rivereast Standout Athletes of the Week

East Hampton senior cheerleading captain Emma Lanzi with head coach Alexa Paddock (right) and assistant coach Kate Adams during Senior Night on Jan. 22

Here are the Rivereast Standout Athletes of the Week for the Week of Jan. 17-23:
           
Emma Lanzi – East Hampton High School (Cheerleading): Lanzi, who is a captain and the only senior on the Bellringers cheer squad, was recognized on Senior Night at East Hampton High School last week. She has been cheering for a decade, starting with the East Hampton Hawks youth cheer at the age of seven. Lanzi, who has also played softball at the high school, said she approached this year knowing she would be the leader, adding, “The best part about our cheer team is how close we all got and we have become like sisters. Sometimes I feel as if I am like a mom to them.”           
           
Sarah West - RHAM High School (Basketball): West scored a game-high 18 points as the Raptors ripped through Rocky Hill 69-39 on Jan. 18. The junior then had 20 of the team’s 33 points, including a half-court shot to beat the third quarter buzzer, in the following game against Conard on Jan. 21. In the two games, West also combined for 16 rebounds, 10 blocks, seven assists, and five steals.  
           
Ashton Oakliff - Portland High School (Wrestling): Oakliff won all four of his matches as Portland hosted a multi-school meet on Jan. 22. The senior was one of four Highlander wrestlers to win all four matches, joining Andrew Johnson, Spencer Rosado, and Griffin Shafer. Owen Brunk and Ethan Dean each won three of four matches. 
            E
lijah Black - Bacon Academy High School (Basketball): Black scored 20 points as the Bobcats downed Norwich Tech 62-46 on Jan. 20. The junior had help from senior Quinn Johnson, who added 15 points in the victory. It was the team’s second victory in a row, also beating Griswold (50-44) on Jan. 18 behind 11 points from Sam Blumberger and Ryan Claffey’s nine-point, 15-rebound performance.   
           
​To nominate someone for an Athlete of the Week or with any questions or comments on sports-related topics, email Josh Howard at joshhowardsports@gmail.com