Rustin Bryant was recently named the Player of the Year by the Baltimore Sun. He led Hereford High to its third straight state title. Another thing to be considered, along with his 72 goals, is his flow. LPG salutes Bryant on a great season and ridiculously awesome flow.

Rustin Bryant

Hereford, senior, attack

Rapidly improving in each of his three varsity seasons, the senior attackman fittingly concluded his fine career with a state-record seven goals in the Bulls’ 13-9 win over River Hill to capture the program’s third straight Class 3A-2A state championship. It capped a 72-goal, 44-assist season for Bryant, who was able to overcome constant attention from opposing defenses and score when the team needed goals most.

After finishing with 42 goals and 39 assists to earn second-team All-Metro status as a junior, Bryant worked hard during the offseason to improve his game. He lifted weights more and changed his diet to add 15 pounds. The added strength to go with his smooth and shifty skills with the ball made him nearly unstoppable. The team captain finished his career with 129 goals and 72 assists.

Bryant, set to play at Maryland next year, scored the tying goal in the closing minutes of regulation against Fallston in the West regional semifinals and scored the winner 54 seconds into overtime to send the Bulls through. The Bulls went 54-4 in his three years on varsity — all ending in state titles — and Bryant contributed 13 goals in the state title wins.

Photo credit Baltimore Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr.