Athletes of the Month- January

The Catholic Star Herald highlights the Diocese’s student athletes who stood out during the month of January.

Nicole Carpenter

Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Newfield

Swimming

Nicole Carpenter is a four-year swimmer for Our Lady of Mercy Academy and was selected as the team’s captain for the 2021-22 season.

A freestyle specialist, Carpenter ducked under the one-minute mark in the 100 meter freestyle on Jan. 20 with 59.16 and recorded a time of 2:14.12 in the 200 Free. Carpenter, who plans to study environmental engineering in college, has been a big part of all three relay teams, including the Villagers’ 200 Free Relay team, which has helped pace the team to a 5-2 record prior to its final regular season meet with Mainland.

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C.J. Compagnola

Paul VI High School, Haddonfield

Ice Hockey

C.J. Compagnola found another gear in January. Already leading the team in points through December, Compagnola scorched the competition in January with 12 goals and six assists through Jan. 28.

Compagnola has accumulated 18 goals and 15 assists through his first 14 games and has only been held off the scoresheet in two games this season. His five-goal outburst against Nottingham included his second hat trick of the season and his fifth multi-goal game. Paul VI is enjoying the junior’s career year as the Eagles were 8-5-1 through Jan. 28.

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Tanner Jones

Gloucester Catholic High School, Gloucester City

Swimming

Tanner Jones has shown off his versatility and quickness in the pool this winter.

The Gloucester Catholic senior is undefeated in individual races, which includes victories in six different events as the Rams compiled a 7-1 record through January. Jones’ best times have come in the 100 freestyle (47.66), the 200 freestyle (1:43.56) and the 100 butterfly (55.06). He has also posted winning times in the 100 breaststroke (1:05.93), 200 individual medley (2:11.55) and the 500 freestyle (4:38.08) while helping the Rams in all three relays throughout the course of the season.

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Kaci Mikulski

Wildwood Catholic Academy, North Wildwood

Basketball

It didn’t take long for Kaci Mikulski’s name to be mentioned among the best scorers in South Jersey. The Wildwood Catholic sophomore only saw a few minutes last season due to quarantining issues, but Mikulski is making up for lost time by filling the basket for the Crusaders this winter. Through her first 15 games, Mikulski led Wildwood Catholic in points (226) and 3-pointers (36). Mikulski scored a career high 27 points in a 54-42 win over Hammonton on Jan. 20 to help the Crusaders remain in control of the Cape Atlantic League United Division.

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Jamil Wilkins

Holy Spirit High School, Absecon

Basketball

The Holy Spirit High School boys basketball team finished January strong with key wins over Ocean City, Hammonton and Mainland to carry an 8-5 record into February. Jamil Wilkins’ contributions were a big reason for the Spartans’ hot streak. Wilkins, a junior, scored double-digits in every game he played in January, averaging 14.5 points per game during the month.

Wilkins contributed 15 points on Jan. 26 as Holy Spirit pulled out a thrilling 56-55 overtime victory over Mainland in a Cape Atlantic League United Division matchup.

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Jackson Young

Camden Catholic High School, Cherry Hill

Wrestling

There’s been no sophomore slump for Jackson Young, who has followed up a strong freshman year with a stellar second season. Young is undefeated in dual meets this year (7-0), including four first-period pins.

Wrestling at 120 lbs., Young has helped pace the Irish to a 7-1 record through January and also had a great individual showing Jan. 15-16 at the Escape the Rock tournament at Council Rock South High School, winning a dramatic blood round match and placing eighth among some of the best wrestlers in the country.