ATHLETES OF THE WEEK: ROSS CONNER

ROSS CONNER

School: Cape Central

Sport: Basketball

Coach: Brett Reutzel

Week Report: Conner, a 6-foot-4 post player, scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as Central claimed its first SEMO Conference title in 10 years last Tuesday. He followed that up with a 23-point performance on Wednesday, when the Tigers wrapped up an undefeated season in conference play with a win over Kennett. Conner was held to just seven points, but grabbed five rebounds and blocked seven shots in a dramatic win over St. Louis University High on Saturday.

Season Report: Conner averages 15 points, nine rebounds and four blocked shots per game. He's a major reason why the Tigers are on a six-game winning streak and will play Sikeston in the Class 4A, District 1 Tournament championship this Friday.

Coach's comments: "He's kind of the silent leader," Reutzel said. "He's a good practice player and young man with outstanding character. He's an A student. He knows what it takes to win. Being just a junior, he's got another year to get better and improve his skills on the perimeter. I thought he's played very mature at times this year for being a junior. Everyone likes him. He's got a great personality and he's someone that everyone respects."