HomeTeam Hot Shots
A spotlight on the Times’ bay area players of the week.
Female Hot Shot: Assata Trader, Shorecrest
Sport: Track and field
Skinny: After winning an unexpected state title in the 100 meters last season, Trader went from being an under-the-radar sprinter to the prohibitive favorite that everyone is trying to beat. At last week’s Class A, District 10 meet, the senior won the 100 in 12.24 seconds. She also took second in the 200 (25.61) and ran legs on the second-place 4x100 (51.29) and third-place 4x400 (4:35.30) relay teams. “I thought it was a good start to the postseason,” said Trader, who will sign with Florida Atlantic next week. “My times were consistent, and that’s the biggest thing I’m focusing on right now.” Next up is the region meet before Trader attempts to defend her state title in the 100. “I just want to try to get to state and run the best race that I can,” Trader said.
Male Hot Shot: Jake Woodford, Plant
Sport: Baseball
Skinny: Woodford has given up just one hit in his last 10 innings pitched for the Panthers, including a complete-game no-hitter in an April 4 win against Wharton and a one-hit, three-inning outing in Plant’s 6-3 win against Robinson last Friday. The junior, who owns a 6-1 record, has a 0.45 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 47 innings pitched. Woodford’s contributions have fueled Plant on its six-game win streak. “Woody’s pitched well all year, whenever he comes up,” teammate Kyle Tucker said. “It always feels good having that and even (scoring) just one run will help us win the game.