The usual region season was put on pause Last week while athletes around Lexington County enjoyed a break from school. 

During that time, some teams decided to compete in non-region or tournament contests to stay in mid-season form. These two stars excelled for their teams in these games, earning them Athlete of the Week.

Voting for Athlete of the Week runs from 10 a.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Monday each week at lexingtonchronicle.com/athleteoftheweek.

Jack Rivers

River Bluff’s Jack Rivers won Athlete of the Week after a go-ahead hit for the Gators against a red-hot Airport team. 

The Gators trailed by a run entering the final inning of the contest. Myles Profit tied the game up, creating an opportunity for Rivers. From the plate, Rivers smashed a hard ground ball to shortstop to reach first, score a run and give River Bluff the lead. 

River Bluff’s defense made quick work of Airport in the bottom of the seventh going three up and three down. Two balls were hit to Rivers at third base, and he delivered a clean toss to Beau Hollins at first for the first and final outs. 

Ava-Claire Collins

Chapin’s Ava-Claire Collins continues to be a goal-scoring machine this season, stacking points for the Eagles. 

In the team’s only game last week against Wando, Collins scored five goals and led the team in draws won, with seven, ground balls scooped, with three, and turnovers caused, with two. 

This season Collins has put on a scoring clinic leading the team in scoring. She averages about five goals per contest and has 69 total on the year entering this week. Her looks are extremely accurate, scoring on about 81% of her 85 shots on goal. 

She also is a skilled passer, finding her teammates for a goal 15 times this season. 

Chapin and Collins will look to end their season strong this week against White Knoll and River Bluff before beginning their quest for a state title.