Holly Springs basketball player Samantha Ackles is N&O athlete of the week

Holly Springs basketball star Samantha Ackles is the News & Observer athlete of the week.

Ackles received more than 36 percent of the vote.

The 6-foot-3 forward averaged 16.3 points and 15.3 rebounds per games as Holly Springs beat Middle Creek while losing to Apex Friendship and Leesville Road.

Ackles had 14 points and 14 rebounds in a 69-49 loss to Apex Friendship Feb. 16.

The next day, Ackles had 21 points, 21 rebounds and five assists in a 71-31 win at Middle Creek.

Ackles finished off her week with 14 points and 11 rebounds in a 56-52 loss to Leesville Road Feb. 19.

Ackles, who has scholarship offers from Campbell University and UNC Wilmington, is averaging 16 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks.

▪ A new pool of athletes will be announced this weekend for next week’s award.

Want to nominate an athlete?: Athletes of the week highlights high school players with outstanding performances. The goal is to recognize all athletes in all sports, both the most accomplished and the underrated or underappreciated players. If you want to suggest someone to be included in the Athletes of the week column, send email to Jay Edwards at edwardsraleighnewsobserver@gmail.com.

This story was originally published February 21, 2021 at 5:53 PM.