Highlighting SOME of Section V’s top performers from the first week of sectionals (10/18-10/22). 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.
BRENDAN ADAMS Senior Center Back, Webster Thomas Titans (Monroe County II) — Imposing backline force who provides Thomas with another attacker on offense, strong and confident to the ball, Adams dictates flow for Thomas, he makes intelligent commitments on the defensive end and can serve as facilitator in the counter attack, a threat to score on set pieces, he is fearless in the air; moves on the flight on the flight of the ball to allow defense to maintain shape, always seems to be in the right spot.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM DENNIS JOYCE HERE.
JOSH BARAKA Junior Midfield, Bishop Kearney Kings (Private-Parochial) — Active midfield player who puts opposing players on their heels, comfortable with the ball at his feet and running full stride, Baraka makes keen decisions when to advance the ball and when to distribute, has the ability to change pace and change direction without losing control, not only makes intelligent runs off the ball but stays in motion forcing the defense to commit a mark to him in all occasions; consistently checks back into the defensive and does it again intelligently using angles to close down on opponents, impressive work rate.
ALYSSA DOODY Junior Midfield, Webster Schroeder Warriors (Monroe County I) — High-energy performer with a nose for the ball, Doody consistently gets herself in the middle of the action and makes plays, a tireless defender, she is comfortable winning 50/50 situations and creates in traffic for teammates, she is adept at receiving the ball in stride, making decisions and executing in situations when others may find the speed of the game uncomfortable.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM CHRIS CECERE HERE.
LJ GLEASON Sophomore Goalkeeper, Aquinas Li’l Irish (Private-Parochial) — An uncanny presence in goal, Gleason combines skill, athleticism and IQ with a long and lanky frame that helps him cover frame, sophomore has posted eight shutouts this season against a schedule that has included seven games against opponents who have been ranked in the state at one point this season, quick reflexes and sound game instincts, he’s decisive coming off the line and finishes plays, has the ability to initiate counter attacks.
LJ Gleason 🤛 out initiates a counter. pic.twitter.com/XkRMqt7sfd
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) October 22, 2022
RHIA HUMMEL Ninth-grade Midfield/Forward, Irondequoit Eagles (Monroe County III) — Aggressive frontline player who anticipates situations well and sees one pass/play ahead, Hummel frequently steps in passing lanes to gain possession and can take those situations and create opportunities for teammates, equipped with a confident first touch and above average field vision, she is a willing facilitator who stays with play.
CORY JARVIS Senior Attack, Webster Thomas Titans (Monroe County II) — Dynamic performer along the frontline, Jarvis is as comfortable receiving the ball in stride and making decisions as he is providing a target for teammates then turning to attack the opposing backline, creates for himself and for teammates, part of a relentless offense that attacks opponents in waves and forces defenses to make rushed decisions, equally adept on and off the ball, willing to draw opposing defenses with runs but is always ready to score.
GRACE KEARNEY Sophomore Midfield/Forward, Northstar Christian Knights (Private-Parochial) — Versatile performer who can create from a variety of spots on the pitch, Kearney works well in the middle third where she is able to function in crowded spaces and not allow outside pressure to rush her decisions, possessing a confident first touch, she takes advantage in one-on-one situations to beat the opposing defender and then makes sound decisions as when to continue possessing or when to create for teammates; a disciplined defender, she moves well on the flight of the ball and understands the value of containing an opposing ballhandler.
HOLLY McGINNIS Junior Forward, Caledonia-Mumford Raiders (Livingston County AA) — Efficient wing who consistently creates for teammates, McGinnis is comfortable in one-on-one situations along the flank, she needs few touches to break down a defender, effective as a wall using one-touch to free a teammate on a run, at the same time can receive, turn and go, thrives with the ball at her feet and running full stride, strong left foot keeps defenders off-balance; responsible defender who understands how to close down on the ball and maintain containment.
IESA MOHAMMED Senior Midfield, Aquinas Li’l Irish (Private-Parochial) — Premier facilitator who plays the game like the ball is an extension of his feet, difficult to contain with a single mark, Mohammed forces opposing defenses to commit two or three players to him, sees angles beyond the obvious and is able to execute passes with pace to create for teammates; strong to the ball, he is an aggressive defender who sees the value in making the opponent play faster than desired.
57’ Iesa Mohammed catches Bennett Valentino in stride. Aquinas 3-0. pic.twitter.com/GnuDPsbK1F
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) October 22, 2022
AVERY ROBERTS Senior Midfield/Forward, Rush-Henrietta Royal Comets (Monroe County I) — Committed to play lacrosse at North Carolina, it is easy seeing Roberts making the transition to soccer beyond high school, possesses an impressive blend of athleticism and skill, she sees one pass/play ahead and has uncanny ability for being in the center of all motion on the pitch, skilled enough to release out of crowd and gather the ball under control to make the next play; dominant defender who dictates what opponents will do with the ball. Put 11 of her on the field and that team wins a lot of games.
LUKE TYTLER Senior Midfield, Bishop Kearney Kings (Private-Parochial) — Calming presence in the middle third, Tytler is the point of Kearney’s offense, equipped with a sure first touch and the ability to switch fields effortlessly, he understands how to use pace to create for teammates, at the same time he picks his spots well to push the ball off the dribble; a willing defender, he makes intelligent challenges on the ball and is comfortable winning in 50/50 situations.
17’ Jaiden Insixiengmay gives @BKHS_Sports a 2-0 lead. Luke Tytler gets the assist. pic.twitter.com/YdwjAGrg5y
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) October 22, 2022
ALSO:
Anna Varland, Kee-Bu Soy and the Starting XI
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