News-Herald players of the week for Oct. 19
Oct. 19—Kayden McKinney
Mentor>>Volleyball
Sophomore>>Outside hitter
On the court: Helped Mentor earn its first conference championship since 2017 in wins over Medina and Brunswick. Totaled 25 kills, 0.333 hitting percentage, eight aces, five blocks, 20 digs and 30 serve receptions.
Off the court: Volleyball is her favorite sport. Enjoys spending time with parents and siblings. Can speak in Spanish and sing. Favorite subject is math. Favorite food is grilled cheese. Favorite movie is "Moana." Favorite artist is Drake.
Matthew Dienes
West Geauga>>Boys cross country
Senior
On the course: Was off and running to his sixth consecutive victory at the CVC meet, finishing in 16:04. Was named Lake Division MVP.
Off the course: Plans on running cross country and track in college. Favorite sports memory is qualifying for the state cross country meet for the first time in school history in 2021. Is a semi-pro Fortnite player. Favorite show is "McFarland, USA." Favorite show is "Breaking Bad."
Cami Welty
North>>Volleyball
Senior>>Middle Blocker
On the court: On senior night against Kenston, had 14 blocks, eight digs, 12 kills a .318 hitting percentage.
Off the court: Full name is Cameron. Planning on attending Mount Union to major in criminal justice and play volleyball. "My favorite overall sports memory was definitely senior night this year it was just a great night overall and I loved the vibe in the gym." Favorite food is tacos. Enjoys listening to Coldplay. Favorite show is "Criminal Minds." Is ambidextrous. Favorite subject is English. Favorite color is yellow.
Alexandro Miljanovic
Lake Catholic>>Boys soccer
Junior>>Forward
On the pitch: In a win over Akron SVSM, had two goals and two assists. Has 18 goals and seven assists on the season for the 14-1 Cougars.
Off the pitch: Mentor resident has five siblings. Has played soccer his entire life. His favorite sports memory is going to Croatia to play in a tournament.
Berkshire>>Football
Senior>>QB/FS
On the field: Against Grand Valley, was 4-for-4 for 75 yards and three touchdowns and carried six times for 53 yards and two touchdowns. On defense, had four tackles, including two solo, and a pass deflection.
Off the field: "I love to spend time with my family and stay busy. My family has always been my why!"
Kenny Young
Geneva>>Football
Senior>>Quarterback
On the field: Against Madison, was 5-for-5 for 142 yards, three touchdowns and a two-point conversion pass.
Off the field: "KY" says his "favorite times are for sure with the boys in the locker room before practice and before games. I will miss that every day, especially the bonfires we have before every season and all the prep rallies we have in the gymnasium for like a senior night, or a homecoming game. I will for sure miss these days."
Melissa Begovic
Mentor>>Girls soccer
Senior>>Midfield
On the pitch: Had a goal and an assist in a 3-1 win over West Geauga.
Off the pitch: Plans on playing soccer in college. "I've been playing soccer since I was 4 and play club soccer for Croatia Juniors. My favorite soccer memories are team dinners before games and winning the Ohio State Cup this past year during club season." Favorite rapper is Travis Scott. Favorite TV show is "Law & Order: SVU." Favorite team is the U.S. women's national team.
EJ Mester
Wickliffe>>Football
Senior>>QB/S
On the field: In a 35-21 win over Brooklyn, had nine carries for 65 yards and three touchdowns, was 3-for-3 passing for 23 yards and had eight tackles at safety.
Off the field: Plans on majoring in computer science or computer engineering in college. Lists computers as a hobby. Favorite subject is science. Favorite food is burgers. Favorite team is Ohio State.
Varsity coaches from all sports can nominate athletes for Players of the Week until 8 p.m. every Monday. They can be emailed to Scores@News-Herald.com. We do not take nominations via social media or text message.
