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CHSL Celebrates Winter Sports Standouts

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, January 12th 2026 at 12:06 GMT by MLive

Detroit, MI - January 12, 2026 - The Catholic High School League (CHSL) is celebrating a week of exceptional athletic achievement across its winter sports programs. With the voting period concluding at noon today, the league highlights standout performances from boys basketball, boys hockey, and girls swimming competitions held between January 5th and 11th. This week's nominees represent dedication, skill, and teamwork - embodying the spirit of CHSL athletics.

As the winter season gains momentum, the level of competition consistently elevates. This week proved no different, with several athletes demonstrating remarkable talent and contributing significantly to their teams' victories. The league acknowledges these efforts and allows fans to participate in recognizing the top performer through a public online poll. The chosen athlete will be recognized as the CHSL Winter Athlete of the Week.

Basketball Stars Shine on the Court

On the basketball court, three talented players are vying for the title. Jacob Jones of Detroit Catholic Central showcased a well-rounded performance against Brother Rice, contributing 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. His balanced scoring and rebounding ability proved crucial in securing the win for Catholic Central. Jones' consistent performance throughout the season has established him as a key player for his team.

Matt Smith of Orchard Lake St. Mary's also delivered a strong performance, accumulating 16 points, 5 assists, and 4 steals in their victory over Westland John Glenn. Smith's ability to create opportunities for his teammates and disrupt the opponent's offense makes him a formidable presence on the court. His all-around game significantly impacts St. Mary's performance.

Rounding out the basketball nominees is Alex Thompson from Troy Catholic Central, who tallied 18 points and 8 rebounds against Royal Oak Shrine. Thompson's scoring prowess and rebounding strength were instrumental in securing the win. His presence under the basket makes him a difficult opponent to contain.

Hockey Players Demonstrate Skill and Determination

The ice rink saw equally impressive displays of athleticism. Ben Miller, the goaltender for Detroit Catholic Central, was a brick wall, registering an impressive 27 saves against Birmingham Detroit Country Day. Miller's stellar performance kept the opposition at bay, proving his importance to his team's success. Strong goaltending is often the cornerstone of a successful hockey team, and Miller's performance demonstrates this principle.

Ryan Evans of Orchard Lake St. Mary's demonstrated offensive dominance with two goals and one assist against Romeo. Evans' ability to score consistently and contribute to his team's attack makes him a dangerous opponent. His offensive contributions clearly demonstrate his value to his team.

Swimming: A Race for Excellence

In the pool, two female athletes left their mark on the competition. Sarah Davis from Troy Catholic Central achieved a winning time of 26.14 seconds in the 50-yard freestyle, showcasing impressive speed and technique. Davis's performance highlights the dedication and rigorous training that leads to peak performance in competitive swimming.

Finally, Emily Wilson of Orchard Lake St. Mary's claimed first place in the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 1:02.50. Wilson's victory demonstrates her mastery of a technically demanding stroke and her overall competitive drive. Her precision and speed exemplify the discipline required in competitive swimming.

The CHSL encourages all fans and supporters to participate in the voting process. These athletes' dedication and hard work deserve recognition. The poll provides a platform for the community to acknowledge the talent and effort displayed on the court, ice rink, and in the pool. The winner will be announced shortly after the voting concludes.