This is the performance backbone of many teams. The players know what is needed to succeed at the varsity level, but do not feel the pressure like seniors. And, this is a great group of players, especially at attack.
Carsen Brandt – Benilde St. Margaret’s – Attack
A slick, dodging attackman who reads slides exceptionally well, but can also score when his hands are free. He will get dramatically more attention from opposing defenses this year due to graduation, but we would not bet against him beating his 2021 totals of 27G/51A.
Cooper Bollman – Simley – FO
There are some statistics that are misleading and some that just drop your jaw. A 70% win on FO in 2021 does the latter. After the graduation of a great senior class, Bollman will be challenged to do more.
Matt Hudson – St. Thomas Academy – Attack
The offense will run through this rugged, hard-shooting attackman. New head coach Frank Clark amplified attackmen at Blake with great coaching. Hudson will likely be no different. Big things should be expected, including exceeding last year’s totals of 47 goals and 26 assists.
Layne Kology & Ethan Nuss – Buffalo – Attack
Last season, Kology tallied 44 goals and 13 assists. The exciting thing for Buffalo is that Kology’s primary feeder returns. Ethan Nuss had 43 assists in 2021. He has strong vision and the ability to quickly move the ball on time and on target. Feeders like this keep teammates happy and teams winning. But, he still cans his own shots, 29 goals in 2021.
Tyler Lafferty – Lakeville South – Attack
Lafferty returns after finishing with 26 goals and 19 assists which was second on the team in points. His challenge will be to replicate those numbers after heavy graduation losses. But under new leadership, the strong shooting Lafferty should be up to the challenge.
Ben Mickett – Prior Lake – Midfield
Possibly one of the best 2-way middies in the state, Mickett can defend and score. Although the Lakers midfield is deep, Mickett, who finished with 29 goals and 7 assists last season, will still be a focus for their offense.
Daniel Morris & Robbie Wong – Hill Murray – Attack
A resurgent Pioneer program was led by this dual threat. Morris scored 29 goals while dishing out 33 assists. Wong had 51 goals and 10 assists. Although graduating 2 of their top 4 scorers, returning Morris and his finisher partner Wong bodes well for Hill Murray offense in 2022.
Leo Piscitiello & Austin Winship – Lakevillew North – Attack
Piscitiello, 25 goals and 24 assists, and Winship, 36 goals and 19 assists, teamed with a strong group of seniors to make it to state. Balancing the field from left and right, the two attackers are willing passers and deadly in transition.
Caio Stephens – Benilde St. Margaret’s – Defense
As a sophomore on a state championship team, Stephens was second on pole ground balls and scored twice. This year, he’ll be asked to do much more. The High Point commit has great size, quick feet, and the ability to press without drawing fouls.
Linus Toward – Shakopee – Attack
Shakopee burst onto the scene last year, with a 14-2 record and a one goal loss in the Section final to Chanhassen. But, 2 of the top 4 scorers graduated, most notably Ethan Mostrom. Toward made the most of Mostrom’s gravity to the tune of 66 goals and 5 assists. If Shakopee is going to win the section, Toward will have to take the next step as an attackman.
Griffin Valli – Buffalo – Defense
The 6’2” lefty has an unbelievably great stick, leads the clear and defends his position without need for much help. His work on groundballs is unique for a defender.
Carter Van Holland – Chanhassen – Attack
A crafty attackman who has all the shots in his bag, Van Holland finished the 2021 campaign with 29 goals and 20 assists.
We’ll finish with the Class of 2022 this coming week.
