Vote for the Vermont Varsity Insider Boys Athlete of the Week powered by Delta Dental

Welcome to the sixth installment of the 2025-26 winter season for the Delta Dental Vermont Varsity Insider Athletes of the Week voting by high school sports fans.

This week, and every week during the sports seasons, members of the public may vote for a top girls athlete and a top boys athlete. And since last year, we added to the list of weekly nominees: There are now two stories, one for girls and one for boys, with more athletes on each ballot.

How do I cast my vote?

All voting is through the ballots at burlingtonfreepress.com. We will not accept votes through email or through social media.

Voting began Monday, Jan. 19, and continues through 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan 22.

How do we learn who wins?

The winners will be announced in a story published at burlingtonfreepress.com on Friday, Jan. 23.

May I nominate a deserving athlete for a future ballot?

Yes. Please nominate a Vermont high school athlete by sending an email to sports@burlingtonfreepress.com (Subject Line: Athletes of the Week nomination). Additionally, please include the athlete’s school, sport and any relevant details from that week’s games in the email.

Boys Athlete of the Week nominees

Alex Chagnon, South Burlington hockey: After a 26-save performance in a 5-3 win over Essex, Chagnon pitched a shutout with 23 stops as the Wolves blanked BFA-St. Albans.

Max Demaine, Lake Region wrestling: Demaine had the weekend’s fastest pin and won the 175-pound division at the Michael J. Baker Wrestling Classic at Essex on Jan. 17.

Cahota Lafond, Colchester wrestling: The senior reached 200 career wins and claimed the 126-pound division at the Michael J. Baker Wrestling Classic at Essex.

Camden Leno, U-32 hockey: The sophomore registered a goal and four assists in a 9-1 win over Rutland and had a pair of tallies in a 7-2 decision over Stowe.

Steele Nelson, Harwood basketball: After tallying 24 points, 15 rebounds and two steals in a 60-50 win over Montpelier, Nelson racked up 30 points and 10 rebounds in a 62-44 decision over Spaulding.

Ethan Whalen, Rutland basketball: After a 19-point outing in a 62-42 victory over Middlebury, Whalen dropped 20 points as Rutland bested South Burlington 61-45.

Contact Alex Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter: @aabrami5.

Contact Judith Altneu at JAltneu@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter: @Judith_Altneu.