Meet the Hillsdale County 2023 boys soccer players of the year

HILLSDALE COUNTY — This season saw all three of Hillsdale County's boys varsity soccer programs find success in the regular season that carried over into the MHSAA playoffs. It also saw the return of Will Carleton Academy soccer, who competed to a 3-4 overall record in their return season.

Each team nominated one member of their program to represent their overall efforts during the 2023 season as The Hillsdale County Boys Soccer Players of the Year.

Along with their accomplishments, we look back on big moments from each team's season and how they did in the playoffs.

Warrick Elder, Jonesville

Warrick Elder came into the season ready to contribute right away for a younger core of players and coach Jeff Dice despite it being his first year with the team.

What resulted was an explosive season that saw the senior lead the team to its first regular-season win in four years with a 9-4 victory over Leslie. Elder scored five goals in that contest.

In the first round of the playoffs, the Comets defeated Blissfield 8-5 to earn their first postseason win since 2016. The Comets were down 5-2 in the second half before Elder led a comeback that sent the game to overtime. Elder then proceeded to score three more goals to seal the win.

His six goals in the game put him in the MHSAA record books for goals scored in a playoff game.

Elder was a first-team all-conference selection and made the MIHSSCA all-district team. Elder also was an academic all-conference honoree, and his team received academic all-district honors.

"Because we were a team with a number of younger, inexperienced players, his abilities were crucial to our success," Dice said. "He was/is a leader on and off the field and simply made our team better. I was blessed to have him on our team."

Jonesville Honors and Awards

Ryan Marcavage received MIHSSCA all-district honors alongside Elder and also was a first-team all-conference selection. Carter Baker and Marshall Baker both received second-team all-conference honors.

Carter Baker received academic all-district honors, while he and Mytchal Morrison received academic all-conference honors.

Ridley Fast, Hillsdale Academy

Senior captain Ridley Fast led his 2023 teammates to another district championship season as the Colts won three playoff games, capped by a 2-0 district final win over Manchester.

This was the Colts' fourth district championship in a row, making Fast's graduating class the first in program history sweep the district. Fast and the Colts finished 15-7-1 and defeated each of their district playoff opponents in shutout victories.

“Ridley was a special player for us this year," coach Neal Brady said. "He was equal parts strength and artful genius in the midfield. Filling the shoes he created will be nearly impossible.”

Fast earned second team All-State honors, all-district and all-region honors from the MIHSSCA and was a first-team all-conference selection.

More: Hillsdale Academy's scrappy defensive effort seals fourth consecutive district title win

More: Hillsdale Academy soccer run ends at regional semifinals; Hackett Catholic wins 2-0

Hillsdale Academy Honors and Awards

Alongside Fast, three other Colts earned All-State honorable mention honors: Mikey Plemmons, Dominic Scharer and Jay Jenkins. Those same three also received MIHSSCA all-region mentions.

All-District honorees included Plemmons, Scharer, Jenkins, Nathan Karlovich and Grayson McArthur.

Earning first-team all-conference honors were Jenkins and Scharer. Plemmons and Andrew Spiegel were named to the second team, and Karlovich to the third team.

Brady was named District Coach of the Year.

Aaron Webb, Hillsdale

Senior captain Aaron Webb was a key piece to the Hornets' 6-8-3 record. The Hornets won their postseason opener, 6-0 against Quincy, a game in which Webb scored the last of his team-high 12 goals on the season.

This was just his second year of playing soccer. Webb received second-team all-conference honors.

"He developed into a player I could not afford to have off the pitch in game," coach Garrett Collier said. "He had a high motor, was a fantastic leader and just the kind of guy you’d love to have 15 of."

Hillsdale Honors and Awards

JD Martinez was a first-team all-conference honoree as a goalkeeper. Earning second team all-conference honors were Javier Moreno, Kelton Phillip, Joseph Miller and Alan Torres.

Thomas Maier, Will Carleton Academy

Thomas Maier returned to the soccer field this season to help Will Carleton Academy re-introduced the sport to their athletics program. The Cougars were almost entirely inexperienced, and Maier was the anchor that helped hold things together for coach Tony Sifert and the Cougars.

The Cougars would go on to win three of their four games this season, thanks to the leadership and playmaking abilities of Maier.

"A skilled and indefatigable box-to-box midfielder, the "Red Fury" was instrumental in making Will Carleton's first season in several years a great success," coach Sifert said. "With goals, assists, and tenacious pressing he led an almost totally inexperienced team to a respectable .500 finish. There wouldn't be WCA soccer without him."

Maier helped the program defeat Athens Factoryville Christian twice and beat Bellevue in a 3-1 final.

This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Hillsdale County 2023 Boys Soccer Players of the Year