By PAUL GOTHAM
A sampling of Section V student-athletes on the pitch. Please take note that this list is based upon attendance at games as opposed to statistics and videos provided. As the season continues, more lists will be published.
KYLEIGH BATHE Sr. Center Back Greece Olympia; An imposing force along the Olympia backline, Bathe recognizes when to clear, when to start transition and when there is space for her to possess; a vocal leader, the senior captain is comfortable allowing teammates to make plays but always seems ready to step in when needed, makes sound decisions based upon conditions, routinely wins 50-50 balls and plays to her advantage on balls in the air; the game never seems to fast for her and has the ability to advance the ball off the dribble 20-30, when the situation warrants, while maintaining composure.
KYLIE CLEMENT Sr. Center Back Webster Schroeder; Committed to play basketball at SUNY Oneonta, Clement has made the move from the frontline to center back for the Warriors, the 5-foot-11 Clement still provides a target on corner kick situations, but her presence on the backline has changed Schroeder’s complexion; fearless in 50-50 situations, she routinely comes out with the ball in those spots and possesses the touch and vision to create for teammates; she is willing to play a supporting role but comfortably steps into the spotlight when the situation dictates as she will advance the ball when an open-field is available.
HALEY DRAKE Jr. F Greece Athena; Aggressive frontline player who is comfortable making decisions with the ball at her feet; Drake recognizes available space and has the ability to make rushes of 30 to 40 yards while maintaining balance and control, she is capable of finding the back of the net from 25 yards out, at the same time she can weave her way through tight spaces inside the 18-yard box to create scoring chances for herself and teammates.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM STEVEN TWARDZIK.
SIENNA FALLONE Jr. Mid Aquinas; Plays the game as if the ball is an extension of her body, rarely does the pace appear to be too fast for Fallone; the Dartmouth University commit and U-16 national team player routinely facilitates for teammates and recognizes chances to create for herself, combining game speed with quickness and strength she is difficult to knock off the ball yet at her best in open-field situations; an underrated defensive player, she is more than willing to be the point on stopping the ball while teammates maintain shape, closes down intelligently on ballhandlers and is comfortable in 50-50 situations.
MIA GRAY Sr. Mid Byron-Bergen; A unique combination of strength and skill, few (possibly none) better at winning in 50-50 situations, the University of Florida commit anticipates well and readily takes on situations where she is outnumbered, at her best after gaining possession and making decisions with the ball, sees the field well and is capable of putting teammates in advantageous situations, at the same time she can make rushes of 30 to 40 yards under control; Gray has to be defended from 30 yards out or she will put the ball in the back of the net needing the smallest of windows in which to let go of her shot; a willing defender, she works from 18 to 18 and never seems to tire.
ALEX GREJDA Sr. Center Back Fairport; A commanding presence along the backline, Grejda possesses unique field vision with the ability to put teammates in advantageous situations, with a confident first touch little gets past Grejda, he is comfortable in 50/50 situations and has a knack for maintaining composure while opponents allow the emotions of the moment to dictate their play, effective at winning balls in the air, he also recognizes opportunities to push forward and become part of the offense, make no mistake Grejda’s defense is a difference-maker for the Red Raiders.
BRANDON OWENS Jr. Mid Greece Arcadia; Crafty midfielder who has a nose for the ball and nose for the situation, Owens has knack for converting in big spots, those goals are the result of his consistent work, he does not need the ball at his feet to stay in motion, he sees one play ahead and always seems to be in the right spot, confident first touch he makes sound decisions when to shoot, pass or posses and has the ability to execute in a variety of spots.
PABLO ROSARIO-REYES Sr. Mid Kendall; Tireless worker who packs a deft touch with power and game IQ all in one package, Rosario-Reyes is inclined to facilitate for teammates, picks his spots well to create his own shot and finishes with frequency; understands how to use pace to create opportunities for teammates, has to be defended from 30 yards out, has the ability to score from there when left open; frequently is on the ball stopping opposing progression and allowing teammates to gain defensive shape, a willing defender who works back to defensive third.
MASON SIMMONS Sr. GK Churchville-Chili; Combines athleticism with technique and game instincts, Simmons understands how to prevent scoring opportunities before such occurrences appear, upper body strength is evident in corner kick situations when he routinely wins battles in the air, has the confidence of his backline which is comfortable using him to switch fields with the ball, leaves his line with intelligence and, again, takes away scoring chances for the opposition; his game awareness can be easily overlooked, he plays behind a stout backline that allows few shots on goal, but Simmons manages to always be prepared when the rare shot is on frame and makes sound decisions when to gather for a save and when to punch away; recognizes opportunities to initiate transition and gets his squad into the opposing half when possible.
NAVEEN SIDHU Jr. F Pittsford Mendon; Strong off the dribble and comfortable lowering his shoulders, Sidhu presents a matchup problem for opposing defenses; he is adept at creating in the outer third which forces opponents to bring additional pressure, at the same time he is a deft finisher who needs very little space to unload his shot, this combination creates space and 1v1 opportunities for his teammates; game speed makes him a threat whenever the ball is near him.
JUDAH TANNER Sr. F East Rochester; Tanner has made a seamless transition from backline to up top where he has scored 14 goals this season, a fearless performer on the pitch, he does not shy away from 50-50 situations and thrives on contact, provides a consistent source of energy that rubs off on his teammates, at his best wining balls in the air, foot speed makes him a tough mark in the open field.
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