Standout performers at The Purples Classic

Here are players who stood out at The Purples Classic in Bowling Green, Ky., this past Saturday: <strong>GK Clayton Brooks, St. Xavier, Sr.</strong> Brooks had a solid showing this weekend as he recorded four saves and a 4-0 shutout. He is quick, tall, and displays a strong soccer IQ. He currently has three complete-game shutouts this season. <strong>D Eric Hicks, Marshall County, Sr.</strong> Hicks came away with one goal but more importantly, his leadership on the field helped lead Marshall County to a decisive win over one of the top teams in Elizabethtown. <strong>M Lucas Hogan, North Oldham, Sr.</strong> Hogan had a good showing as he came away with the only two goals for North Oldham against South Warren. He was very strong in the midfield and looks to improve as the year goes along. <strong>GK Alex Kron, St Xavier, Jr.</strong> Kron, who just signed a one-match contract with Louisville City, had an impressive showing this weekend. He had a complete-game shutout with two saves. He will be a name to keep in mind for the rest of this season along with the 2022 season. <strong>F Sammy Murphy, North Oldham, Sr.</strong> Murphy came away with one goal this weekend and was a force on the field. He is a very fast forward who can knock one in from anywhere on the field. Look for Murphy to lead North Oldham, a state title contender, in the postseason. <strong>F Collin Riley, Marshall County, Sr.</strong> Riley was a force up top for Marshall County this past weekend. He came away from the event with two goals in a 5-2 rout over Elizabethtown. He should be one of the key players in the 1st Region as the season goes along. <strong>M Tommy Schrepferman, St. Xavier, Sr.</strong> Schrepferman was a key point of attack for St X. Look for him to be among the best in the state for the rest of the year. <strong>F Cole Varela, Elizabethtown, Jr.</strong> Varela scored one goal this weekend putting him at 15 goals for the season. He is a very fast and highly skilled player who will make some moves in the next two seasons of his high school career. <strong>M [player_tooltip player_id="11525" first="Patrick" last="Walz"], St. Xavier, Sr.</strong> The center mid stood out among the rest in Bowling Green. Walz patiently controlled the middle of the field during both matches. He came away with three goals this weekend -- one against Bowling Green and two 35-yard goals against South Warren.