Folders |
Southeast Region Girls Early Season Rankings 2023Published by
Cuthbertson looking to add to its legacy in North Carolina and remain a national presence, with several programs in contention to challenge for automatic berth, including inspiring group from Webb School in Knoxville By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor Girls NXR Southeast Preview Even with a new head coach, Cuthbertson High of North Carolina remains the standard of success this season in the Southeast Region. Whether Webb School of Knoxville can build a similar legacy to the Cavaliers following a historic performance last year at WakeMed Soccer Complex is one of the most intriguing storylines this fall ahead of the Nov. 19 regional championship in Cary, N.C. Webb School became the first girls team from Tennessee to qualify for Nike Team Nationals or Nike Cross Nationals following its runner-up regional finish, before placing 20th at Glendoveer Golf Course in Oregon. Cuthbertson, the regional champion, became the third girls program from North Carolina to compete in Portland – including the first since Cardinal Gibbons in 2017 – and finished eighth, before enjoying exceptional indoor and outdoor track seasons, especially in the distance relays. Mark Vilardo is replacing 11-year coaching veteran Kirk Walsh for the Cavaliers, who are seeking a sixth consecutive state championship. Cardinal Gibbons and Mount Tabor are also North Carolina programs capable of challenging for an automatic berth to compete at NXN, along with Assumption and DuPont Manual from Kentucky. Assumption made three consecutive appearances in Portland from 2011-13 and DuPont Manual was the last Kentucky girls team to qualify for NXN in 2017. There hasn’t been a representative from Alabama competing in Oregon since 2007 and Georgia hasn’t had a program advance since 2008. Florida had Lawton Chiles compete in 2018 and Pine Crest in 2019, but was unable to secure another berth in the return of NXN last year following a two-year hiatus as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Loudoun Valley represented Virginia in 2019, but was unable to return to Portland last season. Padua Academy has the potential to become the first Delaware girls program to advance since Tatnall’s remarkable seven-year run of appearances from 2006-12. Morgantown, following the graduation of NXN champion Irene Riggs, is still looking to become the first West Virginia girls team to qualify to compete at Glendoveer Golf Course. Hannah Rae Shaffer of Cardinal Gibbons also has the potential to qualify to race individually in Portland, in addition to fellow North Carolina standout Mary Bonner Dalton of Myers Park, plus Alyssa Sauro from Williamstown High in West Virginia. Tennessee could be represented by Abby Faith Cheeseman of Webb School in Bell Buckle, along with Claire Stegall from Nolensville, with Tula Fawbush from Oldham County High in Kentucky another impressive challenger. Eliana Black of IMG Academy in Florida – a recent transfer from Cambridge Christian – is another top contender, as well as Ella Gibbs from Bleckley County and Caroline Hood of Pace Academy in Georgia, in addition to Virginia competitors Maddie Gardiner from Covenant, Molly Weithman of Bishop O’Connell, Aidan MacGrath of West Springfield and Lily Guinn from Matthew Maury. 1. Cuthbertson NC. With the best senior trio in the country leading the way in Charlotte Bell, Stella Kermes and Justine Preisano, the Cavaliers are seeking their sixth state championship in a row, including their third straight in 4A, following a trio in 3A. Green Hope and Cardinal Gibbons are the only North Carolina girls programs to win at least six consecutive titles. Green Hope is also the only girls team from the state to make multiple NXN appearances in 2010 and 2014, which Cuthbertson is attempting to equal this season. Whether the Cavaliers, under the guidance of new head coach Mark Vilardo, can improve on last year’s eighth-place finish in Oregon will be determined by the improvement and consistency of senior Lily Fierick, juniors Maggie Houp and Ava Walters, plus sophomore Josie Schihl. But their strength up front provides Cuthbertson the potential to compete with any program in the country.
2. Webb School of Knoxville TN. Perhaps no one anticipated last season that the Spartans could go from placing runner-up at the 2AA state final by a 47-point margin behind Harpeth Hall to finishing second at the regional meet and making history by becoming the first Tennessee girls program to qualify for NXN. But health and the timing of the meets played significant factors in the impressive turnaround for Webb School, which benefited greatly from the return of Carolina Areheart and Kristina Weaver to the regional lineup to compete at WakeMed Soccer Complex in Cary, N.C. Areheart is supported by fellow sophomores with twin sisters Calysta Garmer and Jazzlyn Garmer, with Weaver being the lone junior in the Spartans’ lineup that has been bolstered by freshman Ariana Vargas. Anna Graves, Lauren Davis and Simpson Ellie are seniors that are motivated to return to Portland and have an opportunity to improve on last year’s 20th-place performance.
3. Assumption KY. The Rockets were among many teams last season that believed they could contend for the second automatic regional berth behind Cuthbertson High from North Carolina, only to watch Webb School of Knoxville produce their best performance of the season at WakeMed Soccer Complex to achieve that feat. Assumption knows the opportunity is present again this season, but its primary focus is on winning the 3A state title after enduring a 77-106 setback last year against DuPont Manual. Reagan Gilmore and Julia Schmitt are senior leaders for the Rockets, who rebounded to place fourth at the regional ahead of ninth-place DuPont Manual. Mattie Whitworth is another senior that provides valuable experience for Assumption, with support from juniors Brooke Greenwell and Leah Penick, in addition to sophomores Mabel George and Taryn Tracy.
4. Cardinal Gibbons NC. After several years of Weddington serving as the primary challenger to Cuthbertson, this fall it is clearly Cardinal Gibbons, which was the dominant girls team in the state prior to the Cavaliers’ current run, capturing nine consecutive titles in North Carolina – five in 3A and four in 4A – from 2010 to 2018. Hannah Rae Shaffer is an individual state championship contender, leading one of the strongest junior classes in the country, along with Ina Lazarczyk, Katherine Pagorek, Addy Mitchell and Kira Bautz. Peyton LaNasa is a senior who is motivated to achieve an impactful performance in the postseason, with sophomores Mikaela Povsic and Maggie Whitham also being important contributors for the Crusaders, who are capable of elevating from last year’s eighth-place regional finish to advance to NXN for the first time in six years.
5. DuPont Manual KY. Despite the graduation of one of the elite athletes in school history in Jessica Secor, her impact will continue to be showcased this season for the Crimsons in the experience and leadership gained by senior Flora Biro, juniors Maggie May and Emerson Wyatt, in addition to sophomore Bailee Montgomery. DuPont Manual last won back-to-back AAA state titles in 2016 and 2017, with the biggest key to achieving another repeat performance in October at the Kentucky Horse Park revolving around the development of a consistent and reliable fifth scorer. Lily Cashman and Lauren Curry, both seniors, could provide the support the Crimsons need, with freshmen Dagny Morgan and Madison Price also potential options for DuPont Manual, also seeking another appearance in Oregon following a six-year absence.
WATCHLIST
More news |
