DARKE COUNTY – Two seniors who are finishing their high school careers with strong seasons are this week’s Daily Advocate athletes of the week.
This week’s Daily Advocate athletes of the week are Arcanum softball player Brittany Kinney and Greenville boys tennis player Craig Manges.
Of Greenville’s regular varsity players, Manges has the team’s best record at 19-3 this year.
“It’s nice to know that we’ve got a pretty good shot at winning at that spot when we go out for a match,” Greenville boys tennis coach Dennis Kiser said of his team’s No. 2 singles player.
Manges and his teammates have exceeded expectations this season, compiling a team record of 16-4 overall and 9-1 in the Greater Western Ohio Conference. Going into the season Kiser thought 12 or 13 wins would be a good goal for the Wave.
Manges has helped Greenville become one of the area’s top teams by working hard on his game.
“I just see a lot more consistently out of him this year and more patience,” Kiser said. “I think he’s got an all-around game.”
As one of four seniors on the team, Manges has been a strong leader for Greenville this season.
“Craig is quieter than the other ones,” Kiser said. “He leads more by example.”
Kinney set the Arcanum softball team’s single season home run record this year. She’s has eight so far this season including three the past week, hitting two against Tri-County North on Monday and one against Miami East on Tuesday.
“When she gets ahold of the ball it definitely carries,” Arcanum softball coach Rick Stone said. “She’s hit some monster home runs this year.”
Kinney leads Arcanum with 29 RBI this season, which is third best among Darke County softball players. She has a .395 batting average this year, which she has brought up after a slow start to the season.
“She’s heavy in the weight room all year round,” Stone said. “She’s a very strong girl. She has a short, compact swing.”
Kinney also has played well defensively at third base.
“Played a stellar third base as usual,” Stone said.
Along with being a great player, Kinney also is a great person both on and off the field.
“She’s a great kid,” Stone said. “Valedictorian of her class. She’s got a bright future ahead of her. All-around, she’s a coach’s dream. She’s a hard worker at practice. Never takes a day off.”
