Senior Blaize Vaughn catches a pass right outside the end zone to run it in for a touchdown. “All I was thinking about during this play was how much not just my team but all of Lawson needed me to get into that end zone,” Vaughn said. This was the team’s second-round district game against Brookfield, which they lost 28-14, ending their season with a 5-6 record. (Brooks Blair/Lawson)
Judge’s Comments: WOW! You captured an amazing catch and did it with excellent composition, use of rule of thirds, perfect exposure and even caught some football faces which is tough. I love the color and emphasis of Friday Night Lights.
Second Place (TIE): Lizzy Hancock, Webster Groves High School, and Chidera Anyabolu, North Kansas City High School
Junior Chloe Bronner and the cast of Cabaret on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 strike a pose during dress rehearsal in the black box at Webster Groves High School in Missouri. (Lizzy Hancock/WebsterGroves)SHOWTIME! Seniors Jaylin Frederiksen (Left) and Evan Sandau (Right) star in the musical ‘Music Man’ showing their theatrical expressions on November 13. (Chidera Anyabolu/NKCHS)
Judge’s Comments: I couldn’t choose between these two great theater photos. It’s hard to work with stage lights/colors and you both managed to do so extremely well. I love the close-ups and capturing emotion/singing on stage.
Third Place: Jake Goble, Kirkwood High School
Larry Robinson The Third, Senior Stiff arms a defender from Jackson to get away and score a touchdown during the quarter-finals for the state championship. (Jake Goble/Kirkwood)
Judge’s Comments: What a shot! I love how you framed it with the scoreboard in the background and froze every detail with no blur. Don’t forget about white balance! This was such an excellent photo other than being pretty blue.
Honorable Mentions (lots of great Sports Reaction shots this month!)
During the basketball jamboree game against Winnetonka High School Nov. 19, the girls basketball team celebrates after freshman Logan Bennett earns her first points on varsity. The team played against the three other district high schools, winning each game. “When I hit my first three, I was very happy,” Bennett said. “When I heard the team on the bench cheering for me, I felt very exhilarated and very confident.”