Top Forwards in Washington State: High School 3A

<p>Elite High School forwards are not a dime a dozen, they are special athletes that help decide the end results of matches with one strike of the ball. These players spend years perfecting their technical skills, refining their shooting abilities and dialing in their fitness to be the leaders at their positions. Having one or two of these playmakers on your roster can make your HS team an instant competitor versus some of the best defenses and GK's the league has to offer. If you are not fortunate enough to have one, winning may be a struggle.</p>   <p>The 3A classification in Washington State is chock-full of star forwards that show out weekly to help their respective teams get that all mighty 'W'. We all know that it ultimately takes a TEAM to be successful on the pitch but, we cannot deny the fact that one player has the ability to single handedly change the outcome of a game. Those are the players we come to watch and those are the players you'll be watching on Thursdays and Sundays in college on ESPN+!</p>   <p>Here are 5 forwards from the HS girls 3A classification that are worth the price of admission to watch as the playoffs near:</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Coates has an ultra-smooth quickness to her first touch you don't see every day. Her ability to slice through defenses makes her difficult to cover and her speed to goal is torture for goalkeepers. Ella's shot accuracy is on point, and she can place shots on frame from all ranges. She transitions from attacking to being defensive minded quickly which allows her to retain possession at a high percentage. The junior forward has all the tools to play at the next level. Ella and her Peninsula HS Seahawks are atop the 3A PSL and look poised to make a state title run.</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/5GeRM_GWMXA </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Avery has effortless ball control, and her change of pace is difficult to contain at best. O'Donnell can weave through traffic and place laser guided shots on frame with ease. She glides across the pitch and attack's goal with an elite intensity that confirms she is a step above her opposition. The reigning 3A State Champions have a star in their midst but I bet Gonzaga University already knows that. The Roughriders and their talented team will be looking to repeat last year's success as the state tournament nears.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Addisen can make a good defensive back look amateur with her superior skill moves and cuts. Her 'first to ball' mentality is a gamechanger and provides spark to the attack. Boyers physicality is only outdone by her burst speed. She uses her size to force defenders into playing a physical match but then picks up her tempo, overtakes them cleanly and is 1v1 with a keeper in an instant. Addisen's shot profile is vast and can score from tough angles. The UC Davis commit, and her Oak Harbor Wildcats are cruising into the playoffs with big wins each week.</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/Vy7I1KZnJek </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Lucy's ability to get into space with possession and attack quickly makes her one of the most dangerous players on the pitch. She delivers accurate passes to cut through back lines and her shots off the dribble are difficult for defenders to anticipate. Buckholtz has great vision during corners. The sophomore forward has fantastic body positioning and timing for converting those set piece headers into goals. Lucy can be a physical presence when she chooses, or she can use her speed and dynamic touches to beat her opponents to goal. The Seattle Prep Panthers and their talented forward will continue to battle in the stacked 3A Metro League and hope to be near the top when the dust settles.</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/kmihPO8Mj8Q?si=vuKFH2f_zFSTei0w </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">The reigning GSL offensive MVP plays with an impressive confidence and passion. Carsyn's explosive quickness and breakaway speed leaves opponents wondering if she can even be marked. Gildehaus plays forward and midfield brilliantly but the show she puts on while playing up top is something see. Her snap shots off a dribble and powerful strikes from distance always seem to be well placed and effortless. Carsyn and her Titans are looking to finish strong in the tough and talented Greater Spokane League.</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/XdjHiesRFz0?si=n1OWTG6OSyJR4E7U </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 keep grinding!</p>   <p></p>

Elite High School forwards are not a dime a dozen, they are special athletes that help decide the end results of matches with one strike of the ball. These players spend years perfecting their technical skills, refining their shooting abilities and dialing in their fitness to be the leaders at their positions. Having one or two of these playmakers on your roster can make your HS team an instant competitor versus some of the best defenses and GK's the league has to offer. If you are not fortunate enough to have one, winning may be a struggle.