DC/Maryland HS boys midseason review, standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Maryland High School soccer boys regular season is just about at its midway point. With the second half just about underway here are some of the top boys performers thus far:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>F</strong> <strong>Isaiah Hamilton, St. Maria Goretti, Senior: </strong>Hamilton has had a fantastic start to his senior year, scoring 17 goals and tallying eight assists for the Gaels. The striker has lifted the side to a 9-1-1 record and looks to be building off of his Washington County all-first-team honors from last season. He seems to be comfortable to be using both feet to attack at goal and has electric speed, especially on the counter-attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>M</strong> <strong>Daniel Bollman, Gonzaga (D.C.), Junior: </strong>Gonzaga has had a strong start to their season in part thanks to the incredible work in the midfield from Bollman. The junior center midfielder who plays his club soccer at Arlington Soccer Association has scored 10 goals for the Eagles on the season, including the game-winner against Landon. His precision passing and knack for finding chances in tight spaces will make him a dangerous asset for Gonzaga down the stretch run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>M</strong> <strong>Elaiwe Ikpi</strong>, <strong>Bishop McNamara, Soph.:</strong> Ikpi has had a fantastic follow-up season to his breakout freshman season for the Mighty Macs, tallying 10 assists for the side. A member of the 2021 WCAC All-Conference team, he has continued to develop in his second season becoming a leader for one of the top sides in the region. He can build attacking chances from the back and his timing with his passes has really given McNamara a spark this season. Ikpi currently plays club soccer for Future Monarchs in the Elite Development Program. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>D Kodee Karcher, Centennial, Junior: </strong>Centennial (3-1-0) is at the top of the Howard County league standings thanks in large part to the defensive efforts of Karcher. The junior center back from Baltimore Armour has the right combination of size and speed that causes attackers trouble, especially on the counter-attack. His defensive work last week against a strong Glenelg side held them to just one goal. Furthermore, he has shown a willingness to go on the attack, as evidenced by his goal against The Big Red.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>F [player_tooltip player_id='11834' first='Richard' last='Monath'], Calvert Hall, Senior: </strong>Monath has had a superb start to his senior season for Calvert Hall, including recording a brace against Archbishop Curley to win the Reif Alumni Cup. The Cardinals are undefeated in Maryland Interscholastic Atheltic Association action thanks in large part to their captain's ability to take on multiple defenders and willingness to make the late decisive pass to an open teammate. Calvert Hall is looking for its second straight MIAA title and will depend upon his leadership down the stretch. Monath plays his club soccer at Pipeline SC.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>M Anderson Donis, Bowie, Freshman: </strong>It is never easy making an impact as a freshman on varsity but Donis has done it and then some for Bowie. The fast, pacey midfielder has taken Prince George's County by storm, scoring six goals in just his first half season. He was instrumental in Bowie's two big wins over Broadneck and DuVal, breaking apart the defensive backlines for both sides and creating several excellent attacking chances. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>D Anthony Lombardi, Tuscarora, Senior: </strong>Lombardi's expert tackling and ability to lead the counter-attack has put Tuscarora at the top of Frederick County and in the mix for the 3A state title. Against tough attacking sides in Bethesda-Chevy Chase and Urbana, the Titans' defense held firm, thanks in large part to the leadership abilities of their captain. He also put the cap on a strong 5-2 against Urbana, burying a late penalty kick attempt. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>GK Liam Keiller, Quince Orchard, Senior: </strong>Keiller has had a strong start to his senior season, earning three clean sheets for QO in a tough Montgomery County conference. The Bethesda Academy goalkeeper has proven to be a calming presence between the posts for the side, pulling out key results against Richard Montgomery and Whitman. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->