Athletes of the week

JOEY BENIK

St. Francis, hockey

The junior forward knows the good times could come to an end soon. For now, though, Benik is content to enjoy the ride.

In the Saints' only game last week, Benik scored five goals and added an assist in a 12-1 rout of Meadow Creek Christian. It was Benik's second five-goal game of the season and added to his metro-leading goal total of 22.

His scoring touch, along with the goaltending of his twin brother, Andy, is a big reason why the Saints have jumped out to an 8-1 record to start the season.

"I think we've got good chemistry on this team," he said. "Not just on the ice but off of it. A lot of us juniors and seniors get together and skate outside of practice."

While the season has been an enjoyable surprise so far -- " I never expected to be doing this well," Benik admitted - he knows that the tough North Suburban Conference season will be a more realistic test of the Saints talents.

MELISSA BORSTNER

St. Francis, basketball

The 5-7 junior guard has done a little bit of everything in helping the Saints to a 7-0 start. In two victories last week she scored 41 points (making 15 of 29 shots), had 14 assists, 13 rebounds and 12 steals.

CHRIS BREUER

St. Croix Lutheran, basketball

The 6-5 forward led the Crusaders to the championship of their own holiday tournament last week, scoring 31 points in back-to-back victories over Minneapolis Roosevelt and Hill-Murray.

MOLLY DEUHN

Burnsville, basketball

After a slow start, the Blaze has won four in a row and five of six, thanks in large part to the play of the senior guard. Last week she scored 31 points -- her second 30-point game of the season -- in an 80-39 rout of Owatonna.

SAM DOWER

Osseo, basketball

The 6-9 senior forward is beginning to live up to the potential people have seen in him. After a 12-day hiatus, the Orioles beat Buffalo 74-57 behind a career-high 32 points from Dower, who signed with Gonzaga in November.

MEGAN GILBERT

Andover, hockey

The Huskies rallied to beat North St. Paul 4-3 behind three third-period goals, including the game-winner at 15:12, from the senior forward. She also scored the tying goal in the final minute in a 2-2 tie with Coon Rapids.

PAUL YOUNG

Lakeville North, swimming

The defending Class 2A state champion in the backstroke had three first-place finishes at the Apple Valley Invitational, winning the 100 backstroke and the 200 individual medley and swimming the lead leg on the 200 medley relay team.

SALLY KOMAREK

Blake, hockey

The senior winger scored three goals and added four assists as the Bears ran their record to 11-0 with victories over Cretin-Derham Hall and the St. Paul Blades. Komarek has scored a goal in each of the Bears' 11 games.

JIM PAULSEN