Prep notebook: Doherty's Washington continues to pull in honors

Doherty’s Washington named Gatorade Colorado Player of Year

The postseason honors keep rolling in for Doherty standout Haleigh Washington.

The junior middle blocker received the highest ones yet recently when she was named 2012-13 Gatorade Colorado Volleyball Player of the Year. Earlier this week, Washington was named MaxPreps All-Colorado Player of the Year and first-team All-American, also by MaxPreps.

Washington helped Doherty to a 29-0 record en route to the 5A state championship. She chalked up 346 kills while recording a .550 hitting percentage and a .638 kill percentage.

She’s the second Spartan to earn such an honor. Her coach, Tara Hittle, who also led Doherty to a state title in 2003, later earned Gatorade accolades.

Washington is the first Pikes Peak region athlete to claim Gatorade state volleyball honors since Colorado Springs Christian’s Morgan Broekhuis in 2008-09.

Calhan athlete wins national award

Keyten Gilbert of Calhan recently won a National Athleadership Grant, sponsored by the National Strength and Conditioning Association Athletic Recruiting and the NFL Players Association. This type of grant is awarded to student-athletes who qualify based on leadership, academic achievement and performance and a required essay.

NCSA Athletic Recruiting will work with Gilbert and his family throughout his senior year and assist in finding a college that matches his academic and athletic achievements.

Last season, Gilbert scored 10 points per game and led the Bulldogs’ basketball team to the 2A regional final.

Carlson bucks family tradition with future at Auburn

By nature, kickers usually march to the beat of a different drummer, and The Classical Academy's Daniel Carlson definitely is setting his own course when it comes to college.

Both of his parents graduated from Alabama. Carlson is headed for the Crimson Tide’s hated enemy, Auburn.

“Alabama didn’t need a kicker, and Auburn did,” said Carlson recently after accepting an invitation to play in the upcoming U.S. Army All-American Bowl, Jan. 5 in San Antonio. “It was the best fit for me and a great opportunity.”

Carlson committed while the recently fired Gene Chizik was still in charge. Now, it’s Gus Malzahn leading the Tigers.

“Their special teams coach is staying, and that’s the big thing,” Carlson said. “It was tough watching the program struggle this year, but they’ll bounce back.”

St. Mary’s LB Willie commits to Dartmouth

Cannon Willie of St. Mary’s recently announced his intention to play football at Dartmouth.

The senior linebacker led the Pirates with 64 tackles and also had one interception and two forced fumbles.

Dartmouth competes in the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision, formerly known as I-AA.