The region season is here as most teams in Lexington County have begun conference competition that will decide their playoff outlooks. 

For those who haven’t started yet, last week was the final opportunity to work through the bugs before getting to the high-stakes matchups. 

With the pressure on, local stars are expected to step up and perform in the clutch. This week’s Athlete of the Week winners did just that as they led the Batesburg-Leesville football team and Chapin volleyball team to victories.  

Voting for Athlete of the Week runs from 10 a.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Monday each week at lexingtonchronicle.com/athleteoftheweek. To submit a nominee for consideration, email a photo and short bio to sports@lexingtonchronicle.com.

Terrance Cook

Batesburg-Leesville’s football team is winless no more.

The Panthers defeated Clinton in overtime last week, 35-28, behind a huge night from quarterback Terrance Cook. 

He made plays with his arm and legs, finishing with 169 passing yards and 112 on the ground. Cook threw four touchdown passes, including the 10-yard game-winner to Graham Pierce. 

While it’s been a rough year for Batesburg-Leesville, the sophomore has shined in moments with his dual-threat abilities. Cook will need to keep making plays if the Panthers want to turn things around in the region season. 

Hartley Hamre

Chapin volleyball’s Hartley Hamre helped the team snag a crucial win over region-leader River Bluff. 

The Eagles beat the Gators three sets to two, giving River Bluff its first conference loss of the season and pulling Chapin up the standings. 

Hartley was on fire in the setter spot, ending the match with a team-high 30 assists to go with 10 digs and three kills. The senior is used to stacking assists and has been doing so for the past three seasons as a member of the varsity team.

Thursday’s 30-assist outing against River Bluff matched the previous season-high she set earlier this month against Cardinal Newman. 

The Eagles will be back on the court this week for another region game versus White Knoll. Hartley will look to keep setting up the scorers and helping Chapin win.