More than 8,000 votes were cast in last week's competition and Deerfield's Artie Bess was named Patch Athlete of the Week. 

The nominees for Patch Athlete of the Week, Feb. 20 - Feb. 26:

Kathleen Stralka, senior, girl’s basketball, Loyola Academy – Stralka scored a team-high 10 points in Loyola’s 31-26 win over Glenbrook South. The victory gave the Ramblers the Class 4A New Trier Sectional championship and Loyola advanced to play Wheeling in the Stevenson Super-Sectional.

Danny Katz, senior, boys track, Deerfield – Katz won the long jump, triple jump and 55-meter intermediate hurdles at the Buffalo Grove quad last week. Katz’s three victories helped the Warriors win the meet, beating Conant, Prairie Ridge and Buffalo Grove.

Mark Johnson, senior, boy’s basketball, Glenbrook North – Johnson scored 18 points and had seven rebounds and two blocks in the Spartans’ 39-point win over Waukegan in the Central Suburban League crossover championship. Glenbrook North finished the regular season at 19-6.

Jewell Loyd, senior, girl’s basketball, Niles West – Loyd finished her brilliant high-school career with 31 points in the Wolves’ 48-46 loss to Glenbrook South in the Class 4A New Trier Sectional semifinals. Loyd led Niles West to one sectional championship in her career.

Jake Norcia, senior, boy’s basketball, Highland Park – Norcia had 23 points in Highland Park’s crossover victory over Evanston. The 49-39 victory gave the Giants a 16-10 record in the regular season and they will play Deerfield to open the playoffs.

Like to Nominate An Athlete For Next Week? Email nominations to Sports Reporter Ross Jacobson (rjacobson2010@gmail.com). Nominations must be received by noon on Sunday for consideration. E-mails must include a picture of the athlete and detailed information (links to other media coverage are welcome) on why he or she is a deserving candidate for the weekly award.