The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s weekly athlete poll has once again turned the spotlight on standout high school performers across Wisconsin, celebrating those who have made a marked impact on their teams and communities.
Nick Bongard, a senior pitcher from Nicolet High School, captured the top spot with 2,784 votes out of 5,208 cast, earning the honor after guiding his team to a 3‑2 upset over Milton in the WIAA Division 1 state baseball quarterfinals.
The victory represented a surprising turn, as Milton entered the matchup as a favored contender, and Bongard’s composure on the mound proved decisive in the closing innings.
Division 2 Drama
In the Division 2 bracket, Jack Tabbert of Pewaukee delivered a clutch moment with a go‑ahead two‑run single in the fifth inning, helping the Pirates rally past Kenosha St. Joseph Catholic 5‑4 for the state title.
Tabbert’s performance added a narrative of late‑game resilience to the tournament, underscoring the thin margins that define championship baseball.
Other Notable Nominees
The poll also recognized additional standouts, including Carter Nicolato of Muskego baseball, Reese Roethe of Divine Savior Holy Angels girls soccer, and Alexandra Rossi of Brookfield Central girls soccer, reflecting the breadth of talent across Wisconsin sports.
As the season progresses, each of these athletes will look to build on their recent successes, with upcoming matchups promising further excitement for fans and voters alike.