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Soccer power rankings: Wooster, Chippewa lead the way heading into postseason

joshua mcwilliams, wooster daily record
·4 min read

Ranking the area's top teams as the playoffs begin:

BOYS

1. Wooster

Wooster is the clear-cut dominant force of the area. Led by Luigi Canas Jr with 18 goals and 10 assists, and Nicholas Morse with 20 goals and nine assists, the Generals have a potent 1-2 punch in the forward third. Defensively, Wooster is led by outstanding goalkeeper Carter Buchholz and a stout backline. Last ranking: 1.

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2. Hiland

A 2-1 decision over Norwayne set up Hiland for a rise in the rankings. The Hawks are anchored by Zeke Bodiker, Logan Hershberger and Zach Gingerich with a combined 40 goals and 31 assists. Hiland has won four of its last six with its only blemish coming against Cardinal Mooney and a draw with Central Christian. Last ranking: 3.

Norwayne's Jon Graham fights for possession with Smithville's Hunter Zuercher (2) and Luke Oberlin (14).
Norwayne's Jon Graham fights for possession with Smithville's Hunter Zuercher (2) and Luke Oberlin (14).

3. Norwayne

The Bobcats looked good against everyone but a four-game stretch where they dropped three of four against Tri-County League foes Western Reserve Academy, Hiland and Cardinal Mooney. Still, the Bobcats remain one of the area's most talented teams led by Jon Graham, Trey Bayless, Cooper Ringle, Parker Metsker, Yikealo Maibach and Jack Maibach. They look primed for a long postseason run. Last ranking: 2.

4. Central Christian

A lean year at Central Christian is still most area team's best years. The Comets fundamentally are rock solid and that it alone can propel them past a lot of teams. Balanced at the top, Central Christian is led by A.J. Munholand, Silas Coleman, Lyle Endsley and Aaron Meidel for a combined 27 goals and 20 assists. Last ranking: 4.

5. Orrville

Orrville's only blemish came early on and since then it has reeled off 13 wins in its last 14 games. The Red Riders are paced by Jerson Lopez-Irias with 22 goals and 10 assists and Kaleb Wayt with 13 goals and six assists. Last ranking: 5.

GIRLS

1. Chippewa

The area's premier team this year, despite what some in the program call a "rebuild" season. Led by standouts Elena Moyer, Annie Henegar, Mia Rodriguez and Addison Good, the Chipps have proven to be electric when it mattered the most. Henegar sank a hat trick in this past weekend's come-from-behind win over rival Norwayne. Moyer was a key element moving up in the formation, Rodriguez and Good helped anchor the defense in that second half. Last ranking: 1.

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2. Norwayne

Despite a loss, Norwayne proved it was neck-and-neck with Chippewa during a 4-3 loss recently. With Shelby Vaughn leading the way, despite a lingering injury affecting her all season, Norwayne keeps getting better. Despite her injury, Vaughn continues to score at a rapid pass, and with the sharp play of Maci Kimberlin, Maria Rickett and Sydney Emler, the Bobcats are tough to beat. Last ranking: 3.

3. Wooster

Having the area's best goalkeeper in Grace Kostohryz and one of the area's best attackers in Gabi Signorino, Wooster earned a share of the Ohio Cardinal Conference title. The Generals finished off their conference slate with wins over New Philadelphia and Lexington to achieve this milestone and enter the tournament winners of three of their last five games. Kostohryz is lights out in the box and Signorino is the engine to the offense. Last ranking: 2.

4. West Holmes

Allie McMillen has been a scoring magician, which makes West Holmes tough for anyone. McMillen has struck time and time again, with key goals, with Avery Arnold helping control the offense as well. The Knights will look to extend their eight-game winning streak in the upcoming tournament as they will count on their defense anchored by Kali Woods and Natalie Rohr to shut down their opponents. Last ranking: 4.

5. Smithville

Junior goalkeeper Jenna Necko has played outstanding and more impressively has done it in a consistent fashion. She makes the simple saves, makes the tough ones look routine and has grown in confidence as the season has progressed. Claire Haas has developed into Smithville's Swiss Army Knife, as she, Cammi Wickens, Aly Wickens, Cait Daniels and Hailey Thut have combined to anchor the backline for one of the area's top defenses. Kaylie Holmes, Tessa Daniels, Adeline Thorn and Haas have paced the offense and will be counted on to continue it in the tournament. Last ranking: NR.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Soccer: Ranking the Wayne/Holmes area teams as playoffs begin