Jayden Pointer – Wrestling
Freshman Jayden Pointer won the 285 pound weight class at the KHSAA Region Five championship, making him the school’s first regional champion since 2016.
Pointer qualified for state last year as an 8th grader, something his coach said was “highly unusual for a heavyweight,” and he has continued to lead the team. This year, he qualified for state and finished fifth, becoming the Rebel to reach the podium since 2012.
Pointer went undefeated against Kentucky opponents until the state championship tournament. He also won the heavyweight division of the conference championship and two other tournaments. He has a career record of 62-14 with 40 pins.
Wrestling coach Joe Gormally praised Pointer’s coachability and work ethic.
“Doing what only is required just makes you average,” Gormally said
Pointer have also made great sacrifices according to Gormally.
“Wrestling is a combat sport,” Gormally said. “Just competing in the sport requires more than most sports because there’s discomfort and sacrifice and managing your weight.”
Even though he’s only a freshman, Gormally said Pointer is a leader on the team.
“They don’t have to be the most vocal,” Gormally said. “They have to demonstrate being able to stay focused.”
Ava Mayfield – Girls Bowling
Senior bowler Ava Mayfield qualified for the state championship as an individual in 2024 and as part of the girls team in 2024 and 2025.
Mayfield barely missed qualifying for the state championship as an individual again this year when she finished fifth in the region.
She was named to the NKAC All Tournament Team in 2025 for her dominant season. Mayfield averaged 169 pins a game, which was the eighth best in northern Kentucky.
Coach Angel Miller praised Mayfield for encouraging the girls during matches.
“She keeps them motivated by leading the chants during our Bakers matches,” Miller said. “If a bowler misses a pin, she tells them to forget this frame and focus on the next ball.”
When Mayfield graduates, Miller said they will miss more than just her great scores.
“(We) will miss her leadership on the team and her loud voice during Bakers games,’ Miller said.
Maddox Kuryla – Boys Bowling
Junior bowler Maddox Kuryla won the regional single championship this season to cap a dominant season
He had the highest average in our region, and was on multiple all tournament teams throughout the season.
He was recently named the Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference Outstanding Boys Bowler for the second consecutive season.
Boys bowling coach Paul Vickers praised Kuryla as a “team player” who “never complains or gets angry.”
“He is a team leader and others look up to him,” Vickers said. “He takes care of the team and leads by example. He picks everyone up when they are down and motivates them.”
Vickers said that Kuryla could win the state singles championship next year.
Kuryla finished fifth in the state singles tournament this year after finishing 20th in 2024.
Vickers called his work ethic “fantastic” and said that Kuryla is always bowling to keep himself prepared.
“He strives to be the best,” Vicker said.
Charlotte Cunningham – Swimming
Senior swimmer Charlotte Cunningham started as a swimmer in her freshman year with no competitive experience, but she finished her career as the team’s top individual finisher at regionals and among the top 20 for career points scorers. Cunningham won a breaststroke event at two different meets this season.
Swim coach Lance Melching said Cunningham is a great leader for the team. She leads by example and by empathy.
“She never misses a practice, is the first one in the water, pushes the sets and workouts, and listens very intently to her coaches, which are some of the great examples she sets,” Melching said.
Melching also praised Cunningham for being “very encouraging and supportive of her teammates.”
“We will definitely miss Charlotte’s leadership,” Melching said. “She could be counted on in so many ways, and she set a great example for her teammates.”
Nolan Searp – Boys Basketball
Senior swimmer Charlotte Cunningham started as a swimmer in her freshman year with no competitive experience, but she finished her career as the team’s top individual finisher at regionals and among the top 20 for career points scorers. Cunningham won a breaststroke event at two different meets this season.
Swim coach Lance Melching said Cunningham is a great leader for the team. She leads by example and by empathy.
“She never misses a practice, is the first one in the water, pushes the sets and workouts, and listens very intently to her coaches, which are some of the great examples she sets,” Melching said.
Melching also praised Cunningham for being “very encouraging and supportive of her teammates.”
“We will definitely miss Charlotte’s leadership,” Melching said. “She could be counted on in so many ways, and she set a great example for her teammates.”
Bri’Ajia Land – Girls Basketball
Senior center Bri’Ajia Land was among the leading rebounders in northern Kentucky, and one of the team’s top scorers.
She was ranked in the county and surrounding areas for rebounding with over 150 rebounds. Land was also the team’s second leading scorer, averaging 6.5 points per game for 162 total.
Being ranked in the area for rebounding shows that she is one of the top support players on the team.
Land was praised by head coach Marcus Harris, who described her as “very dependable, hardworking and strong presence both on and off the court.”
When Land graduates, Harris said the team will miss more than her rebounding.
“We will miss her presence in the paint and her welcoming demeanor to the younger players,” he said.
