Prep athletes of the week: Wenzel set table for Chaska title

The senior setter roamed around the Xcel Energy Center floor early Saturday evening following Chaska's three-set romp over Eagan in the Class 3A volleyball championship match, clutching a yellow flower given to her in the celebratory aftermath.

She, like so many of her teammates, was soaking up the atmosphere and receiving congratulations from Chaska fans who also felt no urgency to leave.

Wenzel conducted the Hawks' talented offense almost flawlessly, registering 137 set assists and 28 digs. "This is indescribeable, it feels so good," she said.

While most of the team played together on a national championship-winning Junior Olympic club team in the summer of 2013, Wenzel said this championship was more satisfying.

"Winning the high school state tournament feels a lot better," she said. "You're doing it for your school and the whole community comes out to support you. I just love this team."

Running Simley's veer-option offense to perfection, the senior quarterback paced the Spartans to a 44-20 victory over Sartell in the Class 5A quarterfinals. Busch rushed 24 times for 168 yards and a touchdown and complete two of three passes for 63 yards.

The Panthers rolled over Faribault 43-19 in the Class 5A quarterfinals with Carrington, a junior tailback, leading the way. He rushed for 217 yards — his second 200-yard-plus effort in his past three games — and scored three touchdowns, including an 81-yarder.

Only a seventh-grader, Smith won the 100 butterfly in a time of 55.42 and the 100 backstroke in 54.69 at the Class 2A, Section 2 meet at Prior Lake's Hidden Oaks Middle School. Both times were pool and meet records and also national records for her 12-yard-old age group.

FRANCESCA TINUCCI

The senior, who committed to Siena College last month, had four first-place finishes in leading the Pioneers to the Section 4 team title. She won the 100 and 200 freestyles and swam on the winning 200 and 400 freestyle relays.

The sophomore forward spent much of the first two games of the season making her teammates look good. She was credited with seven assists in victories over St. Paul United and North St. Paul. She wasn't completely selfless, however, adding three goals of her own.

JIM PAULSEN