
Athlete of the Week is an initiative coordinated by Athletic Directors at School Districts within our central market. The program recognizes student-athletes who have exhibited exceptional performance, leadership, and sportsmanship during the week. The commitment and positive approach demonstrated by the selected students provide a model for their peers. Weekly, representatives from Hartland, Holly, Lake Fenton, Linden, and Fenton gather to vote on the top athlete in each sport. ChoiceOne Bank is honored to sponsor this enduring tradition, which has highlighted the achievements and dedication of student-athletes for more than thirty years.
April 6
Tessa Zilisch, Linden - Softball
- Linden Athlete of the Week - We are nominating Tessa for Player of the Week based on her outstanding all-around performance in helping lead our team to a 5–1 start against strong competition (Brighton, Goodrich, and Midland). We are starting 5 freshman and her leadership as a junior has been a huge part of our success. At the plate:
• Hit .412 with a .500 on-base percentage
• 7-for-17 with 3 singles, 1 double, and 3 home runs
• 10 RBI and 5 runs scored
• 3 walks and zero strikeouts in 20 plate appearances
In the circle:
• 3–0 in 3 starts
• 2 complete games
• 18 innings pitched with a 1.94 ERA against three tough lineups (Midland is HM ranked in D1)
• Against Midland: 7-inning complete game, 1 earned run, 6 hits allowed
Signature moment: In snow and sleet against Brighton (yes truly snow and sleet!!), Tessa hit a 3-run walk-off home run with two outs to secure a 7–4 win.
Ana Lovell, Lake Fenton - Girls Track and Field
- Ana broke Lake Fenton's 3,200 meter run record this past Friday at the Davison Shake Off The Rust Invitational. Her time of 11:39.07 took over 8 seconds off the previous record set by Rhonda Prime in 1981. On top of that, earlier in the day she also set the #2 all-time mark in the 1,600 meter run with a time of 5:22.51.
Hunter Holznagle, Holly - Boys Golf
- Hunter lead the Bronchos in scoring for the week. He led the Bronchos with a 41 on a day where the temperature didn’t exceed 40 on Tuesday and followed that up with a match leading 41 in the wind at Pine Knob GC on Thursday. Great win and great rounds. Looking forward to seeing this sophomore continue to grow.
Bailey Allen, Holly - Girls Soccer
- Junior Captain Bailey Allen has had a good season so far for us. Monday against Owosso she picked up 2 goals and an assist. Although she did not score the rest of the week, Bailey continued to battle against two quality teams. Those being fenton and Lapeer on Friday. Both games she was a force to the defenders and continually battled the other teams.
Hunter Bishop, Holly - Baseball
- Hunter went 5-11 (.455 AVG) for the week. Grand Slam Homer, 5 runs, 4 RBI, 2B, BB, (2) SB.
Hazel Bertich, Holly - Girls Lacrosse
- Hazel worked hard in every game and scored at least one goal per game in each of our 3 games last week. She has continued to improve each week and we look forward to watching her excel the remainder of the season.
Lilah Jones, Holly - Girls Tennis
- Senior Captain Lilah Jones continues to lead the Bronchos with determination, resilience, and a true commitment to the team motto of “Every Second Counts.” As a captain, Lilah sets the tone through her work ethic, competitive spirit, and leadership both on and off the court. This past week, Lilah delivered strong performances in key matches: Tuesday vs. Swartz Creek: Win, 6-4, 1-6, 6-4; Thursday vs. Corunna: Win, 6-1, 6-0. In Tuesday’s match, Lilah battled through a tough three-set contest, showing grit and composure to secure the win. She followed that performance with a dominant straight-set victory on Thursday, demonstrating her ability to reset, refocus, and compete at a high level. Off the court, Friday marked an exciting milestone as Lilah signed her letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic career at Adrian College, where she will compete for the Bulldogs this fall. This accomplishment reflects her years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication to both her sport and her team. Lilah embodies what it means to be a Broncho through her leadership, consistency, and passion for the game. Congratulations, Lilah! We are so proud of you. Let’s go Bronchos!
April 13
Nick Brown, Fenton - Baseball
- Nick was dominate on the mound pitching a No HItter vs Kearsley while driving in 3 runs with a double and a home run to pace the offense.
Jenna Hudson, Holly - Girls Soccer
- Jenna Hudson is a senior captain for us. She has had a great season far and an overall great week. Playing outside back for us, she helped lead us to 6 victories of the week. 2 of our games were 6-0 games, which she scored in 1 and collected 2 assists in another. Then over the weekend, Jenna was a threat to each team as she helped hold 3 of our games to shut outs. On top of this accomplishment she gifted us 1 goal and 3 assists on the weekend overall. 5 of the 6 games this week she helped us keeping the other team from scoring.
Avery Dobson, Lake Fenton - Girls Soccer
- Avery played goalie for us in our only game this week against Flushing. She had a big game and was a big reason the final score was only 1-0. She had 8 saves.
Michael Maurin, Hartland - Boys Golf
- Senior Michael Maurin led the Eagles in their opening week of competition by firing a 75 at the Plum Market Invitational at Tam-O-Shanter CC, lifting the Eagles to a 2nd Place finish in the 26 team field, and earning himself a 5th place individual finish in the event. Michael also played well Friday, carding a 37 in a scrimmage against Linden. Michael looks to be a big piece of a solid Hartland lineup in 2026, and will take his talents to Virginia State University to compete next fall.
Alyssa Bowman, Holly - Softball
- Alyssa delivered an absolutely electric week for the Bronchos — dominating in the circle and at the plate. On the mound, she stacked 2 wins, posting a sharp 2.17 ERA and 0.931 WHIP for the week. Her signature moment came in Game 1 vs. hard-hitting Lake Fenton, where she was nothing short of dominant. In a complete‑-game shutout, Alyssa fired a 0.00 ERA, 0.714 WHIP, allowed just 3 hits, struck out 4, and stranded 5 runners to slam the door on one of the area’s toughest lineups. And she didn’t stop there. At the plate, Alyssa was the Bronchos’ engine — going 8-for-14 (.571), driving in 9 runs, and crossing the plate 4 times. Every time Holly needed a spark, she delivered it. A true two-way force. A statement week. A Broncho leading the charge.
Elliana Neuer, Hartland - Girls Track and Field
- Elliana is having a great start to her senior season. She ran a 4:57 in the 1600M making her 1 of 3 girls to run under 5 minutes. It is the 2nd fastest 1600M in county history. In a dual meet against Northville she ran a 2:20.86 for a 1st place in the 800. She is a versatile athlete that races from the 400 to the 3200M.
Emma Buck & Ayanna Sherman, Holly - Girls Tennis
- 1 Doubles team: Captain Emma Buck and Ayanna Sherman have been outstanding leaders and competitors for the Bronchos, consistently demonstrating what it means to embody the team motto, “Every Second Counts.” This past week, Emma and Ayanna continued their dominant run through league play, remaining undefeated (3-0) against league opponents. Their standout performance came on Tuesday vs. Fenton, where they secured an impressive 6-0, 6-0 victory, showcasing their chemistry, consistency, and aggressive play at the net. As a doubles team, Emma and Ayanna are one of the strongest flights in the lineup. Both athletes bring a high level of talent, work ethic, and competitive focus to every match and practice. Their ability to communicate, support one another, and execute strategy makes them a tough matchup for any opponent. Beyond their success on the court, Emma and Ayanna give back to the program in meaningful ways. They actively support the middle school tennis program and serve as Big Sisters within the Holly High School team, helping to mentor and guide younger players. Their leadership reflects the core values of LEAD—Listen, Encourage, Act Responsibly, and Display Kindness and Respect—and strengthens the culture of the program. Emma and Ayanna truly represent Broncho pride through their leadership, dedication, and commitment to their teammates. Congratulations, Emma and Ayanna! We are so proud of you. Let’s go Bronchos!
Ella Waters, Holly - Girls Lacrosse
- Ella helped lead her team to a commanding 14–3 victory over Flushing, then followed it up with a gritty 8–7 win against former league champions Swartz Creek. In that second matchup, Ella rose to the moment, delivering a career-best performance with 10 saves and anchoring the defense when it mattered most. Her composure, quick reflexes, and ability to come up with key stops under pressure made a major impact all week long.
Dane Hurd, Linden - Boys Track and Field
- Dane had a huge week, starting off by winning the 200 (23.28), 400 (53.1), and 4x200 relay against Kearsley and Swartz Creek. He followed that up by medaling in 2 events at the Chelsea Relays including the school record breaking 4x100 relay (42.9). That Relay is now ranked 4th in the state.
April 20
Miley Urmanic, Lake Fenton - Girls Soccer
- Miley had a big week offensively. In our 3 games she either scored or assisted on all of the teams goals his week. She scored both goals in our 2-2 tie against Swartz Creek. She then assisted both goals in our 2-1 win over Genesee Christian.
Brooke Martin, Holly - Girls Lacrosse
- Brooke is a first-year captain on the Holly-Brandon RedHawks girls lacrosse team. She is a natural leader, a fantastic player, and someone her teammates consistently look up to both on and off the field. Brooke leads by example through her hard work, positive attitude, and dedication to the team. Last week, the RedHawks played Davison, and Brooke had an outstanding performance, scoring 5 goals and adding an assist. Her effort, determination, and skill were a major part of the team’s success.
Addison Piotrovsky, Linden - Softball
- In our hardest week of the year facing Fenton and #4 ranked Clio and Brandon, Freshman Addison Piotrovsky was our leader. We played 3 one run games with Fenton and Clio. On the mound she recorded 2 wins and pitched 23 innings and only allowed 7 earned runs striking out 19 and only walking 5. Her Earned Run Average was 2.13. At the plate Addison went 7-20 for a .350 batting average while facing 3 pitchers who are committed to play in College. She had 2 doubles and her 1st career home run vs Fenton. She had 5 RBI and scored 4 runs and stole 2 bases. Her work helped us remain in 2nd place in the Flint Metro League behind Clio.
Liam Kastamo, Hartland - Boys Golf
- Liam Kastamo had a tremendous week for Hartland Boys Golf. On Monday, Liam shot 76 at Oak Pointe to finish 7th in the Pleasant Counseling Invite and lead his team to a tournament win. Liam shot 76 for a 16th place finish at the Pre-KLAA on Thursday. On Friday, Liam shot 75 for a 13th place finish at American Dunes and on Sunday, Liam shot 76 in the first round of the TCJGA Invite at Arcadia Bluffs South Course. A picture of consistency…Liam has be a very steady contributor to the 2026 Hartland Eagles Golf Team.
Braydon Taylor, Holly - Baseball
- Braydon helped the Bronchos goes 3-0 on the week, sweeping Kearsley in a league series. Our game on Friday - rained out. Braydon went 6-10 (.600 avg) w/ 6 RBI, 2 R, 2B, SB, BB, Sac Bunt. Braydon also closed out game 2 vs Kearsley on the mound w/ 3IP, 4 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BB, 6 K’s and picking up the 3 Inning Save.
Sydney Sinclair, Holly - Girls Tennis
Piper Grant, Holly - Girls Track and Field
- On Friday at the Snorty Classic Piper ran an amazing 12.7 in the 100 for a freshman. She has consistently won the sprint events for the Bronchos this spring and we look forward to her continued success as the season progresses into the league, county, and state meets.
April 27
Adien Oake, Hartland - Boys Golf
- Aidan Oake turned in an impressive week for Hartland, highlighted by a runner-up finish at the Loop Classic at Forest Dunes. He recorded a personal-best tournament round of 69 on the Loop’s Black Routing, leading the Eagles to their lowest team score of the season at 300. He also earned match medalist honors at Salem Hills with a 39, helping Hartland secure a win over Northville in their KLAA opener. Oake has been the team's scoring leader thus far this season, averaging 74 in 18-hole events and 37 in 9-hole matches.
Calvin Szafranski, Fenton - Boys Lacrosse
- Calvin delivered a standout performance on the lacrosse field, making his presence felt in every phase of the game. He found the back of the net with a well-timed goal and followed it up by setting up a teammate with a crisp assist, showcasing both his scoring touch and vision. Beyond the offensive end, Calvin was relentless on defense, forcing multiple turnovers that shifted momentum in his team’s favor. He also battled hard for possession, scooping up several key ground balls.
Devin Verbison, Lake Fenton - Boys Track and Field
- Devin Verbison matched the school record in pole vault with a vault of 13’ 6” at the Corunna Cav Classic on Friday. He now holds the school record alongside Carl Peterson (1981) and Don Davidson (1991). On top of that, his mark also early qualifies him for the MHSAA Division 2 State Finals at the end of the month.
Jessie Livingston, Fenton - Girls Lacrosse
- Games we played this week were Flushing & AA Pioneer. Total of 6 goals and 1 assist. Helped our team win against AA Pioneer in OT by making an overtime goal and win the draw. Achieved 5 DCs in this week.
Kierstyn Rutley, Fenton - Girls Tennis
- Kierstyn had an outstanding week, during the week of 4/27. On Monday 4/27 she won her match vs Corunna 6-1, 6-0 in a fairly fast match. Then on Tuesday 4/28 vs Owosso she won again in a long 2 hr match . 4-6, 6-3, 6-0. Then on Saturday at the Fowerville Quad Kierstyn won all 3 of her matches. She won vs Bay City Jon Glenn 6-4, 6-3. Won vs Jackson Northwest 3-6, 6-3, 10-7 in a 2 hr plus match. Won vs Fowerville 6-4, 7-6, (5). Kierstyn is a Senior and a 4 year Varsity starter. She is a total team player and very coachable. And very supportive of her teammate's. She also is involved with several school related activities. Kierstyn embodies the true spirit of student/athlete.
Maddie Lindley, Holly - Girls Track and Field
- Maddie Lindley helped her team to beat Linden by winning the 800m, 1600m and 3200m. Maddie then went to Shepard on Friday night and broke Hollys school record for the 3200m in 10:52.53 and the become a top 20 runner in the state with that time
Laureena Baehl, Lake Fenton - Softball
- Laureena Baehl put together an outstanding week at the plate, going 11-for-20 and driving in 15 RBIs . She tallied 4 singles, 4 doubles, and a triple, while also hitting her 9th and 10th home runs of the season.