Best Players of the Top Ranked Teams: Western Alamance HS

Next in this series is the <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/soccer/rankings/1/?schoolid=99f05689-66ad-427d-a6cd-2d1c2f4a1558">third-placed team</a>, and another state champion in <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/elon/western-alamance-warriors/soccer/">Western Alamance High School</a>. Being one of the most well-rounded, tactically sound, and consistent teams helped Western Alamance have a fruitful season. Finishing champions of <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/soccer/24-25/conference/central-3a/?leagueid=183170aa-cef4-44df-90a9-592c8198d0c9">their conference</a>, the <a href="https://www.nchsaa.org/bracket/2024-3a-mens-soccer-brackets/">3A</a> East region, and the 3A state only tells part of the story. They finished the season with one friendly loss and an impressive 24-game winning streak. This streak also includes a 5-match streak of not conceding a goal. Struggle was also rare for them in their matches, with the only match in which they had to fight being the final, where they overcame a 3-0 deficit to win 4-3. Undoubtedly one of the strongest teams of the state, they have talent everywhere, but the following stood out the most.    Noah is a fantastic asset in attack, taking his spot as an attacking midfielder but working more as a second striker. His height gives him an important advantage in winning aerial duels, making him not only a defensive headache but a focal point too. He receives the ball and holds it well, helping his team move up the pitch. Whether he's dribbling or holding the ball up, when his team is playing direct, he is the player that makes it happen. His goalscoring is also another crucial attribute in attack. Both his headers and his shots always have danger. He's a constant danger when crosses come in, looking to always win duels. If it's a shot, regardless of what type of shot, he'll always look for goal. He does not let defenders rest at any moment.     Dominic is a physically imposing and talented left-winger who causes constant danger on his flank. He can cause danger playing both on the wing as well as in the channels. His dribbling causes constant discomfort for the opposing defense, keeping them on their toes at all times. He positions himself fantastically too, anticipating where the ball will fall to pounce on the chance. Creating chances is his greatest asset, however. It doesn't matter where he is creating them from, he'll create danger from nothing. His passes into the channels undo defenses and set up his attackers perfectly. Throw-ins with him are synonymous with danger, delivering the ball as if they were crosses.     Jerson is a talented defensive midfielder who organizes just as well as he defends. Defensively he's restless, never letting up on the player he's marking. He'll stick to them until either he or another teammate wins the ball back. He's also a physical player, always using his body to try to regain possession of the ball. His tackles are strong but clean whenever he needs to resort to them as well. In possession, he helps his team move from deep immensely. Regardless if the play is more controlled or more direct, he plays a crucial role in launching attacks from his own half. He always looks to progress the play, even creating chances from deep himself.     Grant is a resilient and talented right-winger with a high ceiling in terms of potential. He takes up his position mostly on the half-space of his flank, making him a very active player. His love for being on the ball allows for both him and his team to move up the pitch effectively. He's energetic and determined as well, always chasing the ball no matter how far back it is. Defensively, he always offers cover for his right-back lightening his load. Despite his short stature, he's also an aerial threat. His jumping is fantastic and helps him get above tall defenders. He also always keeps moving during set-pieces, making him hard to mark.     Boston is one of the most multi-faceted defenders I've seen so far at this level. Being able to play as a center-back in a back four, a stopper in a back three, or a right-back, he does all of those fantastically. His defensive abilities make him almost impossible to get past, knowing how to use and position his body when defending. He wins duels easily and helps regain possession higher up the pitch. His interceptions are great too, winning the ball without needing to tackle. Distribution from the back is also another strength. His passes are great, including his freekicks from deep. He creates chances from these crosses constantly, making him a well-rounded player.    Western Alamance High School has been mentioned in a <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2024/12/3a-playoff-best-teams-best-players/">previous article</a> if you'd like to read it.

Next in this series is the third-placed team, and another state champion in Western Alamance High School. Being one of the most well-rounded, tactically sound, and consistent teams helped Western Alamance have a fruitful season. Finishing champions of their conference, the 3A East region, and the 3A state only tells part of the story. They finished the season with one friendly loss and an impressive 24-game winning streak. This streak also includes a 5-match streak of not conceding a goal. Struggle was also rare for them in their matches, with the only match in which they had to fight being the final, where they overcame a 3-0 deficit to win 4-3. Undoubtedly one of the strongest teams of the state, they have talent everywhere, but the following stood out the most.