Texas High School Boys Team Spotlight: Hebron Hawks

Dallas, TX; The February air is cold around the metroplex, but the action on the pitch is really starting to heat up as this High School soccer regular season has reached its midway point. After the first round of district play, the playoff picture is beginning to come into focus, but there are still plenty of points on the table up for grabs. There have been some thrilling matches, comebacks, and upsets thus far that have helped set the table for an entertaining race to the post-season. This article is going to highlight one of the biggest bounce-back teams of the first half of the season.   After missing out on the playoffs and finishing last in district in 2021-2022, Hebron was not a side that many people expected much from in 2023. Now, the Hawks have been on an upward trajectory all season.  After the first round of district they've tripled their total wins from last year (from 2 to 6), and completely changed the narrative in the region. Monday night, the Hawks got a big win at home on senior night against Lewisville to keep the undefeated district run alive. Hebron has a lot of talented athletes and potential in their squad.    This 2023 Hawks team is led by their skilled #10, Senior [player_tooltip player_id='16476' first='Luke' last='Dean']. Luke is a gifted and technical center midfielder who is very good on the ball. Dean has an exceptional touch, the skill to beat defenders off the dribble, and both the vision and ability to pick out the right passes. He has a high soccer IQ and is able to make decisions and think quickly.  He keeps his eyes up in the midfield and is able to see the field very well. Luke is always looking to get on the ball, and he makes fast decisions seldom wasting possession. His prowess as an offensive playmaker makes him stand out, and got him a 2021-2022 All-District First Team nod. Dean has excellent technique when striking the ball, and he contributes valuable goals from the midfield.   Another key piece to the Hawk's attack is Senior Forward, Jet Thomson. Just like his name suggests, Jet is a very fast winger with great fitness who can fly up and down the pitch with ease. He has impressive agility and explosiveness. Jet uses his pace to get into dangerous spots on the flanks where he can whip in crosses. His delivery is solid, and he is the one to take set pieces from wide attacking areas.  Jet's cool head in front of goal and tendency to never quit on the play frequently lands his name on the score-sheet. His rapid acceleration helps him to get ahead of defenders or into space to get shots on goal, which he converts at a high rate.   Another major contributor to their comeback season is Senior Forward, Micah Gonzales. Gonzales is a smart and capable forward who adds versatility to the attack. He has a sizable frame for a sophomore that he uses well. He is very productive in the attacking third, whether he is finishing himself or setting teammates up. Micah can strike the ball with power and accuracy from distance, and has developed into an adept set-piece specialist for the Hawks.   On the other side of the pitch stands Junior Goal-Keeper, [player_tooltip player_id='38149' first='Evan' last='Mayhaw']. Evan is a strong, athletic, and vocal goal keeper with quick reflexes.  Evan has strong hands and the athleticism to make all sorts of acrobatic saves.  He is a great communicator who constantly talks and organizes his back four.  Like a true keeper should be, Evan is fearless going into challenges and will put his body on the line time and time again. Mayhew has made some critical saves in big moments this year.   Hebron's back line is much stronger than last season. Senior Marco Trujillo-Torres was a 2nd Team All-District defender in 2021-2022, and has shown growth in 2023. He is well suited to play out of the back. He has good technical skill and is a great distributor. He is calm when on the ball and is what some call a “safe” player because he makes smart decisions and doesn't put his team in vulnerable spots. Marco is a physical defender and is excellent when tackling and going to ground. One thing about Marco that is easily overlooked is his sense of when to make tactical fouls and slow an attack down.   Another player who is worth noting is Hebron's bright young midfielder/forward, [player_tooltip player_id='86671' first='Ian' last='Witis-Hughes'].  Ian is a supremely skilled player who adds depth and versatility to the attack. He is only a Sophomore, but his demeanor on the field is that of a much more experienced player. He can cause problems for opposition in numerous ways. He has quick feet and can go with either foot.  He likes to cut in from wide positions quickly to unleash his left footed strike, in a very “Robben-like” fashion. Ian can take on defenders with his skill on the ball, and get quick strikes off with limited space to work in. Ian has a very bright future and is definitely a player to watch going forward.   [player_tooltip player_id='16476' first='Luke' last='Dean'], Midfielder, Senior   Micah Gonzales, Forward, Senior   [player_tooltip player_id='38149' first='Evan' last='Mayhaw'], Goal Keeper, Junior, Dallas Texans ECNL   Jet Thomson, Forward/Winger, Senior   Marco Trujillo-Torres, Defender, Senior   [player_tooltip player_id='86671' first='Ian' last='Witis-Hughes'], Midfielder/Forward, Sophomore, FC Dallas MLS Next

Dallas, TX; The February air is cold around the metroplex, but the action on the pitch is really starting to heat up as this High School soccer regular season has reached its midway point. After the first round of district play, the playoff picture is beginning to come into focus, but there are still plenty of points on the table up for grabs. There have been some thrilling matches, comebacks, and upsets thus far that have helped set the table for an entertaining race to the post-season. This article is going to highlight one of the biggest bounce-back teams of the first half of the season.