These 86 Cape Cod high school athletes are about to take over the MIAA state tournaments

The 2023 MIAA State Tournaments for the fall season have arrived.

The Cape is well-represented across all sports. Girls soccer led the way, with 12 schools qualifying, but no sport will have fewer than five Cape Cod teams in the field.

Seven girls soccer teams won at least ten games, while six teams reached that mark on the boys side. Sandwich field hockey completed an undefeated season, and Bourne volleyball began the season 11-0 with eight sweeps.

All that to say, there are plenty of teams in the field, and plenty capable of making some noise and rattling some cages.

At the heart of all that success is the athletes. They're the ones making all this happen. So which ones should you keep your eye on heading into the postseason?

Here are the Cape athletes to watch in the fall postseason:

Football

Aiden Kundel, Barnstable

Kundel has led the Cape's most explosive offense from quarterback. He's been a legit dual threat all season, and helped lead the Red Hawks to a one-loss season. Kundel had three touchdowns, including a 56-yard touchdown run in a win over Old Rochester.

Tajardo France, Barnstable

France was one of the most dynamic and productive running backs on Cape Cod In 2023. The Barnstable tailback was an all season and in back-to-back games against Bridgewater-Rayhham and Newton North, France accumulated 230 yards on only 22 carries, and scored five touchdowns. France also made his presence felt on defense, with multiple interceptions this season.

Jayden Barber, Dennis-Yarmouth

Barber was the most prolific passer on the Cape this season, lighting up opposition all season long. The junior quarterback made strides as a second-year starter, and it showed in his efficiency throwing the ball, and in his ability to create when off-schedule. Barber also added more to his game as a running threat and even had a game against Durfee, where he threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns, while also running for 120 yards and another two touchdowns.

Peyton Kellett, Dennis-Yarmouth

Kellett was one of Barber's favorite targets all season long. The junior wide receiver twice had over 180 receiving yards, tallying 184 and two touchdowns in a win over Dighton-Rehoboth, and notching 205 yards with a touchdown in the win over Durfee. Whether outside, or lined up in the slot, Kellett has been one of the most effective wide receivers on the Cape.

Makai Hue, Mashpee

Hue is a senior leader for this year's Falcons team, and has left his mark on the program on both sides of the ball. On offense, Hue has driven the Mashpee offense from his running back spot, and had a season high four touchdowns in the Falcons 35-0 win over Hull. In that same game, Hue also had nine tackles and an interception, showcasing his versatility.

Chase Weinstein, Mashpee

Weinstein was thrown into the fire this season at quarterback, after a series of injuries hit the Falcons. Weinstein answered the call and then some, helping lead the Falcons down the stretch and doing all he could to keep the offense moving. Weinstein's best game of the year came when he had over 300 total yards in a win over Martha's Vineyard.

Ty Kelley, Bourne

Kelley did everything short of coaching the Canalmen this season. He was a standout on both sides of the ball, leading the offense as a quarterback, while also making plays defensively. Add in his kicks, and you get a player who never comes off the field. The Canalmen won five games this season, and Kelley was the biggest reason why.

Adam Ferreira, Sandwich

Sandwich got into the playoffs on the heels of a dramatic comeback victory over Rockland in their season finale. In that game, Ferreira led the Blue Knights on a game-winning touchdown drive in the final four minutes of the game, and got them into the postseason.

Owen McElroy, Sandwich

McElroy has been one of the Blue Knights' best offensive options. Out of the backfield, McElroy has been dynamic in the new offense installed by Robert Lomp.

Volleyball

Sadie Wellbeloved, Barnstable

In her senior season, Wellbeloved continued what has been an incredible career as the Red Hawks setter. She recorded her 1,000th career assist earlier in the season, and had a team high 582 assists. She was the anchor of the Red Hawks offense all season long, but also made an impact defensively with her digs (118, third on the team), and from the service line (44, third on the team).

Molly Fredo, Barnstable

Fredo has been the leading killer for Barnstable this year, recording a team high 241 kills. She also paces the team in kills/set (3.7), is second in aces, and is third on the team in blocks with 19.

Sofia Halunen, Bourne

Halunen is as much a vibe setter, as she is a consistent contributor. She can always be heard encouraging her teammates, and has also been an all-around contributor, settling into a role as setter after requesting the position change.

Lily Russell, Bourne

Russell is one of the captains for the Canalwomen this season. She has led Bourne's defense all season long, and brings experience and leadership to her team.

Laura Feliz de Jesus, Cape Tech

Laura Feliz de Jesus is a senior who has been part of why Cape Tech has been so successful this season.

Sarah Feliz de Jesus, Cape Tech

Sarah Feliz de Jesus is the younger of the two siblings, but the junior is also more than capable of producing at a high level for the Crusaders

Ellen Swanson, Dennis-Yarmouth

Swanson is a senior captain and leader for the Dolphins this year. Swanson has anchored the Dolphins all season defenisvely, and has led the team in digs.

Vivian Castano, Dennis Yarmouth

Castano has kept the D-Y offense ticking all season, and has been one of the best setters on the Cape. Castano had a season high 38 assists in a five-set win over Nantucket.

Christina Femino, Falmouth

Femino is the setter for the Clippers, but does much more than just set up her teammates on offense. She pops up with a well-timed kill all the time, is a weapon from the service line, and also acts as a leader on the court as one of the team's captains.

Delia Roulston, Falmouth

Roulston is a senior libero and has been key to Falmouth's defensive efforts. She leads her team in digs, and has also been dangerous from the service line.

Loc Phu, Mashpee

Phu has held down the Falcons defensively this season, leading her team in digs.

Yahely del Rosario Gomez, Nantucket

Gomez is the Whalers' setter, and has been consistent all year long. Her passing helped lead the Whalers to the No. 9 seed in Division 4.

Chloe Marrero, Nantucket

Marrero has been Yahely del Rosario Gomez' favorite hitter all season long. She has led the Whalers in kills this season, and has been key to their offense. She had a season-high 35 kills for the Whalers' offense.

Rosanna Sullivan, St. John Paul II

Sullivan has been dominant at times from the service line, including a match earlier in the season where she recorded 12 aces. She's also been one of the Lions most consistent all around contributor, making an impact with kills and digs.

Zlata Alioshka, St. John Paul II

Alioshka probably looks at Sullivan's season-high 12 aces and chuckles to herself because earlier this season she had a match with 15 aces. It's the type of dominance she's capable of, while also being an efficient setter for the Lions. She was named a captain, even though she's only a freshman.

Mia Mulcahy, Sandwich

Mulcahy kept the Blue Knights offense in rhythm and in system all year long, but she isn't just a setter.

Alanna Schreibeis, Sandwich

Schreibeis's offensive production has been crucial for the Blue Knights this year.

Brodie Gerlach, Sturgis West

Gerlach has been the Navigators most consistent and effective killer. She led her team in kills in numerous matches this season and the senior has showcased leadership as well.

Samantha VanBeber, Sturgis West

VanBeber is the primary setter for the Navigators and has run their offense well. She's also dangerous when serving, and had a match this season with eight aces.

Field Hockey

Meili Raspante, Barnstable

Raspante has been the starting goalie for the Red Hawks and has helped lead their defense to the second lowest number of goals allowed on the Cape (16). She recorded eight shutouts this season.

Ally McEneaney, Barnstable

McEneaney has been one of Barnstable's most consistent goal threats this season. The senior captain had five points (three goals/two assists) in a win over Bridgewater-Raynham, four goals against Nauset, and two goals and two assists in a 4-2 win over Notre Dame-Hingham.

Lilly Anderson, Dennis-Yarmouth

D-Y field hockey bounced back this season after a down year last season, to get back into the postseason. Anderson was a key reason why. Anderson is a senior captain who has contributed both goals and assists, while also providing valuable leadership.

Megan McDowell, Dennis-Yarmouth

McDowell, has been another standout goal scorer this season for the resurgent Dolphins. The junior had three goals earlier in the season against Nauset, and had a goal and an assist against St. John Paul II.

Avery Johnsen, Falmouth

Johnsen reached a personal milestone in her senior season, reaching the 100 career points mark in a win over Nauset earlier in the season. She's committed to play field hockey next season at Appalachian State, and has been one of the Clippers' primary offensive weapons in 2023.

Gabby Ferreira, Falmouth

Ferreira operates on the other side of the field, patrolling the goal for the Clippers. Head coach Courtney Lima described her as "superhuman" earlier in the season. The Clippers were one of the best defensive teams on the Cape this season, and Ferreira was a major part of that.

Emily Layton, Monomoy

Layton is another Cape Cod athlete with a Division 1 future. The Mononoy junior is committed to play at the University of New Hampshire after she graduates, but for now, is a junior captain and midifielder for the Sharks. In addition to linking the play between the defense and the attack, Layton is also a more than capable goal scorer, and is always looking to get her teammates involved.

Susannah Brown, Monomoy

Brown is a senior forward for the Sharks whose goal scoring abilities have propelled the team all season. She got off to a lightning quick start to the season, with 12 points in the team's first seven games.

Caroline Allen, Nantucket

Allen is someone who has been a key part of Nantucket's ascension in recent years. Now in her senior season, she's in her second season as a captain and has guided her team to the playoffs.

Suz Peraner, Nantucket

Peraner, a junior, was one of the Whalers' main points of attack this season. She's someone who has continued to improve in her time with the team.

Sophie Stanley, St. John Paul II

Stanley has paced the Lions offensively for the bulk of the season, including a massive five goal haul against Southeastern Technical. Stanley also had two goals and two assists against Westport, and a hat trick against Sturgis.

Shea Ryan, St. John Paul II

The Lions only gave up 13 goals all season long for which Ryan was a big part. She anchored the Lions' back line, and is also instrumental in how they want to begin their attacks. Ryan has also had moments where she contributes more directly to the offense, like the Lions' win over Middleboro, where she had a goal and two assists.

Quinn Jordan, Sandwich

Jordan has continued her development for the Blue Knights this season, and had another year where she helped lead the offense. Jordan goals and assists helped the Blue Knights finish the regular season undefeated with a goal difference of +86.

Khloe Schultz, Sandwich

Schultz is another key piece of the Blue Knights attack. She may have had her best game of the season in the Blue Knights season finale, when she recorded three goals, and had two assists.

Boys soccer

Marcelo Diamantino, Barnstable

The fact that Diamantino is only a sophomore, yet was named a captain this season, shows how his teammates, and coach view him, and what he brings. And what he bring is goals. Diamantino has been prolific in front of goal this year for the Red Hawks, pacing the team in goals, and recording two hat tricks.

Finn O’Donnell, Barnstable

O'Donnell is a senior captain and vocal leader on the pitch for the Red Hawks. Not only does he lead the team from the back as an out defender, he also contributes offensively in a unique way. O'Donnell has a dangerous long throw in, that Barnstable has been able to benefit from this year.

Marc Djikaev, Falmouth Academy

Djikaev is only a sophomore, but plays a crucial role for the Mariners. He scores goals and can also create.

Sasha Kaplenko, Falmouth Academy

Kaplenko emerged over the course of the season to become one of the Mariners' primary goal scorers.

Kaio DaSilva, Martha's Vineyard

DaSilva is a senior forward for Martha's Vineyard. This season, he's been the most clinical finisher for the Vineyarders.

Teaghan Meyers, Martha's Vineyard

Every team needs a good utility player and that's the role that Meyers expertly fills for the Vineyarders. Meyers has started, played at multiple positions, showcasing a versatility that has benefitted his team.

Brody Perry, Mashpee

Perry is one of the key defenders for the Falcons in goal this season.

Thanos Pavlo, Mashpee

The senior is one of the main offensive weapons for the Falcons this season.

Ryan Laramee, Monomoy

Laramee has paced the Sharks' offense this season. He topped the 20-goal mark this season, and has helped the Sharks reach the joint-second highest goals scored tally on the Cape (56).

Tate Laramee, Monomoy

Often setting Ryan Laramee up, is his brother Tate Laramee. The younger brother is just a freshman, but quickly settled into life at the varsity level, becoming the Sharks' best creative player. He leads the team in assists.

Edin Vasquez, Nantucket

Vasquez is one of Nantucket's leading goal scorers this season. He had a hat trick in the Whalers' win over Sturgis West.

Calvin Guerra, Nantucket

The Whalers are a young team, but those younger players are stepping up and producing. One example is Guerra. Yes, he's only in ninth grade, but he's already become a regular goal scorer, and creator for Nantucket.

Charlie Cushing, Nauset

One of the most dynamic midfielders on the Cape, Cushing has been everywhere for Nauset this year. Whether goals, assists, or just dictating play from midfield, the senior captain is capable of executing it for the Warriors.

Damian Bebber, Nauset

The Warriors have been one of the premier defensive teams on Cape Cod, and Bebber has been key to that. After missing the bulk of last season due to injury, the Warriors were happy to get their shot stopper back this year fully healthy. He's helped the Warriors to only concede 18 goals.

Jose Aguilar, St. John Paul II

Aguilar is a junior striker and one of the primary goal scorers for the Lions this year.

Cody Boghdan, St. John Paul II

Boghdan is only a sophomore, but is one of the best defenders for the Lions.

Thomas Sutton, Sandwich

Sutton is a junior who crucially anchored Sandwich's defense this season. With his leadership and execution, the Blue Knights only conceded 22 goals, the third fewest on the Cape.

Matthew Murray, Sandwich

Murray was named a captain ahead of his senior season, and rose to the challenge. His head coach Dom Aidukaitis called him, "a complete player," and said his goal scoring ability, and his passing ability, makes him such a quality player.

PJ Dacruz, Sturgis East

Dacruz is one of the top goal contributions this season for the Storm with his height and long strides.

Gabriel Codjoe, Sturgis East

The junior midfielder is a spark plug for the Storm as the midfielder hustles from beginning of the game to the end.

Gideon Drury, Upper Cape

Drury is a senior co-captain (second year) for the Rams this season, and is a leader on and off the pitch.

Sean Murphy, Upper Cape

The junior is a versatile player who lines up between the posts, and also features in midfield for the Rams.

Girls Soccer

Paige Meda, Bourne

Meda has been a critical piece to the Lady Canalmen's attack. She's a junior captain and has taken over games this season, either through scoring, or by finding her teammates.

Zoe Ridl, Bourne

Ridl is a senior captain, and a midfielder for the Lady Canalmen. She has goals and assists in her bag, but she also provides a crucial calming presence in midfield. She patrols the center of the park, helping dictate play when her team is either in or out of possession.

Riley Devlin, Falmouth

Devlin stepped up to wear the gloves this season for the Clippers as goalie for the first time. Devlin has also featured in as an outfield player, where she's contributed multiple goals.

Camille Femino, Falmouth

Femino is only a freshman, but Noelte said she's quickly established herself as a key piece of the Falmouth back line.

Elena Giordano, Martha's Vineyard

Giordano is one of the Vineyarders' best offensive players, and she stands out in and amongst the Vineyarders deep, and balanced attacking options. The senior captain is happy to create, or to score herself, and she is a big barometer of the team's success.

Emily Coogan, Martha's Vineyard

Coogan is another piece of that dynamic attack. She had her first career hat trick when the Vineyarders beat Barnstable earlier in the season, and the winger linked up well with her teammates as well, especially Giordano.

Norah Paolini, Mashpee

Paolini is the Falcons' starting goalkeeper, and has performed well all season. She made a season-high 26 saves earlier this year in a game against Norwell.

Izzy Almeida, Mashpee

Almeida has been one of the Falcons' best goal scorers this season.

Karah Deveau, Monomoy

Deveau does it all for the Sharks. Whether it's goals or assists, Deveau tends to have her two feet in the action for the Sharks.

Maya Flaherty, Monomoy

Flaherty started for. the Sharks between the posts all season and performed well. She helped the Sharks allow the third fewest goals in the area (23), and registered six clean sheets.

Chelsea Gross, Nantucket

Gross has been one of the best attacking threats for the Whalers this season. The left winger has scored doubles against both Barnstable, and Dennis-Yarmouth.

Caroline Kennard, Nauset

Kennard is part of the Nauset midfield that has helped them seize control of many games this season. She has been the best and most consistent creator, which is underscored by the fact that she's the one taking Nauset's free kicks. Her dead ball delivery, and intelligence on the pitch, have helped her star for the Warriors. She's committed to play Division I soccer at Ball State.

Olivia Avellar, Nauset

Avellar finished her senior season with over 40 goals scored, and is committed to play next season at Boston University. She's not just a goal scorer, she's also a willing and capable passer, who has helped set up her teammates when defenses are focusing on her.

Addison Cheney, St. John Paul II

Calling Cheney an eighth grader at this point feels like it does her a disservice. She has a skill level and IQ beyond her years, and has been one of the most prolific goal scorers on the Cape this season, finishing with 38 goals to her credit.

Ella Cheney, St. John Paul II

Addison Cheney's older sister, Ella Cheney is a senior captain for this year's Lions team. Ella Cheney is both creator and scorer of goals in this team, and has an almost telepathic connection with her striker younger sister.

Lily Hofmann, Sandwich

Hofmann is one of the Blue Knights' senior captains who is as much of a coach on the field as she is a player. Hofmann's intelligence and technical skills stick out as she's able to link play for her team. Her end product is also there, as she's contributed multiple goals and assists to the Sandwich attack.

Megan Jakubicka, Sandwich

Jakubicka occupies a center attacking midfield role, and has become a crucial piece of the way the Blue Knights want to play. Her goals, assists, and creativity, have sparked Sandwich this season.

Charlotte Westberg, Sturgis East

Westberg has shown signs of taking over games like in a 6-0 win over Barnstable where she finished with a ht trick and one assist.

Abby Jarvis, Sturgis East

Jarvis is also one of the main pieces on offense for the Storm.

Maddy Ward, Sturgis West

Ward is a senior captain for Sturgis West that has the awareness and understanding of her position on the field that allows her to help her teammates.

Jocelyn DeMedeiros, Sturgis West

DeMedeiros is a sophomore that is a dangerous attacker for the Navigators.

Alaina Hines, Upper Cape

Hines has quietly been one of the better forwards in the area this season and has been a focal point for the Rams. She's following up her 2022 Mayflower League MVP season, where she accounted for over 30 goals and assists on the year. This season, Hines has already had games like the Rams' win over Cape Cod Academy, where she bagged four goals, or like their win over Norfolk Aggie, where she recorded a first half hat trick.

André Simms covers high school sports for the Times. Contact him at asimms@capecodonline.com. Follow him on X/Twitter: @that1guyandre.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: These Cape Cod high school athletes will star in the state tournament