Texas HS Girls Standouts – Houston Area – Midfielders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The high school soccer season has come to an end in the state of Texas, crowning six teams as the new state champions in Georgetown and closing another exciting period of competition reuniting most of the top prospects in the Lone Star State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've attended several matches in the Houston area over the last few months, from pre-season tournaments to the playoffs, in order to provide the best coverage possible for Prep Soccer and compiled a list with several players that I got to see once or multiple times who left a very strong impression about their games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now, with the season concluded, it's time we reveal their names, and this time we'll feature some midfielders who did a lot for their teams:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jocelyn Kianka","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"102","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Fort Bend Clements","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Albion Hurricanes FC","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Kianka immediately became a key piece for Fort Bend Clements after joining the team as a freshman. Her presence significantly strengthened the team's midfield, especially on the offensive side of the game. Very capable of creating chances, the skilled midfielder is a very good passer, but can also beat opponents off the dribble. Her movement off the ball is excellent as Kianka is great at finding space between the lines and also at making runs into the penalty box to finish chances. She also uses her body well to win aerial duels and can be used as a target for long balls as well.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-644863ae115a8"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO7A8fYZx0E","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO7A8fYZx0E </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["26743"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"One of the most talented midfielders in the state, Smith controlled things in the middle for Cy-Fair throughout the season. She has a lot of tools and resources to impact the game offensively, but perhaps the most impressive one is her ability to carry the ball forward. A lefty, Smith uses her body really well to repel opponents and carries the ball really close to her feet, keeping it out of reach for opposing defenders. She can also pass really well and is very efficient when finishing plays inside the penalty box.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-644863ae1162a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17029897/6405300419a57309c0ff0580' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-644863ae116c0"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["26619"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"One of the several talented players in the Ridge Point team that played in the State Championship game, Richardson was among the roster's most productive offensive players. She's always very aggressive and direct on the final third, getting on the ball and immediately looking for a way to create a chance for herself or a teammate. Her game is also very complete, as Richardson is strong at beating opponents off the dribble, sending through passes that find teammates in good spots and also finishing from distance. She also uses her body well to shield the ball and win 50-50 plays in the middle.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-644863ae11798"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/RPHS_Panthers/status/1646917402586669078?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/RPHS_Panthers/status/1646917402586669078?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Hannah Bolin","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2023","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'5u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"102","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Foster","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Albion Hurricanes FC","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A very complete and dynamic two-way player, Bolin was very impactful with Foster from her central midfield position. She got on the ball a lot and helped the team move it around, but was also an offensive threat, finding good vertical passes and advancing in the field in possession. Bolin also proved to be an excellent finisher, who can score from inside the penalty box or from distance. She also works hard on the defensive side of the ball, covering a lot of ground and winning possession back.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-644863ae1191a"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/grtorres/status/1639058784554196992?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/grtorres/status/1639058784554196992?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='27328' first='Wagoner' last='Towsen']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"102","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Seven Lakes","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Albion Hurricanes FC","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Towsen was the engine and the heart of the midfield in her strong Seven Lakes team. She played with a lot of intensity and makes a significant impact on both sides of the ball. When in possession, Towsen thinks very quickly and thrives by creating space for herself with smart moves and turns. She also sees the game very well and always comes up with creative solutions to play, often finding teammates in good spots and with little coverage around them. Towsen, who also finishes well from mid-range, holds her position well in the middle too, being very active in her team's defensive system.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-644863ae11a33"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":106182,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/IMG_3035.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-106182" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Seven Lake's [player_tooltip player_id='27328' first='Wagoner' last='Towsen'] makes a pass</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["26936"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A box-to-box midfielder with Stratford, Geczik had a big role in the team's strong campaign. She covered a lot of ground in the middle and made life very hard for opponents who tried to hurt the Spartans through the central area of the field. Geczik did great work in possession too, playing a very clean offensive game, built on accurate passing and good decisions with the ball. The midfield is also very good in set pieces, being a threat when taking them directly toward the goal or crossing to a teammate.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-644863ae11a9c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17205095/63e32dd364df5a05108a9bc1' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-644863ae11abb"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jojo Pastore","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"102","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lamar","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Houston Dash","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Pastore was one of the best players on her team Lamar during the season. Very well-rounded and consistent on the ball, she often dictated the team's tempo from her central midfield position. Pastore uses both feet very well and is very good at connecting passes and dribbling opponents in crowded spaces. She also uses her body well to win and retain possession in the middle. The midfielder works hard on defense too, tracking back and helping her team close out the space in the middle.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-644863ae11b39"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":112930,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/IMG_3534.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-112930" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lamar's Jojo Pastore shields the ball from Bellaire's Alessandra Munneke</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->