Ricky Hopkins Powers Holy Spirit, Voted Athlete of the Week

Holy Spirit senior Ricky Hopkins is hitting the ball with authority this season. The catcher and team leader started the season with a series of scintillating performances, playing a key role in the Spartans' 11-9 victory over St. Augustine Prep (two doubles, three RBIs).

Hopkins is the latest local South Jersey sports standout to be voted as the 97.3 ESPN-FM High School Athlete of the Week. He received 67 percent of the total vote in the most recent poll.

Ocean City lacrosse player Owen Dierolf settled for second place, collecting 33 percent of the vote tally. He scored the game-winning goal in an 8-7 victory over Egg Harbor Township.

Zack Novick (Middle Township tennis), Cheyenne Meyer (Cedar Creek softball) and Luke Westfield (Pennsville baseball) rounded out the remainder of nominees. Congratulations to each athlete featured on the list of candidates!

Visit 973espn.com every Thursday for a new High School Athlete of the Week poll brought to you by Drake Pest Management. Tune in to The South Jersey Sports Report: Weekday Edition each Thursday, 6-7 p.m. to hear Tyler Donohue detail each candidate.

Voters can vote more than once. The poll is open until 10 a.m. Saturday.

Winner announced on The South Jersey Sports Report with Tyler Donohue (Saturdays 9-noon). Nominate an athlete by clicking here or post your suggestions for High School Athlete of the Week directly on the 97.3 ESPN Facebook page.

Follow Tyler Donohue on Twitter.