Amarillo High's McKenzie Smith, Happy's Tryce Johnson are Happy State Bank Athletes of the Week

McKenzie Smith, Amarillo High, Basketball

It was widely known that Smith was one of the top players in the area returning this season. She was a contender for AGN Preseason Player of the Year. So, the fact that she's had such an outstanding start to the season should surprise no one.

What she did in two wins last week, however, was truly special.

The Lady Sandies are off to a 9-1 start and collected a pair of triumphs in which Smith averaged 22.5 points on 62.9% shooting from the field last week, including 4-for-6 from three-point range, last week. Add in 6.5 rebounds and three steals per contests and it goes without saying that she had an outstanding week.

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"McKenzie is continuing to improve each time she takes the floor," Amarillo High coach Jeff Williams said. "Returning as 3-5A's MVP from her junior season, McKenzie does not take a day for granted. The maturity she plays with is next level for sure.

"She is a leader in our program and holds her teammates to that same high standard. I cannot say enough good things about McKenzie. She is definitely one of the very best I've had the privilege to coach. A winner in all that she does."

Tryce Johnson, Happy, Football

Happy has been the top six-man football team in the Panhandle throughout the year. The Cowboys haven't gotten there with just one player.

Having a player like Johnson, though, always helps.

Johnson led Happy to a 56-16 win over Nazareth in the Class 1A Division I quarterfinals this past week with stellar play on both sides of the ball. Johnson rushed for 171 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries while leading the defense with 12 tackles.

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The Cowboys are 12-1 and head to the semifinals for a rematch with Westbrook, the only team to defeat Happy this season. Johnson will be turned to once again to help lead the way.

"Tryce is one of the toughest, hardest working athletes you will find," Happy coach Stacy Perryman said. "His play in the regional final against Nazareth was a reflection of that. His energy and effort were relentless."