Prep athletes of the week: Mahtomedi running back Anderson embodies team's success

Mahtomedi • football

For the second consecutive game, the senior running back rushed for more than 200 yards and scored four touchdowns. Anderson gained 211 yards on 25 carries and scored on runs of 5, 19, 6 and 4 yards as the Zephyrs took a big first-half lead and cruised past Minneapolis Washburn 42-21 in the Class 5A, Section 4 semifinals Saturday.

Going back to the regular season, the 5-10, 160-pound Anderson has rushed for 690 yards and eight touchdowns in his past three games.

"He's been doing a real nice job of setting up his blocks," Zephyrs coach Dave Muetzel said. "He's been seeing the field very well and does a nice job hitting the hole when he sees an opening."

Muetzel said his team is starting to round into shape at the right time after having to replace all but two starters from the 2016 team. Anderson's success, he said, is a byproduct of the improving execution and cohesiveness of the entire team.

"We've got a group of guys who, in general, are playing well," Muetzel said. "The guys on the line are doing their jobs and that blends in with Brandon having success. Slowly, this team has come around."

GRACE ANETIPA

The senior setter helped the Raiders to a victory over South St. Paul in the Class 3A, Section 3 playoffs with 19 set assists, 16 digs and 100 percent efficiency from the attack line. She added eight assists and 10 digs in a subsequent loss to East Ridge in the quarterfinals.

Wayzata • soccer

The sophomore forward provided all the offense the Trojans needed in a 3-0 Class 2A quarterfinal victory over St. Michael-Albertville, scoring all three goals. Her first came with eight minutes left in the first half and she added goals 15 minutes apart in the second half.

North Branch • soccer

One year after the Vikings lost 7-1 to Mankato West in the Class 1A state tournament quarterfinals, the junior forward helped them gain a measure of revenge. She scored two goals in the second half to lift North Branch to a 2-1 victory over the Scarlets and into the state semifinals.

The junior, who had moved up to No. 5 in the last Class 2A state rankings, showed why by winning the 2A, Section 3 championship by a comfortable margin. He ran the 5K in 15:49.4 at Valleywood Golf Course in Apple Valley to lead in the Irish to their eighth consecutive berth in the state meet.

Minnetonka • volleyball

After her team endured a streak of four consecutive losses near the end of the season, the 6-3 senior middle hitter has helped the put the Skippers back on track. Lannom has racked up 20 kills in three consecutive matches, including a three-set victory over Waconia in the Class 3A, Section 2 playoffs.

Lakeville North • football

Nelson is listed as a wide receiver, but the 5-10, 170-pound sophomore was nearly unstoppable as a ball carrier in a 42-14 victory over Buffalo. He rushed 23 times for 141 yards and scored the Panthers' first four touchdowns. In his past two games, Nelson has 289 yards rushing.

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