ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Nevaeh Staples

Uwharrie Charter Academy, girls’ basketball

Staples, a senior, has been among the leaders of the Eagles’ strong opening stretch to the season. They entered December with an undefeated record.

Staples has been the leading scorer or co-leader for UCA in three of its first five games, including a 12-point effort last week vs. Albemarle. She’s a UCA program record holder for single-game points based on a 34-point outing last season.

She has been an all-conference selection the past two seasons. In both those seasons, she was UCA’s leading scorer and rebounder.