Top-5 vote-getters in our Boys Athlete of the Year poll

Listed below are the top five vote-getters in The Herald’s online voting contest for boys athlete of the year. Schools were asked to nominate a senior athlete based on athletic accomplishments and other aspects such as academics, community involvement and character.

1. JJ Jerome, Monroe — 749 votes (12.7 percent)

Jerome was a dominant force on the football field, rushing for 2,050 yards and 27 touchdowns while averaging 10.3 yards per carry. The star running back was a first-team Herald All-Area selection and helped the Bearcats reach the state playoffs for the first time since 1991. He also was a member of Monroe’s basketball and baseball teams.

2. Devan Kirk, Shorewood — 670 votes (11.4 percent)

Kirk, a University of Washington track and field signee, claimed his second consecutive 3A boys state title in the 800 meters. He also placed 43rd in the state cross country meet.

3. Corey Kispert, King’s — 454 votes (7.7 percent)

Kispert, a Gonzaga University signee, was named the 1A boys basketball player of the year by the state’s coaches association for the second consecutive season. The King’s standout averaged about 25 points per game before suffering a foot injury that sidelined him for more than half the season. He carried a 3.98 grade-point average.

4. Noah Wallace, Lake Stevens — 426 votes (7.2 percent)

Wallace was a three-sport athlete who took second place in the 800 meters at the 4A state track and field meet. He also placed 68th in the 4A state cross country meet and excelled in basketball, averaging 7.2 points and a team-high 4.4 assists per game and drawing a school-record 30 charges on defense. Wallace carried a 3.5 GPA and will continue his running career at Concordia University, a Division II school in Portland, Oregon.

5. AJ Martinka, Stanwood — 374 votes (6.4 percent)

Martinka was a first-team Herald All-Area selection in basketball who averaged 15.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 3.3 steals per game. He helped lead the Spartans to a fourth-place trophy at the 3A state tournament — the highest state finish in program history. He also was a member of Stanwood’s football team.