Winter sports were back full-time last week with many teams around Lexington County playing multiple contests to make up what was missed the week before. 

With more games came more big performances and contenders for Athlete of the Week. This week’s winners represent Pelion and White Knoll and filled the stat sheet on the basketball court. 

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.

Kolton Rogers

Pelion’s Kolton Rogers won Athlete of the Week after leading the Panthers to three key region wins.

Rogers had a double-double in two of the games and led the team in scoring during all three. He started the week with 13 points, six rebounds, five steals and three blocks in a win over American Leadership. 

The junior followed that with a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double against Strom Thurmond. He ended the week with 18 points, 13 rebounds, three steals and three blocks against Ninety Six. 

The Panthers ended last week 4-2 in region games and moved into a four-way tie for first place with Batesburg-Leesville, Strom Thurmond and Saluda. The team will play all three teams consecutively starting this Tuesday against Saluda. 

Shaelyn Hayes

Shaelyn Hayes won Athlete of the Week after helping White Knoll defeat River Bluff and staying on pace with Lexington and Dutch Fork in the race for the 5A Region 4 title. 

Hayes had a near triple-double in the game, recording 14 points, 17 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a block. Hayes leads White Knoll in points, rebounds, assists and steals this season and is second in blocks. She is averaging a double-double and shooting over 50% from the floor. 

White Knoll started this week with a crucial region game against Dutch Fork. The team will end this week with a road test against Irmo before a rematch against Lexington early next week. 

Hayes’ production has White Knoll in a good position during this final stretch. If it continues, it could put the Timberwolves in a spot to contend for a region and state championship.