Notre Dame, Brophy students chosen as Arizona Republic high school athletes of the week

Notre Dame Preparatory soccer player Paxton Bock and Brophy College Preparatory baseball player Jack Meissner have been chosen as this week's Arizona Republic high school athletes of the week, in weekly polls sponsored by Diamond Kitchen & Bath and posted on azcentral.com

Bock was nominated in the girls' poll after her performance in the 5A state championship. She scored 2 goals to help lead the Saints to a 4-1 win over Gilbert Campo Verde to win the state title.

Also nominated were Walden Grove soccer player Vivien Villarreal, who recorded 2 goals as the Red Wolves beat Salpointe Catholic 3-1 in the 4A state championship game — which ended the Lancers' streak of three consecutive titles; and Xavier College Preparatory basketball player Dominique Nesland, who became the school’s all-time leading scorer and single-season assist leader as the team punched its ticket to the Open Division semifinals.

In the boys poll, Meissner was nominated after his showing at the Adam Donnenfield Classic. Meissner hit .556 with three doubles and seven RBIs, including a grand slam in a 9-8 win over Notre Dame Prep, in four games.

Also nominated were Valley Christian basketball player Luke Shaw, who had 29 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds, a block and a steal in 81-65 win over Gilbert Christian for the school’s third consecutive 3A state title; and Salpointe Catholic soccer player Leo Gutierrez, who had 3 goals in his team’s 4-1 win over Mica Mountain for the school’s fourth straight 4A boys soccer state title.

Nominees are based on performances in AIA-sanctioned sports. Polls are posted on Monday and voting closes at 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Results are announced the next day on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic on Friday. Nominees are chosen by Republic sports staff, with input from coaches and readers. Submit a weekly nominee at static.azcentral.com/sports/high-schools/nominations/).

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Republic high school athletes of the week, Feb. 26, 2024