The winter sports season came back into session at the start of the new year with basketball teams around the county returning to competition, and local athletes led their teams with winning performances. Here are this week’s selections for Journal-World Athletes of the Week:

Brendan Barrett, Free State

Sophomore Brendan Barrett led the Firebirds in points with 19 in Free State’s return to competition against Topeka West 53-49 on Tuesday. His three early 3s helped the Firebirds control the game from the start.

photo by: Val Montanez/Special to the Journal-World

Free State freshman Brendan Barrett shoots a corner 3-pointer against Olathe Northwest on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, in Lawrence.

Cami Nauholz, Lawrence

Nauholz and the Lawrence girls basketball team returned from winter break by hosting Blue Valley West on Friday, coming away with a 61-44 win. Nauholz led the team in scoring with 35 points while dominating rebounds and blocking shots.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Lawrence junior center Cami Nauholz passes to the wing in a win over Topeka West at Lawrence High School on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, in Lawrence.