Boys small school athlete of the week

When Clayton Prins fired the first perfect game in the history of Ripon Christian's program, it was the start of a great week for the 6-foot-3, 195-pound right-hander. By the time it was over, he had played a key role in a 4-0 week that included an upset of Escalon -- The Bee's top-ranked small-school team.

Prins retired all 21 batters he faced, with six strikeouts, in a 3-0 win over Modesto Christian. He went 4-for-12 with five RBIs and two doubles in the four wins, driving in two runs in a 4-2 win over Escalon.

"The past two years, (Clayton) has laid the foundation for repeatable motion, which has allowed us to progress from him being a thrower to a pitcher, " said coach John de Visser, explaining Prins' practice method. "The amount of work he has put in is remarkable. It is expected, however, because he is one of the hardest working kids I have ever been around."