Pueblo’s top prep sports performances for the week of Jan. 2

The winter sports season is in full effect, as several Pueblo schools returned to action this week after the holiday break. Athletes are getting back into their stride and preparing for their mid-seasons.

This week featured some outstanding performances from several of Pueblo’s brightest young athletes, from big point totals on the basketball court to outstanding individual performances on the wrestling mat.

Each week, the Chieftain will list the top student-athletes from area schools to highlight those who have performed at a high level.

The Chieftain sports staff selects the top high school performers each week. Coaches can nominate players by emailing [email protected]

Here are this week’s top prep players (all stats and standings as of Thursday, January 5):

Madison Bussey, Pueblo South, basketball

Bussey scored a season-high 14 points in the Colts’ recent meeting against Sierra, a 41-32 win. Bussey is currently third on the team in points and is leading the Colts in assists and steals on the season.

Trynity Martin, Pueblo West, basketball

Martin had a season-high 14 points and 11 rebounds along with an assist, three steals and two blocks for the Cyclones in a 57-49 win over Air Academy this week. Martin is currently second on the team in scoring and is leading the team in rebounds as well.

Maurice Austin, Pueblo South, basketball

Another week, another unreal stat line for Austin, who had 25 points and five assists in a 60-47 win over Green Mountain. The game was Austin’s eighth time this season that he scored at least 25 points in a game. He is currently ranked fourth overall in the state in scoring and earned a spot on the top 50 players to watch list in the country, according to USA Today.

Brandon Benz, Rye, basketball

Benz pulled down his first double-double of the season in a 70-17 win over Atlas Preparatory School. He scored 17 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Thunderbolts, who currently have a 5-1 record overall on the season as they head into the heart of their season with the championship matchup.

Boden White, Pueblo County, wrestling

White defeated Pueblo East’s Tatum Rivera this week to improve his record to 20-1 on the season and help the Hornets maintain a top-five overall ranking in the state. White is currently ranked as the top wrestler in the 138-pound division in Colorado Class 4A.

Weston Dalton, Pueblo East, wrestling

Dalton had an impressive pin over his opponent Christofer Vazquez of Pueblo County this week. He is now 22-2 on the season and has the Eagles ranked as the No. 1 team in the state for Class 4A. Dalton is also ranked No. 1 in the 150-pound division.

Blake Roberts, Pueblo Centennial, wrestling

Roberts earned a pinfall victory over his opponent Jake Lisac from Pueblo West earlier this week. The win improves Roberts’ record on the season to 15-3 overall. He is looking to move up the rankings this year in the 165 pound division.