CHS classing their way to the title last year....how underrated they were all year. tsk tsk
Let's get the ball rolling. How are things shaping up for this year. Since I live in Bismarck, I will do a brief breakdown of the West Region as I see it.
My rankings:
#1 - CHS -They do lose TJ Gunsch(UMary) and Jordan Sperle to graduation...but return most of their championship roster. Gunsch's loss is big and it will force CHS to adjust the way they play. He gave them so much in terms of pace and finishing. His individual abilities will not be replaced outright and new players will have to step up to fill that void. The team may have to adapt a more pressing style of play. I still see them winning the West region comfortably and have to be the odds on favorites to repeat as state champions. Nate Ulness replaces Joel Janhke as coach but I just do not see that holding them back as this program has been stocked with talent even prior to Jahnke's arrival 5 years ago. They are the best program in the state.
#2 - St.Mary's - They lose Kevin Keller, David Neff and Andrew Thorson to graduation but have a good core of underclassmen. Martire and Weisbeck give them two dominant players who can combine for goals. Barta will have another year of maturity..but didn't play club unfortunately. With their gritty performance in the semifinal against CHS, they showed that they can battle for a result against anyone. With BHS losing the majority of their roster to graduation, St. Mary's gets the comfortable #2 nod, though BHS will push them.
#3 - BHS - They graduate virtually their entire State finalist roster but all is not lost. Todd Kessler is a quality goalkeeper and Cole Olson is one of, if not the, best central midfielder in the state. They will suffer in W's and L's this year but the future is bright as their freshmen class is outstanding. Two freshmen that could see varsity time, Hunter Johnson and Brock Muth. Both are dynamic, have excellent pace and can score goals. Keep an eye out for those two. Some may wonder why I rank BHS over Minot.........keep reading.
#4 - Minot - This team has gotten better each year but they do lack depth. John Wrona's departure due to graduation will really be felt defensively. He was probably the most underrated player I can ever remember. He was dominant in every way and a true vocal leader organizing the team. No way will he be replaced and I think they will suffer tremendously in the back. The Annan brothers, PK and Eckow, are 2 of the better players in the state. However, word is that PK will not be playing this season....that combined with Wrona moving on to college (D-1 NCAA University of Detroit Mercy) will devastate this team. They will be ok but I see them losing to all 3 teams above them in the rankings.
#5 - Mandan - Things are looking up for this program. They have a new coach and most likely a new approach. They have a very strong base of sophomores and freshmen. This year will be too early for them to make much of an impact at the state level but don't be surprised if they do push for the 4th spot in the West.
#6 - Jamestown - Once again, I see them at the bottom of the standings. It is unfortunate but they just need to get more kids playing soccer if they ever want to compete. I know their college men's coach is now involved in their club so I'm optimistic for their future. This year however...they are last.
That wraps it up. I would love to hear comments as well as an East region version.
Regards.....the Missile.