Boy's High School A-A Game Star Performers

by Victor Olorunfemi

December 11, 2023

The score may have finished 5-2 in favor of the Midwest-based team, but both sides had plenty of outstanding performers. Here are 15 that stood out among their elite peers.

Anelson Anelson Jean Azard – Azard took over the game, and all he needed was one minute. To start the takeover, Azard scored a sensational mid-air back heel in one of the best goals ever scored in the All-American game, then straight after kickoff, the Indiana High School star was in position to place a shot into the bottom corner. Those two goals best captured a player who combined a dominating physical presence with the technique to match as the uncommitted Senior gained the attention of college coaches around the country.

Dominic Bartoni – Kicking off the scoring with a brilliant glancing header, Bartoni set the tempo for a dominant West performance. The uncommitted forward will have gained vital looks due to his performance.

Easton Bogard –Bogard was so dominant that he still stood out despite playing fewer minutes than expected due to injury. His elite agility and acceleration underpinned an impressive dribbling quality, as no defender could handle the Indiana commit.

Abou Cherif – The tall striker utilized his size well on a towering header to bring the East team within one in the first half. Outside of that, Cherif was a nuisance for the backline, with constant movement and a desire to stay involved with the game.

Alex Drexler – With outstanding size at 6’7” plus the athleticism to cover ground, Drexler shined as an elite goal-keeping prospect. Drexler is still uncommitted, but that will change soon after this weekend.

Nicholas Dwamena – Impossible to dispossess, Dwamena was at the heart of everything positive the East team did in his minutes. That ball-retention quality combined with the agility and speed to burst through the midfield will make the Dickinson College commit a cheat code at the D3 level.

Theodore Franke – In his minutes, anytime something positive happened for the West team, Franke was likely part of it. That sense to be in and around the right areas points to a player with high IQ and the versatility needed to make a significant impact collegiately.

Drew Gaydosh – My pick as the most impressive performer on the day, Gaydosh was a marvel in the West backline. His tackling and athletic qualities surpassed anyone else on the field as he set the tempo from center back for the West attack to score the necessary goals in a blowout victory. It is no wonder Indiana secured his signature.

Vitor Geromel – Despite coming in as the scorer of 130 high school goals, Geromel played a box-to-box midfield role for this game and did well. He made several vital tackles in the midfield and showed the desire and intelligence to time his runs into the opposing box. The performance offered a glimpse into the different roles Geromel may fit in at Clemson.

Milton Jones – Jones put on a show for the East team with numerous moments of eye-catching dribbling. After watching this game, there is no doubt that North Carolina has signed one of the most entertaining players in his class.

Matthew Lynch – Lynch’s ability to float in and out between the lines was excellent, as it meant he could play on the half-turn and showcase his passing qualities. The ECNL and High School All-American is still uncommitted and will have even more suitors after his complete performance.

Aron Martinez – In an efficient performance, Martinez made the most of his minutes with a goal and an assist. He showcased impressive movement off the ball, eventually leading to a goal. And out wide, the uncommitted winger was unstoppable 1-on-1 as his elite quickness and dynamic left foot created multiple dangerous opportunities.

Sachiel Ming – The MVP for the East team, Ming scored a great goal as he found himself in a pocket of space inside the 18 and volleyed home a well-placed shot that crashed in off the post. Ming will take those qualities to a Syracuse team needing more attacking flair next season.

Ethan Otto – In the preview, Otto was billed as a goal-scoring specialist, and the Nevada native lived up to that hype with a well-placed finish inside the 18 to make the score 2-0. It was the goal of a player who has put in the hours to master his finishing technique as the uncommitted Senior received and finished with great composure.

Caden Wait – Playing a wide-center back role that converted to full-back in different moments, the uncommitted defender had an exceptional performance as he also managed to provide an assist with a clever pass. The most eye-catching trait was Wait’s ability to defend 1-on-1 against some of the best attackers in the country.

Related Topics: Atlantic Coast, Big Ten