Baseball, lacrosse stars score big, earn Athlete of the Week

As April begins, many spring sports seasons are nearing an end. With just a few weeks left of regular season contests, the push towards the postseason is starting as teams look to reach their best form.

Many local stars are stepping up and delivering to help keep their teams near the top of the standings. This round of Athlete of the Week winners poured on points in region wins to keep their teams in the championship conversation. 

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.

Banks Alexander

It was a big week for River Bluff baseball freshman Banks Alexander. His production from the plate helped the Gators win all three of their games and improve to (11-1) overall this season. 

River Bluff started the week with two wins over cross-county rival Irmo. Alexander finished those games with a combined five for eight from the plate and had five RBIs. In game two of the series, he hit a walk-off three-run homer to left field, giving the Gators a 7-5 victory. 

Alexander had a less productive game from the plate against Midland Valley, finishing one for four. However, his one hit resulted in the game’s lone RBI and put River Bluff on top 1-0. He also had two stolen bases. 

The Gators have been one of the best teams in Lexington County through the first few weeks of the season. Alexander has proven to be a key player on the team after quickly adapting in his first year of varsity baseball.  

Lily Sundell

Lexington junior Lily Sundell led Lexington to a crucial region win over Lexington as the lacrosse season begins to wind down. 

Chapin and Lexington were fighting for the top spot in the region standings after entering their meeting unbeaten. The Wildcats gained an edge in the region title race after defeating Chapin 17-6, thanks in part to Sundell’s play. 

She scored five goals and added two assists to account for seven of the team’s 17 goals. She also won 18 of her 26 draw attempts to gain her team extra possessions. 

Sundell leads Lexington in goals and assists this season, averaging almost five and three per game. Lexington is looking to end the year strong and finish the region race on top. Sundell’s continued success could help the team do just that.