Washington State HS Boys: 5 Early Season Standouts

We are just weeks into the season, but we are seeing some stellar performances across the Northwest. The top teams in the state are starting to pull away from the pack and players vying for All-League accolades are showing out. The HS season brings soccer players from top clubs around the state and mixes them with players that may not consider soccer to be their top sport. It's a beautiful thing and produces the camaraderie and team building atmosphere we love about High School sports! High School soccer and athletics are about representing something bigger than yourself. The team, the school and the players and coaches that came before you. These years will go by fast, and these boys are here to make sure that they and their program will be remembered for years to come!   Early season 4A classification favorites like Puyallup, Woodinville and Chiawana will hope to fend off the likes of Tahoma, Lake Stevens, Sumner and last year's State Champion, the Mount Si Wildcats. While 3A classification powerhouses, Shorewood, Mercer Island and Bishop Blanchet will need to stay on top of their game to keep Monroe, Auburn Mountainview and Bellevue at bay. The 2A field boasts talented teams in Pullman, Sehome and Bainbridge looking to see their name in lights when the dust settles. Finally, the 1A class consisting of Vashon Island, Columbia and King's Way Christian will be hoping to stave off the reigning 1A Champion, Overlake Owls, on their way to the top.   This is going to be an epic season on the boy's side, and I hope everyone is here for it!   Check out 5 early season standouts from the 4A and 3A classifications:    Vannoy is a talented defender that has a non-stop motor and leaves everything out on the field. He is a physical player who does not shy away from contact but rather seeks it out. Aiden has noted speed which allows him to traverse from defense to offense and back quickly on set piece opportunities. This 2024 4A SPSL 1st Team All-League defender also has an eye for goal. He uses his length to rise above on corner kick set pieces and is dominant with his head. Vannoy is no slouch with his feet either. He has been known to place a deadly accurate ball on frame when the opportunity arises. When you add in his ability to lead and be vocal from the center back position, you have yourself an elite talent that hopes to lead his Sumner Spartans into a deep playoff run.     Keegan is a special player who at times may be the best player on the pitch. He possesses different gears of quickness, and his opponents have difficulty keeping pace. His ball skills are unmatched and can slice up a back line before they realize he's in their defensive third. Chapko's accuracy on frame is something to behold and rarely do his shots make it easy on any GK he faces. Power from distance is apparent and touch finishes are abundant. Keegan will look to take his Falcons on a Championship run before he embarks on his college career at Whitman in the fall.     [player_tooltip player_id='284429' first='Tyler' last='Shelton'] is an electric midfielder who anticipates the work of play beyond his years. He has a high soccer IQ, and his spatial awareness allows his team to build attacks quickly and effectively. Shelton has expertly weighted touch passes, and the placement of his crosses are beautiful. It may be his cheeky foot skills or his effortless ball control, but Tyler is a problem for his opponents. This 2024 All-League player is setting himself apart from his peers in his conference. Shelton and his 2025 Islanders may have what it takes to get the job done and bring home that WIAA trophy at seasons end.     Micah is a dynamic freshman who has all the tangible and intangible qualities to be an accomplished HS star when it is all said and done. His raw talent is evident, and it shows immediately when he steps on the pitch. He has first-rate breakaway speed that is beyond difficult to contain. Blesso's ball skills are smooth and precise through traffic and can take on double teams just as easy as man coverage. He has a powerful leg and takes shots early and often. Micah and his Bonney Lake Panthers are just getting started and he will be a name to watch as he develops into an All-League HS talent.     One word, relentless. This 2nd Team All-League workhorse is a leader on the pitch. He uses his superior strength and stamina to wear down his opponents and dominate the edge. Elijah carries a true defensive mindset but moves up and down the field like an elite attacker in his winger position. His crossing game is on point and has a silky-smooth finish to his shots. Hamlin is always calm under pressure and displays confidence no matter the competition. Look for Elijah to assert his command in the Purple & Gold for his Senior season.    Follow me on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepsoccerpnw?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==">@prepsoccerpnw</a> or on X: <a href="https://x.com/coldbrew25">@coldbrew25</a> for the latest rankings, news and articles about your favorite PNW High Schools, Club Teams and Athletes! Keep Grinding!

We are just weeks into the season, but we are seeing some stellar performances across the Northwest. The top teams in the state are starting to pull away from the pack and players vying for All-League accolades are showing out. The HS season brings soccer players from top clubs around the state and mixes them with players that may not consider soccer to be their top sport. It's a beautiful thing and produces the camaraderie and team building atmosphere we love about High School sports! High School soccer and athletics are about representing something bigger than yourself. The team, the school and the players and coaches that came before you. These years will go by fast, and these boys are here to make sure that they and their program will be remembered for years to come!