Three games of his very best

TARELL CLARK

Burnsville, basketball

Many good games dot Clark's résumé, but he admitted he had never had a stretch like the one he had last week.

Going back to Jan. 11, Clark had 33 or more points in three consecutive games -- 107 total -- and grabbed 39 rebounds. He also used his speed to pick up 22 steals in victories over Bloomington Jefferson and Rosemount and a 78-72 overtime thriller over Eastview.

"I thought after the Eastview game, 'Wow. I can't believe this is really happening,'" Clark said.

The key, said Burnsville coach Doug Boe, is Clark's commitment to defense. "He runs and jumps and plays defense so well," Boe said. "He is the hardest worker in practice, and it pays off on the court."

"Defense is my favorite thing," Clark said. "I discovered in seventh grade that I liked it. ... I use my speed to get as many steals as I can."

KATE BACON

Benilde-St. Margaret's, hockey

The senior forward, who will play at Providence next year, had four goals and one assist in a 10-0 victory over Cooper and had three goals and three assists in a 13-0 rout of St. Louis Park.

MATT ELLENBERGER

South Suburban, adapted floor hockey

Now in his sixth season as a varsity athlete, Ellenberger, who attends Edina, showed senior leadership. He scored three goals in a 6-2 victory over Minneapolis South and five goals in an 8-6 victory over Hudson (Wis.).

KAYLA HULSEBUS

St. Croix Lutheran, basketball

The freshman guard in her first varsity season has been playing like a veteran, leading the Crusaders to five consecutive victories. Last week she scored 56 points and had nine steals, eight rebounds and eight assists as they beat St. Agnes 83-31 and Visitation 67-53.

REED KILDOW

Apple Valley, Alpine ski racing

Kildow, a senior, continues the strong tradition of his family (sister Lindsey is an Olympian). Friday he survived subzero cold and a lengthy scoring delay to emerge with the Squad One title at the Welch Invitational, the largest high school meet in the nation.

CASEY MCMULLEN

Minneapolis Novas, hockey

A varsity forward since eighth grade and a team captain since 10th, McMullen, now a senior, is the Novas' leader on and off the ice. Last week she had two goals and an assist in a 3-1 victory over St. Paul Blades and scored both goals in a 2-1 victory over Visitation/SPA on Saturday in game that was played outdoors.

MATT ZAGER

Shakopee, basketball

The senior guard has been consistently good all season, but he was exceptional last week. He scored 31 points in an 88-76 victory over Concordia of Roseville, 17 in a 62-58 victory over Red Wing and 28 points in leading a rally past St. Louis Park 64-59.

CECILY SOLEM

Henry Sibley, gymnastics

The junior has made a splash since moving from club gymnastics. Last week she swept all four events in a victory over North St. Paul, posting a 38.65 all-around score and a metro-best 9.875 on the balance beam.

JIM PAULSEN