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MICHIGAN SOCCER NETWORK: MSN NEWS: www.michigansoccernetwork.com/msnnews
BY DAN STICKRADT
WEB AND CONTENT EDITOR | DIRECTOR OF NEWS
Michigan Soccer Network | Premier Media Group and affiliates
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TW/X: @msn_stickradt @LocalSportsFans @MiSoccerNetwork
RK
ALL OVER MICHIGAN – Looking for some of the best soccer players in the state of Michigan?
Still even in today’s arena with the ever-expanding club scene – MLS Next Academy, MLS Academy, National Academy League, Developmental Player League, USYS Elite 64, USYS National League, National Premier League, USYS Premier-Elite, USYS Premier-1, USYS Premier-2 and a host of others leagues and levels of the club soccer scene – and the fact that the MLS Next Academy youth leagues being 10-month-plus program since the 2012-13 school year, and some of the top talent doesn’t necessarily play high school each year...But there's still plenty of talent suiting up for high school programs.
Still, despite all of those club levels, an unusual number of high-level prospects returned to the high school game this season or are making a one-season appearance at the high school level to try to gain the experience of spending one season with some of their classmates and to try to win a state title.
Many of those talented prospects are making a huge impression on the high school circuit, not to mention all of the other college prospects and returning standouts out there competing for moments in the limelight. These standouts are trying to lead their respective schools to success – conference, district, regional and state championships are on the minds of thousands of players across the state of Michigan.
There are dozens of NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II and NCAA Division III college recruits suiting up for over 520 high school programs state-wide, not to mention future NAIA, NCCAA and NJCAA prospects also playing on the high school circuit. The talent is coming from all corners of our state, too, from large cities and big suburban schools to remote towns and small parochial schools.
This year’s top players to watch list, compiled from preseason surveys from hundreds of schools state-wide plus phone conversations and input from 100s of high school and club coaches across the state over the last several months … Let’s just say that this list was difficult to compile.
Also check out our Next 150 Field Players, Next 25 Goalkeepers and Other Players To Watch List by position here in September – a deep look at some of the returning players that earned All-League, All-District, All-Region, All-Area, All-County and All-State the last couple of years along with rising stars that could earn postseason honors this fall. The cut-off date for surveys and information was Sept. 5, 2024.
Keep reading to follow some of the state’s top players playing high school soccer in Michigan as the 2024 season begins to heat up:
TOP 60 FIELD PLAYERS
(Listed alphabetically)
KINAN ABDULRAZZAK, West Bloomfield sr. F/M: After earning All-OAA White Division, All-District, All-Region and Division 1 All-State Honorable Mention honors last season for an improved West Bloomfield team, Abdulrazzak has really blown up over the past year into being a high-level college recruit. NCAA Division I schools Oakland University, Dayton University, Syracuse University and a host of others have this talented finisher and playmaker well onto their respective radars. He is the leading scorer on his Liverpool International Academy National Academy League squad and in high school already chalked up 14 goals through Labor Day weekend and continued to torch the back of nets into early September. West Bloomfield has not had a Division I recruit in many years and this third-year starter, who did not play high school as a freshman, is on pace to break some scoring records on one of the state’s most improved teams. Abdulrazzak has led his team into contention for a league title and would love to help the Lakers capture their first district championship since the MHSAA took over the sport in 1982.
MASLIM ALAHWAS, Dearborn Edsel Ford sr. M: Sometimes holding center midfielders don’t get the credit they deserve. But Alahwas is one fine player at his position and not only helped the Thunderbirds capture both Downriver League and Division 1 district titles last season but has been a part of one of the best starts in school history. Last year the Edsel Ford standout was All-Downriver League, All-District, All-Region, All-Dearborn Area and Division 1 All-State Honorable Mention despite only having seven assists. He has exceptional defensive prowess and rarely loses the ball and has become a dominant force on the field. Alahwas has helped Edsel Ford win two league and district championships in his career and this year hopes to make it three apiece in those categories. His team posted 11 clean sheets last season and opened the 2024 campaign with five more this year.
HAITHEM AL-ZOUBI, Northville sr. F: Part of the Mustangs’ dynamite duo up top taunting and haunting opposing defenses night-in and night-out, Al-Zoubi is a finesse-type player who is very crafty with the ball. He can finish with the best of them but can also lay the ball off to his running-mate Alex McCallum or a multitude of other talented players in the Northville attack. Last season, Al-Zoubi earned All-KLAA, All-District, All-Region and Division 1 All-State honorable Mention honors and is racking up points in bunches for one of the state’s top overall teams and a squad which reached the Division 1 Final Four in both 2021 and 2023 that has much higher aspirations this season.
DAVEN ARIAS, Sturgis sr. F/D: After competing with the Chicago Fire MLS Next Academy during the 2022-23 school year, Arias returned to Michigan last season and starred for his hometown high school Sturgis. Last season, Arias collected 24 goals for a team that finished 16-1-1 overall, recorded a perfect 7-0-0 ledger to win their first Wolverine Conference title since 2013 and led the Trojans to the Division 2 district finals. Arias and Sturgis were upset by Edwardsburg in the district finals match despite beating the Eddies during the regular season. Arias, who can also play on the backline or can torment opposing defenses up top at forward, earned All-Wolverine Conference First Team, All-District, All-Region, All-Area and Division 2 All-State Third Team honors last season. Over the spring and summer, Arias played in the UPSL (United Premier Soccer League) on the amateur circuit but suffered an injury. His timetable for return is unknown as of Sept. 5.
BRYAN BAKER, Salem sr. F: The Rocks lost nine starters to graduation, so Baker has taken it upon himself to make sure this his team did not slip into rebuilding mode this season. The All-KLAA and All-District forward came out of the gate like gangbusters with a bevy of clutch goals and assists during the first few weeks of the season and Salem has not played an easy schedule. He is building a reputation as not only being one of the top forwards in the talent-laden, two-division KLAA but top finishers in the state overall. If he continues to play at this level, then colleges of various sizes won’t stay away and he’ll end up much higher on the postseason lists come November. The left-footed Baker is also one of the Rocks’ top sprinters in track and field and he uses that peed, acceleration and strength to his advantage out on the soccer pitch. Some colleges have taken notice of this fast-rising star. On the club soccer scene, he plays in the Detroit City FC circuit.
DUGAN BLACK, Rockford sr. F: The fourth-year varsity veteran earned All-Ottawa Kent Conference-Red Division and All-District honors as a sophomore two years ago when Rockford reached the Division 1 state finals. Last year Black was somewhat inconsistent and only earned All-District Honorable Mention. This season, Black has returned to his old self and has been one of the Rams’ top players for a team that lost 15 total players from the 2023 Final Four squad. When Black plays within the game, he can be a dynamic playmaker, great finisher and a dangerous target anytime he touches the ball. He recently committed to NCAA Division II Davenport University and has been an electric player for a team of nine new starters and a bevy of newer players that has still emerged as a top-15 or honorable mention squad in the D-1 state rankings.
GAVIN BLANKSMA, Allendale sr. D: A fast-rising player who has blown up during the past year, Blanksma was only All-OKC Blue Division and All-District last season but on the club circuit and at some ID camps really burst into the limelight for a program that should be one of the top teams in Division 2 this season. Blanksma and his teammates chasing just the school’s second league title and potentially first district title or maybe more. Blanksma is a physical, 6-foot-2, 175-pound defensive stalwart and was a 2024 Western Michigan University Team Camp All-Star selection in July, which has helped him land on the radar for colleges at the NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III and NAIA levels.
JAXON BUCKLEY, Kingsford sr. M/F: A fourth-year varsity veteran, Buckley helped lead the Flivvers not only to the school’s first Division 3 district championship last season in the Upper Peninsula’s first year in the MHSAA state tournament since 2006, but to a year where Kingsford rewrote the school records books as a team. Buckley lives near the Wisconsin border in west-central portion of the U.P. and also plays club soccer in Wisconsin, where he has both experience of competing in the USYS national tournament and also on the Olympic Developmental Program Midwest Team levels. In high school, Buckley earned All-District, All-Upper Peninsula First Team and Player of the Year honors as well as being named Division 3 All-State Third Team. This year, Buckley has already surpassed 100 career goals and is putting up ungodly numbers on the pitch for a top 10 team in D-3. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound Buckley combines great speed, acceleration, strength and power as a former hockey player and is building a reputation of being a dynamite finisher and playmaker and should end up on an NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III or NAIA college roster in the future. He would love nothing more to help lead the Flivvers into a deep tournament run this year and perhaps help Kingsford become the Upper Peninsula’s first school to reach the Final Four in soccer.
OWEN BUCKLEY, Brighton sr. M/F: With All-State Dream Team teammate Devlin McGinnis being out of the lineup for the first few weeks with an injury and with former teammate Colin Robertson now playing NCAA Division II college soccer, Buckley has been thrusted into a more prominent role this year. He has excelled despite his team being somewhat short-handed and being a marked player on the pitch. An All-KLAA, All-District, All-Region, All-County and Division 1 All-State Third Team honoree last season, Buckley is another standout who is working his way towards a roster spot on the collegiate level thanks to his versatility. The Michigan Wolves ECNL player who can play attacking midfielder, outside midfielder or up top as a forward, Buckley was a key part of Brighton’s great 18-3-3 season in 2023 where the Bulldogs reached the Division 1 state title game.
LANDON BOURDAGE, Grosse Ile sr. M/F: Bourdage has always been an impressive soccer player, but this year he has become more of a focal point of the Red Devils offense, and he has delivered some big-time numbers during the first few weeks of the 2024 season. Bourdage was All-Huron League, All-District, All-Region, All-Downriver Area First Team and Division 3 All-State Second Team last year and should be higher this season for a Division 3 top 15 state-ranked team. Bourdage excels in the Michigan Wolves ECNL system and is another player that should find himself on a college roster next fall. Bourdage has played on three D-3 district championship teams at Grosse Ile and for a program that has won 15 straight district crowns. He is the type of player who can score clutch goals and could help the Red Devils make a deep tournament run. Last year, Bourdage finished with 23 goals and 12 assists, and those totals will likely be substantially more at the conclusion of this season thanks to his torrid pace as a finisher and set-up player.
JOHN CASSIDAY, Grand Rapids Christian sr. M/F: Cassiday’s three-goal outburst in last year’s Division 2 state finals last season showcases his talent level on the pitch. And soccer is not the only sport where Cassiday excels at a high level. In golf this past spring, Cassiday was All-State First Team in that sport, finishing high at a variety of tournaments and eventually placing 22nd individually at the Division 2 state finals for a team that ended as the state runner-up. For the Grand Rapids Christian Division 2 state championship soccer team last fall, Cassiday rang up 16 goals and seven assists and earned All-Ottawa Kent Conference-White Division, All-District, All-Region and All-State Second Team accolades. This year he’s one of the better talents in the state and should end up on a college roster in the future. In what sport between golf and soccer? Cassiday will have to weigh his options. The fourth-year varsity veteran has already been on the roster for state championship runs in both 2021 and 2023, while his older brother Nicholas Cassiday was an All-State Dream Team player in 2021 and is on the roster at NCAA Division I University of Michigan.
ANDREW CORDER, Warren De La Salle soph. F: Corder debuted onto the scene last season as one of the better freshmen prospects in Michigan and even though his team struggled early in the season, Corder quickly adapted to varsity ball and became the Pilots’ leading goal scorer as a ninth-grader. Corder finished with 17 goals and went on to claim All-District, All-Region and Division 2 All-State First Team – a rarity for a player to earn first-team as a freshman. Corder is a part of a very deep and talented Class of 2027 in the state of Michigan. The powerful 5-foot-10 speedster with a rocket of a shot plays club ball with Nationals ECNL in his age group and is projected to become an NCAA Division I or Division II recruit if he continues to progress the next few years.
MARC DELIKAT, Troy Athens sr. M/F: Statistics are somewhat relative to who one plays against. Delikat finished last season with 10 goals and six assists, but as Athens played perhaps one of the top if not the top overall schedule last year, Delikat earned the reputation as being a clutch performer and the ability to score or set up teammates in big games all season for the Division 1 state champion Red Hawks. Delikat, who also excels at the ECNL club level with Nationals, earned All-OAA Red Division, All-District, All-Region and Division 1 All-State Second Team honors. This year as just one of four returning starters and nine total returnees, Delikat is again putting up quality numbers for a team that graduated 16 players, but also for a team that is lodged in the Division 1 top-15. Delikat is a college prospect at various levels and has become more of a focal point in terms of offensive production. Several coaches in the state have placed Delikat into the conversation for All-State Dream Team and into being a Mr. Soccer candidate as well for his clutch play for one of the state’s premier programs.
DREW DIEBOLT, Caledonia sr. D/M: Diebolt has been one of the top-rated players in Michigan in his age group since he was in middle school. He played with the Midwest United MLS Next Academy from the eighth grade through his sophomore years, and then last school year competed for the Columbus Crew MLS Next Academy youth team as a junior. He opted to come back home to play for his high school as a senior. The NCAA Division I University of Michigan commit is a great two-way player who can be effective both anchoring the back line or being a part of the attack for the Fighting Scots. Diebolt will likely head back to Midwest United after the high school season, but the talented senior would love to help Caledonia improve and lead his school to at least a district championship this season.
SALVATORE DI NOTO, Rochester Adams sr. F/M/D: Another versatile player, Di Noto joined the Adams roster in late August after competing in the MLS Next system since the eighth grade. He spent his junior year with the Columbus Crew MLS Next Academy, taking up residency in central Ohio, and before that was with the Michigan Jaguars MLS Next Academy. Di Noto can play all over the field but has aided the Highlanders’ high-powered attack as of late during his first and only high school season. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound senior is a complete package and has committed to NCAA Division I Ohio State University.
OMAR FARAJ, Dearborn Fordson sr. M: One of many talented players on Fordson’s roster, Faraj has emerged as a college recruit by developing into a quality facilitator and finisher. A year ago, Faraj earned All-KLAA, All-District, All-Region, All-Dearborn Area and Division 1 All-State Third Team honors after scoring 15 goals with 16 assists. This year he’s on pace to match or better those numbers for a much-improved team. He is a dynamic playmaker and passer who can get into space to create for others, pull the trigger with a shot or get in behind the defense and wreak havoc on the back line.
ODIS FICKEL, Holland sr. F/M: One of several high-level returnees for the state-ranked Dutch, Fickel was instrumental in his team winning the Ottawa Kent Conference-Green Division title last year and this year being one of the top Division 2 schools in the state. On the club side, Fickel plays for the Michigan Rangers Elite 64 team in his age group and the 5-foot-6, 140-pound offensive sparkplug is trying to lead Holland to its first state title since 2017. Last season, Fickel earned All-OKC Green Division, All-District, All-Region, All-Holland Sentinel Area and Division 2 All-State Third Team status and this year his skillset should take him higher on the postseason lists and onto a college roster in the near future.
LINCOLN FLOYD, Grand Blanc sr. M/F: After competing solely with the Nationals Soccer Club Academy as a ninth and 10th grader, Floyd made his Grand Blanc debut last season a great one. The 5-foot-7 crafty playmaker and finisher earned multiple postseason honors. Last year, Floyd earned not only All-Saginaw Valley League honors but also earned League MVP status as a junior. Floyd also was named All-District, All-Saginaw Area, All-Region and Division 1 All-State Third Team. The talented attacking player is targeted as a NCAA Division I or Division II recruit with some interest flooding in from some GLIAC schools. This year he is the leader of a mostly new roster but has plans on helping the Bobcats defend their SVL title and perhaps contend for a district trophy this season.
JULIAN GIBBS, Macomb Lutheran North soph. F: Last year there were multiple freshmen across the state that earned All-State honors or were big-time contributors for successful programs. Gibbs was one of those players, earning a spot on the Catholic High School League All-Catholic, All-District, All-Macomb County, All-Region and Division 3 All-State Second Team as a ninth-grader. He deploys great acceleration, speed and pace out on the pitch and has the ability to score goals in bunches. And he’s only scratched the surface. Now with his team one of the better Division 3 schools in the state this year, Gibbs will carry the reputation of being a heavily-marked man on the pitch.
DILLON HAMILTON, Fenton jr. M/D: While Fenton may be down from recent years where they have in the past battled for Flint Metro League and Division 2 district crowns, Hamilton has continued to progress and is coming off an exceptional 2023 season. The versatile junior, who also plays club soccer for Nationals ECNL, was All-FML First Team, All-District, All-Region, All-Area and Division 2 All-State Second Team and is one of the young Tigers’ go-to players again this season. The 5-foot-9, 150-pound field general also plays club soccer with Nationals ECNL and was even named the Tri-County Times Player of the Year as a sophomore. He had 11 goals and six assists last year for a team that won a Divion 2 district championship and he is being asked to take on even more of an offensive role this season.
CHASE HENDERSON, Birmingham Seaholm sr. F/M: Last year, Henderson earned All-Oakland Activities Association-Red Division, All-District, All-Region and Division 1 All-State Honorable Mention for the Maples after being one of the team’s top goal scorers. The college prospect should rise on those charts this season. Henderson also plays in one of the state’s toughest leagues, the OAA Red Division, and going up against NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III and NAIA recruits on a weekly basis which is like iron sharpening iron and Henderson has become a better player in recent years due to the Maples’ schedule. The talented finisher has taken on the role of the team’s top target this season.
BLENDI JAHIRI, Mason sr. M: Jahiri is one of several high-level players on Mason’s roster and he garnered All-Capital Area Athletic Conference-Red Division, All-District, All-Region, All-Lansing Area and Division 2 All-State First Team honors last season. The Nationals-Lansing club product is another college prospect on the Bulldogs roster who has great field vision and has the ability to both set up teammates and score when needed. He finished with 17 goals and 16 assists last season and often draws attention from opposing teams’ top midfielders and defensemen.
HENRY JUNEAU, Harbor Springs soph. F/M: One of the state’s top sophomore prospects, Juneau played in the MLS Next Academy youth system in the eighth grade but came out and played high school as a freshman and made a huge impact for a team that reached the Division 4 regional finals. Juneau rang up the scoreboard 38 times last season and added 22 assists to earn a rare feat of All-State First Team accolades as a ninth grader. The All-District, All-Region and All-Traverse City Record Eagle Area selection last year had multiple offers to return to the MLS Next Academy platform, but the multi-sport athlete is content suiting up for Harbor Springs and trying to lead his team through a rugged schedule and to the Division 4 Final Four. He was also the Traverse City Record-Eagle Freshman of the Year in 2023. The 6-foot, 160-pound offensive machine is a nightmare for the opposition to mark up as he deploys great size, speed, and movement on and off the ball and has the knack of scoring big goals against quality opponents. He can flat-out score against just about everybody. He was listed on MSN’s Impact Freshman list last season and is a highly-regarded player as a sophomore with a bright future ahead of him.
DANIEL KADIU, Troy Athens jr. M/F: Last year in his first season as a varsity starter in 2023, the talented Kadiu had a breakthrough sophomore year on both the Athens varsity and on the ECNL club level with the Nationals. Named to the All-Oakland Activities Association-Red Division, All-District, All-Region and Division 1 All-State Honorable Mention as a 10th-grader, the 6-foot-2, 160-pound college recruit is on the radar for some NCAA Division I and Division II schools and has emerged as one of Michigan’s top juniors. In the past couple of years, Kadiu has been invited to go to La Masia in Barcelona, Spain, and train and received invites to go train with the Columbus Crew MLS Next Academy in his age group. Kadiu was also an All-ECNL section in 2023 and 2024 and the only sophomore starter on the Troy Athens Division 1 state championship team in 2023. If he continues his trajectory course, Kadiu should be a candidate for Mr. Soccer in 2025.
JACK KAMMINGA, Hudsonville Unity Christian jr. M/F: The defending Division 3 state champion Crusaders are now up in Division 2 this season and Kamminga is just one of four returning starters. But he’s a good one. The 6-foot-4, two-sport athlete who also excels in basketball, puts up big numbers on the soccer pitch. He scored the game-winning goal in the 71st minute in last year’s 3-2 state championship win over Detroit Country Day as a sophomore. He was second on Unity Christian’s roster last year with 11 goals and seven assists and has become more of a focal point in the Crusaders’ attack this season. With just under two years of high school and club sports to go, the old-school soccer-basketball combo athlete is far from his ceiling, yet he has the size, tools and athleticism to eventually shine at the collegiate level. Kamminga was All-Ottawa Kent Conference-Blue Division, All-District, All-Region and Division 3 All-State Second Team last year.
JACK KILPATRICK, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep jr. M/D: One of two Notre Dame Prep players on this list, Kilpatrick is the engine in the middle who ignites the Fighting Irish’s offensive machine. At 6-foot-2, 160-pounds, Kilpatrick has a college body and an ever-expanding skillset who is being projected as a NCAA Division I and Division II college recruit. He plays club soccer for Nationals ECNL and is a captain for both his club and high school sides. On the prep circuit, Kilpatrick plays either a defensive or attacking center midfielder while in club he spends a lot of time on the pitch as a center back.
WILL KUIPHOF, Grand Rapids South Christian sr. F: Part of a loaded offensive team for the past few years, Kuiphof and the Sailors are now up from Division 3 and into Division 2 this season. The team hasn’t missed a beat and Kuiphof has helped lead this side well inside the top 15 in D-2. One of the key weapons in the Sailors vaunted attack, the 6-foot-2, 170-pound striker is putting up some big numbers again this year after the first couple of weeks. Last year, Kuiphof was All-Ottawa Kent Conference-Gold Division First Team, All-District, All-Region and Division 3 All-State First Team and this year could be a first-team and maybe even a All-State Dream Team candidate. With the skillset of being a pure goal scorer and with a college body, Kuiphof has picked up some NCAA Division II and Division III interest. He plays club soccer for Midwest United in the National Academy League.
NAHUEL LARROQUETTE, Troy sr. D: The sole third-year starter from a team that captured Oakland Activities Association-Red Division and Division 1 district titles in 2022 as a top-two state-ranked team, Larroquette is one of the state’s top defensemen. He was just one of two returning starters in 2023 and emerged as one of the Colts’ top players and top backfield players in the talent-laden Oakland Activities Association Red Division last season. The 6-foot-1 star is a steady presence and highly-skilled on the backline for the Colts, who boast one of the state’s top defenses and is ranked in the top 10 in Division 1 to start the campaign. Larroquette plays club soccer for Nationals ECNL and has picked up some interest from NCAA Division I Oakland University amongst others. The talented Larroquette is trying to help lead Troy to its first D-1 state title since 2003. He has been invited to go play for the Vardar MLS Next Academy after the high school season to try to expand his recruitment and hone his D-I skillset. He was All-OAA Red Division and All-District last year as a junior and will be a high All-State athlete at the conclusion of this season.
WILL LANHAM, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep sr. F/M: The Michigan Jaguars Elite-64 club product and fourth-year starter at NDP keeps getting better with age and is offensively on fire this season for one of the top teams in Division 3. The multi-year all-stater earned All-District, All-Region and Division 3 All-State First Team last season for the independent Fighting Irish. He is already on the radar for multiple colleges of various sizes and the 5-foot-10, 155-pound Lanham is a dual threat both as a pure goal scorer or set-up man. He entered the season as an All-State Dream Team candidate and has lived up to it for one of the top schools in Division 3 during the first few weeks of the season. He led his Michigan Jaguars club team to the national championships the past two summers and has some MLS Next Academy experience a couple of years ago but opted out of that channel to still be able to play high school.
JACK LEMERAND, Alma jr. M/F: After earning Division 3 All-State Third Team honors as a freshman, Lemerand had a brilliant sophomore campaign for the Panthers. He finished with 18 goals and 15 assists but that doesn’t tell the whole story. The Midwest United National Academy League club product earned All-Tri Valley Conference First Team, All-District, All-Region, All-Lansing Area and Division 3 All-State Second Team accolades after helping Alma win league, district and regional titles and reaching the Final Four for the first time in school history in 2023. The 5-foot-9, 150-pound field general has the pedigree and skillset to be a college soccer player and he’s barely past the halfway mark of his high school and club career. He has a chance to become the most decorated player in Alma history by the time he graduates.
LOGAN LILLA, Rochester Adams sr. M/F: One of five MLS Next Academy players on the Adams roster, Lilla opted to join up this summer as he wants to help the Highlanders make another run at a state championship. The 5-foot-7 Lilla is a dynamite playmaker who can finish chances offensively or create chances for others and gives the Highlanders yet another dimension as a top-tier player. Previously, Lilla has played both with the Michigan Jaguars and later Vardar on the MLS Next Academy level and has picked up some offers from NCAA Division I schools, including the University of Detroit-Mercy.
ELI LIPKE, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central sr. D/F: After serving as more of a backline player in the past, the lockdown defender has also spending some time up top this season after the Rangers graduated 14 players. Last year Lipke earned All-Ottawa Kent Conference-White Division First Team, All-District, All-Region and Division 2 All-State Second Team. Wherever his services are needed, Lipke can anchor the backfield or put the ball into the back of the net. Although his recruiting is still open, Lipke is also a sturdy kicker and punter in football and could end up playing that sport in college as well.
JOSH LITTLE, Hudsonville sr. M: A fourth-year starter in the midfield for Hudsonville, Little uses his 6-foot, 155-pound frame to his advantage, winning balls in the air and leading the charge as a great distributor of the ball during his career. Another Michigan Rangers Elite-64 player on this list, Little was All-Ottawa Kent Conference-Red Division, All-District, All-Region and Division 1 All-State Honorable Mention last year with bigger things in store in the future. Little is the leader of the band for the Eagles, who are going after their first OKC-Red Division and Division 1 district titles in several years with a deep and talented cast back in uniform. He is being asked to shoulder a little bit more of the scoring load this year after being more of a facilitator of the ball in the past. Little also carries a 4.1 GPA and is eventually looking to get into medical school after playing college soccer. He has attended multiple ID camps in the past couple of years and should find his way onto a college roster.
DANIEL MAKARA, Warren De La Salle sr. D: At 6-foot and skilled, Makara is drawing some NCAA Division I and Division II interest because he is also a weapon on restarts anywhere on the field. With a booming leg, he can serve the ball with precision into the final third of the field to ignite a scoring chance or put a shot on target himself. A Catholic High School League All-Catholic, All-District, All-Region, All-Macomb County and Division 2 All-State First Team selection last season, Makara anchored the backline last season for a Final Four team and with the whole roster back, Makara has plans of trying to help his Pilots into the state finals. Makara has led De La Salle to a top five ranking so far this season.
KOLBY MALOTT, Allendale soph. M: One of two very talented sophomores on the Allendale roster, Mallott is a fast-rising 10th-grade prospect. He was named All-Ottawa Kent Conference-Blue Division and All-District as a freshman and has exploded this season for one of the top Division 2 schools in the state. The 5-foot-9, 160-pound attacking midfielder plays club soccer with the Michigan Rangers Elite-64 squad in his age group. He has great skill, speed and touch and bolsters his resume with a cannon of a shot. He is also versatile enough to play both forward and defense but is better suited in the high school game trying to create offense for a team that didn’t graduate any players.
ALEX MCCALLUM, Northville sr. F: Big, strong, powerful and fast is a deadly combination out on the pitch for this two-sport athlete. McCallum is also a standout hockey player who has Compuware AAA hockey experience and varsity experience out on the ice as a defenseman on the ice. In soccer he is a high-scoring forward who opposing defenders can’t knock off the ball. He warrants attention and welcomes contact because he can overpower defenders with the ball and has a quick release with his shot. Last year for a Division 1 Final Four team, he helped lead the Mustangs claim KLAA-West Division, KLAA Conference Tournament, district and regional titles as one of the Mustangs’ top goal scorers. Individually, the 5-foot-11 McCallum earned All-KLAA, All-District, All-Region, All-Hometown Life, and Division 1 All-State Second Team honors and this year he is playing lights out for a team seeking its first state title and has been ranked at the top of the D-1 polls in the first couple of weeks of the season.
DEVLIN MCGINNIS, Brighton sr. F/M: Last year the fourth-year varsity veteran had a breakthrough season for the Bulldogs, earning a multitude of accolades after scoring the nets for 24 goals and 13 assists. He was honored as All-KLAA, All-District, All-Region, All-Livingston County as Player of the Year, Division 1 All-State First Team and All-State Dream Team. The Michigan Jaguars club product is a physically strong midfielder and forward who stands 5-foot-11 and can score in bunches, even against high-level opponents. He helped the Bulldogs to the Division 1 state runner-up slot last season here he spent more time up top at forward as compared to being used more as an attacking midfielder the previous two years. A back injury suffered over the summer has slowed McGinnis down early this season, but once healthy he is a load to mark and one of the state’s most dangerous targets. He will be a steal for any NCAA school of any level.
ANDREW MOELLER, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central sr. M: Last season Moeller joined the Rangers after competing the first two years of high school solely with the Michigan Wolves MLS Next Academy. He finished in the top four in points last season and earned All-Ottawa Kent Conference-White Division, All-District, All-Region and Division 2 All-State Honorable Mention. Now that his older brother Alex Moeller is off at the University of Notre Dame and 13 other players graduated, it’s Andrew Moeller’s turn to take the reigns. So far this season, Moeller has been a key cog in the Rangers’ attack and scoring and setting up teammates in bunches. The second of three brothers, Andrew Moeller is another NCAA Division I recruit in a talent-laden region of Michigan.
KAI NIELSEN, Berkley sr. F/M: If one took some of the fastest prep soccer players in the state and placed them into a track meet and into the 100-meter dash prelims, Nielsen could be a finalist in the race. He showcases great speed and acceleration in the open field on or off the ball on the soccer pitch. With his speed, craftiness and the ability to finish in tight-spaces, close-range or from long-distance, he becomes a nightmare for opposing marking backs to keep under control. Named All-Oakland Activities Association-Red Division, All-District, All-Region and Division 1 All-State Third Team last season for a team that has been a regular in the Division 1 top-15 for many years. Nielsen opened the season on a torrid scoring pace as more of a focal point in the Bears’ offensive plans this season.
AIDAN ORTH, Traverse City West sr. F/CB/M: Orth is a highly-decorated player on the high school, club soccer and Olympic Developmental Program platforms. He is on the Olympic Developmental Program National Team and Midwest regional team for his age group, is a standout with his TBAYS North Storm club team and has been putting up big-time numbers at Traverse City West since he was a freshman. The community of Traverse City has already produced several high-quality players, including three that have earned Mr. Soccer honors, and Orth is one of several candidates for the top honor this season as a senior playing for one of the top Division 1 programs. Although he roams up top at forward most of the time with the Titans, he has the versatility to play all over the field in club soccer and on his ODP team. Colleges of various sizes are recruiting the high-level talent, including NCAA Division I schools Oakland University, Purdue University-Fort Wayne, Western Michigan University and Western Illinois University, NCAA Division II Purdue Northwest University, NCAA Division III Calvin University and a host of others are taking a serious look at this talent. Orth was All-District, All-Region, All-Big North Conference, All-Traverse City Area and All-State First Team for a team seeking its 15th straight league championship and fifth straight district title if not more this season.
BASHAR OTHMAN, Dearborn Fordson sr. M/F: As Othman goes, so do the Tractors. One of the all-time leaders in points for Fordson, he racked up 24 goals and 18 assists to earn All-Kensington Lakes Activities Association, All-District, All-Region, All-Dearborn Area and Division 1 All-State Second Team honors last season. He has the versatility to play in the midfield or up top and can set up teammates or score on his own with the best of them. Othman’s stock is continually rising and he will be a steal of a college roster in the future because he consistently produces high numbers regardless of opponent.
ALEX PALMER, Mason sr. D: At 6-foot-1 and 160 pounds, Palmer was named the Division 2 Defensive Player of the Year and is again part of another deep team that has title aspirations. The All-Capital Area Athletic Conference-Red Division, All-District, All-Region, All-Lansing State Journal Area and All-State First Team honoree contributed four goals offensively off restarts last season but spends most of his time in the backfield locking opposing forwards in jail and keeping the scoreboard from lighting up. He is one of many find center backs on the high school pitch who could find himself on a college roster in the future.
IAN PETRICK, New Boston Huron jr. F: Coming off a sophomore campaign where he set a single-season school record 39 goals, the 6-foot, 165-pound bulldozer broke out of the gate this season for a Division 2 state-ranked team like a man on a mission. He continues to score goals in bunches for a team that should contend for Huron League and district championships this season. He is fast and powerful with a rocket shot and is being asked to do even more this season thanks to graduation and injury losses. Petrick was named All-Huron League First Team, All-District, All-Region, All-Downriver News Herald First Team and Division 2 All-State Third Team as a sophomore and perhaps expects to produce even higher numbers this year. Petrick plays club soccer for Liverpool International Academy-Ann Arbor in the ECNL and is also one of the top sprinters on the Chiefs track and field team.
AIDAN PHENICIE, Portage Central sr. M: One of the top players for one of the top overall teams in the state, Phenicie has earned plenty of accolades in his career. The Olympic Developmental Program Midwest Team member was All-Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference First Team, All-District, All-Region, All-Kalamazoo Area and Division 1 All-State Honorable Mention last year as a junior for a team that won both the regular season and conference tournament in the SMAC, captured a district crown and advanced to the regional finals for the second straight year. The 6-foot-1, 170-pound midfielder is a crafty playmaker who can set up teammates with a threading of the needle pass or score when needed. Phenicie also plays with TKO-Premier in the National League at the 2006/2007 level and is another college recruit on this list. He carries a fine 4.08 GPA.
ANTHONY PIACENTINI, Rochester Adams sr. D: The Vardar MLS Next Academy backfield star recently committed to NCAA Division I Western Michigan University and opted over the summer to play one year of high school soccer. Piacentini is a lockdown defender and anchors the back for the uber-talented Highlanders, who are one of the top Division 1 teams in the state and player-for-player might have the most talented team. He is considered one of the top center backs in the state of Michigan who is headed to a national powerhouse college program. Look for Piacentini to rake in some high honors come November.
SPENCER PROUTY, Plymouth sr. D: A towering presence in the backfield at 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, the Michigan Jaguars Elite-64 club product is another player whose stock is rising as he possesses a college body and a fine skillset for a big man. Last year, Prouty earned All-Kensington Lakes Activities Association and All-District honors in Division 1 and this year is starring in the back for one of the more talented Division 1 programs in the state. Expect higher accolades this season and for Prouty start to gain college attention with his size and athleticism.
OWEN RESCH, Lansing Christian sr. M/F: If the stats don’t pass the eye test, perhaps his team’s level of play and his recruitment surely will. Perhaps the top player in all of Division 4, Resch collected a state-leading 53 goals and 26 assists last season for the Pilgrims, who reached the regional finals last season and opened the 2024 campaign ranked No. 1 in Division 4. Already off to another torrid pace in terms of goals and assists, Resch has a chance to become a four-time All-State player. Last year he earned All-Central Michigan Athletic Conference First Team and League MVP, All-District, All-Region, All-Lansing Area and Division 4 All-State First Team. Resch is rewriting the school record books and the Michigan Jaguars Elite-64 club product turned down a chance to play in the MLS Next Academy system this season in order to try to help Lansing Christian win a state championship. He recently committed to NCAA Division II Messiah University, a Christian college with a rich soccer history, after having conversations with coaches from NCAA Division I schools Belmont University, Lipscomb University and Liberty University and NCAA Division III Calvin University. He entered the season as a Mr. Soccer candidate despite being from a D-4 school. The 5-foot-10, 155-pound versatile player also suited up this past summer for the Lansing Common FC of the Midwest Premier League, an amateur team made up of mostly current- and post-college soccer players.
GABE RICHER, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s sr. F: Last year Richer was explosive in the final third of the field, leading the Eaglets to the Catholic High School League-AA Division title, a runner-up finish in the CHSL Bishop Tournament and to the Division 2 district finals as well as finishing as the team’s leading scorer. The Michigan Jaguars Elite-64 product earned All-Catholic, All-District, All-Region and Division 2 All-State Second Team honors and has been one of the go-to offensive players again this season. Richer has become more of a marked player this year after the Eaglets lost some of its other standouts.
ALEX ROSIN, Rochester Adams sr. D/MF: Even before he stepped onto the Adams pitch for a game this August, Rosin was tabbed as being one of the best players in the state and a bona fide Mr. Soccer candidate. He has lived up to his billing in the first couple of weeks of the season and as one opposing coach put it bluntly, Rosin is one of the best talents to play high school soccer in the state the last few years. A recent commit to NCAA Division I University of Notre Dame, the 2023 national runner-up, Rosin has spent the last several years in the Vardar MLS Next Academy system and even had some invites to play for the Columbus Crew MLS Academy. He is versatile enough to play his natural position as an outside wingback, play in the central midfield or even be placed up top at forward to wreak havoc on opposing defenses. The 6-foot, 165-pound talent has been known to play all three positions in one game already this season based on whatever a particular contest dictates.
JOSHUA ROSS, Warren De La Salle sr. M: The straw that stirs the drink for the Pilots, the two-time CHSL All-Catholic selection had a breakout junior campaign which saw him also earn All-District, All-Region, All-Macomb County and Division 2 All-State First Team accolades. He is the team leader and is another great playmaker in the center of the park for a Pilots team that reached the Division 2 Final Four last season without any seniors. Ross has been a key cog for a top five team so far this season that has been putting up quality numbers against good competition. He is trying to help lead De La Salle back to the Final Four or to the school’s first state since 2005.
FAGAN ROY, Clarkston soph. D/M: The younger brother of 2023 Mr. Soccer Sebi Roy (Harvard) and youngest son of 1991 Mr. Soccer Travis Roy (Livonia Stevenson/University of Wisconsin), the latest in the Roy bloodline is a two-way player who rarely stepped off the pitch as a freshman playing mostly center back. This year, the 6-foot-4, 180-pound physical presence is playing more of central midfielder and being involved more in the attack. He is great in the air, has a great touch and shot and is a threat from both close-range and long distance off restarts. Roy is one of the top sophomores in a really deep and talented cast of 10th-grade prospects in Michigan.
SAM SCHNELL, Kalamazoo Loy-Norrix sr. M: A fourth-year starter in the attack for the Knights, Schnell plays for TKO-Premier on the club side and in the prep soccer circles he is a player whose stock keeps rising. NCAA Division III schools Hope College and Kalamazoo College have taken interest and so have some larger schools in the Midwest. Schnell is both a creator and finisher around the net and the type of player who can take a game over if needed. He is the engine that makes the Knights go and has been a key part of the Loy-Norrix resurgence the past couple of years.
GAVAN SHERMAN, Portage Central jr. F: Last year as a sophomore, Sherman was the highest-rated player in his class on the Division 1 All-State lists, earning All-State Third Team. Sherman, who stands 6-foot-1 and around 170 pounds, is a speedster who is powerful with the ball. He can blow by defenders or blast a shot from distance. Last year’s leading goal scorer (16 goals, seven assists) is off to an offensive tear this season for one of the top Division 1 programs and hopes to lead the Mustangs to their first state title. He plays club soccer for TKO-Premier and is garnering interest from a wide variety of colleges. A starter since midway through his freshman year, Sherman was also All-Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference First Team, All-District, All-Region and All-Kalamazoo Area last season and will be much higher on the All-State lists this season. He has great 1-v-1 skills, touch and is known for scoring clutch goals in big games.
JAMESON SMITH, Rochester Adams sr. M: The fifth MLS Next Academy player to join the Adams roster this season, Smith is another well-rounded player who has garnered attention from multiple NCAA Division I schools. Smith is more of a creator than finisher but another high-level player on the Highlanders roster that draws attention from the opposition. He is quick with the ball and one of those players who simply does his part and gets the job done. He joined the roster in late August after spending the last several years with the Vardar MLS Next Academy.
LEO STRAVATO, Flint Powers Catholic sr. D/M: This past summer, Stravato trained with Lansing City FC of the USL-League Two Great Lakes Division and the rising star’s resume is adding new chapters every month as a multis-sport athlete. Although Stravato’s natural positions are center back or outside marking back, he has been pushed up into the attack this year for Powers and has emerged as one of the state’s top talents. Stravato, who plays club soccer for Nationals ECNL, is a 6-foot-2, 175-pound speedster with skill and a college body. The NCAA Division I and Division II recruit is highly skilled as a lockdown defender, distributor, and even a finisher playing a ton of minutes at attacking midfielder this year for the Chargers. The All-Saginaw Valley League First Team, All-District, All-Region and Division 3 All-State First Team honoree last year is also a talented track and field athlete and a state qualifier the previous three school years. He has been clocked at 1:58.49 in the 800 meters and 51.61 in the 400 meters as a middle-distance runner and has also run 4:36.0 in the 1,600 minutes. Soccer will be his ticket collegiately. He led Powers Catholic to the Final Four last season and is hoping to lead the Chargers to the Division 3 state title this year.
SOREN WHITE, Grand Rapids Christian sr. D: One of the larger center backs in the state, White is a strong and physical presence in the backfield at 6-foot-4 and 185 pounds. He is great in the air and highly-skilled as well with a collegiate body. Last year his stellar play in the back helped Grand Rapids Christian win the Division 2 state title. Last year White earned All-Ottawa Kent Conference-White Division, All-District, All-Region and Division 2 All-State First Team honors and is considered one of the state’s top center backs. He is also a part of the Olympic Developmental Program Midwest Team. On the club circuit, White has experience with SCORE Meulensteen, Midwest United and Michigan Futbol Academy in recent years and has the size and skillset to carry himself to the collegiate level.
CASH WILLIAMS, Hudsonville sr. D: Williams plays club soccer with the Michigan Rangers Elite 64 and is a highly-skilled and fast center back. Standing at 5-foot-11 and 155 pounds, Williams is the anchor of one of the state’s top defenses and is another player starting to draw interest from college coaches from various sized schools. Last year, Williams earned All-Ottawa Kent Conference-Red Division, All-District, All-Region and Division 1 All-State Third Team status. This year he has helped his Eagles into a Division 1 top-15 rankings and a great start and hopes to lead Hudsonville to a OKC-Red Division title and deep into the postseason.
COLLIN WINTERS, Mason sr. M: Part of a very talented side, Winters helped the Bulldogs make a run to the Division 2 state runner-up slot last season and back into the top 15 in the state early this season. Named All-Capital Area Athletic Conference-Red Division, All-District, All-Region, All-Lansing Area and Division 2 All-State Third Team last year as a junior, Winters’ stock has risen in the past year. He is on the radar for NCAA Division I schools Western Michigan University, Indiana-Fort Wayne University and Southern Illinois University-Evansville and he should rise up the charts as an individual level on postseason lists this year. Winters has great field vision and pace and is a big part of the heartbeat of a Mason program searching for its first D-2 state crown since 2015. At 6-foot-1 ands 175 pounds, Winters is versatile enough to play either in the midfield or at center back or literary anywhere needed. He plays club soccer for the Michigan Futbol Academy in the NLC. Winters is also the kicker for the Bulldogs football team that also finished as the Division 2 state runner-up in 2023.
JORGE BURGOS-YACK jr. F/M: The state’s little mini-mite, Burgos-Yack stands only around 5-foot-3 and checks in at just over 120 pounds, but he is a wizard with the ball and very dangerous in the attack for one of the state’s top Division 2 programs. Already gaining some NCAA Division II and Division III interest, Burgos-Yack is both a great facilitator with his passing and 1-v-1 skills but can finish when needed. He once scored six goals in one game as a sophomore. Burgos-Yack has been on an offensive tear in the early weeks this season. He was All-Ottawa Kent Conference-Blue Division, All-District, All-Region and Division 2 All-State Honorable Mention last season for the Trojans, who reached the regional finals a year ago.
ONCTION ZAPE, Grosse Pointe South sr. M/F: An All-Macomb Area Conference Red Division, All-District, All-Region and Division 1 All-State Third Team selection last season, Zape is a talented and fast player out on the wing for the Blue Devils. He is equally effective driving the ball towards the net, crossing the ball from the outside, beating defenders 1-v-1 and wreaking havoc with his speed and ability to finish. He has exploded with multiple two-, three- and four-goal games during his varsity career and should wind up on a college roster in the future.
TOP INJURED PLAYERS:
ALEX CAPPUSO, Romeo sr. M/F: Last year’s Macomb Area Conference-White Division MVP, the All-District, All-Region, All-Macomb County and Division 1 All-State Honorable Mention selection last year went down with a season-ending injury in early September for a team that is trying to win the MAC-Red title in its first season in the MAC’s upper echelon and to the school’s first district title since 1987. The Michigan Stars club product will have to watch from the bench and the Bulldogs will be without their top player for the rest of the 2024 campaign.
BRODY CONLON, East Kentwood sr. F/M: A Division 1 All-State First Team honoree as both a freshman and junior, Conlon has been one of the highest-rated players in his age group in the Midwest since the seventh grade. Conlon, an NCAA Division I recruit, went down with a knee injury in May playing club soccer. He would have been one of the leading candidates for Mr. Soccer 2024 before his injury which will sideline him until the new year. While playing MLS Next Academy as a sophomore, Conlon came down with Crohn’s Disease and missed nearly six months of action before making a comeback last summer and fall. He’ll have to attempt another comeback this winter and spring to work his way back to be able to play collegiately in the fall of 2025.
COLLIN LOMAX, Mason sr. D/M: Another sad story, Lomax is on the bench this season due to some significant health issues. Lomax would have been a college prospect after earning All-CAAC Red Division, All-District, All-Region, All-Lansing Area and Division 2 All-State Second Team honors last season. Now, he’s on the bench taking stats, cheering on teammates and learning how to become a coach one day. His playing days are over but he is still a part of a winning program and being around the beautiful game is not over.
COLLIN SARGENT, Northville sr. D: A third-year starter on a loaded Mustangs roster, this returning All-KLAA and All-District player went down with an injury in the second game of the season and his return is unknown or if he can return at all this fall season. A college prospect and an experienced player on both the club and high school circuit, the 6-foot defensive stalwart would be on the above list if he was healthy. He plays for the Michigan Jaguars 2006/2007 National Academy League team.
TOP PROSPECTS WHO LEFT FOR AN MLS NEXT ACADEMY PROGRAM OR NOT PLAYING HIGH SCHOOL THIS SEASON FOR VARIOUS REASONS:
DAMIAN ADDAI, St. Johns jr.: An All-CAAC-Red Division and All-District selection last season along with being a varsity basketball player, the 6-foot-2 Addai left the high school circuit this season to join up with the Midwest United MLS Next Academy 2008 roster.
NOAH CHRISTIAN, Rockford sr.: One of three Rockford athletes to leave the high school team to play for one of the Midwest United MLS Next Academy rosters this school year and one of several in the school playing on the MLS Next Academy circuit, Christian earned All-OKC Red Division Honorable Mention and All-District honors last season for a Final Four team in Division 1.
OWEN CHRISTIANSEN, Plymouth sr.: A talented forward the last three years for the Wildcats, Christiansen earned All-KLAA and All-District honors last season as Plymouth’s leading goal scorer. Even though Plymouth is a top-15 school in Division 1 this season with a bevy of returning talent, Christiansen is playing MLS Next Academy for the Michigan Jaguars this season.
ALEX EBY, Detroit Country Day sr.: A year ago, Eby was one of the top juniors in the state on the high school circuit. He helped the Yellowjackets maintain a Division 3 top-10 ranking all season and earned All-District, All-Region and Division 3 All-State First Team accolades for a team that finished as the state runner-up. The center back would have been a bona-fide All-State Dream Team candidate this season but has opted to play MLS Next Academy for the Michigan Jaguars to help increase the number of NCAA Division I pursuers. Some of the college recruiters wanted to see Eby in an MLS Next Academy environment.
ADAM FLANDERS, Rockford jr.: A forward and midfielder, Flanders was a two-year starter for Rockford, which finished as the Division 1 state runner-up in 2022 and a state semifinalist in 2023. He earned All-Ottawa Kent Conference-Red Division, All-District, All-Region and All-State Second Team honors as a sophomore and is also a standout on the Rams’ track and field team. He has opted to play with Midwest United MLS Next Academy 2008 team this school year to try to gain some more exposure to college coaches.
AIDAN FLANDERS, Rockford jr.: A rising standout much like his twin brother Adam Flanders, the versatile marking back/midfielder was also a key part of the Rams’ success story the last two seasons even though he had some injury issues in the past. Also a standout track and field athlete, Flanders is on the Midwest United MLS Next Academy 2008 roster this school year to help gain some additional exposure.
RUSLAN MASALITAN, DeWitt sr.: The Ukrainian transplant moved on from DeWitt after being a key offensive player the past few years for the Panthers. He now suits up for the Midwest United MLS Next Academy 2006/2007 roster.
NOAH SILKWORTH, Ann Arbor Skyline sr.: A three-year varsity veteran and a Division 1 All-State Third Team honoree in 2023, Silkworth stands 6-foot-6 and is a great athlete and multi-sport standout. A NCAA Division I prospect in basketball, Silkworth is actually playing football this fall and has opted forgo his final prep season as a soccer player and not planning on playing collegiate soccer.
NIKOLAS SIMON, Bloomfield Hills sr.: A three-year varsity veteran and a Division 1 All-State Second Team selection last fall, Simon opted to play MLS Next Academy with Vardar this season at the 2006/2007 level and forgo his senior season with the Black Hawks.
ROARKE WATTERSON, Parma Western jr.: A two-time All-State player, earning Division 2 All-State Third Team last season amongst numerous postseason honors, Watterson has opted to play MLS Next Academy soccer this school year with the Michigan Jaguars 2006/2007 team. He would have been an All-State First Team and All-State Dream Team level player and candidate this year. Watterson has Olympic Developmental Program National Team and Midwest Regional Team experience and has been one of the higher-rated players in his age group in Michigan since middle school.
TOP GOALKEEPERS
REID DENNIS, Rochester Adams sr. G: With a former teammate departing for an MLS Next Academy roster spot last fall, that vacancy left the door open for Dennis to thrive on the pitch and he seized the opportunity. Between high school soccer at Adams and with the Nationals Soccer Club ECNL squad, Dennis more than shined last school year. The 6-foot-4 senior has great size, range and athleticism between the pipes and he earned All-District honors last season with much higher accolades projected for this season. Dennis has worked his way into being an NCAA Division I recruit with him picking up interest from Western Michigan University, University of Detroit-Mercy and a host of other schools. He is one of Michigan’s top prospects as a goalkeeper who keeps getting better and better with age. He is one of at least seven NCAA Division I recruits and one of several overall future college prospects on a loaded Adams roster that has serious state title goals this season.
FINN HOUNSELL, Detroit Country Day sr. G: The latest in line in terms of great goalkeepers to play for Detroit Country Day over the last 40-plus years, Hounsell is a two-time All-State player who earned All-District, All-Region and Division 3 All-State First Team honors last season for the Division 3 state runner-up Yellowjackets. He was All-State Second Team as a sophomore. Standing a sturdy and athletic 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds, Hounsell is an imposing figure in net for a storied program that has plans of trying to chase down an MHSAA 16th state title this year. On the club circuit, Hounsell plays for Michigan United FC and is a standout there as well. On the high school circuit, he is a highly-decorated netminder who is not only the top goalie in Division 3, but well inside the top 10 keepers in the state of Michigan.
NOLAN MAUSER, Oxford sr. G: Another rare but uber-talented and highly-athletic three-sport athlete, Mauser has as much athleticism and range as any goalie in the state and does not play high-level club soccer. Mauser is an NCAA Division I baseball recruit as an infielder and his hand-eye coordination serves him quite well between the pipes on the soccer pitch. Also a quality shooting guard in basketball, the 6-foot-1, 165-pound Mauser also carries a 3.98 GPA in the classroom and on the playing surface has been turning heads as an athlete as well. In soccer, he was All-OAA Red Division for a league and district championship team last year, as well as earning All-District, All-Region and Division 1 All-State Third Team honors last season. He has been recording highlight-reel and head-turning saves out on the pitch since the fourth-year varsity player became a starter midway through his freshman season and has been playing even better this season for a team that is undefeated as of early September.
LUKE PHILO, Byron Center sr. G: One would be hard-pressed to find too many better athletes than Philo, who earned Division 1 All-State Honorable Mention honors last season amongst numerous postseason accolades but is considered one of Michigan’s top keepers. He is also a rare three-sport athlete in today’s arena, suiting up as a defenseman for Byron Center’s hockey and lacrosse programs as well. He is considered a high-level recruit in both soccer and hockey based on his size and overall athleticism. At a sturdy 6-foot-4 and 175 pounds, Philo has all the tools to play NCAA Division I athletics and has gained some interest from schools to play either soccer or hockey collegiately, as even Syracuse University has offered for hockey and several soccer programs at that level have him firmly planted on their radars. Philo has been a key part of the engine that has turned Byron Center into one of the better Division 1 soccer teams in the state the past couple of years and he hasn’t even scratched the surface with his potential as a goalkeeper as he spreads himself out to three sports. He also plays with Midwest United on the club circuit. Once Philo picks a sport to play in college, watch for his development once he chooses the correct path for himself.
MATT PLETCHER, Ann Arbor Huron jr. G: Pletcher played with the Michigan Wolves MLS Next Academy as an eighth grader and freshman but opted to play for his high school team as a sophomore. Named All-Southeastern Conference-Red Division, All-District, All-Region and Division 1 All-State Honorable Mention last year as a sophomore, Pletcher was sterling in goal in helping the River Rats win a conference championship. He has more than turned a few heads in the past year and as one opposing coach has pointed out, Pletcher could emerge as the top keeper in Michigan before he graduates. At 6-foot-1 and 165 pounds, Pletcher is slightly smaller than some of the other top goalies across Michigan, but he has incredible range and reach and is quite an impressive shot-stopper between the framework. He currently plays club soccer for the Michigan Futsal Factory and even turned down some offers to head back into the MLS Next Academy system this year. He also helped his Futsal team win a national championship in 2022.
LOGAN WERSCHEM, Fruitport sr. G: During his first two years of high school, Werschem played behind future college goalkeeper Justin Laus. Last season, he became the No. 1 keeper for the Trojans and has absolutely exploded as a netminder. He keeps getting better and better for one of the state’s top Division 2 teams. Last year he led the Trojans to the Division 2 regional finals before his team was ousted 1-0 by eventual D-2 state champion Grand Rapids Christian. Werschem’s numbers in goal and his reputation has made him into one quality netminder. Last year he allowed one goal in Fruitport’s final 14 matches and had 13 straight shutouts at one time and 15 overall last season. Werschem plays club soccer for the Michigan Rangers Elite-64 side in his age group and has some Olympic Developmental Program experience as well. He has already garnered interest from a host of NCAA Division II and Division III schools and some NAIA colleges, including Calvin University, Lake Erie College, Grove City University, Lawrence Tech University and a host of others. If his stock continues to keep rising, he could also climb the list up into Division II or Division I level but being a goalkeeper there’s only so many roster spots for goalkeepers to go around. Standing around 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, Wershem has a work rate that is second to none and is the type of player who has a high ceiling. He was All-Ottawa Kent Conference-Blue Division, All-District, All-Region and Division 2 All-State Third Team last season and set a few single-season school records last year.
(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 Michigan ties, contact Communications Specialist/Web and Content Editor/Director of News Dan Stickradt via email at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com, or call 248-884-1051. 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.)
(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.)
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(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.)
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