Athletes of the Week: May 11, 2023

A junior, Anderson continued a strong season by racking up points in a variety of ways to help lead the Lions during the GAC Central Championships boys meet. Anderson earned three gold medals, highlighted by a victory in the 1600 meters, which he won in a personal-best and GAC Central meet record of 4 minutes, 27.24 seconds. He also ran to victory in the 800 in 1:59.05 and ran a leg on the Lions’ winning 3200 relay, which triumphed in 8:34.99. Additionally, Anderson finished second in the 400 in 51.23. Earlier this season, his time of 50.27 set Zumwalt East’s program record in the 400. Anderson qualified for the Class 4 state meet last season in the 800 and 1600 and is a three-time Class 4 state qualifier in cross country.

A senior, Davis set two school records and won four gold medals to help the Wildcats finish second in the team standings of the Eastern Missouri Conference boys meet. Davis established new program standards with winning times of 10.84 seconds in the 100 meters and 51.27 seconds in the 400. He also won the 200 in 22.78, ran a leg on the winning 800 relay (1:34.03) and was named EMO Conference sprinter of the year. Davis also holds or is part of program records in the 200, 400 relay and 1600 relay. In the fall, Davis was a third team all-state punt returner in football and first team all-conference receiver. He has signed to play football for Missouri Baptist.

A senior shortstop who also pitches, Efken has helped the Bronchos to consecutive winning seasons for the first time in 24 years. Efken had eight hits in a pair of victories last week, including a 6-for-7 performance during a 27-17 conference victory at Maplewood-Richmond Heights. He also had two triples, one double, four RBI, three stolen bases and scored five runs in that game. His six hits is tied for this season’s single-game area lead and he’s one of six players in the area to score five runs in a game. A first team all-SCAA infielder last season, Efken leads the area in runs scored (48) and stolen bases (46), both of which are single-season program records. He also owns career program records in both categories.

Gilliatt is a first-year track and field athlete but didn’t look like it while winning three gold medals in the GAC Central Championships girls meet. A junior, set personal records while winning both the 200 meters in 26.86 seconds and the 400 meters in 59.88 seconds. Gilliatt also ran the leadoff leg on Washington’s 1600 relay that won in 4 minutes, 12.37 seconds, a season best by six seconds. The multiple efforts helped Washington score 160 points and win the team championship by 37 points. Gilliatt also excels on the volleyball court as the Blue Jays’ setter, averaging 5.78 assists per set as a junior. She was named her team’s GAC Central sportsmanship winner in volleyball.

The senior distance standout won three titles in the Hillsboro Invitational to gear up for the Chargers’ postseason series, which begins Saturday. Luna set a new personal best with a time of 5 minutes and 3.38 seconds to win the 1600-meter race, taking the crown by almost five seconds. She won by a similar margin while capturing the 3200 in 10:58.67, which was just off her personal best of 10:55.87 in April at the Northwest Invitational. Also at Hillsboro, Luna ran the anchor leg on the Chargers’ victorious 3200 relay, which captured the title in 9:57.21; Luna’s split was 2:23.31. A four-time all-state cross country runner, Luna is signed with the University of Mississippi, where she will join older sister Francie.

The senior pitcher threw his second no-hitter of the season to lead the Trojans to a GAC South home victory against Francis Howell Central. McDonald struck out nine, scattered three walks and hit one batter over seven innings as the Trojans won 3-0. McDonald’s first no-hitter came March 29 in a 7-0 home victory against Lindbergh. In that game, he struck out seven and walked four. McDonald is 5-2 for the season with a .65 earned run average and 40 strikeouts in 43.1 innings. He’s only allowed four earned runs for the Trojans, who at 20-12 have their most victories since finishing with 20 in 2019. McDonald’s three shutouts are tied for second in the area and he has four complete games. At the plate, he leads Troy with a .361 average, 20 RBI, two home runs and 20 RBI. He also has 18 stolen bases.

The junior shortstop and pitcher had a big week as the Hawks sewed up their first Jefferson County Activities Association large division title since 2019. In three victories, including a pair of league wins against Windsor, Sutton went 6 for 13 at the plate with three doubles and three RBI. He also scored six runs and stole five bases. Sutton also picked up a save in a relief appearance against Windsor. For the season, Sutton is hitting .312 with one home run, 18 RBI, 10 doubles and 21 stolen bases to go along with a 4-1 pitching record, a team-leading 38 strikeouts. At 17-4, Hillsboro has its best record since finishing 21-6 in 2009.

Compiled by Chris Gove based off stats reported to STLhighschoolsports.com. Please send nominations to cgove@stltoday.com by noon each Monday.