I10 Shootout: Standout Center Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most traditional and competitive Girls high school soccer tournaments in the state of Texas, the I10 Shootout took place last weekend, bringing some of the best teams from the Houston area and other regions of the state to the Katy ISD, where matches were held from Thursday to Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As many as 64 teams were on the field during the three days of action and the eight Bracket winners were known on Saturday - A&amp;M Consolidated, Cedar Park, Katy, Clements, Bridgeland, Kingwood, Fort Bend Austin and Canyon Lake.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2024/01/i10-shootout-cinco-ranch-vs-klein-photos/">Cinco Ranch vs. Klein - Photos</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2024/01/i10-shootout-am-consolidated-vs-clear-lake-photos/">A&amp;M Consolidated vs. Clear Lake - Photos</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2024/01/i10-shootout-atascocita-vs-lumberton-photos/">Atascocita vs. Lumberton - Photos</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2024/01/i10-shootout-katy-vs-clear-springs-photos/">Katy vs. Clear Springs - Photos</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2024/01/i10-shootout-st-agnes-academy-vs-elkins-photos/">St. Agnes Academy vs. Elkins - Photos</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2024/01/i10-shootout-tompkins-vs-summer-creek-photos/">Tompkins vs. Summer Creek - Photos</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Soccer got to attend six matches from four different brackets over the weekend, getting a good look at 12 teams that took part in the tournament. This week, we'll highlight some of the most promising prospects we watched in action and these center backs were defensive rocks 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":"Gabrielle Halliburton","_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":"101","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Klein","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Challenge SC","_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":"Halliburton helped Klein make it all the way to the Cougar Bracket final, leading the team's backline with athleticism and intelligence. She was very good at reading the game and getting into good spots to cover her teammates during the match against Cinco Ranch and disrupted several plays down the middle. Halliburton was also very strong in the air and made some clearances in crosses and long ball attempts. The center back also helped the team in possession with her accurate passing and by taking free kicks into the opponent's penalty box.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a6ab50648e4"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":158881,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/01/IMG_7700.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-158881" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cinco Ranch vs. Klein</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- 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":"Grace Tomlinson","_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":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"101","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Au0026amp;M Consolidated","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Challenge SC","_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":"Au0026amp;M Consolidated were dominant to win the Spartan Bracket and the efficiency of their defense, which allowed just one goal in three matches, was a big reason for their success. Playing in the center of the team's back three, Tomlinson was one of the pillars of the team with her strong play on both sides of the ball. The defender was always in great places to make stops against Clear Lake and didn't have much trouble shutting down most of the team's attempts with her well-timed tackles. With the ball, Tomlinson displayed great vision and precision with her passing, hitting several diagonal balls with great success. She was also in charge of the team's set pieces and, despite the windy conditions, did a good job of shooting and crossing the ball.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a6ab506498b"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/grtorres/status/1745523887763337377?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/1745523887763337377?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["26769"],"_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":"Phillips was a rock on defense for Tiger Bracket winners Katy. A center back with excellent physical tools, she impressed with her mobility and reading of the game and was dominant against some dynamic attackers in the match against Clear Springs. Besides getting the job done with her no-nonsense style, Phillips also plays a major role in keeping her team's backline organized by constantly communicating with her teammates. Strong in the air, she also helps the Tigers create goalscoring opportunities with her long set pieces - and even got a goal against the Chargers by sending the goal into the back of the net from behind the midfield line.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a6ab50649df"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":159040,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/01/IMG_8070.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-159040" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Katy vs. Clear Springs</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["158640"],"_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":"With DeCuir in the backline, St. Agnes Academy got back-to-back clean sheets in the Tiger Bracket before falling to hosts Katy in the final. The physical center back is one of the most promising defenders in the Houston area and displayed a great ability to defend both in the air and outside the penalty box, when her mobility was tested. DeCuir posed a big challenge for attackers trying to score in her team and won the vast majority of the duels she was involved with. She also made significant contributions offensively, scoring goals off of headers and with long-distance shots.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a6ab5064a28"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":159065,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/01/IMG_8100.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-159065" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">St. Agnes Academy vs. Elkinsv</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- 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":"Hayden Lasida","_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":"5'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"101","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Tompkins","_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":"Falcon Bracket runner-ups Tompkins had one of the best defenses in the tournament, conceding just once in three matches, and much of the credit goes to the team's center back duo of Lasida and [player_tooltip player_id='26506' first='Audrina' last='Johnson']. The two complemented each other very well and displayed great chemistry, playing a major role in the team's defensive stability. Lasida was very quick to get to the ball and displayed the tools to go well against both physical and dynamic attackers. She did a very good job of protecting the team's penalty box, but also had success when she had to step up and make plays closer to the midfield line.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a6ab5064aca"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/HaydenLasida/status/1746373446404055275?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/HaydenLasida/status/1746373446404055275?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":"Madelyn Huebel","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'6u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"101","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lumberton","_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":"Huebel was an interesting piece in a Lumberton team that won just one out of three matches in the Falcon Bracket, but was somewhat solid defensively, conceding four goals in three matches. She formed a strong center back duo with senior Bailey Schroeder, which gave the team the foundation to play. Huedel was very good with her positioning, getting in position to make stops with her feet and head. She also displayed good quality on the ball and supported the team's offense when they were losing to Atascocita, trying to make plays and doing a good job with free kicks and corner kicks.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a6f0e3befbc"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/grtorres/status/1745559844210237584?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/1745559844210237584?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->