ATHLETES OF THE WEEK: JIM HULSHOF

Jim Hulshof

School: Kelly

Sport: Basketball

Coach: Kent Mangels

Week Report: Hulshof, a 6-foot-3 senior guard, led the Hawks with 56 points in three games last week in guiding Kelly to its first district championship since 1983. Hulshof had 19 against Bloomfield in the first round of district action, 29 against Notre Dame in the semifinal and 18 against rival Scott City in the championship game. In the Notre Dame game, Hulshof made 16 of his 17 free throws.

Season Report: Regarded as one of the elite players in Southeast Missouri this year, Hulshof averages 20 points, six rebounds and six assists per game. Hulshof was sidelined for about eight games with a stress fracture in his foot at the beginning of the year but has hit his stride of late.

Coach's Comments: He's just one of those kids that you hope every coach gets a chance to coach once in their life. He has talent, the work ethic and smarts all rolled into one. And he's a real quality person aside from being a quality athlete. He's not lightning quick, but he handles the ball real well. At the same time he'll take you inside. He's hard for a small guy to guard inside and hard for a big guy to guard outside. He's the best all-around player I've ever been around."