Athletes of the week

EDI BECERRA

Minneapolis Southwest, soccer

When he arrived at Southwest four years ago, Becerra did not talk much.

Having moved from the Los Angeles area when he was in junior high school, Becerra was a relative unknown in the Southwest program.

"He was painfully shy," coach Jamie Plaisance said. "He came to us as a freshman and we had no idea who he was at tryouts, but he was dominant in scrimmages."

Fast-forward four years. Now established as one of the top midfielders in the state, Becerra has grown, both on and off the field. Last week, he scored the game-winning goal with four minutes left in regulation in a 3-1 victory over Minneapolis South and added two goals in a victory over Minneapolis Henry. Becerra has at least two points in five of the Lakers' six games this season.

"He's one of the top two players in Class AA," Plaisance said. "He isn't shy anymore. Now he's a high-energy, fun-loving and inspirational leader."

MITCH HALLSTROM

Eden Prairie, football

The senior showed why he's considered one of the top defensive backs in the state in the Eagles' 50-14 romp over Chaska. Hallstrom picked off three passes and returned two for TDs. He has four interceptions this season.

BEN KREBSBACH

Benilde-St. Margaret's, football

Krebsbach, a senior, has started only two games at quarterback for the Red Knights, but he played like a seasoned veteran against Totino-Grace on Friday. He completed 20 passes for 379 yards and five touchdowns in a 48-44 loss.

ANTHONY OSIFUYE

Woodbury, football

The Royals did not miss a beat when top running back Lamonte Edwards went down with an ankle injury in their 34-26 victory over Park. Osifuye stepped in for Edwards and rushed 24 times for 227 yards and four touchdowns.

LAUREN DIGREGORIO

Burnsville, soccer

Of the 14 goals scored by the 5-1 Blaze this season, the senior forward has scored 10 of them. Last week she had two goals in a 3-1 victory over Lakeville South and four in a 6-1 rout of Owatonna.

DANIELLE DREIER

Shakopee, soccer

After a slow start to the week (a 3-0 loss to Minnetonka on Tuesday) Dreier, a junior goalkeeper, got hot, posting back-to-back shutouts in victories over Farmington and Waconia. She has blanked five of seven opponents this season.

NATALIE WALSETH

Simley, volleyball

The senior middle hitter led the Spartans to five victories in six matches last week. She posted 97 kills, 48 digs, 14 ace serves and 12 blocks. Walseth is third in the metro with 130 kills.