Oconto’s Becky Berth picked up five wins in a span of five days, including three no-hit shutouts. (Photo: Kent Tempus, USA TODAY Network-Wisconsin)
One no-hit shutout is an impressive individual accomplishment. Becky Berth shut down everything opposing batters tried against her, as she threw three no-hitters last week for Oconto (Wisconsin) in one of the best weeks a pitcher could possibly have in the circle. The junior made five appearances and won all five games she pitched in and struck out 49 hitters. Her performance was even more impressive considering it helped Oconto win the Packerland Conference softball title.
Berth’s dominance in the circle leads the American Family Insurance ALL-USA Performances of the Week.
Tommy Hunter, boys tennis, Hayden (Kansas)
Hunter became just the fifth tennis player from Kansas to win four straight state singles titles last week. He’s the first athlete from Topeka to accomplish the feat.
Taylor Gunesch, softball, West Salem (Oregon)
Gunesch had two great performances at the plate last week. The senior shortstop provided a significant amount of offense as she went 3-for-4 including a double with three RBIs, three runs scored and stole a base in Tuesday’s 30-2 win against North Salem. In Friday’s 13-3 loss to West Albany, Gunesch hit a three-run home run.
Branden Paul, baseball, Rocky Mountain (Colorado)
Rocky Mountain advanced to the state tournament last week, and Paul provided the clutch hitting they needed in order to win the state title. In the semifinals, Paul pinch-hit and hit a solo home run. He was even better against No. 1 Pine Creek, as he went 4-for-4 with two home runs, a double and six RBI.
Sarah Nowaski, girls swim and dive, West Hills (California)
Nowaski won her fourth straight 500m freestyle race and became the first California girl swimmer to accomplish the feat. The winning time was 4:50.10, a good seven seconds faster than the rest of the field.
Toby Burgdorf, boys lacrosse, Westfield (New Jersey)
Westfield defeated Summit in two overtimes, and Burgdorf’s clutch goal with 11 seconds left in regulation is crazy enough that it is worthy of this list. Down a goal and with no options left, Westfield’s senior goalie Burgdorf took a shot from 77 yards and the ball miraculously went in.
“It ended up rolling to the back of the net,” Burgdorf told tapinto.net. “I picked it up and looked at the clock and saw there was only a little amount of time left. So I channeled my inner Aaron Rodgers and threw it as far as I could do the field, just hoping someone could make a play on it.”
Christopher Nilsen, boys track and field, Park Hill (Missouri)
Nilsen nearly broke a national record in the pole vault as he cleared 18 feet at the Suburban Red Conference Meet. 18 feet is the best mark in the nation, and four inches off the record.
Jayson Olivares, baseball, South Amboy (New Jersey)
Olivares had a perfect week at the plate last week. The senior went 10-for-10 and scored nine runs. Olivares also hit a home run and drove in four runs.
Shey Hannum, girls track and field, Thompson Falls (Montana)
Hannum won five events last week at the District 7-B track meet. Her hurdles time of 47.50 was a personal best, and she also won the javelin throw, long jump, high jump and triple jump.
Peyton Battenfield, baseball, Verdigris (Oklahoma)
Battenfield threw seven innings of no-hit ball last week. The senior struck out 10 and came close to a perfect game, as he walked only one batter.