INDIANAPOLIS- The Great Midwest Athletes of the week for December 16th, 2024 are based on student-athlete performance from December 9th, 2024- December 15th, 2024.
 
Men’s Basketball
Ryan Bartley / Malone University/ Sr. / Forward / Decatur, Ill.
Bartley had a season-high 31 points in the Pioneer’s road victory against Lake Erie (91-86). Bartley shot 9-of-15 from the field and 12-of-12 from the free throw line, also leading the team with 5 rebounds. 
 
Women’s Basketball
Hayley Smith/ Ashland University / Sr. / Forward/ Canton, Ohio
In a convincing victory over Kentucky Wesleyan (78-41), Smith had 17 points, 11 rebounds, and a career-high four steals and two assists. The Eagles improved to 8-3 overall, 2-1 in the Great Midwest, and No. 20 overall. 
 
Wrestling
Christian Small / Lake Erie College/ Sr. / Canton, GA.
The Storms’ Christian Small was on a tear this past week, placing second at the 45th annual Midwest Classic. He posted a 5-1 record in the 142 lb weight class, while also securing two pins. In his semifinal win, he took down No. 2 nationally ranked Dylan Lucas from Central Oklahoma. His efforts helped lead Lake Erie to a 13th overall finish which was the second highest result of G-MAC schools.