According to a release, Knox College extended its winning streak to four games with a pair of victories, and Nayeli Nidez Acuña (Sunnyside) played a big role in those wins. First, she poured in a season-high 26 points on 11-of-16 field goals and 4-of-5 at the foul line, with 21 of those 26 points coming in the second half when the Prairie Fire turned a 42-all tie at the half into an 84-69 win vs Illinois College.

Then at Beloit, she was one of five players to score in double figures with 10 points, plus added six rebounds, three assists and three steals with only one turnover as Knox cruised to an 84-48 triumph. She was named MWC Performer of the Week for her efforts.

Former Salpointe standout Lathan Ransom was give the highest grade in the nation for his run defense (93.5) by PFF. Ransom was part of the Ohio State championship team.

We missed two awards from last year with former Catalina Foothills basketball standout Nigel Wilson earned two Player of the Week honors competing for Bellevue University. Wilson was named North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) Defensive Player of the Week in November on 2024 and again in late December. Wilson, a senior, still has eligibility due to his first two years being at the junior college level.

This list will be updated all year in an effort to recognize all former local prep stars who have gone on to win either academic and/or athletic awards at the next level. These are not high school awards but collegiate and professional recognitions.

Nayeli Nidez Acuña/Basketball
Sunnyside/Knox College
MWC Performer of the Week (1/21)

Lathan Ransom/Football
Salpointe/Ohio State
PFF Highest Graded Run Defender (1/17)

Bryce Cotton/Basketball
Palo Verde/Perth Wildcats
Game 23 MVP (1/16)
Game 22 MVP (1/15)
Game 21 MVP (1/6)

Devyn Netz/Softball
Ironwood Ridge/Arizona
D1Softball Top 100 (1/13)

Bria Medina/Basketball
Salpointe Knox College
MWC Performer of the Week (1/12)

Wes Ball/Basketball
Marana/Pima
ACCAC Player of the Week (1/9)

Bruno Fina/Football
Salpointe/Duke
CSC Academic All-District (1/7)

Dylan Cook/Football
Ironwood Ridge/Morehead State
CSC Academic All-District (1/7)

Tyler Mustain/Football
Pusch Ridge/Arizona
CSC Academic All-District (1/7)