Tri-Valley’s Freihaut, Peoria Christian’s Zimmerman win CSM Winter Athletes of the Week

Two small-school hoops standouts stood above the rest with their performances during the week of Jan. 19-25 and took home CSM Winter Athlete of the Week honors while helping their teams continue lengthy win streaks. 

Tri-Valley’s Addy Freihaut won CSM Girls Athlete of the Week after leading the Vikings to their first McLean County/Heart of Illinois Conference Tournament championship since 1999. Peoria Christian’s Myles Zimmerman won CSM Boys Athlete of the Week while helping the red-hot Chargers extend their winning streak by two games, including an overtime victory. 

Read more about our winners’ big performances and get to know them in Q and A’s below: 

Freihaut won CSM Girls Athlete of the Week after receiving 60 percent of the votes in the girls poll. The Tri-Valley senior forward took over the Vikings’ HOIC Tournament championship win over Eureka by putting up 25 points in a 66-52 win over the Hornets. She also led the team with 22 points in a 47-38 quarterfinal win over Fieldcrest and helped boost her team to a 59-48 triumph over Heyworth in the semifinals. Freihaut’s efforts helped Tri-Valley attain the No. 8 ranking in the ensuing Class 2A AP Statewide rankings as the 23-2 Vikings have won 11 straight contests.

Get to know Freihaut in a Q and A here:

What’s been your favorite memory of your high school career so far? 

“My favorite memory is winning the county tournament with my teammates and celebrating afterwards at Culver’s.”

If you had to be stranded on an island with a teammate, who would it be and why?

“I would definitely be stranded with Addison Arbuckle because we go everywhere together. She is fun to be around and I know we would have a good time.”

Favorite music artist?

“My favorite artists are Noah Kahan and Billy Joel.”

Favorite food?

“I love ice cream and acai bowls.”

Do you have any pregame routines/rituals?

“I paint my nails to match my shoes, drink Liquid IV, and Adelin Bruce braids my hair.”

What’s one thing that’s on your bucket list?

“I want to visit and hike at all 63 National Parks.”

Who’s your role model and why?

“My role model is my mom. She has coached me for many years and knows a lot about basketball. She is hard-working and caring and does so much for our team and my family.”

Zimmerman won CSM Boys Athlete of the Week after receiving 41 percent of the votes in the boys poll. He led Peoria Christian to a key 61-54 win over Clinton in overtime on Jan. 24 and displayed his scoring and distributing prowess with 16 points and nine assists to go with four rebounds. He also put up 20 points, four assists and made four of his team’s 13 3-pointers in a 73-38 win over Taylor Ridge Rockridge on Jan. 20. Zimmerman, a key returner from last year’s Class 1A state semifinalist squad, recently put up 15 points, five assists, five rebounds and four steals in a 64-61 win over Dunlap on Jan. 31. His Chargers have won 11 straight games after a 5-6 start.

Get to know Zimmerman in a Q and A here:

What’s been your favorite memory of your high school career so far? 

“Going to state last year and getting to play at State Farm Center in Champaign.”

If you had to be stranded on an island with a teammate, who would it be and why?

“Jacob Walton. Even though he wouldn’t be much help he’s funny so we would have a good time.”

Favorite music artist?

“Zach Bryan.”

Favorite food?

“Steak.”

Do you have any pregame routines/rituals?

“I always eat 2 oranges before every game.”

What’s one thing that’s on your bucket list?

“I really want to see the Eiffel Tower in France.”

Who’s your role model and why?

“My dad. He’s helped me grow so much in my relationship with God and pushes me to be my best each and every day.”