High School Stars Shine in June Awards

Readers on the city’s online portal chose this month’s standout athletes from local high schools, covering performances up to the end of May. Winners can now download and print their own certificates from a shared link, and they’re encouraged to send a photo of the award in use for the newspaper’s gallery. The honors span several sports. In big‑school baseball, a team from Elder claimed the district title after decisive wins over Hamilton and Beavercreek. The small‑school division saw Roger Bacon take the championship with a perfect 11‑0 win over Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy and another victory against Benjamin Logan. Across state lines, Campbell County dominated the 10th Region tournament with three consecutive shutouts. Softball accolades include Taylor reaching the regional finals after a narrow 10‑9 win against River Valley, and Highlands claiming the Ninth Region crown by defeating Conner, Notre Dame, and Ryle. Mariemont’s lacrosse squads excelled in spring play: the boys beat Indian Hill and Fenwick to secure the Region 8 championship, while the girls outscored Wyoming and Indian Hill in their own regional title run.Individual performances highlighted key players. Caleb McComas of Elder pitched a complete‑game shutout in the district final, while Caleb Goldston of La Salle delivered a double‑hit game in a playoff win. Jay Race from Scott threw effective innings in the 10th Region tournament and earned all‑tournament honors. In lacrosse, Vince Fiorina of Mariemont scored ten goals across regional play, and Piper Farrell added five to lead the girls’ team past Indian Hill. Morgan Raugh of Taylor produced a game‑tying single that helped her squad rally to victory. Other sports saw notable moments: Sophia Gerkin of Notre Dame Academy hit a double and drove in two runs in a Ninth Region opener; Blake Hussey reached the state finals in boys’ singles tennis, and his partner duo made the semifinals. Track and field stars included Isaac Menke winning a hurdles title with a new personal best, Natalie Niese taking third in shot put, and Parker Povse of Fenwick leading his volleyball team with impressive stats over six sets. The newspaper has shifted from mailing certificates to providing digital copies, responding to families’ concerns about delivery. Certificates will be available by morning the Monday after a win through a public Dropbox link, and families can submit photos of their awards to the newsroom.