Athletes of the Week Sept. 29

Paige Ballinger

Sussex Academy eighth-grader Paige Ballinger's 5K time of 18:49.1 came within 5.4 seconds of tying Indian River's two-time state champion Brynn Crandell during a quad-meet at IR Sept. 27. Her 6:03 mile pace was just two seconds behind the 2022-23 Delaware Gatorade Player of the Year’s time. Ballinger said she was excited and nervous, but glad she had Crandell to pace her for the whole race. Ballinger has played soccer her whole life, but began running cross country in sixth grade. It's no wonder numbers are friendly to her, as math is her favorite subject. When not running with friends or studying, she plays travel ball soccer for Delaware Football Club.

GT Curtis

Junior GT Curtis is a first-year starter at offensive tackle and defensive end. GT played some defensive end last year in a backup role, and he has really developed into a solid offensive tackle. “He can play on both sides of the ball, but filled a void on offense that was greatly needed,” said Cape coach Mike Frederick. He is working to improve his technique. Frederick said he has strong upper body strength and is a surprisingly good athlete for someone his size. “He is his own worst critic. A perfectionist,” Frederick said. “[We’re] working on freeing him up to just maul guys in front of him.” Frederick said the offensive line group seems inseparable, and they all have embraced their role of being linemen. 

Brenn Scott

Brenn is a two-sport elite athlete and a two-year captain of the football team, as voted by his peers. Coach Mike Frederick said Brenn is a tireless worker who starts on both sides of the ball. “[He’s] a punishing run blocker with the athletic ability to line up in the slot and be a factor running routes,” Frederick said. “This is a rare combination in high school.” Scott is a tight end on offense, and plays both linebacker and defensive end in different defensive fronts. “[He] will make plays from sideline to sideline and plays with power in the box,” Frederick said. Brenn blocked a punt on special teams against Lake Forest as well. Brenn is also a catcher on the baseball team. “He can play either [sport] in college, but I think he prefers football,” said baseball coach Ben Evick.

Rileigh Wilson

Rileigh Wilson has crossed the Delaware River to the Jersey side and is playing volleyball for Stockton University. Last year, she was on the squad at Florida Southern College, playing for the Division II Moccasins (redshirt). It wasn’t a good fit, so the high flier is now soaring over the net and killing it for the Ospreys of Stockton. Rileigh, listed as a 6-foot-1 freshman, had 13 kills and two blocks in a 3-1 NJAC opening win over Rowan. Stockton won for the sixth time in the last seven matches. Rileigh missed some early games due to injury, but still has 68 kills on the season. Stockton, a Division III school, is scheduled for home games Sept. 30 versus Widener and Mount Saint Vincent.