BOYS
James Hall
Edmondson, football
The 5-foot-11 senior defensive back always seems to be in the right place at the wrong time for the Red Storm's opposition - particularly in big games. He did it twice against rival City as No. 4 Edmondson defeated the Knights, 14-0, in last weekend's Class 2A state quarterfinal.
As part of a defense that has not allowed a touchdown pass all season, Hall made his 13th and 14th interceptions of the year against 13th-ranked City (7-4), helping Edmondson improve to 11-0. Hall returned the second interception 23 yards for the Red Storm's second touchdown with 2:11 remaining. That marked the fifth time this season that Hall has returned an interception for a score.
Earlier this year, Hall had two interceptions in a 52-14 rout of Lake Clifton. He also intercepted a pass in the end zone during an earlier victory over City. In addition, Hall has broken up 16 passes. GIRLS
Tara Stradling
Glenelg, volleyball
The 5-9 junior setter was doing everything on Saturday to lead the Gladiators to the Class 2A state championship with a three-game sweep of previously undefeated and then No. 1 Towson.
Continually keeping the Generals guessing, Stradling finished with 27 assists as four different hitters had at least five kills in the match. The three-year varsity player, a first-team All-Howard selection last fall, also had five kills and six aces. The Gladiators finished the season 20-0 to claim the No. 1 spot in the metro area and win their third state title.
"We can't do what we do without Tara," said Glenelg coach Jennifer Beall. "She can make something that's not looking so good, look good."
See the Athletes of the Week Sundays at 11:30 a.m. on Replay Sun High School Sports on ABC2, and online at www.sunspot.net/sports/highschool.
Nominate athletes
The Sun accepts nominations for its Athletes of the Week on Sundays, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 410-332-6200 or 1-800-829-8000, extension 6200.
Two athletes (one boy and one girl) will be selected each week and featured in Wednesday's editions. To be nominated, athletes must play for their high school team. Only coaches can nominate Athletes of the Week.