Highlighting SOME of Section V’s top performers from the first two weeks of September (9/5-9/17). Please note that this continues the series from the 2021 season that culminated with end-of-the year honors for last year’s seniors, juniors and sophomores. Included on those postseason teams were Chase Alexandre (Brighton), Alex Cook (Wayne), Lee Hartke (Avon), Wrianna Hudson (Greece Athena), Maya Ikewood (Palmyra-Macedon), Maria Karipidis (Honeoye Falls-Lima), Myles Palmer (Fairport) and Ali Shabani (Aquinas) among others. Details of those selections can be read by following this link. This Starting XI represents an effort to add more names to that list.
MIA GRAY Ninth-grade Center Mid, Byron-Bergen Bees (Genesee Region II) — Wise beyond her years, Gray possesses an internal radar that allows her to accurately read all motion on the pitch. Sturdy and skilled, she deftly switches field with the slightest of touches, at the same time makes keen decisions when to advance the ball off the dribble, needs little space to get into her shot and finishes with elite accuracy; tireless defender, Gray closes down on the dribble without getting caught in overplays, anticipates well and moves on the flight of the ball to anticipate next play.
MACKENZIE HAGEN Junior Forward, Byron-Bergen Bees (Genesee Region II) — Closest current example of a pure counter-attack threat as there is in Section V, Hagen needs two to three strides to reach full speed, once there she is soft on the ball and forces defenders into reactionary mode, comfortable finishing but at her best finding the slightest of seams to lead teammates into the open field with passes; routinely checks into defensive half without giving up offensive threat.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM DENNIS JOYCE HERE.
WILL HANFORD Junior Center Mid, Pittsford Sutherland Knights (Monroe County III) — Steady performer in the middle third, with a sure first touch Hanford is capable of comfortably switching fields and creating opportunities for teammates, possesses above average field vision and the technique to execute when moving forward; confident defender, strong to the ball on the ground and in the air, capable of winning possession and getting team into transition.
PAUL MURGOCI Senior Attack, Fairport Red Raiders (Monroe County I) — Sturdy frontline player who provides an effective complement for Myles Palmer who leads the Monroe County League, strong on the ball, Murgoci is equally effective winning the ball on the ground as in the air, capable of making quick decisions and executing, proficient finisher who understands the value of putting the ball on frame; consistently checks back to the defensive half and is capable of initiating transition.
ELLA PERKINS Ninth-Grade Midfield, Greece Athena Trojans (Monroe County III) — Tireless worker in the middle third of the pitch, Perkins uses her diminutive stature for an advantage, always around the ball and fearless in one-on-one situations she routinely wins 50-50 situations and releases from traffic under control with the ability to make plays for teammates, with a deft touch she takes advantage of/ and establishes spacing through her passing.
HANNAH ROXSTROM Sophomore Defense/Midfield, Greece Olympia Spartans (Monroe County IV) — Comfortable making decisions and gaining possession in a crowd, Roxstrom has a deft touch that she uses well to set up teammates and create for herself, she works well with one touch but when given space can take advantage off the dribble; tireless defender, she is strong to the ball and fearless in one-on-one situations; a willing defender, she understands how to take away angles from opposing ballhandlers and sees one play ahead.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM DENNIS JOYCE HERE.
NATHANIEL RUSSO Senior Goalkeeper, Fairport Red Raiders (Monroe County I) — Blending quick reflexes with impressive instincts for the game, Russo keeps a steady tab on the Fairport goal, understands when to leave his line and possesses the strength and athleticism to stymie opponents in one-on-one confrontations, at the same time his quick reactions along the line help him cover the frame, consistent communicator who keeps the Red Raider backline organized.
KEE-BU SOY Senior Midfield, Greece Arcadia Titans (Monroe County III) — Relentless performer who dictates play from sideline to sideline, Soy anticipates the play well, is comfortable in crowded spaces and has the ability to gain possession before freeing himself from opposing defenders, strong on the ball, he is difficult to move off his line, confident first touch and makes economic use of possession, quick release on shot.
SAM SWANGER Senior Attack Penfield Patriots (Monroe County I) — Relentless performer in the middle third, Swanger impacts play from sideline to sideline, gifted with a deft first touch, he understands when to advance the ball and when to redirect quickly, possesses the ability to switch fields on a dime and knows when to play to feet and when to use space; tireless defender, he has a nose for the ball and sees one play ahead, strong in one-on-one situations, understands when to contain and when to pressure.
ANNA VARLAND Junior Midfield/Forward, Batavia Blue Devils (Monroe County IV) — Gifted frontline player with sound instincts, Varland is comfortable acting as a wall receiving the ball with her back to the goal and equally adept at taking a lead on the run and making snap decisions, equipped with an effective touch, she understands when she needs to breakdown the defense off the dribble and when to pass, proficient finisher, she needs little space to unload a shot; checks back regularly into the defensive half without giving herself up as an offensive threat.
ISABELLA WALSH Junior Center Back, Batavia Blue Devils (Monroe County IV) — Steadying influence along the Batavia backline, rare is the play that Walsh does not influence, effectively closes down on the dribble and does not get caught in over-plays, makes keen decisions with the ball; possesses the ability to attack in the offensive half, patient in picking her spots to advance the ball off the dribble, she sees passing lanes and is able to execute.
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