School: Crownpoint High
Name: McKenzie Tsosie
Sport: Football
Grade: Sophomore
McKenzie finished the season as the Eagles’ starting quarterback after their original starting quarterback was injured. He led the offense as well as the defense as a starting linebacker. McKenzie understands both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball really well. He has a high Football IQ for only being a sophomore. He gets along with his teammates, and they know they can rely on him.
School: Miyamura High
Name: Sean Spolar
Sport: Soccer
Grade: Senior
Sean, while on defense, controlled the midfield during district play applying pressure on the opponents. He assisted the team, denying their opponents the ability to cross midfield and take shots on goal at will. His performance resulted in Sean being recognized twice as the MaxPreps Player of the Game. Through Sean’s contributions, the Patriots went undefeated in district play as they won their second consecutive district title. Throughout the season, Sean recorded 29 steals, a goal and three assists in addition to being credited a game winning goal. Sean played five years on the varsity team and will be missed.
School: Ramah High
Name: Aleeya Lambson
Sport: Cross Country
Grade: Senior
Aleeya always has a positive attitude during cross country, she works really hard, and is always ready to lead a cheer with the Varsity girls. Aleeya worked really hard to prepare for the district Cross Country meet on and off the course. She studied the competing team rosters and times in order to set a personal goal to qualify for state. She met her goal and qualified to represent the Mustangs in the State Cross Country meet.
School: Tohatchi High
Name: Briley Dauphinais
Sport: Cross Country
Grade: Senior
Briley is a great student athlete. He always has an upbeat and positive attitude that is contagious when people are around him. He is a leader on his Cross Country team and in the classroom. Briley competed at the district meet Nov. 4 in Newcomb, New Mexico, and finished in first place. He became the District 1AAA Champion, won the MVP for the boys’ side, and helped his team to a third place finish.
School: Tse’ Yi’ Gai High
Name: Paitience Cayaditto
Sport: Volleyball
Grade: Freshman
Paitience was chosen by her coach as this week’s star athlete because she was willing to step in and fill a role outside of her normal play. As a freshman, she takes on challenges and exceeds expectations, both during practice and during games. Her willingness to be a team player, work hard, and go above and beyond expectations is why Paitience is this week’s Tse’ Yi’ Gai’s Star Athlete.