Vermont's Winter Sports Stars: Who's Making Waves?

Vermont's high school sports scene is buzzing with talent this winter. Fans are getting a say in who shines brightest, with voting open for the top girls' athlete of the week. This isn't just any vote; it's a chance for the public to cheer on their favorites and maybe even discover new ones. Voting is simple. Head over to burlingtonfreepress. com to cast your vote. No emails or social media posts will be counted, so make sure to vote online. The clock is ticking, though. Voting starts on Monday, Dec. 22, and wraps up at 9 p. m. on Friday, Dec. 26. Winners will be announced the very next day, Saturday, Dec. 27, so stay tuned. Want to nominate someone for next week? Send an email to sports@burlingtonfreepress. com with the subject line "Athletes of the Week nomination. " It's a great way to give a deserving athlete some recognition. This week's girls' nominees are a mix of fresh faces and seasoned stars. Kayla Cisse, a sophomore forward from South Burlington, is making waves with her scoring prowess. She dropped 29 points over two games, including a career-high 22 in a big win against Enosburg. Bayleigh Clark, a senior guard from Rice, is another standout. She scored 38 points over two games, helping her team snap a staggering 42-game losing streak. That's a huge deal and a testament to her skill and leadership.Amelia Rockwood, a junior guard from Windsor, is also making her mark. She's helping the reigning Division III champions start the season strong with a 3-0 record. Rockwood scored 44 points in total, with a season-high 19 in a dominant win against Mount Anthony. Leah Schut, a freshman from Chittenden Charge, is proving that age doesn't matter. She's contributing with three goals and one assist, helping her team to a 1-1 record. Her performance in a 7-2 victory over Harwood is particularly impressive. Robin Tashijan, a senior from Burr and Burton, is a track and field sensation. She won four events at the Chip Langmaid Invitational, setting a personal best in the 300-meter dash. Her long jump of 16 feet, 3. 25 inches is also noteworthy. Peyton Thompson, a gymnast from St. Johnsbury, is another standout. She tied for first in the all-around at the Hilltoppers meet, scoring a impressive 33. 3. Her performance on the bars and floor is particularly notable. Lastly, Zoe Zanleoni, a senior from Hartford, is leading her hockey team to victory. She scored five goals in three games, including a hat trick in a 7-0 win against Rutland. Her contribution is crucial to her team's success.