Juniors who stood out at Smoky Mountain Cup
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GATLINBURG, Tenn. — The past two weekends, Gatlinburg played host to the Smoky Mountain Cup, featuring more than 70 high school programs. While the competition ranged from nationally ranked teams to small-school programs, there were several uncommitted underclass players who…
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Continue ReadingGATLINBURG, Tenn. — The past two weekends, Gatlinburg played host to the Smoky Mountain Cup, featuring more than 70 high school programs. While the competition ranged from nationally ranked teams to small-school programs, there were several uncommitted underclass players who stood out.
Here is a look at top Class of 2023 performers from the weekend:
CM Tai Bhalla, Meridian (Va.), Jr. — First, if the school name catches you off guard, this used to be “George Mason.” The long-time Northern Virginia small-school power was part of a group of schools that underwent name changes in the past year to distance themselves from historical figures who owned slaves. Now, to focus on Bhalla, the 6-foot-4 center mid was the best player on the field in each of the team’s three matches. He is a solid NCAA Division I prospect.
D Will Gallagher, Farragut (Tenn.), Jr. — A talented center back who received more all-tournament votes than any other defender in either weekend of the Smoky Cup events. He held the defense together as Farragut went 2-1 at the showcase.
F George Chunuwe, Father Ryan (Tenn.), Jr. — A dynamic forward who causes a lot of problems for defenses due to his length. He is not usually the finisher, but he’s the attacking player who creates the chances.
M Alex Gardner, Meridian (Va.), Jr. — Great ball skills and field vision. He had an assist against Farragut (Tenn.) and a goal against McCallie School (Tenn.) before the match was halted. He is actively being recruiting by Division I programs.
M Luke Jacobs, McCallie School (Tenn.), Jr. — McCallie played the weekend without four usual starters, and that detail was reflected in the results — an 0-1-2 showing with no goals scored. However, McCallie put together a strong defensive showing with a pair of shutouts. Jacobs is a key player who is getting some attention, and the opposing coaches rated him among the Top 10 overall players in the top flight.
F/M Connor MacLean, Station Camp (Tenn.), Jr. — Versatile and effective. MacLean was the top attacking underclassman in the first week of Smoky Mountain Cup action.
D Oliver Frandano, Meridian (Va), Jr. — Simply put, Meridian is stocked with talented underclassmen. On most teams, Frandano would jump right out, but on Meridian, other juniors are stealing the spotlight. Frandano is a right back, who dominates the right side. He even scored game-winning goal from 30 yards out against Farragut (Tenn.). He was key to the team’s two shutouts.
M Eric Sonnenschein, Farragut (Tenn.), Jr. — Sonnenschein recently transferred to Farragut from Naperville Central (Ill.). Often when high school players relocate, they tend to get lost in the recruiting shuffle as they need to get re-established with a new landscape of college programs. Sonnenschein is playing for FC Alliance.
F Alex Rhodes, Gibbs (Tenn.), Jr. — Rhodes was the No. 1 pick on all ballots from coaches in his bracket. The junior scored four goals and had three assists as Gibbs went 1-0-2 and won the bracket title.
D Jonathan Medel, Shelbyville (Tenn.) Jr. — Medel scored both of Shelbyville’s goals.
Other Juniors Who Impressed
GK Sam Allum, Jefferson County (Tenn.), Jr.
D Nolan Armstrong, Father Ryan (Tenn.), Jr.
M Yahir Cervantes, Shelbyville (Tenn.), Jr.
F Farid Chouyouti, Germantown (Tenn.), Jr.
D Grayson Cunningham, Dobyns-Bennett (Tenn.), Jr.
GK Inigo Diz, Meridian (Va.), Jr.
F Jackson Follis, Siegel (Tenn.), Jr.
D Fletcher Freeman, Knoxville West (Tenn.), Jr.
M Erol House Erol House F TN , McCallie School (Tenn.), Jr.
F Josue Rodriguez Josue Rodriguez F Wren | 2023 SC , Wren (S.C.), Jr.
D Landon Sarduy, Station Camp (Tenn.), Jr.
M Tate Straussfogel, South Doyle (Tenn.), Jr.
D Dylan Stuart, William Blount (Tenn.), Jr.
GK Ryan True, Dobyns-Bennett (Tenn.), Jr.
D Graham Witte, Fayetteville (Ark.), Jr.