Vote Now: Select Patch's Athlete of the Week

Be heard by picking our Patch Athlete of the Week of the southwest for the week ending Dec. 11.

Vote for one of the following (or write in your own candidate in the comments):

: Nick Malonga, senior forward on the boys basketball team: Malonga had 14 points, three rebounds, two steals and an assist in the Raiders' over the weekend. Bolingbrook improved to 5-2 overall and 3-0 in the SWSC Blue. The Raiders will play next at Nequa Valley on Wednesday.

: Jerron Wilbut, senior guard on the boys basketball team: Wilbut helped lead DGS to a . The Mustangs came roaring back after a 35-22 deficit in the game. Wilbut scored 18 of his 20 points in the second half, including four 3-pointers and had six rebounds, five steals and three assists. 

: Kirsten Zemke, center on the girls basketball team: Zemke scored back-to-back buckets late in the first quarter and the Hornets never looked back as Hinsdale South eked out a . Zemke finished with eight points, which helped the Hornets win their third-straight game and keep them tied for first in the West Suburban Conference Gold Division with Proviso East.

: Lemont boys wrestling team. The Indians improved to 7-0 this season after six of their wrestlers turned in 2-0 afternoons at a Romeoville High School meet. Jake Kaminsky (152 pounds), Mark Kirkman (160), Eric Kirkman (170), Chris Giatras (182), John Tomala (220) and Mike Devitt (285) each turned in perfect days. ‘‘We’re still trying to get kids into shape, but when they go on the mat, they’re doing well, and I’m happy with the effort,’’ head coach John St. Clair told The Herald-News.

Neuqua Valley: Najee Smith, sophomore forward/guard on the girls basketball team: Smith scored a game-high 19 points in a Dec. 8 win over Metea Valley. The game was a tight with each team hitting the boards, but Neuqua was able to overcome a five-point deficit late in the game and win. A hand off from Megan Doody to Smith scored the tying basket to take the game into overtime. Neuqua won the game 57-55. 

: Nate Washington, senior guard on the boys basketball team:Washington has been one of the Spartans' top scorers this season—he's recently scored 20 points in a Dec. 2 loss to the Minooka Indians. All in all, he's the team's scoring leader with 60 points this season.

Want to write in your own candidate? Go ahead! But be sure to explain your pick in the comments and be sure to vote by 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14.