Eight Standouts from GHSA Boys Regular Season

As we approach the end of the regular season and head into the playoffs, let's take a look at some players who stood out above their peers this season and flourished on the pitch.    It's no surprise that the Warriors are one of the best teams in the state with Max up top. Max is a striker who scores goals in multiple ways. His dribbling skills are top of the line, using lots of step overs and cut backs to create space and allow him to shoot or pass. His finishing this season has been superb, scoring with both his left and right foot, ranging from one-on-one's with the keeper to outside of the box rockets. He possesses some quality first touches, and will track back to help his team defend and pressure opponents when they have the ball. An all-around striker that does it all and puts some quality goals in the back of the net.     A very creative false 9 striker, Emiliano facilitates play for the Mustangs up top and creates lots of threatening chances for his side. He plays both long high through balls over the top and splitting ground through balls between defenders on the ground. His skills when dribbling are serious, easily beating defenders with numerous different skill moves. Whenever he is on the ball he is a threat, going on runs beating defenders and finishing past the goalie or picking out an open teammate with elite vision and passing. A serious attacking threat who has helped the Mustangs to their dominate record this season.     A player I've covered before, Jayden, along with his center back teammate Gavin Crowe, have been locking it down on the defensive end of the pitch for the Sprayberry Yellow Jackets this season. The Junior right back times his challenges very well defensively, and does a fantastic job at winning possession back without fouling. His quick pace allows him to track back and cover for center backs and other defenders when out of position. He makes these last ditch challenges when it seems like there isn't much chance of him getting back in time. A large factor for the Yellow Jackets superb defensive record this year.     A star player for the Harrison Hoyas this season, Kaden is a center mid who always seems to be the best player on the pitch at all times. His passing and vision are superb, brilliantly playing through balls and one timed passes to his teammates and spreading the ball around the pitch. His set pieces are lovely too, and he also has a knack for scoring free kicks. His finishing for a midfielder is next to none, scoring from all over the pitch. Free kicks, volleys, penalties, one-on-one's, he can score from just about anywhere on the pitch. He also works very hard on the defensive side of the ball, tracking back and making tackles to start counter attacks.     Averaging an astonishing 1.8 goals per game, Kevin has been a dominant striker for the Marietta Blue Devils this season. His quick pace mixed with his confidence and composure allow him to get in behind the defensive line with ease and finish past keepers. A captain of his side, Kevin is a vocal leader on the pitch, and brings lots of communication up top to the Blue Devils team. He possesses some quick dribbling and fast feet that leave defenders guessing where he's going with the ball, and frequently cuts back to set up shots with both feet.     A catalyst in attack for this dominant Chiefs side, Nico creates so much for his team in every facet of the game. His passing first off is exquisite, playing some superb balls in for his teammates, and even adding some extra flair to his passes just because he can. His dribbling skills are very good, using a mix of pace and physicality to go along with his skills at feet make him a very difficult player to stay in front of. He makes lots of flick-on passes and controls the ball incredibly well with some sublime touches. A player that must be heavily scouted before playing against this Chiefs side.     The young sophomore center mid put on an impressive campaign this season for the Buccaneers. He possesses the ball around the midfield very well, constantly scanning around for defenders and open spaces he can exploit. He is no stranger to finishing in front of goal, showcasing a powerful right foot that leaves keepers rooted on the spot. His movement in the midfield is really impressive, constantly working up and down the pitch and making runs into open space on the field for his teammates to find him. A young player with a high intelligence of the game that seems to just keep getting better.     One of my favorite players I've covered this season, Ethan has been pouring in goal contributions for the South Forsyth War Eagles this year. With 10 goals on the season, Ethan has been finishing at a high level. scoring headers, volleys, low driven shots, high finessed finished, it doesn't matter from where for the Junior. He is very confident on the ball, making the right decisions on whether to take on a defender or two, or find an open teammate somewhere on the pitch. He dominates the game in the midfield, winning 50/50 balls and making touch challenges to gain possession. A special player scouts should keep their eye on heading into his senior campaign.

As we approach the end of the regular season and head into the playoffs, let's take a look at some players who stood out above their peers this season and flourished on the pitch.