Here, the calculation changes. We have more players with more high school experience. We can begin to make some predictions about opportunities for up-and-coming players based upon graduation losses and glimpses in varsity roles. Again, ordered by alphabetical last name.
Owen Baker – Defense/LSM – Jefferson
Jefferson had a legitimately unique defense last year. Baker was asked to play LSM, FO, and close defense. As a starter, he helped the defense hold Eastview to 2 goals, Edina to 5, Benilde to 7 and Prior Lake to 9. This year, he’ll be asked to take a bigger role.
Daxton Bush – Attack – Chanhassen
An explosive athlete on a team with championship aspirations this year, Bush can dodge and finish. His riding abilities were important to the Storm as well. Bush was 5th on the team with 39 points.
Quinn Power - FO - Lakeville North
Power won 196 of 305 face-offs in 2021, good for a 64.3% rate.
Sky Rold and Adam Backman – Midfielders – Benilde St. Margaret's
Benilde's 2021 championship was spearheaded by a great face-off athlete, superb close defenders, two unique middies and a creative attacker. All 6 have graduated. Rold and Backman, both with great speed and strength, as well as wicked shots on the run, will be looked to replace the midfield scoring lost with the graduation of Paddy Burns and Jackson Leischow.
Brol Scherman – Attack/Midfield – Centennial
A fluid initiator and finisher, Brol has skills that just cannot be taught. On a senior heavy Centennial team, Scherman was 7th in points. After a strong summer making the Midwest Under Armour Command team, he is expected to be a key player for a surging Centennial program.
Jack Tocko – Attack – Prior Lake
Tocko is a big, athletic attackman that has been biding his time. As he’ll not see the opponent’s #1 defender early on, expect him to have many opportunities to initiate and assist the array of step-down midfield shooters that the Lakers will put on the field.
Will Schneider – Defense - Wayzata
The only freshman on the Wayzata team in 2021, Schneider worked himself into a starting role by mid-season and just got better. He is tall and lanky, yet strong. He has a great stick and the ability to cover multiple body types due to his adept footwork.
The Class of 2023 is up next.