Vindicator Winter All-stars
- Winter All-stars
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- Desmar Jackson
- Video: Desmar Jackson
- Jillian Halfhill
- Video: Jillian Halfhill
- Ashley Aldan
- Video: Ashley Aldan
- Kyle Leek
- Video: Kyle Leek
- Garrett Trebilcock
- Video: Garrett Trebilcock
Making the list takes more than just talent.
Two overcame sickness to advance to the biggest stage, while another stepped up when his talented teammate went down. Two others learned how to be leaders when a talented senior class graduated.
The Vindicator’s five winter All-Stars weren’t chosen solely for their talent — although each of them has plenty — but their ability to overcome obstacles and make the most of that talent.
Warren Harding senior Desmar Jackson nearly saw his state tournament hopes wash away when senior teammate Sheldon Brogdon suffered a season-ending knee injury.
But thanks to Jackson’s performance in the tournament, the Raiders advanced to their first state semifinal since 1969.
Canfield junior Jillian Halfhill saw the core of last year’s district championship team graduate and learned to adjust her game — and her role — to help the Cardinals reach the regional semifinals once more. And, like Jackson, she saved her best performance for last.
Canfield junior Garrett Trebilcock and Boardman junior Ashley Aldan both battled health issues to find make waves at the state swim meet, with Trebilcock capping a terrific year with a state title in the 200-yard IM. He was the only area athlete to taste gold this winter.
And Howland senior Kyle Leek advanced deep in the state wrestling tournament, learning how to become a leader on the mat and how to deal with disappointment when things didn’t go quite as planned.
Inside today’s Vindicator learn more about each of these star athletes, and check out their video interviews at Vindy.com.