ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

Jim Hulshof

School: Kelly

Class: Junior

Sport: Basketball

Position: Shooting guard

Coach: Kent Mangels

Week report: The Hawks made their first appearance in the finals of the University High School Christmas Tournament since 1981 and Hulshof was one of several deserving players that led the way. The 6-foot-1 Hulshof tied for the Hawks' tournament-scoring lead with teammate Jason Glastetter, averaging 16.5 points in four tourney games. Hulshof scored 13 points in a 116-43 opening-round rout of Chaffee and scored a game-high 20 points in an 80-68 quarterfinal win over Notre Dame. Earlier this week he scored 19 against Cape Central and 14 in the championship loss to Charleston. Hulshof was also named to the all-tournament team for the second consecutive year.

On the year: Hulshof -- a two-year starter -- entered the tournament as the Hawks' leading scorer, averaging 20 points a game. Coming off an all-conference season last year as a sophomore, Hulshof is the Hawks main outside shooting threat. Kelly is currently 10-1 and ranked 10th in the Class 2A poll.

Coach's comments: "Jim had an overall good tournament. He got banged up pretty good against Cape Central, but came back and played well against Charleston. Jim's an outstanding shooter. He's always shot the ball well for us and he can (score) from the inside or outside behind the 3-point line. He's also a good role model for the other kids on the team. He plays hard and he listens and respects his coaches. He has a great attitude.

April Watts

School: Perryville

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Position: Point guard

Coach: Vicki Lohmann

Week report: After dropping their opening game in the Visitation Tournament to the tourney host, the Lady Pirates won their next three tournament games to claim the consolation title. The 5-foot-4 Watts was the trigger that shot Perryville through the consolation bracket. In a 65-41 win over De Soto, Watts drained four 3-pointers and scored 14-points. The next night, Watts ripped the nets for 19 points -- including 6 of 6 free-throw shooting in the fourth quarter -- in a 59-43 romp over House Springs. In the consolation title-game Sunday, Watts scored nine points and again drilled 6 of 6 free throws in the final quarter as the Lady Pirates beat Kirkwood 58-49.

On the year: Watts -- a four-year starter for the Lady Pirates -- averages 13 points per game as Perryville's floor leader. The Lady Pirates are currently 9-4. Watts was also crowned the school's homecoming queen this past fall.

Coach's comments: "April's definitely our leader on the floor. When a team presses us, I put the ball in her hands because she gets around everybody. That doesn't show up in the stats or point-wise."