After a week of strong community support and a winter season filled with incredible performances, the 2025–26 Winter Player of the Year winners have officially been crowned.
These awards are about more than numbers on a stat sheet. They celebrate the athletes who gave their teams everything they had, delivered in the biggest moments, led by example, and made their schools and communities proud all season long. Across boys and girls basketball, wrestling, and bowling, this year’s finalists represented the very best of local high school sports.
From championship performances and postseason success to career milestones and season-defining leadership, every athlete in the running earned their place among the area’s elite. That is what makes this process so meaningful. Player of the Year is not just about recognizing talent, but about shining a spotlight on the hard work, dedication, and impact these athletes have had throughout the winter.
Voting opened on March 17 and remained live for seven days, giving the community a chance to be part of honoring these standout competitors. Winners were determined through a combination of panel rankings and public voting, creating a process that values both expert evaluation and the voices of the fans who followed and supported these athletes all season.
At the heart of it all, this is about celebrating local sports in a bigger way, recognizing the players who inspired their teams, energized their communities, and made this winter season one to remember.
Boys Basketball Player of the Year
Taj Williams – Ludington
Williams put together an outstanding junior season, leading Ludington to a 24-3 record along with conference, district, and regional championships and an Elite Eight appearance. Averaging 18.9 points per game while shooting efficiently from all areas of the floor, Williams proved to be one of the most dynamic guards in the area. His ability to score, facilitate, and lead in big moments set him apart in a highly competitive field.
Girls Basketball Player of the Year
Mariah Sain – Muskegon
Sain capped off a tremendous high school career with another dominant season, averaging over 20 points per game against top-level competition. The University of Charlotte commit reached the 1,000-point milestone this season and consistently delivered for Muskegon in big games. Her scoring ability, leadership, and experience made her one of the most respected and impactful players in the area.
Noah Walker – Hesperia
Walker turned in an exceptional senior campaign, finishing with a 48-4 record and earning a runner-up finish at the state finals. Competing at 285 pounds, he stood out as the only state finalist among this group. His dominance throughout the season and strong postseason performance solidified his place as one of the top wrestlers in the area.
Girls Wrestling Player of the Year
Kassie Sapp – Whitehall
Sapp delivered one of the most dominant seasons of any athlete this winter, finishing 39-1 and capturing District, Regional, and State Championships. Her consistent dominance on the mat and ability to perform at the highest level made her the clear standout in girls wrestling this season.
Boys Bowling Player of the Year
Liam Copenhaver – Reeths-Puffer
Copenhaver put together an impressive season with a 191 average and a GMAA Individual Championship. He carried that success into the postseason with an 8th-place finish at the state finals. His consistency and ability to perform under pressure made him a top performer throughout the year.
Girls Bowling Player of the Year
Taylor Nutt – Ravenna
Nutt delivered an outstanding season, finishing with a 183 average while capturing a Regional Championship and placing second at the state finals. Her strong scoring ability and success in high-pressure situations established her as one of the premier bowlers in the area.
Thank You
A special thank-you to our sponsor, CatchMark Technologies, for helping make this recognition possible.
We also want to thank our SportsNuts and contributors whose coverage throughout the season helped shine a spotlight on these athletes: Mia Milner, Molli Schultz, Jeff, Brent and Kara Raeth, Owen Raeth, Noah Raeth, Melissa King, Sarah Evans, Hart Public Schools Media Class, Jay Courtland, Bill O’Connell, and Jim Thommen.
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