Texas High School Soccer: Teams to Watch – 6A Region 1
Texas 6A soccer is the pinnacle of sporting entertainment during the winter months in the great state. The biggest programs, with the largest talent pools, are given the opportunity to battle it out week in and week out to determine…
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Continue ReadingTexas 6A soccer is the pinnacle of sporting entertainment during the winter months in the great state. The biggest programs, with the largest talent pools, are given the opportunity to battle it out week in and week out to determine who the most impressive program is. Luckily for soccer fans, there is a great deal of talent and competition all over the state and throughout every region. Region 1 is one of the most competitive soccer environments in the state due to the large populations and huge feed patterns that place uber-talented players into already established programs.
Allen High School
District Ranking: 2nd
State Ranking: 6th
National Ranking: 28th
22/23 Record: 20-3-5 (0.80 Win %)
Predicted 23/24 Record: 19-2-7
There is no doubt that Allen is one of the best and most well-developed programs in the state of Texas. Having a large student body and a huge pool talent from their feeder programs allows the Eagles to remain a highly competitive and selective program. This has allowed Allen to maintain their competitiveness in all sports and forces their players to stay on their A-game every year that they play due to the fact that there is always someone wanting to take their spot.
One of Allen’s talented players to watch out for this coming season is senior Osiramah Iyamah. Iyamah is an extremely talented and technical player that was able to tally an outstanding 18 goals and 18 assist during his junior campaign. Iyamah was one of the major reasons for Allen’s run in the UIL State Playoffs and ultimately played a huge role in their success in the State Championship.
Player to Watch: Osiramah Iyamah
Osiramah Iyamah
Osiramah Iyamah
Initial Thoughts:rnOsiramah Iyamah is an extremely fun player to watch. He has the ability to play as a role player for a program but could also put the team on his back and make something happen. He is absolutely a larger player than many others at his age, but he doesn’t play slow. He moves on and off the ball with purpose and has the ability to change the game when he’s involved.
Size Profile:rnOsi is a BIG guy. At 6’0 and 190lbs, he’s definitely a force to be reckoned with. I like how he uses his frame and athleticism to put himself into the right spot on the field to make the necessary play. Whether that’s bodying off a smaller defender, moving into space to win the ball out of the air or simply using his technical ability to get a shot on goal; Osi Iyamah is absolutely a player that I’d want on my team.
Skill Set:rnI consider Iyamah to have above average technical ability. He’s not the second coming of Lionel Messi but he has a good grasp on his purpose within the game. He understands how to position himself on the field, and how to use the great technical ability that he does possess, in order to get open and create an attacking play.
Achievements:rnDuring his junior season, Osi Iyamah was able to tally 18 goals and 18 assist for the Allen Eagles. He contributed to their success weekly and proved that he was the most dangerous player on the roster. He is constantly locked in and understands that last year doesn’t mean anything when there are games to be played this year.
Final Thoughts:rnIf you’re in need of a player that can make a difference at the college level immediately, then take a look at Osi Iyamah. He has the size, ability, strength and IQ to play at the next level. He is a midfielder and wingers dream. He’ll always find a way to get open and finish the chances given to him.
Highland Park High School
District Ranking: 5th
State Ranking: 68th
National Ranking: 289th
22/23 Record: 12-5-6 (0.65 Win %)
Predicted 23/24 Record: 15-4-4
Highland Park is one of the schools in North Texas that has fluctuated between 5A and 6A over the last few years. Due to the fact that Highland Park is selective on which students can attend their school, they have a limited feeder system but usually do pretty well at attracting talented athletes towards their school. That being said, last year was honestly somewhat of an embarrassment for the Scot’s, and I’m sure they would agree that they let themselves down somewhat with their 5th place finish in district play.
Luckily for Highland Park, they have some talented and hardworking players on their roster that are itching to make a difference during this upcoming season. Young talent like incoming senior, Brant Williams, is hoping to have developed even more over the offseason in order to truly improve the Scot’s chances during district play.
Player to Watch: Brant Williams
Brant Williams
Brant Williams
Initial Thoughts:rnBrant Williams plays both defense and midfield for the Scot’s and looks like he’s able to contribute a good amount during each game. Williams has played a role in the varsity program at Highland Park since he was a freshman and looks to play a major role over the 2023-24 season.
Size Profile:rnWilliams isn’t overly intimidating and I’d be hesitant to say that he strikes fear in the opposition, but that doesn’t mean that he shouldn’t. He’s a great on the ball player and has a good base to provide power to his tackles and shots. I’d consider Williams’ size to be that of the average soccer player and luckily for him, there are many smaller players out there. He’d do just fine physically at the next level.
Skill Set:rnOne of the things that I truly like about Williams is his skill with the ball. He’s very good at manipulating the ball and placing it where he wants it to end up. I personally believe that with a little more development he will turn into a great young player and will find his spot on a collegiate roster if he desires to. His ability to navigate the pitch and find the open man has the potential to set him apart from his competition moving forward.
Achievements:rnBrant Williams has shown his tenacity throughout his high school career and its apparent by the fact that he has been involved with the varsity program since he was a freshman. He has the ability to play with those his senior and contribute to the success of his program. He netted 4 goals last year and added another 6 assist to push his team forward.
Final Thoughts:rnI personally really like Williams, I think he’s talented and has the potential to improve any program that he is apart of. I can say that I’m a little worried about his consistency but I really look forward to seeing how he does this year before I make any final judgements. At the end of the day, he’s a great squad player with nothing but potential going forward!
Keller High School
District Ranking: 3rd
State Ranking: 77th
National Ranking: 314th
22/23 Record: 12-9-4 (0.56 Win %)
Predicted 23/24 Record: 14-6-5
Keller is one of the programs in 6A Region 1 that surprised me with their final finish last season. I thought that 3rd was a little low for them but ultimately understand that for as much talent as it takes to play this game, luck can always be a factor as well. One of their biggest weaknesses was their backline, allowing 38 goals against over the course of the season. However, things like this are to be expected when playing such a talented schedule.
Thankfully, Keller has a solid group of returning players. One of the players that I’m most excited to see develop is the young keeper – Baron Brown. Brown is a two sport athlete with great hands and good movement, I’m sure he’s itching to make an impact on the pitch this coming season.
Player to Watch: Baron Brown
Baron Brown
Baron Brown
Initial Thoughts:rnMy initial thoughts on Baron Brown is that he’s tall and looks strong. He has good positioning and solid hands for a younger goalkeeper. Although he’s probably still growing, his frame matches his height and I have no worries about his strength in the box. He also plays football and I’m sure the physicality of that sport will help solidify him within the goal box.
Size Profile:rnBrown comes in at 6’1 and 160lbs as a sophomore in high school, which only alludes to the fact that he’ll get both stronger and possibly taller. If he’s able to put on some muscle between now and his senior year, he’ll be an absolute machine. He already looks very comfortable going after the 50/50 ball and putting his body on the line.
Skill Set:rnBrown has very good hands and seems to grasp the understanding of goalkeeper positioning in the system that he plays in. I don’t see any fear of having the ball at his feet and it seems that he’s happy to play the ball out of the back. Given even more time to develop, he’ll truly be a solid goalkeeper at the college level.
Achievements:rnBrown unfortunately doesn’t have many achievements yet due to his young age. That being said he is a two sport varsity player as a sophomore which says a lot about his character, work ethic and talent. I don’t think there is anything to be concerned about when it comes to Brown gaining achievements over the next few seasons.
Final Thoughts:rnI like this kid a lot. I think he has all the intangibles and potential needed to become a very solid goalkeeper in the near future. He has the size, strength and skill to play a pivotal role in his high school program going forward. I will absolutely continue to have my eye on him as he develops and grows into a more experienced player.