First Place: MaryKate Stroud, (Wentzville) Liberty High School
During a close game between Liberty and Timberland on Sept. 5, senior Jaylen Mack (#10) started the game off with a fumble. Mack bounced right back and on the next play scored a 40-yard touchdown. “The touchdown was a little more personal for me because Timberland’s head coach was my old head coach freshman year so I felt really excited to just go out there and get two touchdowns off,” Mack said. (MaryKate Stroud/Liberty(Wentzville))
Judges’ Comments: This picture is so perfect, it almost looks staged. Perfect height of action, color, clarity and exposure. We can see #10’s eyes clearly, which sets this photo apart from other football photos. The leading line of the football field contributes to the quality of image. The story tells itself–nothing more important in a game than a good touchdown.
Second Place: Jordyn Exler, Parkway South High School
With focus and determination, senior striker Ethan Carroll takes alight for a shot on goal during South’s matchup against Parkway North. The Patriots beat the Vikings, 7-0. “I enjoy being the guy people come to if they need help with soccer. Being a striker I contribute to the team by scoring goals,” he said. (Jordyn Exler/Parkway South High School)
Judges’ Comments: This photo has that “wow” factor: the action is completely stopped mid-air, including the ball, which sets it apart from other similar photos. The way the sun lights the players and the players frame the ball add to the overall composition.
Third Place: Bethany Newsome, Westwood Baptist Academy
Westwood Baptist Academy setter and junior Sydney Hawley reacts in shock after teammate Shelby Levan scored on a tipped ball against Crosspoint on Tuesday night. The WBA Lady Eagles won in straight sets 25-20, 27-25, and 25-17 and with the win, Westwood now holds a record of 3-2 on the young season. (Bethany Newsome/Westwood Baptist Academy)
Judges’ Comments: This photo is all about the reaction. The photographer was low, close enough to capture this emotional moment. The photo has nice depth of field (which can be a challenge in shooting indoor sports), but we can still see teammates and coaches reacting in a way that contributes to the story.
Lilyanna Loudermill, 12, makes contact with the ball as she swings to hit a backhand down the line. She played a doubles match with her partner, Madison Jones, 12, during Senior Night versus Parkview High School at Cooper Tennis Complex. “The highlight of my Senior Night match was probably that I got to play with my best friend as her doubles partner,” Loudermill said. “It was only our second time playing together ever, so that was fun.”
