Athletes of the Week: James Sims and Carleen Waldron

Thursday, Nov. 9, 2000 | 12:04 p.m.

Male Athlete of the Week: JAMES SIMS

School: Valley

Class: Senior

Sport: Football

Last week: Sims rushed for 245 yards and a pair of touchdowns and contributed a strong performance on defense as well, helping the Vikings to a 41-27 victory over Basic in round one of the 4A Sunrise Region playoffs Friday night. The 6-2, 185-pounder also helped shut down Basic receivers Nate Lord and Brandon Hawkins. "James runs the ball well and can score from anywhere on the field," Valley coach Greg Sellers said. "And I think he's an even better defensive guy. He's definitely our best cover guy."

Female Athlete of the Week: CARLEEN WALDRON

School: Durango

Class: Senior

Sport: Volleyball

Last week: Waldron racked up 41 kills and 21 digs in three matches, leading the Trailblazers to the Sunset Region championship and a berth in this week's 4A State Tournament. In the championship match against Centennial, the outside hitter came up with 20 kills and eight digs, making just four errors in 34 attempts. "She lit it up," Durango coach Bob Kelly said. "She's left-handed and that definitely poses a problem for opposing blockers because they're not used to seeing it."