×

Multiple nods for locals

Juniata had two first-team selections, East Juniata one and Greenwood three on this year’s Tri-Valley League boys soccer all-star teams.

Juniata had a total of five all-star selections including three on the second team.

Goalkeeper Johnny Dessin was selected to the first team. The sophomore had 86 saves in the league as well as finishing third in save percentage (86.87). Junior defender Barrett Walters was also given first team honors.

“Last year I felt that Johnny deserved a first team as a freshman,” Indians coach Jared Byler said. “He has a lot of potential and the sky’s the limit with him for the next two years. He has improved a lot his sophomore year.

“Barrett did a fantastic job for us this year,” Byler continued. “One of things I was impressed with is his leadership. He was one of the toughest defenders in the league.”

Junior forward Tad Shellenberger was selected to the second team after finishing third among the scoring leaders with 35 points (15 goals and five assists).

“Tad was a guy we could rely on putting the goals in the back of the net,” Byler said. “He was very reliable if we needed a goal and Tad could do that for us.”

Senior midfielder Chase Lehman scored eight goals in league play while senior defender Cade Richardson, who despite missing most of the season due to injuries, also made the second team.

“Chase was very solid in the midfield,” Byler said. “He did a lot to create goal opportunities for us and he, too, was relied upon to score for us.

“Cade easily is one of the best players in the whole league,” Byler said. “The fact that he earned a second-team selection despite missing of the of year shows the respect he has from the other coaches.”

East Juniata had two selections, one for first team in Cade Brubaker, who scored eight goals. and second team selection in ssophomore Tim Black made the second team.

“Cade Brubaker is a player that our team relies on, he is consistent and experienced. Cade is driven to succeed and this drive inspires others,” Tigers coach Mike Ryan said. “Tim, he has been a defensive asset since I first saw him play. He had raw talent that I have had the opportunity to mold into the player you see now.”

The Wildcats went undefeated in the TVL (14-0) and won the TVL championship. Greenwood garnered a total of seven selections.

Three of those were first team including league MVP senior midfielder Luke Myers, who was voted in unanimously. Myers led Greenwood overall with 50 points (17 goals, 16 assists). In the league he scored 15 goals and added 10 assists.

“Luke proved every game that he was the best player on the field,” Wildcats coach Aaron Anstine said. “Luke controlled the midfield and truly lead on and off the field. Luke has been the best soccer player I have coached. His knowledge of the game, input and his ability will be missed.”

Fellow senior Danny Campbell also was selected to the first team unanimously. Campbell was a key part of the Greenwood defense.

“A poised player, held down the center-back position the past two years,” Anstine said. “I had the utmost confidence in his ability. He honestly never made mistakes.”

Junior forward Glenn Rice was the third Wildcat player to be given first team honors. Rice was fourth among the scoring leaders with 34 points, fourth in goals scored with 13 and had eight assists.

“Glenn really became an opportunistic player,” Anstine said. “He puts himself in the right spot at the right time with a great work rate.”

Senior Aaron Morder finishes his career at Greenwood with a second-team award.

“Aaron was a lock down defender in the midfield and he won just about everything in the air with his time timing and leaping ability,” Anstine said.

Senior defenders Devan Blose and Nathan Barnhart also were given second team honors.

“Devan could honestly play any position on the field. Devan was confident in his ability and he stepped into quite a leadership role this year as a captain,” Anstine said. “Nathan bought into a position we needed him at. Honestly no one could beat him one on one and he made the small by pressing in the offensive half.”

Senior goalkeeper Bryce Dalpiaz rounds out the second-team nods. Dalpiaz led the league in save percentage at 92.50.

“Bryce worked his tail off at practice to become the best goal keeper that he could be,” Anstine said. “He became a leader and helped to teach the younger goalkeepers the lay of the land between the sticks.”

Anstine was named TVL coach of the year.

“Being nominated coach of the year is an honor,” Anstine said. “But it is a true reflection of the work that this group of players put into the season.”

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

Starting at $3.92/week.

Subscribe Today