“Rising Stars: Meet the Athlete of the Week Contenders Shining in Basketball and Swimming”

With the winter season continuing, it’s once more time for the Tribune’s Prep Athlete of the Week.

Congratulations to the winners of last week’s voting, Kitalla Wise and Gage Allen of C.M. Russell High wrestling.

Every week throughout the competition, two girls and two boys will be nominated, with the public deciding the victor through a poll, which is posted below.

Athletic directors, coaches, parents, and supporters are invited to submit Athlete of the Week nominations for athletes competing in all sports in northcentral Montana. Nominations can be directed to sports reporter Grady Higgins at ghiggins@greatfallstribune.com.

Voting for this week’s poll will remain open until Friday at 11:59 p.m., and the results will be announced in the subsequent week’s Athlete of the Week article.

Nominees for Girls’ Athlete of the Week

Grace Woldtvedt, Great Falls High swimming: Woldtvedt secured first place in two events as the Bison girls claimed victory at the Havre Invite, winning the 50 and 200 freestyles.

Heidi Clifton, CMR swimming: Clifton placed among the top six in two events at the Havre Invite, finishing second in the 200 IM and fifth in the 100 freestyle.

Nominees for Boys’ Athlete of the Week

Jonah Van Tassell, CMR basketball: The senior scored 13 points against Billings Senior, including four during overtime, leading the Rustlers to a victory.

Jaricho Jay, Great Falls High swimming: Jay achieved two victories as the Bison boys triumphed at the Havre Invite, winning the 200 freestyle and 100 butterfly.