NCHSAA 2A Boys Final's Best Players

<p>The NCHSAA 2A State Final between <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/manteo/manteo-redskins/soccer/">Manteo High School</a> and <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/misenheimer/gray-stone-day-knights/soccer/">Gray Stone Day School</a> gave us a great show of two teams driven by great desire. It proved to be a hard-fought match where there wasn't one clearly defined dominant team. In the end, Manteo came out as the victor after they converted a late penalty. This match left us with both great team and individual performances. The following four players, one from the runner-ups and three from the champions, were the highlights in my opinion.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Gray Stone Day School</h2>   <p>Gray Stone Day arrived at this final as the 3rd-seeded team of the West. On their path to the final, they managed a remarkable 15 goals in 4 matches. Characterized by wanting to play as far away from their box as possible, their midfielders and attackers had more room to thrive tactically. The decision to choose only one player from their team who performed exceptionally in the final was very difficult. For that reason, an honorable mention has to be given to the chosen player's partner in midfield, Matthew Burleson. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Walker, who has appeared <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2025/11/nchs-playoffs-best-performers-part-1/">before</a>, commanded the midfield throughout the full 80 minutes. Defensively and offensively, he excelled in any context. Winning the ball back in crucial areas allowed his team to move forward quickly. He's the controller in midfield, dictating the tempo at which his team played. His passing allowed his team to get into important positions in attack. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Manteo High School</h2>   <p>Manteo High School arrived at the final as the top-seeded team of the East. With 13 goals scored up until the state final and only one goal conceded throughout the playoffs, including the final, they proved to be a tactically organized team. Their team is full of promising players, all of whom shone in the final. One of the players who is greatly unfortunate to miss out on this list, given both his season and final, is sophomore Alex Azmequita-Reyes. The striker played a fantastic final and would've surely made it if he had gotten the goal or assist he deserved.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Eli, playing as an attacking midfielder, was the player who won the late penalty and subsequently scored it. Throughout the whole match, he constantly looked to get on the ball. He dropped deep and went wide to be as involved as he could be. This involvement wasn't exclusive to receiving the ball, however. His defensive contribution was fantastic to watch, even more so given that he's an attacking midfielder. He truly performed to what the occasion demanded, both mentally and technically.</p>     <p>Choosing between Erick and who ends up receiving my MOTM award was incredibly difficult. He delivered easily the most complete and dominant defensive performance I have seen at the high school level. Listing everything he did right would be endless. From his anticipations to his tackles to his clearances to his duels, he imposed himself wonderfully. The confidence he displayed, especially when dealing with aggressive attacking waves from Gray Stone Day, was admirable. Besides winning the physical battle all match long, he also won the mental one. His composure and great technicality also helped his team effectively start counter-attacks from deep.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Hazael just pips Erick as the MOTM of the final. Gray Stone Day had 5 shots on target, all of which he dealt with crucially. Their shots weren't simple nor rare either. Dealing with constant attacks, he needed to be on high alert at all times. He did just that. His reactions were on-point, denying the opposition any chance they had to open the scoring in their favor. In the first half and nearing the end of the match, he completely dominated the box, even if he didn't need to make saves. </p>

The NCHSAA 2A State Final between Manteo High School and Gray Stone Day School gave us a great show of two teams driven by great desire. It proved to be a hard-fought match where there wasn't one clearly defined dominant team. In the end, Manteo came out as the victor after they converted a late penalty. This match left us with both great team and individual performances. The following four players, one from the runner-ups and three from the champions, were the highlights in my opinion.