Montgomery Advertiser Names Vance Law Firm Athletes of the Week

Natalie Barton and Jarrett Friendly crowned state champions

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:03am

The Montgomery Advertiser has announced the winners of its Athlete of the Week polls sponsored by the Vance Law Firm for the week of March 2-6. Saint James' Natalie Barton and Montgomery Academy's Jarrett Friendly were named the female and male Athletes of the Week, respectively, after leading their teams to state championship victories.

Why it matters

The Athlete of the Week awards highlight the top high school sports performances in the Montgomery area, recognizing the hard work and achievements of local student-athletes. These awards help promote and celebrate the vibrant sports culture in the community.

The details

Natalie Barton was named the girls Athlete of the Week after earning MVP honors during the AHSAA girls basketball state championships, where her team won the state title. On the boys side, Jarrett Friendly won the poll for his standout performance in leading Montgomery Academy to the AHSAA boys basketball state championship.

  • The polls ran from March 9-12, with readers able to vote once per hour.
  • The winners were announced on Friday, March 13.

The players

Natalie Barton

A student-athlete at Saint James who was named MVP of the AHSAA girls basketball state championships after leading her team to the state title.

Jarrett Friendly

A student-athlete at Montgomery Academy who was crowned the state champion in boys basketball after a standout performance in the AHSAA state championships.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The Vance Law Firm Athlete of the Week awards showcase the exceptional talent and dedication of high school athletes in the Montgomery area, inspiring the next generation of sports stars and reinforcing the community's passion for local sports.