This week's Athletes of the Week, powered by Copper Creek Contractors, feature two dominant pitching performances that left batters shaking in their cleats. Asher Pruemer of St. Joseph-Ogden baseball and Bionca Walton of Rantoul softball have earned top honors, and they're sharing their stories in their own words.

Let's start with Pruemer, who delivered a masterclass on the mound. The Spartans' ace threw a complete-game, five-hit shutout with eight strikeouts, leading his team to a commanding 7-0 victory over previously unbeaten Monticello. "I didn't even know I was up for Athlete of the Week until I saw a post about it Tuesday afternoon," Pruemer said. "It's pretty cool to know the community is paying attention to our baseball team."

What was working for him that day? "Everything. I was able to locate everything I wanted to throw, and I knew the guys behind me were going to make plays, so I just trusted them. I threw what I wanted when I wanted and let the guys behind me work." His pregame routine is just as disciplined: "I talk with my teammates and have a good time. I always stretch before I throw, do dynamic and mobility stretches, then some band work. After that, I rest a little, throw my bullpen, and then it's time to roll."

When asked about his favorite team memories, Pruemer points to the Edwardsville trips. "All of the guys have a really fun time. We hang out and bond together. Everybody learns who everybody is, and we create a bond with our team." He also gave a shout-out to other standout athletes in the area: Tate Harden (LeRoy baseball), Jax Hardy (Champaign Central track and field), and Nolan Sanderson (Mahomet-Seymour baseball).

Now, over to the softball diamond, where Bionca Walton has been absolutely electric. The Rantoul Eagles pitcher threw a five-inning no-hitter with 10 strikeouts in a 10-0 win over Paxton-Buckley-Loda, and she also contributed two hits and three RBI at the plate. But she didn't stop there—Walton pitched the final two innings of an 8-6 win over Danville and then tossed another complete-game shutout with seven strikeouts in a 2-0 victory over Monticello.

"I'm glad the community helped me," Walton said. "A lot of people were like, 'Hey, we voted for you'—people I didn't even know." She credits the team's recent success to their unity: "We've really been coming together as a team. Our hits are coming through, and with me and Addy Sherrick pitching, we've been working together to win games."

Her most exciting moment this season? "When we beat St. Joseph-Ogden. That was really exciting." Walton also recognized other top performers: Henley Parsons (St. Thomas More track and field), Emelyn Roberts (Argenta-Oreana track and field), and Chloe Sikora (Champaign Central soccer).

Whether you're a pitcher looking to perfect your craft or a fan who loves a good underdog story, these athletes remind us that hard work, teamwork, and community support can lead to unforgettable performances. Keep an eye on these stars—they're just getting started.