SOUTHERN COMBAT FALL TEAM SHOWCASE ALL-STARS
The Alpharetta Raiders (Georgia) were led by two strong midfielders: DJ Nuckolls (AHS ’11) and Stephen Dolbow (AHS ’10).Both players are multi-purpose middies with a propensity for faceoff dominance.“Brass” Nuckolls was a ground ball hog throughout the weekend while Dolbow collected All-Tournament honors.
The BamaLax Select team didn’t have to travel far as they hail from the Birmingham area, much to the delight of attending recruiter Birmingham-Southern head coach Andy Bonasera.The gargantuan John Somerall (Mountain Brook ’10) led the way for BamaLax as he controlled the game between the boxes with strong offensive play from the midfield as well as several faceoff wins.Somerall’s high school teammate Walker Cox (’11) added to Bama’s midfield play, as did the versatile Trent Chrane (Spain Park ’10).Brendan Conway (Hoover ’10) was the 4th Bama All-Star nod with solid play at the attack position.
Will Char (McIntosh ’11) enabled his Brothers of War (Georgia) team to shut down several opponents throughout the weekend with a staunch defensive effort.The 6’1” longpole stripped numerous attackers and picked up several GB’s along the way.
Claddagh LC was comprised of players from MA, VT, TX, FL, and WA.Leading the way for the fine Irishmen was Tyler Galownia (Plano, TX ’10) on defense.Galownia showed a great ability to inspire transition on the offensive end after picking off several passes throughout the weekend and playing great position defense.Leading the offensive charge for Claddagh was sizeable (6’1”, 185) yankee attackman Jake Waldie (Lawrence Academy, MA ’11), who powered through defenders for multiple scores on dodges and feeds from X.
The Copperhead North (Georgia) team was led on the offensive end by the due of Jay Desnoyers (Eugene Ashley ’11) and Hunter Edens (Hoggard ’11).The athletic Reid Bass (’11), goaltender for state runner-up Harrison HS, shut the door on opposing teams with great play in goal.
With 6 all-star selections, the Copperhead South squad cleaned house. Tournament MVP attackman Scotty Smith (Grtr. Atlanta Christian ’11) used a big body (6’3”, 185) to back down foes as he scored multiple goals in each game.Jay DeBole (E. Coweta ’11) and Connor Squires (Collins Hill ’10) rounded out the All-Star attack unit, with Julian Gonzalez (Peachtree Ridge ’10) and John Avent (Newnan ’10) adding midfield firepower. All-Tournament Goaltender Mike Nugent (Milton ’11) communicated greatly while making many saves.
The Tennessean D1 Destroyer team was led by defenseman Michael Plisco (Franklin ’12).Plisco ignored the discomfort of a recent hand fracture and instead gave pain to his opponents en route to an All-Star selection.
Peyton Klawinski (Memphis Univ. School ’13) was one of the top players at the Southern Combat showcase despite being the youngest player in the tournament field by several months.The freshman midfielder got on the radar of several D1, D2, and D3 colleges by lighting up the scoreboard all weekend.Joining him as All-Stars from the Flying Elvis (TN) team were midfield teammate Drew Connors (MUS ’11), goaltender Francis Nayan (Christian Bros. ’10), and the defensive tandem of Chase Schoelkopf (MUS ’11) and Mike Shelton (Christian Bros. ’10).
The Minnesota Lax Loons traveled nearly 1,115 miles but left with no disappointment after having two All-Stars named, defenseman Kyle Mork (Totino Grace ’10) and big midfielder Mitch Sierakowski (Champlin Park ’10).
The well-rounded Samurai Black (St. Louis) squad received 5 All-Star nods.Division I Manhattan College commit Gerald Leonard played his way to the All-Tournament team with Top Midfielder honors.Joining Leonard were the defensive trio of Andy Kihn (Christian Bros. ’10), Craig Harris (’11), and Jared Crowley (’10).Attackman Christian Tubbs (’10) added great offensive play as well.
The Southern Combat Solider team (Georgia) was paced by the great play of defenseman Bryce Patterson (Milton ’10).
Players who were named All-Star at last June’s Southern Combat 99 Invitational Showcase were assembled in a new edition for the Fall Showcase.Eight of the SoCo99 All-Stars got an encore appearance on the Fall All-Star list.Memphis University School (TN) teammates stood together with honors, FO/Midfielder Ben Charpentier (’11) and keeper Rob Dickinson.Kyle Clemenza (’12) of national power St. Andrew’s (FL) was one of the top midfielders at the event, and was joined by middies Richard Mallory (Christian Bros., TN ’10), Matthew Cummings (Milton, GA ’11), and Bryce Busey (Stadium HS, WA ’10).All-Tournament defender Russell Scott (Memphis Univ. School, TN ’11) was joined by All-Star Alex Utt (Mariemont, OH ’11).
These players, and several other standouts from the SoCo Fall Showcase, can count on receiving invitations to the next edition of Southern Combat 99 which will be held June 12-13 at the picturesque Darlington School in Rome, GA.