The Idaho State Journal is announcing finalists for the annual Sports Stars Awards, set for May 5 at 6 p.m. at the Stephens Performing Arts Center on the campus of Idaho State University.

Starting with our fall finalists, up next is Boys Cross Country Athlete of the Year.

Boston Burbidge, Malad

The senior won the 3A state championship in 15:18.6, shattering the course record by nearly three seconds. Burbidge became just the second individual champion in Malad history and first since 1989, guiding the Dragons to their first team crown since 1991. He averaged 16:33.8 throughout the season and accomplished this weeks after breaking his nose and suffering a concussion during a Spirit Week volleyball game, causing him to miss two races.

Spencer Smith, Highland

The junior paced the Rams with a ninth-place showing in 14:54.6 at the 6A state championships as Highland took runner-up honors — the best result since 1998. Smith tallied one win and seven top-5 outings throughout the season while maintaining a 16:03.2 average. His consistent excellence anchored a squad that pushed champion Coeur d’Alene before settling for second.

Ethan Hansen, Century

The junior won the Class 5A individual title with a wire-to-wire victory in 14:51.1 — the eighth-fastest time in Idaho this season. Hansen became just the fifth boy in Century history to capture state, ending an 18-year drought that hung on the school wall as motivation. He shattered the school record by more than a minute and tallied six wins, four more than his first two seasons combined. Hansen averaged 15:36.3 throughout the season as the Diamondbacks took home a third-place team trophy.