduated with 86 career goals and 71 assists.

Other nominees: Ryan Boyd, Lakota West; Shaun Dickerson, Lakota East; Alex Dorko, Anderson; Nick Feldhaus, Waynesville; Nick Henke, Milford; Gaven Johnson, Harrison; Karson Lang, Moeller; Max Murphy, Mariemont; Marcos Neto, Mason; David Ray, Summit Country Day; Everett Rinaldi, Seven Hills.

Northern Kentucky/Indiana boys soccer

Tanner Robertson, Covington Catholic: Robertson was the Northern Kentucky High School Boys Soccer Coaches Association Defensive Player of the Year after helping his team to a 16-6-4 record and the Ninth Region championship. His team allowed 22 goals in 26 games and posted 12 shutouts.

Other nominees: Austin Bush, Campbell County; Parker Byland, Boone County; David Do, Covington Catholic; Harrison Gamble, Highlands; Donovan Lameier, Dixie Heights; Sam Lang, Highlands; Brennan Lewis, East Central; Maddox Pemberton, Cooper.

Ohio girls soccer

Anna Cornejo, Madeira: The senior led the Amazons to a 20-1-2 record and a state championship, scoring 44 goals with 19 assists. She was United Soccer Coaches All-American, Ohio Division V Player of the Year, as well as district player of the year and Cincinnati Hills League Player of the Year. She graduates with 93 goals and 55 assists.

Other nominees: Tessa Blain, Springboro; Chloe Dunford, Waynesville; Lauren Flax, Anderson; Anneliese Knight, Mason; Alex Lewis, Cincinnati Christian; Lexi O’Shea, Seton; Presley Pennekamp, Oak Hills; Emily Steiner, Batavia; Mia Stevens, Summit Country Day; Olivia Trick, Mount Notre Dame; Addy Zawaly, Mariemont.

Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls soccer

Megan McGraw, Notre Dame Academy: The senior posted four goals and six assists in helping her team to the Ninth Region semifinals. She was named first team all-region and first team all-state.

Other nominees: Reagan Buchert, Conner; Jozie Holmes, Campbell County; Izelee Kerns, Conner; Aubree LaBazzo, Lawrenceburg; Rylee Schloss, East Central; Rachel Shewmaker, Bishop Brossart; Ally Welch, Conner.

Ohio singles tennis

Addison Cassidy, Mason: In her first appearance in the state tournament, the junior won the Division I singles state championship, losing just one game in the final match. She also helped her team win the Greater Miami Conference championship and the OTCA team state championship.

Other nominees: Caroline Boyle, Badin; Ana Gotike, Mason; Maria Poon, St. Ursula Academy; Saanvi Reddy, Mason; Sophia Thompson, Indian Hill.

Ohio doubles tennis

Pratyusha Chaudhuri and Emma Wagner, Mason: Back-to-back winners of both this award and the Division I doubles state championship, this star duo didn’t lose more than three games in a set for the entire state tournament. One is just a sophomore and another is a junior, so they’ll have a chance to three-peat next season. They also helped their team win the Greater Miami Conference championship and the OTCA team state championship.

Other nominees: Caroline Brown-Cassie Larsen, Indian Hill; Renee Harper-Brooke Lint, Oak Hills; Maggie Marburger-Katelyn Bastos, Summit Country Day; Allison Sayles-Serena Sayles, Sycamore; Bhavana Singidi-Adriana Moreno, Mason.

Ohio girls volleyball

Sakura Codling, Seton: After leading Seton to its first state championship in 19 years, she was named to the All-Ohio first team for the second year in a row and was the MaxPreps Ohio Player of the Year. The UCLA commit piled up 377 digs, 81 assists and 42 aces during the season.

Other nominees: Callie Combs, Seton; Molly Creech, St. Ursula Academy; Addy Franz, Ursuline Academy; Mariah Gaines, Roger Bacon; Emma Frietch, St. Ursula; Katie Gielas, Ursuline Academy; Luci Heid, Badin; Ally Hughes, Roger Bacon; Makenna Kirlin, Loveland; Ava McIntyre, Kings; Caroline Moore, Mercy McAuley.

Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls volleyball

Julia Grace, Notre Dame Academy: The senior was a major player for Notre Dame as the Pandas didn’t lose a set to a Ninth Region opponent on their way to a third straight title. She had 647 digs, 65 assists and 53 aces, was named the regional player of the year, an all-state first team member, and the KVCA Defensive Player of the Year.

Other nominees: Madelyn Demler, St. Henry; Keira Hans, Simon Kenton; Morgan Heater, Ryle; Milyn Minor, Scott; Kate Neltner, Bishop Brossart; Ava Tilden, Notre Dame; Lucy Trapp, Ryle.

Ohio boys water polo

Cole Dowden, Sycamore: He broke multiple records for Sycamore, including the most blocks in a game (20), where he broke his own record set earlier that season, career blocks (572) and more on his way to third-team All-Ohio honors. From the goalie position, he was a threat all over the pool, taking player of the year in a very strong field.

Other nominees: Grant Carmody, Sycamore; Jackson Connor, Milford; Marco Di Loreto Tarot, Mason; Sam Franke, St. Xavier; Thomas Pitstick, St. Xavier; Evan Preissler, Sycamore.

Ohio girls water polo

Mariam Ndiaye, Mason: She was the anchor of a Mason team that finished fourth in the state this year, which was the highest finish of any Cincinnati team. She led Mason in goals, exclusions drawn, and steals and was second in assists. She could play any position in the water but would often be found in center with defenses scrambling to triple team her. She has committed to playing water polo at the University of Michigan starting next season.

Other nominees: Tia Fidanza, Sycamore; Rachell Hemmila, Mavericks (Hughes High School); Maddie House, Milford; Cam Kilimnik, Mavericks (St. Ursula Academy); Claire Ponstingle, Mason; Isabelle Shade, Sycamore.