Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin boys basketball player Kayson Peoples takes a selfie with his teammates on Friday night.
Kassun peoples | Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin boys basketball
Why he’s Athlete of the Week… Peoples overcame Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin’s 64-53 win over Oakwood on Dec. 12 for 25 points, helping the Blue Devils improve to 8-2 on the season. BHRA’s offense has scored 50 or more points in all but one game this season, thanks in large part to Peoples, who also scored 17 points in a 74-36 win over Cessna Park on Dec. 5.
From Peoples… “I saw the script and then when I read it my coach told me about it and it was a double surprise. I was blown away. I was honored.”
The TV I can watch over and over again is… The Flash, I’ve watched it since I was little.
My favorite genre of music/artist is…rap and roadwave, it kind of speaks to the soul.
If I could have any superpower, it would be… teleportation, so I can be in two places at once and get to places faster.
My favorite sport other than basketball is… I like watching football.
My favorite sports team is… DePaul women’s basketball.
My favorite basketball memory is… winning the state title in 8th grade. It’s been a long week and it snowed for the first game. So we had to wait a while longer and when we finally arrived and won the title, everyone went crazy and our fans stormed the stadium and it was a great time.
My most embarrassing football memory is…missing a wide open layup.
Before the game… While riding the bus or car there, I listen to music. I didn’t talk a lot or eat a lot before, I just listen to music and think about the game plan and then in the locker room, I stretch and talk to myself and think straight.
After the game…I like to sleep and talk to my sister and family about the game.
In five years…I hope to see myself still involved in basketball, whether that be professionally, coaching, or just helping out locally.
Honorable mentions… Jaden Schilp, Centennial boys basketball; Trenton Montez, Hoopeston Area boys basketball; Gavin Schunk, Milford basketball; Bess Bomba, St. Thomas More boys basketball; and Eric Maibach, Unity boys basketball.
Cassie Sisk, Arcola, during a Faces of Winter photo shoot for the News-Gazette in Champaign on Sunday, November 12, 2023.
Cassie Sisk | Arcola girls basketball
Why she’s Athlete of the Week… Sisk held off Tri-County’s Arcola on Dec. 10 for 27 points, giving the Purple Raiders (6-3) an important win in Lincoln Prairie Conference play in their fourth matchup. Winning in five attempts. Sisk is averaging 22 points and 10 rebounds per game over Arcola’s first nine contests.
From Cesc… “I was shocked. I felt good. I was on a bus trip (for our match against Heritage), then I got the text and then my coach told me when we got to the game. I was shocked when I found out and I feel grateful.”
The TV show I can watch over and over again is… Coco, it’s a good movie and I absolutely love watching it.
My favorite genre of music/artist is…country, and my favorite artist is SZA.
If I could have any superpower, it would be… maybe super speed, so I can run fast.
My favorite sport other than basketball is…softball.
My favorite sports team is the Dallas Cowboys.
My favorite basketball memories are… When we won the conference championship in junior high, the celebration was unforgettable.
My most embarrassing memory in basketball is… I fall down a lot, so it’s probably one of those moments.
Before the game…me and my teammates, we play music that helps us switch off and then we talk to my teammates while we shoot.
After the game…I’ll go to Dairy Queen and get a little piece of Blizzard’s chocolate chip cookie dough.
In five years… I’ll be in college getting an education, but I’m not sure what I want to do yet.
Honorable mentions…Josie Armstrong, Tri-County girls basketball; Addison Lochte, Cessna Park girls basketball; Kendall Roberts, Georgetown-Ridge Farm girls basketball; Jubella Crafton, Villa Grove girls basketball; and Hayley Simpson, Cerro Gordo Pimente girls basketball.
This week, the spotlight is on two exceptional athletes who have been making headlines for their outstanding performances on the field. Peoples and Cesc have been dominating their respective sports and making a name for themselves with their exceptional skills and relentless determination. However, their success has not come without its fair share of controversy, as both athletes have recently been at the center of heated debates due to their controversial statements and behavior. Despite the backlash, there’s no denying the undeniable talent and determination of these two athletes, making them worthy contenders for the title of Athletes of the Week.