From Montana to Arizona, there are quality players spread all across the Rocky Mountains and Southwest. Here is Part I of our search for the region’s best 2012 girls:

Lindsey Horan of Colorado Rush is a strong forward/midfielder who both scores goals and creates for others with the ball at her feet. She is powerful and athletic, with no glaring weaknesses as a player. Considering her recent performance for the U17 National Team, in which she scored four goals in a game against Haiti, she is the star of this class.

Maddison Kiebel is the central midfielder on the same Rush team. She is a player with the vision and technical ability to distribute the ball and connect all the phases of her team, from the defense to the attack. She frustrates defenses by possessing and keeping the ball on the move. She is always in control.

Briana Campos is a forward who makes up for her small size with her toughness and grit. She is feisty and very creative, with the ability to break down defenses on the dribble or with a pinpoint passing attack.

For Rio Vista SC, Kaley Smith is an athletic center back who is strong in the air and committed in the tackle, but also comfortable in possession. She is the rare player who can fight and win the ball for you one-on-one, then distribute the ball with patience out of the back.

Courtney Dudley is a very mobile, active central midfielder who covers a lot of ground. She is adept at tackling and tracking back on defense, and she keeps the game simple on offense, passing well to keep the ball moving and the game flowing. She’s quick but not flashy. A very smart, steady and effective player.

Ashley Williams is a dynamic player who can play either up top or on the wing. She has good pace and is always a threat with the ball at her feet – especially on crosses and set pieces.

Erika Nelson is a fullback who loves to attack up the sideline and is very comfortable dribbling the ball or passing. Her great athleticism is complemented by her ability to deliver deadly crosses with either foot.

Adrianna Basin of Neusport is an attacking midfielder whose best asset is her technical ability and distribution. She doesn’t possess elite speed, but she is effective taking defenders on one-on-one. She’s a leader with great work ethic who leads by example on and off the field.

Mia Moore is an attack-minded central midfielder with good vision, technical abilities and leadership qualities. She tore her ACL in August, but is on track with her recovery and should make an impact in the spring.

Susie Bernal is a forward/midfielder with an incredible ability to change pace and direction very quickly. Defenders have a hard time staying in front of her, and she is a big threat attacking on the dribble from the wing.

These are the first ten, but we’ll be unveiling the second half of our Top 20 2012 girls from this region tomorrow. Be sure to stay tuned.