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MSN Presents the MIHSSCA All-State Dream Team Reveal Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JuhYeI3BkA
BY DAN STICKRADT
WEB AND CONTENT EDITOR | DIRECTOR OF NEWS
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SHELBY TWP., Mich. – There are several small Christian schools across Michigan that have been fielding a variety of varsity teams in various sports and some schools that have been around since the 1970s or 1980s that don’t necessarily gain much attention when it comes to high school sports, especially soccer.
The Premier Media Group has ventured to change that with the annual Michigan Soccer Network Christian Schools All-State Boys Soccer Team. Christian schools from around Michigan that are not MHSAA members and did not participate in any of the MHSAA state tournaments in any division were eligible. Schools that participated in the one of the two Michigan Association of Christian Schools tournament (Division I and Division II), the Michigan Christian Schools Athletic Association tournament, or any independents from around the state that did not enter any state tournament field were eligible to receive postseason honors.
Nominations forms were sent out to coaches and athletics directors via email to each of these schools and the following list is what the staff at the PMG’s Michigan Soccer Network and National Soccer Network came up with over the past few weeks.
The postseason list includes a first team and honorable mentions with the first team broken down by positions along with three additional at-large players. Carson City Fellowship Baptist’s Alex Rodriguez was named the Player of the Year for the annual squad after putting up some incredible numbers this season, while Noah Lilley of Hastings Barry County Christian was selected as the top goalkeeper.
Below are the player capsules of each of the Michigan Soccer Network Christian Schools All-State First Team selections:
FIRST TEAM
Forwards:
LOGAN WELLS, Berrien Springs Andrews Academy sr. F: Although the Cardinals compete as an independent during the regular season against various schools from Michigan and Indiana and do not currently compete in a state tournament operated by the MHSAA, MACS or MCSAA, Andrews Academy has fielded quite a competitive boys soccer team in recent years and Wells is one of those noteworthy players. The senior forward collected 12 goals with five assists for 29 points for a team that finished 8-2-1 overall and outscored the opposition 42-9 with five shutouts. His team averaged 3.82 goals-per-game and posted a goals-against-average of 0.82 and Wells was one of the key components of that unit At Andrews Academy, which is located in southwestern Michigan not too far from the Indiana border.
ALEX RODRIGUEZ, Carson City Fellowship Baptist sr. F (Player of the Year): A four-year starter for the Falcons, Rodriguez is coming off a senior campaign with remarkable accolades and numbers. First, he led his team to the Michigan Association of Christian Schools Division II state finals for the first time since the program began back in 1981. He is a three-time All-Great Lakes 6 Conference First Team honoree, where he helped his team finish third in league play this season. Out on the pitch, the MSN Christian Schools Player of the Year rewrote the school’s record books this season. He finished with 60 goals, 13 assists, 133 points and 10 hattricks this season alone, with the 60 goals being the most in the state spanning over 70 conferences and all governing bodies for boys soccer. He was honored as the MSN Golden Boot for 2024 as the state’s leading goal scorer, finishing ahead of Bay City John Glenn’s Asher Clark (57) and Lansing Christian’s Owen Resch (57), who tied for second. Rodriguez, the school record holder with 92 career goals, also owns the single-season records for goals, hattricks and points in a season. Rodriguez, who is also a multi-year starting guard on the Falcons’ boys basketball team, deploys great speed with touch and a knack for scoring goals. He has picked up some small college interest and is considering playing for Great Lakes Christian College in Grand Rapids next year.
“Alex is a very talented young man, but he works hard,” offered McAlvey. “He made quite a jump going from 21 goals last year (as a junior) to 60 goals this season. He just matured. I know he watches a lot of soccer, and I believe he went to a camp this past year. But to score 60 goals in one season and to lead the entire state? That’s amazing. God has blessed him with some talent, and he works hard at it to get better. He’s one of our captains, too, working with a lot of the younger kids, so it’s not all just about scoring goals.”
ISAIAH LAMPHERE, Hastings Barry County Christian jr. F: Part of the Eagles’ 1-2 punch that includes running-mate Keygan Robinson, Lamphere had an explosive junior campaign as a target up top. He finished the season with 51 goals, 20 assists and 122 points with the goals and points registering in the top 10 in Michigan out of around 520 varsity boys soccer programs. Lamphere led Barry County Christian to a second-place finish in the final Great Lakes 6 Conference standings where he is a two-time All-GL6C selection. Lamphere helped his team reach the Final Four in the Michigan Christian Schools Athletic Association state tournament and also finished as a runner-up in its consolation bracket of the National Christian Schools Athletic Association tournament. He earned NCSAA All-America/All-Tournament honors this season following a dominating performance this season. His team ranked 10th overall nationally in the NCSAA circles with a 17-4-1 overall record, a 94-34 scoring edge, six shutouts, three shutouts against, a 4.28 goals-per-game average and a 1.55 goals-against-average as a team. Individually, he averaged 2.3 goals a game.
KEYGAN ROBINSON, Hastings Barry County Christian sr. F/M: The other half of the Eagles’ high-flying duo which included Isaiah Lamphere, Robinson was a dual threat as both a goal scorer and set-up player. A varsity player since the eighth grade, Robinson finished his senior campaign with 29 goals, 30 assists and 88 points for Barry County Christian which produced one of its best team to date this season. After tying for the regular season and finishing second in both the conference tournament and final standings of the Great Lakes 6 Conference, Robinson helped the Eagles finish 17-4-1 overall, post a 94-34 scoring edge, six shutouts, 4.28 goals-per-game as a team and to a No. 10 ranking after his team finished second in its consolation bracket at the National Christian Schools Athletic Association tournament. He was named to the All-GL6C team again this season and was All-NCSAA All-America/All-Tournament this season for the first time. He is undecided if he will try to play collegiate soccer next season.
LUCAS BOUMA, Kent City Algoma Christian sr. F/M: Algoma Christian has become quite a small-school power in recent years, as the Knights tied for the regular season title in the Great Lakes 6 Conference but ended up winning the conference tournament and overall titles this season. He also helped Algoma Christian finish top-30 nationally after competing in the National Christian Schools Athletic Association national tournament last month. He finished his final high school campaign with 25 goals, four assists, 54 points, one hattrick and five game-winning goals. His career total included 90 goals and 25 assists to rank him well inside the top 10 in school history in terms of goals and points (205). He earned All-GL6C honors three times in his career and is also a two-time NCSAA All-America/All-Tournament selection as well as he shined in both the regular season here in Michigan and on the national stage. Bouma also plays basketball and baseball for Algoma Christian and is looking to continue his soccer career at Cornerstone University.
“Lucas had a great four years playing varsity soccer for us. He was one of our leaders in terms of scoring each year and he scored 25 goals for us this season,” said Algoma Christian coach Justin VanderKodde. “He scored a lot of big goals for us and helped us win the league again this year. We’ll miss having him next year.”
COOPER WORLEY, Temperance State Line Christian sr. F: This four-year varsity performer and three-year starter finished strong as a senior to register 25 goals, five assists, 55 points and five hattricks. He was voted Player of the Year for State Line Christian and also received All-Tournament honors at both the Hammond Baptist Tournament and at the State Line Tournament. The Patriots averaged 2.45 goals-per-game as a team and Worley had a foot in 30 of his team’s 49 goals this season for a team that reached the Michigan Association of Christian Schools Division I state semifinals. He finished with 46 career goals which catapulted him into the top all-time leading goal scorers in program history and into the No. 10-slot. Worley is also one of the leading scorers on State Line Christian’s boys basketball team as a shooting guard and has been equally explosive out on the court.
“Cooper had a great senior year for us. He scored or assisted on over half of our goals this season,” said State Line Christian coach Andy Iglesias. “He broke into our top 10 on the school’s scoring list after he had his best year by far. I thought he was one of the best forwards in the MACS (Michigan Association of Christian Schools) the last couple of years.”
DYLAN SWIFT, Munising Baptist jr. F: The Bobcats’ leading goal scorer each of the last three seasons again eclipsed the 20 goals barrier this season to lead his team to a runner-up finish in both the Northern Lights League regular season and NLL conference tournament. He is a two-time All-NLL selection after earning honorable-mention all-conference as a freshman. He has been one of the team leaders in goals, assists and points the last three years. Swift also earned All-Upper Peninsula Team in both 2023 and 2024 by MSN and is also a starter on Munising Baptist’s basketball team.
Midfielders:
ABE MOORE Clinton Township Faith Christian sr. M: Another four-year starter, Moore helped the Patriots reach the state title game of the Michigan Association of Christian Schools Division I state tournament each of the last four season, including state runner-up finishes in 2021 and 2022 and state titles in both 2023 and 2024. The senior attacking midfielder scored the game’s only goal late in regulation to give Faith Christian the title-clinching goal late in regulation in a 1-0 victory over Troy Bethany Christian. Moore was All-Wolverine Christian Conference as a junior but there were only three teams in the league this season and the WCC did not award postseason honors this year. After graduating Paul Thompson after the 2023 campaign and with Thompson finishing as one of the leading goal scorers in program history, Moore took over more of a ownership role in the Patriots’ offense, where the team finished 10-2-3 overall this season, outscored the opposition 55-20 with three shutouts, and the Patriots were never shut out this season. The 5-foot-11, 155-pound Moore also plays basketball as a guard for Fatih Christian. He is uncertain if he will play small-college soccer in the future.
ZECHARIAH GARTRELLE, Davison Faith Baptist sr. M: While the Eagles were more of a younger team this season, Gartrelle still excelled as an attacking midfielder. He collected seven goals with one assist while chipping in defensively for a highly-competitive team despite some low numbers offensively. Faith Baptist still managed six shutouts and Gartrelle, a third-year starter and four-year varsity veteran, did not have the luxury of a high-powered target up top to get the ball to this season. His seven goals led the Eagles. With only three schools left in the Wolverine Christian Conference, there was no postseason all-league team this year.
“He was the heart and soul of our team. He gives 100 percent effort all of the time and he leads by example,” said Davison Faith Baptist coach Caleb Felber. “If we had more experience as a team this season and a player at forward who could score lots of goals, I’m sure Zech’s numbers would have been greater. He was definitely one of our leaders out there.”
JOHNNY HOWELL, Bridgeport Baptist soph. M: At 6-foot and 135 pounds, Howell is a lanky presence out on the pitch but is slick and crafty with the ball. He was the director of Bridgeport Baptist’s offense this season that outscored the opposition 47-16, notching 14 goals and 10 assists for 38 points this season. He averaged 1.8 goals-per-game and 1.3 assists-per-game individually for a team that reached the state semifinals of the Michigan Christian Schools Athletic Association state tournament went undefeated in the Central Michigan Christian Athletic Conference play in the regular season. Howell is a two-time All-Conference player in the CMCAC and also plays shooting guard and small forward in basketball and is an infielder in baseball for the Bobcats.
NATHANIEL BYERS, Troy Bethany Christian jr. M/F: Bethany Christian finished 5-2-3 against schools from the Michigan Association of Christian Schools and 9-3-3 overall this season and Byers was the leader on the attack. Although there were only three schools in the Wolverine Christian Conference this season and no postseason honors were issued, Byers was still one of the all-around top players in Christian schools circles the past couple of years. He finished as the Bruins’ leading goal scorer and top three in assists as a third-year starter but more importantly helped Bethany Christian go from a winless season in 2022 to reaching the state finals in the Michigan Association of Christian Schools Division I tournament in both 2023 and 2024.
“Nathaniel Byers was our best athlete and pure soccer player that we had, and he was our leading goal scorer this season,” said veteran Bethany Christian coach Phillip Fougere. “He is our playmaker in the attack as a nine or ten and scored some big goals for us or he made the right pass to (set up) a teammate for a scoring chance. He always seams to make the right play and he was a big part of our turnaround from his freshman year to this year.”
JONATHAN HAKIM, Troy Bethany Christian soph. M: A starter since he was in eighth grade, Hakim brings in plenty of experience playing club soccer in the Michigan Stars organization and infuses a crafty skillset to the pitch for the Bruins who finished as the Michigan Association of Christian Schools Division I state runner-up the last two seasons. Hakim was Bethany Christian’s leader in assists and took on more responsibility this season which is noteworthy with senior Luka Hollawell missing half of the campaign with an injury and the fact that Hollawell was the League MVP last season and the team’s leader a year ago. Still, Hakim’s breakout year helped Bethany Christian finished 9-3-3 overall and reach the state title game for the second straight season.
“Jonathan has really improved a lot the last couple of years, and I think playing club soccer has really helped him,” said Bethany Christian coach Phillip Fougere. “Once he touched the ball, good things started to happen. I believe he was our top assist player who complemented Nathaniel Byers well in the midfield. We were able to control the ball very well in just about every game this season and Jonathan was a big part of us being able to do that. He is very (crafty) with the ball. He has some great accuracy with his passes and great touch with the ball.”
PARKER HAWES, Clarkston Springfield Christian sr. M/F: A varsity player since the eighth grade and a four-year starter, Hawes made a huge impact for a school that brought back its high school in 2019 after a half decade without a high school student body or varsity athletics. On the playing surface, Hawes is a remarkable old-school athlete and plays four varsity sports in high school – soccer, basketball, baseball and golf. Rotating between forward and attacking midfielder for a very young team age-wise, Hawes finished his senior season with 13 goals, three assists, 29 points, three hattricks and two game-winning goals and finished with over 60 career goals and over 30 career assists playing for two different schools. Combining speed, strength and a knack for the goal, Hawes was voted to the All-Central Michigan Christian Athletic Conference First Team and was the Team MVP this season. He used to play club soccer for Auburn United when his family lived up in the Bay City-Saginaw area and he used to attend and play for Saginaw Community Baptist High School before transferring. Hawes boasts a 3.97 GPA in the classroom.
“Parker essentially had a foot in every goal we scored this season either with the goal or the assists,” said Springfield Christian co-coach Gabe Hawes. “We were a very young team this year, but he stepped up to be a leader for us. He really helped the younger boys on the team. He is a very good athlete who just loves to compete regardless of what season it is or what sport he’s playing.”
CARSON HENRY, Fostoria Baptist jr. M: While the Crusaders graduated three key offensive players off of last year’s Michigan Association of Christian Schools Division II state championship team, Henry was asked to step up and lead a much younger squad this season. Fostoria Baptist finished 5-5-1 this season but still outscored the opposition 45-29 with Henry leading the midfield. Last year as a sophomore, Henry helped the Crusaders finish unbeaten at 13-0-1 and that included a 104-13 scoring edge, six shutouts and a 7.43 goal-per-game average as a team.
TANNER MCELROY, Saline Washtenaw Christian sr. M: While the Wildcats graduated seven players from either their starting 11 or depth chart, McElroy was one of the main holdovers who helped Washtenaw Christian reach great heights again in 2024. McElroy led the Wildcats to back-to-back Michigan Christian Schools Athletic Association state titles and to a runner-up finish in the Southeast Michigan Athletic Conference during the regular season. He was voted to the All-SMAC First Team and MCSAA All-Tournament Team.
IAN FLACH, Gladwin Skeels Christian sr. M/D: A starter since he was in middle school, Flach brings in a high-level skillset and a high soccer IQ to the Eagles thanks to being a standout for both his high school and his Midland Soccer Club Fusion side. Skeels Christian’s team leader, Flach finished top three in goals, assists and points for the 8-4-1 Eagles and was the director and facilitator for his team’s success story this year. He also spent time along the back line in certain situations and helped Skeels Christian post a team goals-against-average of 1.62. Flach helped Skeels outscore the opposition 41-21 with four shutouts and a team 3.16 goals-per-game offensive output this season but more importantly helped Skeels Christian capture its second state title in three years. In fact, the Team MVP led the Eagles to state semifinals appearances in 2021 and 2023 and to Michigan Association of Christian Schools Division II state titles in 2022 and 2024. Flach helped the Eagles win three games in the MACS Division II tournament this year with a 6-3 scoring edge and all three were one-goal victories. He will play collegiately at NCAA Division II Northwood University.
ANDREW MCMAHON, Waterford Oakdale Christian Academy sr. M: Oakdale was in a unique position this season, competing most of the campaign with nine or 10 healthy players and games that were 11-v-11 or 8-v-8 competitions but little to no bench. Still, McMahon was in peak physical shape and led his team in a variety of ways. While almost never leaving the field McMahon helped the Warriors finish as the state runner-up in the Michigan Christian Schools Athletic Association state tournament. McMahon earned All-Southeast Michigan Athletic Conference First Team honors each of the past two years and this year helped Oakdale Academy go 2-1 in the state tournament and outscore the opposition 40-35. McMahon was one of Oakdale’s leaders in goals, assists and points this season and was a starter since the eighth grade.
Defensemen/Center Backs:
BLAKE SMITH, Vassar Juniata Christian sr. D: While the Eagles lost a ton of players to either graduation or out-of-state transfers and ventured through a rebuilding campaign, Smith was the type of player that would play all over the field and generally wherever the coaching staff needed him during this major rebuilding campaign. A starter since middle school, Smith plays center back, midfielder or even up top as a forward depending on the game’s circumstances. He was named to the All-CMCAC squad again this season. Smith also plays on the basketball team for Juniata Christian.
TYLER SHARKEY, Bridgeport Baptist soph. D/M: Another two-time All-CMCAC honoree out on the pitch, Sharkey is also a point guard on the basketball court and a second baseman on the baseball diamond for the Bobcats. Standing at only 5-5 and 125 pounds, Sharkey plays either on the back line or as a holding midfielder for a team that posted three shutouts, posted a 1.78 goals-against-average and averaged 5.23 goals-a-game offensively. He provided six goals and two assists for 14 points offensively for a squad of mostly underclassmen. Sharkey helped the Bobcats go undefeated in the CMCAC and reach the semifinals of the MCSAA state tournament this season and finish as the state runner-up last season as a freshman.
BRETT TAYLOR, Kent City Algoma Christian sr. CB: While Algoma Christian finished a respectable 13-4-1 this season, scored 81 goals and defended its Great Lakes 6 Conference championship this season, a lot of the success can be attributed to the Knights’ defensive play and the back line anchored by Taylor. The three-year starter at center back helped his team collect eight shutouts on the season, post a 1.17 goals-against-average as a team, go 7-0-1 against GL6C opponents and win their consolation bracket at the National Christian Schools Athletic Association national tournament where the team finished with a top-30 national ranking this season. He was voted to the All-GL6C team this season as the league’s top center back and contributed two goals offensively to a team that averaged 4.50 goals-per-game. Taylor also plays basketball for Algoma Christian as a guard. He is undecided in terms of if he will attempt to continue his career collegiately.
“Brett is just a really steady player back there for us,” said Algoma Christian coach Justin VanderKodde. “For three years he was the heart and soul of our defense. I thought he was the best 1-v-1 defender I saw in our league this season. Other players really had a hard time beating him. We have been a really solid team defensively the past few years and he was a big part of that.”
ASHER SZABO, Saline Washtenaw Christian jr. CB: Sometimes center backs and outside backs don’t get the credit they deserve, but Szabo has been every bit of a key player for the Wildcats the last three years and has anchored the back line on two Michigan Christian Schools Athletic Association state championship teams during the first two seasons that the governing body has sponsored a state tournament. This season with a younger defense than during the 2023 state title run, Szabo helped Washtenaw Christian post five shutouts while his team conceded 27 goals, posted a 1.59 goals-against-average and finished 10-6-1 overall. The Wildcats were also second in the Southeast Michigan Athletic Conference final standings. One of the top center backs in the league, Szabo earned All-SMAC honors this season.
VLAD ASULIUK, Saline Washtenaw Christian sr. D/M: Standing 6-foot-5 and 185 pounds, Asuliuk is a physical presence out on the soccer field wherever he played during a particular game. Whether it be heading and clearing the ball out of harm’s way or pushed up into the attack to win headers off set pieces, the Wildcats’ versatile tower was a key component the last two years for the Wildcats and helped them win back-to-back MCSAA state championships. Asuliuk, also an All-SMAC selection in soccer, plays power forward in basketball and averaged over 10 points per game as a junior where he also uses his size and athleticism to his favor.
LOGAN MCALVEY, Carson City Fellowship Baptist sr. CB: McAlvey had a young defense surrounding him the past couple of years, but how far the defensive unit improved from the 2023 season through the 2024 campaign was noteworthy. Last season Fellowship Baptist conceded around 4.9 goals a game while this year that number was lowered down to 2.9 goals-per-game. With the offense averaging around 5.4 goals-per-game this season, the combined efforts resulted in a memorable campaign for McAlvey and the Falcons. The team finished 10-6-1 overall, finished third in the Great Lakes 6 Conference and advanced to the Michigan Association of Christian Schools Division II state finals for the first time in school history. Although his team succumbed to Gladwin Skeels Christian 3-2 in the state finals, McAlvey was still a quality center back and earned All-GL6C accolades this season. Hs team recorded three shutouts this season.
“Our defense was much improved this season compared to last year and our defense was much better at the end of this season as compared to the beginning of the season,” said Fellowship Baptist coach Dalen McAlvey. “We gave up close to five goals a game last season so this year we had to move some guys around to try to improve on that. Logan did a great job back there for us this season.”
At-Large:
ETHAN IZUMI, Berrien Springs Andrews Academy sr. M: Competing for the Independent Cardinals, Izumi was the team’s field general rotating between midfielder and forward and part of a squad that finished 8-2-1 overall. He chipped in with six goals and six assists all while supplying defense to a team that allowed less than one goal a game. He aided his team’s dominating offensive effort where Andrews Academy, located in southwest Michigan in Berrien Springs and just a few miles from the Indiana border, averaged just under four goals a game (3.82) and were only shut out one time all season. The 6-foot, 155-pound talent is undecided on if he will try to play collegiately.
OLIVER THOMPSON, Clinton Township Faith Christian sr. G/D: Most high school athletes only dream of playing in the state finals and eventually graduate with those dreams never realized. Thompson was on the roster of four state finalist teams at Faith Christian. He led the Patriots to Michigan Association of Christian Schools Division I state titles as both a junior and senior while being on the roster of two state runner-up squads in 2021 and 2022 with that 2022 MACS-I state finals loss coming in a shootout. Logging most of the minutes in goal this season for the 11-2-3 Patriots, Thompson notched three clean sheets while his team outscored the opposition 56-23 in front of him. He capped his senior season with a shutout over Troy Bethany Christian (1-0) in the MACS Division I state finals. Last year as a junior, Faith Christian finished 17-1-1 while the Faith Christian won 49 games in the last four years. His team held off Troy Bethany (2-1) in the 2023 state finals.
LOGAN LABROSSE, Gladwin Skeels Christian sr. M/F: LaBrosse was known as a pure goal-scorer the last several years and was one of the team’s leading goal scorers since his freshman year before an injury slowed him down this season. A hamstring issue forced him to go from an offensive target up top with great speed to more of a facilitator role this season as a holding or attacking midfielder. LaBrosse suffered the hamstring injury a couple of games into the season which hampered his ability to sprint at full tilt. The Skeels Christian coaching staff moved him back to the midfield to take advantage of his ball control, field vision and overall skillset and he was still effective setting up teammates and occasionally being able to convert scoring chances without being able to utilize his speed. Over the last four years, LaBrosse still helped the Eagles win the Michigan Association of Christian Schools Division II state championship in 2022 and 2024 while reaching the MACS D-II state semifinals as a freshman in 2021 and as a junior in 2023.
Goalkeepers:
BRANDT DYER, Temperance State Line Christian jr. G: Dyer’s stats included a 1.50 goals-against-average with four shutouts for a team that finished 10-6-4 overall. He also earned All-Tournament honors at a weekend tourney at Hammond Baptist this season. But stats and accolades don’t always tell the whole story. Dyer has great range in goal and incredible strength with the ball using his feet. His goal kicks, punts and long serves out of the back were extremely dangerous and often helped create the attack and even scoring chances. He had three assists as a goalkeeper which came off his booming punts from inside the 18 and down into the final third of the field. Bluffton University, an NCAA Division III school, has already taken notice of this talented keeper, whose school sits only 1/2-mile north of the Ohio border.
“You don’t usually see this, but his massive punt goes three quarters of the field. Three times he punted it straight up to the front line and a forward took one touch and knocked it in the net,” said State Line Christian coach Andy Yglesias. “He was a threat off those punts all season long. We had a handful of shots off his punts and long (free) kicks. He still has one more year, so we’re excited to see how much better of a goalie he can become before next year.”
ETHAN SWIFT, Munising Baptist fr. G: Although just a freshman, Swift has already enjoyed quite a prep campaign for the small Upper Peninsula Christian school located a few miles south of Munising. Swift began varsity play in the seventh grade based on the NHSF sub-50 student rule that allows seventh and eighth graders varsity sports eligibility for high schools with less than 50 students in grades 9-12. As an eighth grader he was actually voted as the Co-League MVP in the Northern Lights League and this year as a freshman he again earned All-NLL honors as the top goalkeeper in that league of very small schools sprinkled across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He helped the Bobcats post a 9-4-0 overall record this season and finish in the top two of the Northern Lights League. He is highly athletic with great range and is becoming a great shot-stopper. In a game against Cooks Big Bay De Noc this season, Swift stopped three penalty kicks in the game-deciding penalty kick shootout.
NOAH LILLEY, Hastings Barry County Christian sr. G: Considered one of the best goalkeepers in the small-school circuit in Michigan the last few years, Hilley was again brilliant between the pipes this season. Playing 22 games, Hilley allowed 34 goals with a 1.55 goals-against-average but he recorded six shutouts and made 220 saves in 254 chances for a .867 save percentage. Lilley helped the Eagles finish 17-4-1 overall and ranked 10th in the National Christian Schools Athletic Association final rankings. In the Great Lakes 6 Conference, he helped Barry County Christian finish second in the league for the second straight year and was voted the top goalkeeper in the conference. Lilley is a three-time All-GL6C First Team choice and is also a two-time All-NCSAA All-America/All-Tournament selection.
MASON MACK, Davison Faith Baptist sr. G: While the Eagles ventured through somewhat of a rebuilding campaign in 2024, that wasn’t due to the play of Mack who repeatedly helped keep his Eagles in games all season. Built like a stocky 5-foot-11, 170-pounds, the three-sport athlete was a four-year varsity player and a three-year starter in goal for Faith Baptist. He collected 49 saves on the year and while his goals-against-average was around 2.00 while he had mostly an inexperienced defense and midfield in front of him. Mack still recorded six clean sheets and was known to make some big-time saves during his tenure in net for Davison Faith Baptist. His team finished 5-6-2 overall and overcame a slow 1-5-1 start with some far better play down the stretch which included an overtime loss to eventual MACS Division I state champion Clinton Township Faith Christian where Mack was brilliant between the pipes. He also plays forward on the basketball and is a third baseman and pitcher on the school’s baseball team.
“Technically, he is a very good goalie and very athletic. We were just a little bit younger and not as experienced as the school was in the past,” said Faith Baptist coach Caleb Felber. “He is one of the best pure keepers in the Christian schools that I saw all season.”
CO-COACH OF THE YEAR:
RON THOMPSON, Clinton Township Faith Christian: As either a head coach or an assistant coach, Faith Christian has emerged as a model of consistency during the past decade and is coming off a four-year run where the Patriots have played in four straight Michigan Association of Christian Schools Division I state title games. Thompson’s Faith Christian side finished as the state runner-up in both 2021 and 2022 and then followed that up with back-to-back MACS Division I state crowns in 2023 and 2024. After graduating seven players and plenty of firepower off of last season’s state championship squad, the Patriots were still one of the better small Christian schools sides this year. The Patriots finished 11-2-3 overall and outscored the opposition 56-23 this season with three clean sheets. The four-year run of reaching the state finals includes a 17-1-1 record in 2023 and a four-year record of 49-9-7 from 2021-2024. In the last decade, the program has captured state titles in 2015, 2023 and 2024 and has been to the MACS state finals five times.
KYLE FLACH, Gladwin Skeels Christian: With less than 50 high school and middle school students, Gladwin Skeels Christian only had 13 players this season and not a ton of depth. Still, with six seniors and several players that are involved with club soccer in the Midland Soccer Club Fusion organization, the Eagles have put a winning product out on the field in recent years. Led by head coach Kyle Flach and assistant coach Kyle LaBrosse, Skeels Christian enjoyed one of its more memorable campaigns despite have a multitude of injuries to key players this season. That forced Flach and his staff to move bodies around to help ailing players or help the team remain competitive in contests where 1-2 players were out of the lineup due to the injuries. Still, the Eagles persevered with an 8-4-1 overall record. Skeels Christian outscored the opposition 41-21 with four shutouts while only being shutout one time all season. The Eagles finished 3-0 in the Michigan Association of Christian Schools Division II state tournament with three one-goal wins over Clarkston Springfield Christian (1-0), Fostoria Baptist (2-1) and Carson City Fellowship Baptist (3-2) in the state finals. The final game came in come-from-behind fashion as the Eagles trailed 2-1 at the half but shut down the state’s leading goal scorer in the second half while scoring two goals after halftime to prevail. Despite the low numbers, injuries and challenges typical in the small school circles, Flach’s team still responded by remaining competitive all season long and walking away with its third state title in program history. The Eagles finished as MACS Division II state champions in 2022 and 2024 while reaching the state semifinals in both 2021 and 2023. Last year Skeels was knocked out in the semifinals by eventual state champion Fostoria Baptist and this year the Eagles returned the favor by ousting the Crusaders in the state semifinals.
2024 MICHIGAN SOCCER NETWORK CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS ALL-STATE BOYS SOCCER TEAM
FIRST TEAM
Forwards:
Logan Wells, Berrien Springs Andrews Academy sr. F
Alex Rodriguez, Carson City Fellowship Baptist sr. F
Isaiah Lamphere, Hastings Barry County Christian jr. F
Keygan Robinson, Hastings Barry County Christian sr. F/M
Lucas Bouma, Kent City Algoma Christian sr. F/M
Cooper Worley, Temperance State Line Christian sr. F
Dylan Swift, Munising Baptist jr. F
Midfielders:
Abe Moore, Clinton Township Faith Christian sr. M
Zechariah Gartrelle, Davison Faith Baptist sr. M
Johnny Howell, Bridgeport Baptist soph. M
Nathaniel Byers, Troy Bethany Christian jr. M
Jonathan Hakim, Troy Bethany Christian soph. M
Parker Hawes, Clarkston Springfield Christian sr. M
Carson Henry, Fostoria Baptist jr. M
Tanner McElroy, Saline Washtenaw Christian sr. M
Ian Flach, Gladwin Skeels Christian sr. M
Andrew McMahon, Waterford Oakdale Christian Academy sr. M
Defensemen/Center Backs:
Blake Smith, Vassar Juniata Christian sr. D/M
Tyler Sharkey, Bridgeport Baptist soph. D/M
Brett Taylor, Kent City Algoma Christian sr. CB
Asher Szabo, Saline Washtenaw Christian jr. CB
Vlad Asauliuk, Saline Washtenaw Christian sr. D/M
Logan McAlvey, Carson City Fellowship Baptist sr. CB
At-Large:
Ethan Izumi, Berrien Springs Andrews Academy sr. M
Oliver Thompson, Clinton Township Faith Christian sr. G/D
Logan LaBrosse, Gladwin Skeels Christian sr. M/F
Goalkeepers:
Brandt Dyer, Temperance State Line Christian jr. G
Ethan Swift, Munising Baptist fr. G
Noah Lilley, Hastings Barry County Christian sr. G
Mason Mack, Davison Faith Baptist sr. G
CO-COACH OF THE YEAR:
Ron Thompson, Clinton Township Faith Christian
Kyle Flach, Gladwin Skeels Christian
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Alex Rodriguez, Carson City Fellowship Baptist sr. F
TOP GOALKEEPER/GOLDEN GLOVE
Noah Lilley, Hastings Barry County Christian sr. G
HONORABLE MENTIONS
(Additions to this list can be made via email at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com)
Battle Creek Academy: No nominations submitted
Berrien Springs Andrews Academy: Brady Case, sr. G; Carter Hayes, sr. D/F
Bloomfield Hills Christian: No nominations submitted
Bridgeport Baptist: Micah Paulson, jr. F
Cadillac Heritage Christian: No nominations submitted
Carson City Fellowship Baptist: Collin Land, soph. G; Asher McAlvey, sr. D/M; Jack Eastman, sr. M
Chassell Copper Country Christian: Isaac Noble, sr. F/CM; Anders Junitti, sr. D
Clarkston Springfield Christian: No other names submitted
Clinton Township Faith Christian: Nathan Hayley, sr. M/F; Nathaneal Holloway, jr. D; Preston Moore, soph. D; Blake Houtari, jr. D; Drew Harkins, sr. D
Corunna Immanuel Christian: No nominations submitted
Davison Faith Baptist: Shade Meyer, sr. M
Fostoria Baptist: Zack Kennedy, jr. G; Dalton Wright, sr. D; CJ Henry, soph. F; Trevor Cooper, jr. M
Gladwin Skeels Christian: Haley Hughui, sr. G/F; Vance Ornelas, sr. D; Zander Ravino, sr. D; Elijah Scott, sr. G/M
Hastings Barry County Christian: Jonathan Hawkes, sr. CB
Kent City Algoma Christian: Gavin Berger, sr. M; Brady Clum, sr. D
Munising Baptist: Jonathan McArthur, sr. D; Tom Norton, sr. D; Isaac Beaverson, sr. D/M
Owosso Springvale Christian: No nominations submitted
Pittsford Freedom Christian: No nominations submitted
Rochester Hills Christian: Gerald Slota, soph. M/F
Saginaw Community Baptist: No nominations submitted
Saline Washtenaw Christian: Daniel Herman, soph. F
Temperance State Line Christian: Ethan Rains, sr. CB
Troy Bethany Christian: Luka Hollawell, sr. M; Ethan Waters, sr. G
Vassar Juniata Christian: Evan Berridge, sr. M
Waterford Lakecrest Baptist: Treyden Dalton, sr. M
Waterford Oakdale Christian Academy: Christian Tuttle, jr. M; Daniel McMahon, jr. CB; JC Fox, sr. G; Cameron Spencer, sr. D/M
Wixom Christian: No nominations submitted.
THE FOLLOWING NON-MHSAA CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS IN MICHIGAN DID NOT FIELD BOYS SOCCER TEAMS IN 2024:
Adrian Berean Baptist: No team in 2024
Athens Factoryville Christian: No team in 2024
Battle Creek Bedford Bible Baptist: No team in 2024
Burton CenterPoint Christian: No team in 2024
Camden New Hope Christian: No team in 2024
Cedar Lake Great Lakes Christian Academy: No team in 2024
Clark Lake Fellowship Baptist: No team in 2024
Deford Christian Academy: No team in 2024
Detroit Christian School of Excellence: No team in 2024
Detroit West Side Christian: No team in 2024
Dowagiac Calvary Bible Academy: No team in 2024
Evart Daystar Christian: No team in 2024
Flint Waterbrook Christian: No team in 2024
Fulton Faith Bible School: No team in 2024
Gaylord Grace Baptist: No team in 2024
Grand Rapids Adventist Academy: No team in 2024
Grayling Calvary Baptist Academy: No team in 2024
Haslett Grace Christian: No team in 2024
Holt Capitol City Baptist: No team in 2024
Interlochen New Covenant Christian: No team in 2024
Kalamazoo Path of Life Christian: No team in 2024
Kalamazoo Reformed Heritage Christian School: No team in 2024
Kinross Maplewood Baptist: No team in 2024
Laingsburg Christian: No team in 2024
Lake Odessa Faith Christian: No team in 2024
Lake Orion Baptist: No team in 2024
Lansing Baptist: No team in 2024
Lansing New Covenant Christian: No team in 2024
Ludington Lighthouse Baptist: No team in 2024
Manistique Bethel Baptist Christian: No team in 2024
Milford West Highland Christian: No team in 2024
Morley Brockway Christian: No team in 2024
Muskegon Broadway Baptist: No team in 2024
Niles Emmanuel Baptist Christian Academy: No team in 2024
Okemos Cedar Classical Christian Academy: No team in 2024
Osseo Bird Lake Bible Academy: No team in 2024
Owosso Life In Christ Academy: No team in 2024
Plainwell Lighthouse Baptist: No team in 2024
Pontiac Baldwin Road Church Academy: No team in 2024
Rochester Hills Bible Truth Christian: No team in 2024
Roscommon Immanuel Christian: No team in 2024
Saginaw Community Baptist: No team in 2024
Saginaw Sheridan Road Baptist: No team in 2024
Scotts Prairie Baptist: No team in 2024
Sheridan Beth Haven Christian: No team in 2024
Smith’s Creek Blue Water Christian: No team in 2024
Sparlingville Baptist Academy: No team in 2024
Sturgis Lake Area Christian: No team in 2024
Wyoming Lighthouse Baptist: No team in 2024
(Have a story suggestion for the Premier Media Group and the Michigan Soccer Network regarding club soccer, high school varsity, amateur soccer, collegiate soccer or professional soccer involving teams, players or coaches with Micgan Soccer Network Web and Content Editor and Director of News Dan Stickradt is compiling state tournament and state finals results in Michigan for the Michigan Association of Christian Schools, Michigan Christian Schools Athletic Association, Association of Christian Schools International and Michigan Home Schools Sports Association State Cup state finals over the years. Updates and corrections can be mhigan ties, contact Communications Specialist/Web and Content Editor/Director of News Dan Stickradt via email at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com or dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com, or call 248-884-1051 or 248-525-2349. Dan Stickradt is a 31-year veteran of the Michigan Media circles and recently joined the staff full time in March of 2024. Want to schedule a broadcast game or live show, contact PMG/MSN Director of Broadcasting Jonathan Turner for availability and pricing at jonathan@michigansoccernetwork.com and jonathan@thepremiermediagrp.com.)
WATCH THE MICHIGAN SOCCER NETWORK YOUTUBE CHANNEL: www.youtube.com/@MICHIGANSOCCERNETWORK
— All Rights Reserved, Premier Media Group / Michigan Soccer Network / National Soccer Network
(MSN will compile a random sampling of game results from around the state each day. To send in results from high school varsity, club, amateur, pre-pro, semi-pro or professional soccer, email all pertinent details to Communications Specialist / Web and Content Editor / Director of News Dan Stickradt at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com and dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com or submit information right on the correct link on the MSN website at https://www.michigansoccernetwork.com/reportascore. Please submit the competing teams, location and date of game, final score, overall and league records, goals, assists, goalkeepers and saves, standout defenders, players of the match, and any other pertinent details of the game. If there are courtesy action photos available, feel free to submit them at the above-listed emails.)
MICHIGAN SOCCER NETWORK ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/misoccernetwork
Twitter/X: @MiSoccerNetwork, @msn_stickradt
Instagram: www.instagram.com/misoccernetwork/
(Have photos to go with this story? Email pics to Web and Content Editor / Director of News Dan Stickradt at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com and dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com and also list photo credit as well.)
BOYS SOCCER: MSN SUPER 50 TEAMS POSITIONS 41-50: www.michigansoccernetwork.com/post/boys-soccer-super-50-teams-positions-41-50
BOYS SOCCER: MSN SUPER 50 TEAMS POSITIONS 31-40: https://www.michigansoccernetwork.com/post/boys-soccer-msn-super-50-teams-positions-31-40
BOYS SOCCER: MSN SUPER 50 TEAMS POSITIONS 21-30: BOYS SOCCER: MSN Super 50 Teams Positions 21-30:
BOYS SOCCER: MSN SUPER 50 TEAMS POSITIONS 11-20:
BOYS SOCCER: MSN SUPER 50 TEAMS POSITIONS 1-10:
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Contact both Broadcast Director Jonathan Turner at 248-525-2083 or jonathan@thepremeiermediagrp.com and Web and Content Editor / Director of News Dan Stickradt at (248) 525-2349 and dstickradt@thepremeiermediagrp.com.
