PREP ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Jaxon Vowels

Jaxon Vowels of Potlatch is no stranger to Tribune Prep Athlete of the Week status, which he had already gained twice in the span of a year for his efforts with the Logger basketball team. Now the 6-foot-5 right-hander has become a multi-sport honoree, winning the award in the aftermath of a standout pitching performance that saw him strike out 11 while going the distance in a 6-1 Whitepine League win over Clearwater Valley of Kooskia on April 4.

“I was kind of able to just do my thing — and with a great team around me, we’re able to get the job done and it makes me look better too,” Vowels said.

Vowels did not play baseball as a freshman, but “kind of regretted it,” and was hooked on the sport after turning out as as sophomore. He credits coach Trent Baysinger, who joined the team last season and has continued into this one, with helping him taking his pitching to the next level.

“He was a pitcher in the minors, so he knows a lot of what he’s talking about,” Vowels said. “He’s really able to help me a lot on what I’m doing. Every single pitch, he’s able to correct it so I can throw a strike every time.”

Moving forward with the season, Vowels has his eye on postseason glory for the Loggers, who currently hold a 5-1 league record. Apart from sports, he currently serves as the ASB reporter for the school.

Following his graduation from Potlatch, Vowels plans to attend the University of Idaho and major in finance.