Yuma area boasts passion for the game, top players

Yuma County in Arizona is an area that is very passionate about its high school soccer, and it leads to big rivalry matches and a lot of success. San Luis reached the state final last season and is ranked among the winter season's national elites this year. Also, Yuma Catholic has won several 3A state titles. Now that the teams are garnering success, the next goal for coaches such as Jamie Nicewander is to get players into college programs and for those student-athletes to learn lessons that will help them in life. Here are some top players to watch from Yuma this season: <strong>Isai Alvarez, Gila Ridge, Senior, Central Midfielder</strong> Alvarez is a very poised player and his calmness really helps the rest of his teammates remain calm. During the run of play he has great positional awareness on the pitch <strong>Adrian Canez, Cibola, Senior, Forward</strong> Canez is a player who provides constant pressure up top. He is relentless and is a very smart player. He's not afraid to take on players. He scored the game-winner against Kofa. [caption id="attachment_37346" align="alignright" width="222"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-37346" src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/12/FB_IMG_1640838772176-222x300.jpg" alt="" width="222" height="300" /> Tiernan Nicewander.<em> Photo: Ernesto Campuzano, EC Sports Images</em>[/caption] <strong>Tiernan Nicewander, Kofa, Junior, Forward/Midfielder</strong> A highly recruited 6-6 player, who was the Southwest Region offensive player of the year as a sophomore. He's very strong on the ball, can run through guys with his size, strength and athletic ability. He also has the speed to run around guys and has the skill to beat the keeper when he gets in 1v1. <strong>Jimmy Quintero, Cibola, Senior, Central Midfielder</strong> Quintero is a very solid player all-around. He passes really well, always distributing to his teammates and because of this he helps the team in transition. <strong>Erick Quirarte, San Luis, Junior, Central Defender</strong> As a junior, Quirarte stands out as the top center back in Yuma County, and perhaps the state. He's a great defender, terrific at winning the ball in the air and keeping attackers in front of him. On top of that he is great on set pieces. He was a big reason for the team's run to the state finals a season ago. <strong>Roberto Uribe, San Luis, Senior, Forward</strong> Uribe is incredibly strong on the ball. He's dynamic and explosive and is a game-changer for San Luis. He has an alpha mentality and he plays very hungry. <strong>Diego Valadez, Kofa, Sophomore, Keeper</strong> Valadez is a good all-around keeper who is terrific at making the spectacular save. He's going to get better, as a sophomore, as he is a player to watch for the future.