Michael SpencerWrestling

Zama American

Last week: Was chosen Outstanding Wrestler and led a parade of four gold medalists from the Trojans, who took third place in the Sasebo Invitational Tournament at E.J. King High School.

Spencer, a junior 168-pounder, has taken three gold medals in his four tournaments thus far this season and has also won his two dual-meet bouts. He is one of five returning Far East Tournament gold medalists who’ll defend their titles Feb. 9-12 when the tournament is held for the first time in South Korea, at Camp Humphreys’ Super Gym.

"He’s an athlete, blessed with great ability, but he’s a hard worker," Zama athletic director Ed Fogell said.

"He’s one of those special kids you love to have. And he’s a leader. Kids like him don’t come around a lot."

Liz GleavesBasketballSeoul American

Last week: Averaged 18 points and eight steals per game as the Falcons became what’s believed to be the first high school team to reach the finals of a Koreawide post-level basketball tournament. The Falcons finished second to Osan Air Base in the Martin Luther King Birthday Invitational Tournament at Camp Humphreys’ Super Gym.

It was season-high moment for Gleaves, a junior, and the Falcons, who are unbeaten but hadn’t been tested in Korean-American Interscholastic Activities Conference play. Seoul American went 0-3 in pool play, but split its four playoff games, beating top seed Yongsan Garrison 45-44 and eliminating host Camp Humphreys 49-47 in a knockout game.

Teams employed box-and-one defenses to shut down Gleaves "and she still scored points. That shows some serious respect," said coach Billy Ratcliff. "She was incredible. She was a game changer."

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