By BUTCH HARMON
Area soccer fans were treated to some outstanding soccer this season. Not only was the area home to some strong teams, but area players were also among the best in the state as well. Both Grand Blanc and Williamston reached the state finals this season, while Rockford’s Dewey Lewis was named the state’s Mr. Soccer award winner.
Following is a look at this year’s High School Sports Scene all-area soccer team:
FIRST TEAM
Eli Appleby:
Rockford:
Jr.:
Midfield:
Comment: The Rams finished the regular season ranked second in the state in Division 1, and this talented junior played a key role in that success. Eli earned second-team, all-state honors in Division 1 and is one of the top juniors in the state.
Konray Blamo:
Lansing Eastern:
Sr.:
Forward:
Comment: An outstanding offensive force, Konray totaled 31 goals this year for the Quakers. He scored four goals against Division 3 state runnerup Williamston this season and was named first-team, all-state in Division 2. Konray is being recruited by a number of D1 schools.
Adam Bookmeyer:
Frankenmuth:
Sr.:
Forward:
Comment: Adam played a key role in the Frankenmuth offense this season. Not only was he a strong finisher, but his playmaking skills also enabled him to set up teammates. Adam earned first-team, all-state honors in Division 3 this season and helped lead Frankenmuth to the regional finals.
Charlie Coon:
Williamston:
Sr.:
Goalkeeper:
The Hornets reached the Division 3 state final this season, and Charlie’s play in goal was a key to the run. Charlie totaled nine shutouts this season and capped the year by earning first-team, all-state honors in Division 3.
Dewey Lewis
Rockford:
Sr.:
Midfield:
The premier high school soccer player in the state this season, Dewey was named Mr. Soccer for Michigan by the coaches association. Dewey, who will be playing college soccer at Michigan State University next year, totaled 18 goals and 13 assists this year.
Josh Robison:
Okemos:
Midfield.:
Sr.:
A solid all-around player who could do the job on defense or offense, Josh helped Okemos capture the CAAC Blue title this fall. He proved to be a good goal scorer and assist man and was named second-team, all-state in Division 1.
Clay Selby:
Genesee Christian:
Forward:
Jr.:
Clay was an offensive force for the Soldiers this season. A first-team, all-state selection in Division 4, he helped lead Genesee Christian to the state semifinals in Division 4, where it fell to the eventual state champions. Clay ended the season with 48 goals and 20 assists.
Ben Swanson-Ralph:
East Lansing:
Forward:
Jr.:
This talented junior led the way for the Trojan offense this fall. A talented goal scorer who is a threat anytime he gains control of the ball, Ben earned first-team, all-state honors in Division 2 and helped the Trojans to a second-place finish in the CAAC Blue.
Jake Waier:
Grand Blanc:
Defender:
Jr.:
Grand Blanc reached the Division 1 state title match this season thanks to a strong defense, and this talented junior defender played a major role in that success. Jake earned second-team, all-state honors in Division 1 and is one of the top defensive players in the state.
Bill Wilson:
Mason:
Midfield:
Sr.:
A strong two-way player for the Bulldogs, Bill was a key to getting Mason’s offense started, and he also played solid defense. Bill earned first-team, all-state honors in Divison 2 and helped Mason capture the CAAC Gold title and reach the reach final.
SECOND TEAM
Landon Collier:
Okemos:
Sr.:
Goalkeeper:
Dillon Herried:
Rockford:
Jr.:
Midfield:
Dominic Mastromatteo:
Grand Blanc:
Sr.:
Forward:
Dylan Matthews:
Midland:
Sr.:
Midfield:
Ross Needler:
Williamston:
Midfield:
Sr.:
Tyler Raab:
Mason:
Sr.:
Forward:
Jamie Staley:
Rockford:
Sr.:
Defender:
Chris Sullivant:
Grand Blanc:
Sr.:
Midfield:
Kyle Szirovecz:
Cedar Springs:
Sr.:
Forward:
David Watterson:
DeWitt:
Sr.:
Midfield:
HONORABLE MENTION:
Justin Barden, Powers Catholic; Ian Blanchard, Williamston; DJ Bonkowski, Frankenmuth; Robby Boyes, Freeland; Austin Crawford, Swan Valley; Cade Dailey, Tri-County; Phil Erickson, Williamston; Dylan Fernandez, Haslett; Josh Flamme, Mason; Chris Hanneman, Mason; Matt Hinds, Frankenmuth; Kellon Johnston-Roper, East Lansing; Jonathan Jordan, Mason; Sean Khodl, Lowell; Robert Klein, Cedar Springs; Tomy Lammers, East Lansing; Hunter Lyle, Williamston; Josh Lyon, Lansing Christian; JP Navarro, East Lansing; Jordan Noey, Bullock Creek; Michael Perrin, Durand; Tyler Piechowski, Powers Catholic; Eric Plaehn, Lansing Catholic; Logan Rechsteiner, Valley Lutheran; Trevor Rice, Alma; Nathan Riley, Lansing Catholic; Hunter Selby, Genesee Christian; Mitch Smith, DeWitt; Nate Spencer, Valley Lutheran; Zach Sundin, Williamston; Jordan Terry, Lansing Christian; Robert Trahan, Freeland; Dallas VanDeusen, Birch Run; Nick Wheeler, East Lansing; Brennan Zimmer, Frankenmuth.