The athletes that typically lead this column are ones who show incredible versatility. Trevor Pedersen, a senior pitcher for Bonduel (Wis.), showed exactly that in a win over Weyauwega-Fremont last week. Pedersen threw a no-hit shutout and struck out 15 batters. Pedersen helped out on offense as well, driving in two runs.
Pedersen’s performance leads the American Family Insurance ALL-USA Performances of the Week.
The rest of the performances of the week as spring sports continue around the nation:
R.J. Gordon, baseball, Wooster (Nevada)
Hitting for the cycle is one of the rarest feats a player can achieve in baseball. In fact, it is incredibly rare for a professional baseball player to have more than three cycles in their career. Adrian Beltre co-holds the record with three in his career, shared with Bob Meusel, Babe Herman and John Reilly (Reilly played for the Cincinnati Red Stockings…in 1883).
Gordon pulled that feat off AND hit a grand slam in a 16-6 win over McQueen. He followed the performance up with a 3-for-4 outing with two RBIs in a 13-12 loss to Manogue on Thursday.
Mary Pardo, softball, Blaine (Minnesota)
Pardo, a sophomore, went 4-for-4 at the plate in 18-1 win over Ironsdale on Tuesday. Pardo hit two home runs and drove in four runs.
Jake Tomcheck, baseball, Resurrection Christian (Colorado)
The left-handed pitcher pounded the strike zone and it paid off as Tomcheck threw a five-inning perfect game in a 13-0 win over Denver Christian. Tomcheck struck out 13 of the 15 batters he faced and only had one three-ball count.
Kaya Aydogmus, boys track and field, Ida Baker (Florida)
Ida Baker won their first team district crown in four years, and it would have been difficult to do so without the contribution of Aydogmus. He posted a personal best discus (158 feet) and also won the shot put (52-4) at the District 3A-11 championships on April 20.
Holly Azevedo, softball, Pioneer (California)
Azevedo was a force in the circle last week, as she struck out 16 batters and allowed just one hit in a 7-0 win over Sobrato.
Jordan Mitchell, girls lacrosse, Tualatin (Oregon)
The junior was impressive in two games last week, scoring seven goals apiece. Mitchell leads the state with 48 goals in 10 games this year.
Amanda Manssen, softball, McHenry (Illinois)
The senior powered McHenry’s offense last week, as she drove in 12 runs in four games. Manssen is hitting .434 this year with six doubles, three homers and a team-leading 30 RBI.
Noah West, baseball, Westerville Central (Ohio)
West, an Ohio State commit, showed off why he’ll be playing D1 baseball last week. The shortstop went 9-for-18 with three doubles, two triples and a home run and drove in 15 runs over the course of several games last week: doubleheader sweeps of Hilliard Bradley and Brunswick, and a victory over Canal Winchester.
Morgan Henry, softball, Washburn Rural (Kansas)
Henry helped out on offense and defense last week, going 10-for-16 at the plate with six RBI, three doubles, one triple and two stolen bases. On defense, Morgan recorded eight putouts and 16 assists without an error.