Anthony Portela

Free State High

Class: Sophomore.

Sport: Boys swimming.

The week: It’s tough to single out any of the Firebirds’ top four swimmers, but Portela stood out with four titles — two individual and two on relays. He won the 50-yard freestyle, 100 butterfly and teamed with Alex Brunfeldt, Chris Sellon and Chris Wolff for relay titles in the 200 medley and 400 freestyle. Portela already owns or shares four school records, but could be far from finished making his mark.

Comment: “That’s what’s so awesome about Anthony. He can swim any event and do well. He’s fast, he’s strong and he’s motivated,” FSHS coach Annette McDonald said. “I can’t go wrong with him in any event. Whatever he swims, he’ll be up there.”

Lee Baldwin

Ottawa

Class: Junior.

Sport: Boys basketball.

Ht: 6-1.

The week: The Cyclones lost four starters from last year’s 17-6 state squad, but Baldwin has been a big reason why they have been just as solid this season. He scored 26 points in a 76-70 victory against Kansas City Ward and 29 in a 78-61 victory against KC Sumner, pushing Ottawa to 14-2 overall. He’s also the team’s best shooter, shooting 40 percent from three-point range, 58 percent when he’s inside the arc and 85 percent from the free-throw line.

Comment: “What’s really changed in the past two weeks is his ability to get to the basket,” Ottawa coach David Grover said. “Early in the season, if you took the three away from him, you could take him out of game. Now he’s showing the ability to go around defenders if they step up.”