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DigtalSports writer Derek Toney catches up with Mount de Sales' Katy Buck, Kasey Mercier and coach Kenny Mills after the Sailors' four-game win over St. Paul's in the IAAM A Conference volleyball finals.
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The DigitalSports Baltimore Metro Athletes of the Week feature is published every Monday.

If you know any male or female high school athletes within the Baltimore Metro area that you feel should receive the weekly recognition, please email any of the writers from our content team with statistics from that week and why you feel the athlete should be chosen.

The finalists will be based on the consensus opinions of our Baltimore staff, in consultation with area coaches and other sport specific experts. All public and private schools located in our Baltimore coverage area, which includes Baltimore City, along with Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Harford and Howard counties, will be considered.

Female Athlete of the Week
Katy Buck, Mount de Sales volleyball

Buck, a junior, had 23 kills, 16 digs and was 18-for-19 serving with two aces to lead the Sailors to a 25-21, 20-25, 25-19, 25-22 win over St. Paul's to claim the IAAM A Conference volleyball title this past week.

Buck is a three-year varsity starter for Mount de Sales, which wrapped its season with a 15-2 record.

"We knew we had a really strong all-around team," said Buck, who was a second-team All-Baltimore County selection last year. "We had a lot of confidence in our hitters and passers, and when we play our game, no one can stop us."

Coach Kenny Mills echoed Buck's statement.

"When it came down to it, we knew this team could go all the way," he said. "Players like Katy wanted it really bad and they've been working hard for the last few years to get to this point.

"Katy played a major role in what we were able to accomplish this year."

Others considered: Garrison Forest field hockey player Liza Blue, Erica Page, Spalding soccer, Garrison Forest field hockey player Katie Merrick.

Male Athlete of the Week
Patrick Houck, Severna Park boys soccer

Houck, a senior defender, scored two goals in two games for the Falcons during their current playoff run this past week. His first came during a 4-3 penalty kick shootout win over Broadneck in the Class 4A East Region semifinals. He then scored the lone goal -- off another penalty kick -- in Severna Park's 1-0 win over Leonardtown in the region final.

The Falcons (15-1) advance to their second straight Class 4A state tournament, which starts Saturday.

"Pat has been just one of our most steady players all year," Severna Park coach Roy Dunshee said. "He's very calm on the field. When he took the penalty kick the other night, he looked very confident. We have a couple of other guys that are good at it, they just weren't on the field at the time.

"So I looked around and Pat was my guy. He jumped into my head immediately."

Houck, a lockdown defender for the Falcons, has only attempted three penalty kicks during a game in his life.

"But we do have a little competition in practice," he said. "If we miss, we have to do push-ups as a punishment. It's all fun but it’s also helps us prepare for them."

Others Considered: Dunbar football player Tavon Austin, Fallston soccer player Dominic Welsh, New Town football player Antoine Geter.

Athletes of the Week Archives
WEEK 1 (9/8 thru 9/14)
WEEK 2 (9/15 thru 9/21)
WEEK 3 (9/22 thru 9/29)
WEEK 4 (9/30 thru 10/6)
WEEK 5 (10/7 thru 10/13)
WEEK 6 (10/14 thru 10/20)
WEEK 7 (10/21 thru 10/27)
WEEK 8 (10/28 thru 11/3)