Boys ’23s on the rise in the Magnolia State
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Mississippi High School soccer is approaching its end, which means that club soccer is right around the corner. Here are nearly 20 Class of 2023s that should be worth watching going into the summer and into their senior season. Expect…
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Continue ReadingMississippi High School soccer is approaching its end, which means that club soccer is right around the corner. Here are nearly 20 Class of 2023s that should be worth watching going into the summer and into their senior season. Expect this list to grow throughout the summer soccer season once club is in full swing. These athletes are looking forward to the first big tournament (HFC Cane’s Spring Classic Feb. 26-27) on the club season.
(Position, Name, School/Club)
F/M Hayes Adcock Hayes Adcock F Germantown | 2023 MS , Germantown/MS Rush – Adcock is a complete player on the pitch. His assist to goal ratio is second to none. Adcock is skillful enough to finish around the goal but also has field awareness to get other players in on goal.
F Luke Dickson Luke Dickson M Oak Grove | 2023 MS , Oak Grove/Hattiesburg FC – Dickson is an on-ball threat with the ability to take on defenders on either side of the pitch. This lefty brings a different dynamic being able to score with either foot in the split of a second.
M/D Jason Dykes Jason Dykes M Florence | 2023 MS , Florence/MS Rush – Dykes is a physical athlete that uses his frame to be a force within the midfield. Dykes’ toughness and 6ft frame give his team the ability to use him between the pipes if needed during a game.
GK Josh Goodwin Josh Goodwin GK Oak Grove | 2023 MS , Oak Grove/Hattiesburg FC – Goodwin is an athletic shot-stopper that is as talented as they come between the pipes. He can play the ball out the back and distribute it to any spot on the pitch.
F/MF Ian Graham Ian Graham F Clarkdale | 2023 MS , Clarkdale/Southern State SC – Graham is a complete player on the pitch. With 57 goals and 51 assists during his high school career to date, you can continue to look for special moments from this two-sport athlete.
D Mo Gregory Mo Gregory D Gautier | 2023 MS , Gautier – Gregory is a speedy defender that can disrupt attacks within the defensive third. His ability to get the ball out of danger provides support to the backline. He is skillful enough with the ball at his foot to play out the back when needed.
D Jair Hernandez Jair Hernandez D Northeast Jones | 2023 MS , Northeast Jones/Laurel FC – Hernandez is a scrappy defensive player that can use field awareness to put himself in good positions to win the ball during a scoring threat. Once the ball is at his feet he is skillful enough to find mids/forwards feet.
D Matt Harrelson Matt Harrelson D West Jones | 2023 MS , West Jones – Harrelson is a defender that can read the game while it happens. His soccer IQ puts him in good defensive positions which allows him to be present on the attack when needed.
D Andrew Kravette Andrew Kravette D Biloxi | 2023 MS , Biloxi/Gulf Coast United/HFC – Kravette is no stranger to competing at a high level both on the club scene and the high school ranks. As a fullback, his defensive abilities combined with his soccer IQ make him a quality player up and down the pitch.
M Devin Ladner Devin Ladner M Poplarville | 2023 MS , Poplarville/South Mississippi SC – Ladner has great vision around the pitch. His ability to connect passes is unmatched. He also plays a great weighted ball into space for his attacking teammates. In addition, the defense is quality.
D Julian McCord Julian McCord D Harrison Central | 2023 MS , Harrison Central/South Mississippi SC – McCord is a quick and skillful backline player that can use his athletic ability and soccer skillset to defend at a high level.
M Bryon Shepard Bryon Shepard M St. Patrick Catholic | 2023 MS , St. Patrick Catholic/South Mississippi SC – Shepard is a two-sport athlete that can use his stamina and on-ball skill set to excel on the pitch. Shepard has a high soccer IQ and can defend in the midfield when needed.
D Cy Smith Cy Smith D Biloxi | 2023 MS , Biloxi/Hattiesburg FC – Smith is a quality backline athlete with all the tools to defend at all points of attack. His ability to play balls out of the air and participate in the attack when needed makes him a quality player.
M Benton Taylor Benton Taylor M Madison Central | 2023 MS , Madison Central/MS Rush – Taylor is a dynamic athlete that can control the pace of the midfield with his ability to control the ball at his feet and find players wide.
M/F Hayden Thomas Hayden Thomas M Clinton | 2023 MS , Clinton/MS Rush – Thomas is a crafty midfielder that has the knack to provide quality balls that apply pressure on opposing teams. His field IQ and overall skill on the ball combined with his ability to defend makes Thomas trouble in the midfield
M Mark Tucker Jones Mark Tucker Jones M Northwest Rankin | 2023 MS , Northwest Rankin/International Futbol Club of MS – Jones is a dynamic midfielder that has led a Northwest Rankin scoring attack during the 2021-2022 season. His ability to maneuver around the pitch puts him in a position to be a threat in all phases of the game.
D Michael Turner Michael Turner D Northwest Rankin | 2023 MS , Northwest Rankin – Turner has been a defensive staple for the 24-0-1 Cougars during the 2021-2022 season. Turner provided support for a strong backline, as well as pushed forward within the attack to provide special moments on goal.
F/D Mark Wilson Mark Wilson F St. Andrew's | 2023 MS , St. Andrews/MS Rush – Wilson is a versatile athlete on the pitch. His ability to score provides a spark up top. He also can drop back and defend when needed.