The Upstate’s high school sports scene is buzzing after a weekend of championship games that produced a handful of unforgettable moments. As the region celebrates these feats, six standout players have been nominated for athlete of the week honors, each leaving a distinct imprint on their team's success.
Baseball Brilliance
CJ Aubuchon powered his squad with a pair of home runs and six RBIs in the Class 3A Upper State baseball championship, while Palmer Hornick dominated the 5A Division 1 Upper State series by going 5-for-5, adding a home run and three doubles that kept his team ahead.
On the mound, Will Mayfield delivered a dramatic turnaround for T.L. Hanna, pitching six shutout innings in relief to erase a 3-0 deficit and force a comeback victory in the Class 5A Division 1 Upper State championship.
Soccer Saves and Strikes
Brandon Jaramillo became the hero of the 5A Division 2 soccer state championship when his game-winning save in penalty kicks preserved Eastside's title run, underscoring the importance of composure under pressure.
Erik Martinez ignited Southside's historic first state championship in Class 4A with two early goals, setting the tone for a dominant performance that left opponents scrambling.
Goal Burst and Pitching Masterclass
Brody Pike capped a prolific offensive stretch by scoring five goals, helping Powdersville secure its second straight SCHSL Class 3A soccer championship, while Mayfield's relief outing added a narrative of resilience that resonates across multiple sports.
With such a diverse array of contributions — from power hitting and clutch pitching to decisive saves and prolific scoring — the pool of nominees reflects the depth of talent across the Upstate. The final athlete of the week selection will spotlight not just individual brilliance, but the collective rise of a new generation of high school stars.