Prep athletes of the week: Fun paves the way for Henry Sibley gymnast Sophie Redding

Henry Sibley • gymnastics

A lesson learned last year paved the way for a senior year to remember.

As a sophomore, Redding took first place in the vault competition at the Class 2A state meet. She carried the weight of that victory through her junior season, feeling the pressure that goes with being a state champion.

"I went into my junior year with a lot of expectations to do well, and I let it bring me down a bit," she said. "This year, I have a different mind-set."

No looking ahead. Focus on the moment. And, above all, have fun.

That attitude adjustment has led to some pretty impressive performances this season. In the Henry Sibley Invitational on Saturday, Redding posted season-high scores in the vault (9.85), the balance beam (9.65) and the all-around (38.7). Her vault and her all-around scores are the best in the state this season.

"I'm trying not to look at the bigger picture. I'm just taking every skill one at a time," she said. "I'm trying not to be nervous and mostly have fun."

And is she having fun?

"That 38.7 is the highest [all-around] score I've ever gotten in my high school career,'' she said. "It's a pretty good feeling."

Edina • hockey

The daughter of former Mr. Hockey winner Tom Chorske stood out in the Hornets' biggest game of the season, scoring two goals as defending Class 2A champs knocked off No. 1-ranked Blake 5-2.

St. Croix Lutheran • wrestling

The junior 195-pounder ran his record to 26-3 with five victories. He took first place at the Cooper Hawk Invite, his fourth tournament title of the season, and notched his 20th pin in the process.

St. Croix Lutheran • basketball

The 6-4 senior guard, who will pay football at North Dakota, helped the Crusaders improve to 12-1 by averaging a double-double — 22 points, 14 rebounds — in victories over Concordia Academy, Brooklyn Center and St. Paul Highland Park.

St. Thomas Academy • hockey

In three games, the playmaking senior forward scored three goals and added seven assists, including two goals and two assists in a 7-1 romp over North St. Paul. Matsui has picked up at least two points in seven consecutive games.

Maple Grove is 13-3 and one game out of first place in the Northwest Suburban West Conference thanks to the play of the senior guard. Last week she scored 43 points, made nine three-pointers and was an agitator on defense in victories over Blaine and Osseo.

Minneapolis Roosevelt • basketball

The 5-11 junior guard has had a hot hand. In the Teddies' past seven games, six of them victories, Sims is averaging 29 points, with a high of 41 in a victory over Cambridge-Isanti last week.

JIM PAULSEN

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