Top Forwards in Washington State: High School 2A/1A

<p>Forwards at this level tend to be the heroes of their respective teams. Thier names are known throughout the school and local community because they make such an impact for their program. These are the players that have their opponents circling their matches on the calendar because they know it's going to be a battle. The mentality of the elite 2A/1A player is that of a player that constantly plays with a chip on her shoulder and can put a team on their back and take them to the top, even when everyone knows they're coming.</p>   <p>The pressure on these game changing athletes to be successful at this level is intense but I have yet to talk with one that doesn't feed off the competition and adversity. These skilled athletes typically travel far and wide to play for the best ECNL or GA clubs in the region, despite the hardships this may cause them and their families. They are driven and want nothing more than to be compared with the best of the best in High School and to not be unfairly relegated to being called the best athlete at a small school. I guarantee you that some of the 2A/1A athletes in the PNW not only can go head-to-head with their 4A/3A peers, but they CAN and DO compete and excel against the best in the country.</p>   <p>Here are 4 forwards from the HS girls 2A/1A classification that are making names for themselves regionally and are poised to make an impact as the regular season nears the end:</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">This sophomore forward can dismantle defenses with her ability to fire accurate shots on goal from both her left and right foot. Her quick cuts make her even more dangerous from both sides of the box because her shot can come from any angle. Also, Dickey has hops. She is always in the mix on corner set pieces and can rise above the scrum to bury a header into the net when you least expect it. Her power from distance is first-class and you can find her taking those shots with confidence. Addyson possesses all the tools that a college program clamors for and it's my guess that she will be taking many calls come June 15th. Dickey and her Klahowya Eagles look to repeat their return to the 1A state title game this season to take care of some unfinished business from last year.</p>   <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://youtu.be/ePhim-5kR-s </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Howe is a talented forward that has helped West Valley HS to an undefeated record to date. Jenna has a sweet curve to her ball movement that aids in quality crossing placements and killer GK beating top bins shots. The '23 GSL Offensive MVP glides easily through traffic and uses her quick release to pass her teammates open in the attack. Her quickness and quality first touch, garner her immediate separation that leads to favorable 1v1 situations. Jenna and her West Valley Eagles are looking to take their projected #1 seed all the way to the state title game in November.</p>   <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://youtu.be/Y2PdR6ZH7NE?si=9JDgXHaiHPFoiKdP </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Tatum is a finely tuned goal scoring instrument. She has accounted for over 100 career goals and counting for her HS team and she is only a junior. Along with her goal scoring ability, she possesses top notch anticipation that keeps her onside just long enough to accelerate through defenses that struggle to recover. Jackson has a forceful shot that GK's have problems getting to even when they are set and ready. If there was a pocket radar pointed at her shots on goal, I am certain we would be impressed by the exit velocity number that would illuminate the display screen. The 1st Team All-State forward and her Grizzlies will be looking to make a splash in this year's playoffs.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Emalyn is a tenacious player that leaves it all out on the field every match. She uses her speed and field awareness to be one step ahead of defenses during attacking buildups. Shaffer has ultra smooth ball control and distributes the ball in and out quickly with calculated weight. She has timely crosses that are played in to the perfect level for only her teammates to reach. Emalyn is a selective shooter that gauges GK movements well and places the ball precisely where she intends it to be placed. The reigning Evergreen Conference Offensive MVP is hoping to take Tumwater all the way to the top in her final season. The senior will be heading to Moscow, Idaho to start her collegiate career as a Vandal next year.</p>   <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://youtu.be/VN3aA5r0Wc0 </div></figure>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who Should I Take a Look at Next?</h2>   <p>The Pacific Northwest has so many talented athletes that it is extremely difficult to just highlight a few BUT rest assured that Prep Soccer will continue to find them and put them front and center. If you feel like you or someone you know needs a little extra exposure ... Follow and send me a message on X (<a href="https://x.com/coldbrew25">@coldbrew25</a>) or Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepsoccerpnw/profilecard/?igsh=MTNzanE3NTRyMGd6cg==">@prepsoccerpnw</a>) and I will gladly put you on my radar! Good luck in your HS and Club seasons and most of all ... keep grinding!</p>   <p></p>

Forwards at this level tend to be the heroes of their respective teams. Thier names are known throughout the school and local community because they make such an impact for their program. These are the players that have their opponents circling their matches on the calendar because they know it's going to be a battle. The mentality of the elite 2A/1A player is that of a player that constantly plays with a chip on her shoulder and can put a team on their back and take them to the top, even when everyone knows they're coming.