Playoffs are here and seasons are coming to an end as local athletes are finishing strong with memorable performances to cap off their high school years. Here are this week’s selections for Journal-World Athletes of the Week:

Sidra Besson, Lawrence

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Lawrence junior Sidra Besson gets in front of the ball in a 2-1 loss to Olathe West on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Lawrence.

Besson scored the golden goal in overtime on Tuesday as Lawrence girls soccer beat Blue Valley in the regional semifinal 3-2. The win got the Lions their 11th of the season, which is more than double what Lawrence had a season ago.

Micah Ward, Free State

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Free State’s Micah Ward starts his swing during the Gardner Edgerton regional tennis tournament on Friday, May 8, 2026, in Olathe.

Ward finished the boys tennis season undefeated with the singles state championship. He led the Firebirds in points as the team took second in the 6A state tournament.