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Quincy’s Bierlink, Royal’s Villa recognized by WIAA

HERALD SPORTS STAFF | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 10 months AGO
by HERALD SPORTS STAFF
Herald Sports Staff | January 25, 2024 3:34 PM

COLUMBIA BASIN — Two Basin athletes received Athlete of the Week awards from the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association on Thursday; Quincy sophomore Pierce Bierlink and Royal senior Emma Villa.

Villa, a wrestler for the Knights, has carried an unbeaten record of 28-0 throughout the 2023-34 season. Having previously been a state runner-up in 2022 and placing third in 2023, Villa aims to continue her trend of placing in the top three at the Mat Classic this year.

The senior frequently spends time after practice helping her teammates make weight or assist in helping them with a difficult move.

Bierlink, a member of the Jackrabbit boys basketball team, scored 41 points in Quincy’s 100-30 win over Cascade (Leavenworth) on Jan. 16, recording eight points and five rebounds as well. In the win, 33 of Bierlink’s 41 points came off of three-pointers — his 11 three-pointers are the second most in a single game in Quincy history.

In a Jan. 18 game against Cashmere, Bierlink recorded a double-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and four steals.

Editor's note: The WIAA athletes of the week and the Basin athletes of the week are selected by different groups. WIAA selected the athletes noted above from throughout Washington, while the Basin athletes are selected locally.

    Royal senior Emma Villa, in black, works to get her opponent on her back at the 2023 Mat Classic.
 
 


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