ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

BOYS

Chad Caldwell

SCHOOL: Ventura

SPORT: Water polo

YEAR: Senior

SEASON AT A GLANCE: Caldwell has helped the Cougars (11-0) become a Channel League favorite and the top-ranked team in Southern Section Division IV. After opening the season ranked second, Ventura won the Thousand Oaks tournament, defeating top-ranked Righetti in the final.

WEEK AT A GLANCE: Caldwell scored four of Ventura’s first five goals in an 11-8 victory over Righetti in the championship game of the Buena tournament, on his way to being selected most valuble player. He scored three goals in a 12-8 semifinal victory over Arroyo Grande.

GIRLS

Brooke Niles

SCHOOL: Calabasas

SPORT: Volleyball

YEAR: Senior

SEASON AT A GLANCE: Niles has helped the Coyotes, ranked No. 3 in the region, to a 6-0 start. An outside hitter who had a .620 hitting percentage last season, Niles also possesses superb defensive skills. “And she’s smart, to boot,” Calabasas Coach Dave Arone said. “Half the time, she sees things out there before I do.”

WEEK AT A GLANCE: Niles delivered 25 kills in a sweep of Alemany and had 15 kills in only 19 attempts in a victory over St. Genevieve. Niles, who totaled nine aces in both matches, had 14 kills and only two hitting errors in a pivotal game two against Alemany.