ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

Jason Owen

School: Cape Central

Class: Junior

Sport: Swimming

Coach: Dayna Powell

Week report: Owen remained undefeated in individual competition with two outstanding meets last week. Tuesday in a 98-88 loss at Fort Zumwalt South, Owen won the 200-yard freestyle (1:47.13) and 100 backstroke (59.66). He also swam a leg on the winning 200 freestyle relay team and second-place 400 freestyle relay. Friday's triangular against SLUH and Vianney in St. Louis was even more impressive, as Owen broke his own Central record in the 100 backstroke in a winning-time of 55:32 and set a personal best time in winning the 200 individual medley (2:03.22). He also anchored the winning 400 freestyle relay team and second-place medley relay squad. Central placed second as a team.

On the season: Despite Central's 4-4 dual record, Owen is yet to lose an individual event this season. Individual events Owen has competed in are the 100 butterfly, 100 backstroke, 200 freestyle, 200 individual medley and the 500 freestyle.

Coach's comments: "Jason's undefeated this year and I'd be real surprised if anybody can give him a race. He's the fastest swimmer we have in just about every event. Because of his success we don't even know where we want to place him for the state meet. Jason's very dedicated to the sport and he encourages the whole team. If there's a close race or close meet the rest of the team depends on Jason to get the win. He's starting to cut into (former Central swimmer) John Younghouse's fastest times. One of Jason's goals is to break some of (Younghouse's) records and be the best at Central."

Christa Millham

School: Jackson

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Position: Point guard

Coach: Ron Cook

Week report: The 5-foot-10 Millham led Jackson, ranked eighth in Class 4A, through an undefeated week despite two state-ranked teams on the schedule. Millham started the week last Monday with a career-high 30 points in a 67-54 win at fourth-ranked Poplar Bluff. She added 12 points in a 55-18 victory at Charleston, then totaled 17 points Saturday in a 68-65 home-win against fifth-ranked St. Joseph's Academy.

On the season: Millham, a three-year starter at Jackson, signed a letter of intent before the season to play at the University of New Mexico State. She's displayed her Division I-A form since, leading the state-ranked Lady Indians in practically every statistical category. Millham -- a second-team all-state selection last year -- averages 16 points, five rebounds, four steals and four assists per game.

Coach's comments: "Christa signed early and that hasn't reduced her aggressiveness or desire to go back to state. She's been a real good team leader along with Dana Eakins. She's playing within herself and taking control when she has to. She can create her own shot or she can hit the 3. She's a versatile player. She can play defense against any player on the floor."