Highlighting SOME of Section V’s top performers from the first two weeks of October (10/3 -10/14). 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.
ALYSSA ANDRACKI Senior Center Midfielder, Hilton Cadets (Monroe County I) — Equipped with a confident touch and vision of the field, Andracki routinely creates for teammates, she understands how to use pace and when it is appropriate to play to feet and when to play into space, she picks her spots to attack but is always ready to release possession; tireless defender who routinely disrupts opposing offensive movement, she sees one play ahead and moves on the flight of the ball to be in position to challenge.
WYATT ARGENTIERI Senior Attacker, Hornell Red Raiders (Livingston County Athletic Association) — Dynamic performer who is capable of breaking off an effortless 30-yard rush to create an opportunity for a teammate, equipped with speed, he is also light on the ball and able to change directions effortlessly; a willing defender who commits to defensive shape as a means to disrupt opposing offensive progression.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM DENNIS JOYCE HERE.
ELLA CLARK Junior Forward, Hilton Cadets (Monroe County I) — A scoring and passing threat on the hardwood, Clark works well on the pitch within a system that takes advantage of width to create open space in the middle third, strong on the ball, Clark routinely plays threatening crosses inside the 18, she is effortless along the flank with a ball at her feet, teammates thrive with the volume of opportunities provided by this wing; defensively, she doesn’t know how to backdown in one-on-one situations and at the very least limits an opponent’s vision of the field.
NYAH CRUZ Junior Center Back, Gananda Blue Panthers (Wayne County) — Calm and steady along the backline, Cruz possesses a confident first touch and vision of the field to create for teammates, effectively picks her spots to advance the ball using the dribble, multi-dimensional player who can shift from attack to creating in the flip of switch; strong and confident in 50/50 situations, she consistently wins possession for the Blue Panthers.
JACK EMO Junior Midfielder, Hornell Red Raiders (Livingston County Athletic Association) — Combines physicality with technique and a nose for the ball, Emo thrives on contact and is comfortable in crowded spaces in the middle third of the field, relentless on the ball, he is always a threat to generate offense either for himself or a teammate; tireless defender who closes down quickly and forces rushed decisions from opponents.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM CHRIS CECERE HERE.
MIA ESTELLE Junior Midfielder, Webster Thomas Titans (Monroe County II) — Fearless interior player, Estelle is comfortable winning possession in crowded spaces, quick afoot, she is able to initiate offense with little to no effort, strong finisher, she keeps pressure on the opposing goal until the defense eventually gives in; willing defender who moves on the flight of the ball and understands how to use angles to thwart the opposing progress.
SAM FURIOSO Senior Goalkeeper, Bishop Kearney Kings (Private-Parochial) — Strength, technique and instincts all rolled into one package, Furioso gives Kearney a chance to win every game, he anticipates the play well and uses refined footwork to take away sure scoring opportunities, uses physical to command the 18-yard box, understands when to come off the line and his reactions keep him from rarely being caught out of position.
MYA KOTSCH Senior Center Back, Aquinas Li’l Irish (Private-Parochial) — Steady performer along the Aquinas backline, makes a confident first step to the ball and routinely gains possession, comfortable with the ball at her feet, notable field vision, she understands how to use in the open field to create for teammates, she understands when to possess the ball and is capable of taking what the defense gives her.
ELLA LATHROP Sophomore Midfielder/Forward, Gananda Blue Panthers (Wayne County) — Commanding presence on the pitch, Lathrop routinely dictates offensive flow for the Blue Panthers and seamlessly switches gears to disrupt opponents, strong and confident, she is masterful at winning 50/50 situations, possesses an uncanny ability for releasing a ball from traffic and finding an open teammate, she understands pace and when to use feet and space to create openings, equally effective on the ball and off the ball though she is rarely not at the center of the play.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM RON ANDREWS HERE.
EMILEE MONTAGLIANO Ninth Grade Goalkeeper, Greece Athena Trojans (Monroe County III) — Equipped with keen instincts and reactions, Montagliano has made impressive improvement to refine her game at an early age, emerging footwork has allowed her to take away threats at the crossbar and corners, she commands the area in and around the six and is becoming comfortable with dictating transition into offense.
FRANKLIN SAFARI Ninth Grade Attacker, World of Inquiry/Edison/Franklin/SOTA (RCAC) — Raw and energetic, Safari is an exciting prospect, capable of making rushes of 20 to 30 yards under control and at the same time possessing a deft touch to redirect at frame within traffic, he understands pace and sees angles to create for teammates and is developing his ability to run off the ball.
Great write up Paul. Thank you!