The Capital Gazette is honoring one boys and one girls high school student-athlete each week as Athletes of the Week. To submit nominations, email kfominykh@baltsun.com or direct message @capgazsports on Instagram by Saturday evening.
Boys athlete of the week
Malik Washington, Spalding, football
The Cavaliers earned their third-straight Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference title, 31-7, on Saturday behind their senior quarterback. The Maryland commit tossed 11-for-20 for 119 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed three times for 23 yards and a 13-yard touchdown.
“He deserves everything he gets,” Spalding coach Kyle Schmitt said. “He’s a leader. He’s a phenomenal kid. He’s gonna do great things and I’m just thrilled I was part of it for four years.”
Girls athlete of the week
Maria Bragg, Severna Park, soccer
Two goals scored back-to-back in the Class 3A state final on Thursday shut the door on any possibility of a Towson comeback. The junior also “worked tirelessly,” per coach Rick Stimpson, to bring possessions back to Severna Park time and time again.
“She picked the biggest game of the season to have her best performance of the year,” Stimpson said, “which is what great players do.”