2021 Splinters Starting XI: Sophomore Girls

By PAUL GOTHAM

With the 2021 High School Soccer season in the past, here’s a look at the top performers in Section V. Presenting the 2021 Pickin’ Splinters Sophomore Girls’ Starting XI:

CATE BURNS
Goalkeeper, Spencerport Rangers (Monroe County II)
All-County performer: Burns played behind a sometimes peerless backline and never wavered, athletic and skilled she commanded the area inside the 18 with strong hands and upper body, effective in set pieces in which she used her strength to take away potential scoring opportunities, aggressive off her line and fearless in challenging opposing scorers.

Cate Burns comes off her line to stop Pauny Khounpachamsy. pic.twitter.com/DrE5NbpGOC

— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) October 30, 2021

MACKENZIE HAGEN
Forward, Byron-Bergen Bees (Genesee County I)
All Genesee Region performer and All-Tournament team selection: With long strides and a nimble touch, Hagen is able to separate from defenders in the open field, she can create for herself but is always ready to distribute, anticipates the play well and has a knack for being in the right spot.

WRIANNA HUDSON
Forward/Midfield, Greece Athena Trojans (Monroe County III)
All-County performer and Class A Third Team All-State selection: Elite-level player who at 6-foot-2 has a commanding presence and the game to back it up, a member of the U16 U.S. National Team pool, Hudson possesses a superb first touch and has the ability to redirect balls out of the air to teammates on the run, at the same time she distorts opposing defenses attempting to slow her down when she gets possession in the outer third, equipped with the knack for finding the back of the net she can score from anywhere inside of 25 yards, displays tremendous control when possessing on the run in the open field.

13:01 remaining GOAL Wrianna Hudson levels the match for ⁦@AthenaHigh⁩ pic.twitter.com/sbRBjhGY1c

— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) October 28, 2021

VIEW MORE CHRISTOPHER CECERE PHOTOS HERE.

MAYA IKEWOOD
Midfield/Forward, Palmyra-Macedon Red Raiders (Finger Lakes East)
Finger Lakes East Player of the Year and Class B Second Team All-State selection: A dynamic offensive player; she is equally adept at creating space for teammates and running into space created for her, Ikewood visualizes seams around the pitch, she recognizes when the ball needs to go into space and understands how to use pace to put teammates in position to score, at the same time she sees when to use feet as the target and can execute in those situations, separates herself from others with her ability to receive in stride and make decisions on the run, she is a threat to score from any where within 25 yards; it is easy to overlook her defense, she routinely checks back on plays and prevents opponents from gaining an advantage in the defensive third.

Maya Ikewood cuts the lead to 4-2 for @palmacsports @PickinSplinters pic.twitter.com/kYkpJUbXfP

— Tim Irving (@Irvish5) November 6, 2021

PAUNY KHOUNPACHAMSY
Midfielder, Brighton Bruins (Monroe County II)
All-County performer and All-Tournament team member: A high-motor player, Khounpachamsy works sideline to sideline combining athleticism with skill and finesse, equipped with a deft first touch she is effectiveness in quick combinations freeing teammates for open runs or taking advantage of space to move the ball, at her best creating for those around her; a tireless defender who forces mistakes from opponents with her constant pressure.

Balance on the ball courtesy of Pauny Khounpachamsy pic.twitter.com/vlYnrsNK1l

— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 14, 2021

ABIGAIL MAROTTA
Forward, Marion Black Knights (Wayne County)
Wayne County Player of the Year and Class D First Team All-State performer: Marotta has made a seamless transition as playmaker for sister and national career scoring leader, Chloe DeLyser to go-to scorer with the Black Knights, skilled and athletic Marotta is able to capitalize when she senses an advantage, can create for self and others, has the ability to score from anywhere inside the 18.

KENDALL MESH
Outside Back Spencerport Rangers (Monroe County II)
Picks her spots in a lineup with a pair of Division I commits and another teammate who is among the top 10 in Section V scoring; strong to the ball with a deft touch, she is comfortable pushing the ball and beating one or two defenders off the dribble before making decisions, has one goal to her credit but several threats from long range that keep opposing defenses on heels; as sure of a defender as there is in Section V, strong to the ball and undaunted in 50-50 situations.

Kendall Mesh’s ability to create. pic.twitter.com/dveLVyxP1O

— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 22, 2021

EMILY PARKER
Midfielder, Wheatland-Chili Wildcats (Genesee Region)
Slashing forward with quick-strike capability; Parker is well-schooled in how to use diagonal runs to create space in the offensive third, uses deft footwork and balance (uncanny at her age) to make herself a threat from 20 yards in, she routinely receives the ball in stride and can cut back against a defender to draw secondary coverage, see the field well and uses impressive pace on passes to create for teammates.

CATHERINE ROGERS
Midfielder, Webster Thomas Titans (Monroe County II)
All-County performer and Class A Fifth Team All-State-selection: Technically gifted in the middle of the field, Rogers has a first touch that allows her to receive the ball cleanly under pressure which allows Thomas to transition and build their attack off her feet.  As a sophomore, she has a pretty high soccer IQ that allows her to see the field.  Her work rate in the middle of the field help set her apart from other teams.  She also possesses a dangerous direct kick inside 30 yards that gives Thomas the ability to score in the run of play or off set pieces.

GRACE RUSSELL
Forward, Fillmore Eagles (Allegany County I)
Allegany County Player of the Year, All-Tournament Team member and Class D First Team All-State selection: An adept passer and finisher with the ability to cover a ton of ground, this center midfielder is the engine that makes the Fillmore Lady Eagles run. Russell’s vision, composure, and skill with both feet allow her to impact the game at both ends of the field. She is selfless and will willingly give up the ball when in a good situation to a teammate that is in a great situation. Russell is quick to defer credit to others and will celebrate their success more than her own. A true leader, on and off the field.

KAITLYN WRIGHT
Midfielder Geneva Panthers (Finger Lakes East)
Finger Lakes East All-Star: An effective playmaker who is difficult to contain; equipped with a confident first touch Wright is a willing creator who understands how to use pace to set up teammates, accelerates well with the ball at her feet and can take advantage of openings in the defense, also can create her own openings with a skillful touch, thrives on contact, defenders who attempt to knock her off the ball are consistently met with a firm shoulder and turned away; a tireless defender who consistently makes herself a part of the play.

Kaitlyn Wright has been creating opportunities all match long for ⁦@lady_varsity⁩ pic.twitter.com/Xuf5yGQ9hK

— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) October 23, 2021