2026 Cincinnati Sports Awards & Top HS Receivers Preview

A Night of Champions at the Cincinnati High School Sports Awards

Simon Kenton’s Alexis Howard was crowned Northern Kentucky Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year at the ceremony held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The event, presented by Beacon Orthopaedics, also featured Ava Shepard of Lakota West as Ohio Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year. Other standout winners included Boone County’s Maddox Kuryla, who captured the Northern Kentucky Boys Bowler of the Year title, and St. Xavier’s Dom Ellis, named Ohio Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year.

Mount Notre Dame’s Evie Schoolfield earned one of the two flag‑football player‑of‑the‑year honors, while Cooper’s Paul Van Laningham took home the Northern Kentucky Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year award. Simon Kenton’s Karina Usman was recognized as the girls archer of the year, and Covington Catholic’s Tanner Robertson won the Northern Kentucky Boys Soccer Player of the Year. Wyoming’s Kellen Wiley not only secured the Ohio Boys Basketball Player of the Year trophy but also claimed the Wyoming boys basketball team of the year award.

Softball stars shined as Kings’ Neely McElhaney was honored as Ohio Softball Player of the Year, sponsored by the Cincinnati Reds and the Reds Community Fund. Highlands’ Kaitlyn Dixon followed suit, earning the Northern Kentucky Softball Player of the Year title. Other notable accolades went to Sycamore’s Easton Pierani (Ohio Boys Bowler of the Year), CHCA’s Parker Sougstad (Courage Award), and Simon Kenton’s Ella Smith (Northern Kentucky Girls Soccer Player of the Year). Ryle’s Ethan Pauciulo captured the boys archer of the year award, while St. Xavier’s Chase Grisi was named Ohio Boys Swimmer of the Year.

Former NFL linebacker Rocky Boiman, a St. Xavier alum, delivered a speech at the awards, sharing his Cincinnati roots with the crowd. The ceremony also celebrated the Courage Award winners, including Parker Sougstad and Clermont Northeastern’s Lucas Yeager, plus the Student Photographers of the Year—Bella Wilson of Clermont Northeastern and Jacob Gath of Moeller.

The evening concluded with Tyler Fryman of Beechwood receiving the Boys Athlete of the Year award, while Madeira’s Natasha Davis was named Girls Athlete of the Year. Dr. Ian Rice of Beacon Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine presented the boys athlete award, and Kristen O’Brien honored the student photographers.

Top Receivers and Tight Ends to Watch This Fall

The preseason hype is building around a group of dynamic pass catchers who are expected to make major impacts. Withrow’s Charles Alexander Jr. stands out after a junior season in which he hauled in 21 receptions for 369 yards and six touchdowns, earning first‑team all‑conference honors. Oak Hills’ Cordell Ball was one of Cincinnati’s leading receivers, catching 56 passes for 1,017 yards and nine TDs, and he also starred on the basketball court.

Lloyd Memorial’s Colten Barger helped the Juggernauts advance to the KHSAA Class 3A state semifinals, recording 30 catches for 415 yards and five TDs as a freshman. Springboro’s Noah Bilinski was the state’s top receiver with 84 catches for 1,082 yards and nine TDs, earning first‑team all‑league honors. Beechwood’s Tyler Fryman, a four‑star recruit who flipped from Louisville, piled up 62 receptions for 1,320 yards and 23 TDs, propelling the Tigers to the Class 2A quarterfinals.

Cincinnati Country Day’s Thomas Huckleby, who plays multiple positions, accounted for 23 total touchdowns—48 catches for 881 yards and nine TDs on offense, plus 526 rushing yards and 13 TDs on the ground. Princeton’s Lorenzo McMullen, a four‑star transfer from Taft, was Division IV first‑team all‑state after catching 39 passes for 601 yards and 14 TDs, leading the Senators to an 11‑1 record.

Harrison’s Christian Roether was the team’s leading receiver as a junior, posting 30 catches for 500 yards and 11 TDs while also playing defensive line. Elder’s Chase Walpole remains the Panthers’ top returning receiver after a 12‑1 season, compiling 43 catches for 615 yards and three TDs, and adding 15 receptions for 181 yards in the playoffs.

Anderson’s Tysin Weaver was the state’s leading receiver, flaunting 91 catches for 1,375 yards and 20 TDs, and leading the Raptors to the Division II final. He added 38 catches for 497 yards in five playoff games, including 11 catches for 125 yards in the championship game loss to Avon.

Key Stats that Define the Class of 2026

Beyond the award winners, several statistical milestones set the stage for the upcoming season. Tyler Fryman’s 62‑catch, 1,320‑yard, 23‑TD season is already one of the best in the region. Tysin Weaver’s 91 receptions for 1,375 yards and 20 TDs rank among the state’s top performers.

Charles Alexander Jr.’s 21 receptions for 369 yards and six TDs as a junior showcase his potential at the next level, while Cordell Ball’s 56 catches for 1,017 yards and nine TDs highlight his consistent production. The trio of Mason’s Azarae Hawkins (Ohio Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year) and Marco Di Loreto Tarot (Boys Water Polo of the Year) also add unique skill sets to the landscape.

Team achievements are equally impressive. Wyoming’s boys basketball team captured both the individual player award and the team honor, reflecting a deep roster. Beechwood’s football team posted an 11‑2 record and reached the Class 2A quarterfinals, largely driven by Fryman’s output.

What It Means for Next Season

The blend of award‑winning athletes and high‑performing receivers suggests a competitive outlook for Cincinnati area high school sports. The recognition of many multi‑sport stars—like Tyler Fryman (football and baseball) and Thomas Huckleby (multiple positions)—indicates depth and versatility that coaches will need to account for.

Returning leaders such as Tysin Weaver, Charles Alexander Jr., and Lorenzo McMullen will be focal points for opposing defenses, and their development could sway playoff seeding. Meanwhile, the emphasis on student‑photographer recognition and community involvement reflects the broader mission of the Enquirer awards to honor both athletic excellence and service.

Fans can expect early-season match-ups to showcase these talents, and the preseason polls will likely be closely watched. As the next football season approaches, the spotlight will remain on the players who shined at the 2026 Cincinnati High School Sports Awards and those receivers poised to make headlines on the field.

On the Radar: Additional Names to Watch

Other players generating buzz include New Richmond’s Peyton Abner, South Dearborn’s Wyatt Adams, Campbell County’s Cade Anthrop, Goshen’s Jomar Berg, Milford’s Joey Dahmer, Turpin’s C.J. Elliott, Ludlow’s Andre Englemon Jr., Colerain’s Desean Flagg, Taft’s Eddie Holloway, Newport’s Demarco Jackson, Anderson’s Tegan Jallick, Lakota East’s Carter Jones, Harrison’s Elijah Jones, Anderson’s Cooper Kathman, Lebanon’s Wyatt Lassen, Highlands’ Tayden Lorenzen, Kings’ Andrew Lyman, Wyoming’s Brylan Miltenberger, Roger Bacon’s Evan Otto, Beechwood’s Nathan Pabst, Turpin’s Callan Poland, Blanchester’s Cooper Reynolds, Waynesville’s Tyce Rutledge, Roger Bacon’s Liam Vargo, and Elder’s Drew Wauligman.