Phillip Suitts, Author at Just Women's Sports

Liberty North (Mo.) didn’t make history when it won a district championship last week. But the reward for that achievement was historic: The Eagles will make their first state quarterfinal appearance on Saturday.

It’s been a magical season for the 20-0 Kansas City-area team. At the end of the regular season, the Eagles had won 17 games, a feat they hadn’t achieved in an entire season since 2017.

Juniors Megan Hinnenkamp, a Florida commit, and Ekaterina Theoharidis power the offense, and the defense has given up just 11 goals all season and hasn’t conceded since May 3.

Liberty North cruised through the district tournament, outscoring its opponents a combined 16-0. The Eagles now look to ride that momentum and achieve some more firsts in the state tournament.

Thanks to their postseason dominance, the Eagles have risen four spots to No. 3 in the latest JWS high school soccer rankings.

(Note that these rankings do not include teams from Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina.)

1. South County (Va.), 16-0-1

The Stallions have scored two or more goals in all but three of their games this season while posting seven shutouts.

2. Grandview (Colo.), 16-1-2

Naomi Clark capped a stellar postseason with a hat trick in the state final, propelling the Wolves past defending 5A champion Broomfield, 3-1. Days earlier, Clark scored the game-winning goal in overtime to knock off then-No. 1 Valor Christian in the state semifinals. The title is Grandview’s fifth since 2015.

3. Liberty North (Mo.), 20-0

With the second district title in program history, the Eagles advanced to the state quarterfinals.

4. Gretna (Neb.), 21-0

The Dragons are still celebrating last week’s Class A state title.

5. Valley (Iowa), 17-0

Anna Van Wyngarden had a goal and an assist as the Tigers opened the postseason with a 7-1 win, bringing her season totals to 17 goals and 15 assists.

6. Saint Thomas Aquinas (Kan.), 15-0-2

In three postseason matches, the Saints have outscored their opponents 26-0.

7. Wando (S.C.), 18-1

Wando won the state championship on May 14 in South Carolina’s highest classification, their first title since 2014 and 11th in program history.

8. Colonial Forge (Va.), 15-1

Three times proved one too many for Colonial Forge, which lost to Massaponax in the district final after winning the first two matchups between the teams. The Eagles’ season is not over, though.

9. Colgan (Va.), 16-1-1

The Patriots have yet to allow a goal in three postseason matches.

10. Fort Zumwalt South (Mo.), 23-1

The Bulldogs have over a week to prepare for their state quarterfinal matchup.

11. James Island (S.C.), 20-1-2

The future is bright for the back-to-back state champions. Sophomore Alexis Spivey scored two goals in James Island’s 5-0 state championship rout on May 14.

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12. Triad (Ill.), 21-1

The Knights haven’t allowed a goal since April 28.

13. O’Fallon (Ill.), 20-1

More than half of O’Fallon’s 102 goals have been scored by two players: Western Kentucky commit Avery Christopher (39 goals) and sophomore Becca Koenig (23 goals).

14. Hudsonville (Mich.), 15-0-2

Hudsonville has posted three consecutive shutout victories.

15. Lyons Township (Ill.), 20-1

In three playoff games, the Lions have outscored their opponents 14-0.

16. Valor Christian (Colo.), 16-1

The Eagles’ season ended with a 1-0 double-overtime loss to Grandview in the state semifinals.

17. Broomfield (Colo.), 16-3

The No. 1 team in the inaugural JWS rankings, Broomfield lost two of its final three regular-season games before rebounding to advance to the state championship game, falling just short in its quest for back-to-back 5A titles.

18. Northfield (Colo.), 19-0-1

Freshman goalkeeper Chloe Rhodes saved the decisive fifth penalty kick in a shootout as Class 4A Northfield won its first state championship, completing an undefeated season in the process.

19. Nerinx Hall (Mo.), 19-1-2

Consecutive 2-1 overtime victories catapulted the Markers to a district championship and a state quarterfinal appearance.

20. Metea Valley (Ill.), 18-2-1

The Mustangs won a second straight regional title Friday and followed that up with a 2-0 win Tuesday.

21. Oregon (Wis.), 17-0-1

The Panthers claimed a conference title with a 1-0 win Tuesday, their 15th shutout in 18 games.

22. Marshall (Mich.), 19-0

Marshall hasn’t lost since June 11, nearly a year ago.

23. Deer Creek (Okla.), 15-2

The Antlers are state champions for the seventh time in school history.

24. Bentonville West (Ark.), 18-6

After consecutive losses in mid-April dropped the Wolverines to 8-6, they reeled off 10 consecutive victories to win a state championship.

25. Kent Denver (Colo.), 18-1

With a goal differential of plus-107, the Sun Devils dominated en route to back-to-back Class 3A state championships. They did not allow a goal in five postseason matches, including a 3-0 victory in the state title game Tuesday.

Phillip Suitts is a contributing writer at Just Women’s Sports. He has worked at a variety of outlets, including The Palm Beach Post and Southeast Missourian, and done a little bit of everything from reporting to editing to running social media accounts. He was born in Atlanta but currently lives in wintry Philadelphia. Follow Phillip on Twitter @PhillipSuitts.

A state championship and unbeaten season on the line, Gretna (Neb.) did Monday what it had done all season: win in dominating fashion.

The Dragons capped a 21-0 season with a 6-1 win in the Class 1A state championship, scoring three goals in the first 20 minutes and dismantling a team that had lost just one of 17 games heading into the final. That performance was in line with what Gretna had produced all year, having outscored their opponents 118-6.

The Dragons won 19 of their 21 games by two goals or more, all while facing the pressure that comes with being defending state champions. Gretna handled those expectations with aplomb and didn’t miss a beat under first-year head coach Chance Hutchison.

Gretna did it with a balanced attack, too. Sophomore Allison Marshall led the team with 15 goals, as one of five players with 10 or more goals. Fittingly, the forward scored the first goal in the state title game, opening the floodgates.

With the emphatic championship victory, and a 42-1 record over the last two years, Gretna solidified its spot as the No. 3 team in the latest JWS high school soccer rankings.

(Note that these rankings do not include teams from Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina.)

🌀 No one is forgetting Allison Marshall 🌀@_allisonmarsh @GRETNAHSGSOCCER #nebpreps #neprepsoccer

pic.twitter.com/fbhqIBE5bW
— Nebraska Soccer Talk (@nebraska_talk) May 17, 2022

1. Valor Christian (Colo.), 16-0

The Eagles survived penalty kicks to win their second-round matchup and then cruised to a 4-0 victory Tuesday to advance to the state semifinals.

2. South County (Va.), 13-0-1

The Stallions just keep winning, as their unbeaten streak has now surpassed 30 games.

3. Gretna (Neb.), 21-0

Gretna’s future looks just as bright with plenty of talent returning. Only one of the six goals in the state championship game was scored by a senior.

4. Colonial Forge (Va.), 15-0

The Eagles beat Massaponax last week for the second time this season. Massaponax’s other 15 games have all been wins.

5. Valley (Iowa), 16-0

The reigning Class 3A state champions capped a perfect regular season with a 10-0 victory Tuesday. Next up: a regional semifinal.

6. St. Thomas Aquinas (Kan.), 13-0-2

The Saints opened the postseason with an emphatic 11-0 win to remain undefeated.

7. Liberty North (Mo.), 19-0

The Eagles’ last loss came on May 19, 2021.

8. Wando (S.C.), 18-1

All-state selection Kylie Cino scored the game-winner in overtime as Wando won a second consecutive Class AAAAA state championship Saturday, beating T.L. Hanna 2-1. It’s the Warriors’ 12th state title in program history.

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9. Colgan (Va.), 16-1-1

The Sharks won a district title on Wednesday and now have over a week to prepare for the regional tournament.

10. Yorktown (Va.), 14-1-1

Senior Shay Montgomery, a University of South Carolina commit, scored two goals as the Patriots opened their district tournament with a 3-0 win Wednesday.

11. Fort Zumwalt South (Mo.), 23-1

With Missouri State commit Brooke Cattoor and sophomore Audrey Smith leading the way with 29 goals each, the Bulldogs clinched a district crown and are looking to repeat as Class 3 state champions.

12. James Island (S.C.), 20-1-2

The Trojans have won back-to-back Class AAAA state championships, cruising to a 5-0 win in the title game Saturday.

13. Grandview (Colo.), 15-1-2

The Wolves knocked off Legacy, No. 9 in last week’s rankings, in the Class 5A state quarterfinals thanks to two goals and an assist from Naomi Clark. It doesn’t get any easier from here; next up is a matchup with No. 1 Valor Christian.

14. Triad (Ill.), 18-1

Gina Catanzaro leads the Knights with 19 goals as they aim to repeat as 2A state champions.

15. O’Fallon (Ill.), 19-1

Illinois’ reigning Class 3A state champions opened the postseason with an 8-0 win Tuesday.

16. Broomfield (Colo.), 15-2

The Eagles have rebounded from a poor finish to the regular season, when they lost two of their last four games, to advance to the Class 5A state semifinals.

17. Hudsonville (Mich.), 13-0-2

A pair of 1-1 draws are the only blemishes in an otherwise perfect season.

18. Lyons Township (Ill.), 18-1

The Lions showed no rust coming off a week of rest, winning their playoff opener 9-0.

19. Nerinx Hall (Mo.), 18-2-1

Nina Preusser scored the game-winning goal in overtime, her team-leading 13th goal of the season to go along with 13 assists, as the Markers won a 3-2 thriller Tuesday to keep their state title hopes alive.

20. Metea Valley (Ill.), 16-2-1

Since losing two games in as many days in mid-April, the Mustangs have reeled off eight consecutive victories.

21. Oregon (Wis.), 14-0-1

The Panthers have posted shutouts in 12 of their 15 games.

22. Marshall (Mich.), 17-0

With an 8-0 win Tuesday, Marshall recorded its 11 shutout of the season and enters the rankings for the first time.

23. Deer Creek (Okla.), 15-2

The Antlers claimed their seventh state title in program history, and first since 2015, avenging one of their two regular-season losses in the championship game. Deer Creek defeated Norman North to claim the 6A crown, thanks to three saves from junior Cam Hasselwander in the shootout.

24. Brookfield East (Wis.), 12-0-2

The Spartans have reeled off 12 straight wins after tying their first two games.

25. Fayetteville (Ark.), 17-3-2

Lauren Marge scored two goals and added an assist as the Bulldogs avenged an early-season defeat to Bentonville, No. 13 in last week’s rankings, with a 4-3 win in the state semifinals. Fayetteville now has a chance to win back-to-back Class 6A state championships.

St. Thomas Aquinas is accustomed to success. The Overland Park, Kansas powerhouse is the reigning 5A state champion, and its success goes back even farther than that.

The Saints have won 17 national titles, including seven in a row from 2010-17. They have been a mainstay near the top of national polls, even nabbing the No. 2 spot in one ranking in 2005.

This year’s team is living up to that tradition, having finished the regular season with a 12-0-2 record, including a win over last year’s 6A state champs.

Defender Assa Kante is a Kansas commit and one of five seniors who will continue their soccer careers in college. She is joined by Abby Hansen (Missouri State), Shandon Carr (Washburn University), Maria Jensen (MidAmerica Nazarene University) and Mara Loughman (Benedictine College). Sophomore Sydney Watts has also committed to play for Vanderbilt.

With that talent and experience, the Saints hope to add another state championship trophy to their cabinet this spring after moving up one spot in the latest JWS high school soccer rankings.

(Note that these rankings do not include teams from Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina.)

Girls soccer final pic.twitter.com/H944Avsrf1
— GoAquinasSaints (@GoAquinasSaints) May 7, 2022

1. Valor Christian (Colo.), 14-0

The Eagles capped a perfect regular season with a win over previously unbeaten Pine Creek and then opened the postseason Tuesday with a commanding 8-0 win.

2. South County (Va.), 12-0-1

In a matchup of undefeated teams, South County beat Fairfax on Friday and followed it up with a 4-0 win Tuesday.

3. Gretna (Neb.), 19-0

The Dragons are just two wins away from a state championship and an unbeaten season.

4. Colonial Forge (Va.), 13-0

The Eagles are one win away from an undefeated regular season.

5. Valley (Iowa), 14-0

Anna Van Wyngarden has been involved in nearly half of Valley’s 50 goals this season with 12 goals and another 12 assists.

6. St. Thomas Aquinas (Kan.), 12-0-2

The Saints ended the regular season undefeated thanks to a 1-1 tie Friday, and now turn their attention toward defending their Class 5A state championship.

7. Liberty North (Mo.), 17-0

Florida commit Megan Hinnenkamp had a hat trick, and the Eagles ended the regular season undefeated with a 4-0 win over Lee’s Summit West. It was the Eagles’ second win this season over Lee’s Summit West, which has won or tied its 17 other games.

8. Colgan (Va.), 13-1-1

The Sharks have allowed just two goals since a 3-1 defeat to Colonial Forge on March 23.

9. Legacy (Colo.), 15-1

The Lightning opened the postseason with an emphatic 10-0 win as junior Kendall Rippley (Air Force commit) scored five goals and added an assist, and senior Juliauna Hayward (Colorado commit) collected five assists and a goal.

10. Yorktown (Va.) 13-1-1

The Patriots followed a scoreless draw Monday with a 6-2 win on Senior Night two days later.

11. Wando (S.C.), 17-1

After a 4-2 win over Chapin in the Lower State Finals, the Warriors are just one win away from back-to-back Class AAAAA state championships.

12. Fort Zumwalt South (Mo.), 20-1

The Bulldogs enter the playoffs on a nine-game winning streak and as the defending 3A state champions.

13. Bentonville (Ark.) 16-1-2

The Tigers’ undefeated season came to a crashing halt with a 3-0 loss to Bentonville West. Bentonville now begins state tournament play this Friday.

14. Triad (Ill.), 18-1

The Knights have allowed just five goals all season and posted 14 shutouts.

15. O’Fallon (Ill.), 17-1

The Panthers are putting that mid-season loss to Triad behind them, and the reigning Class 3A state champions appear primed for another playoff run.

16. Hudsonville (Mich.), 10-0-1

Hudsonville has given up just three goals this season, and just one in the last nine games.

17. Grandview (Colo.), 13-1-2

The Wolves ended the regular season with a 2-0 win over fellow 5A power Columbine to earn the fourth seed in the state playoffs and opened the postseason with another 2-0 victory.

18. Pine Creek (Colo.), 15-1

The Eagles nearly knocked off No. 1 Valor Christian but fell 4-3 in overtime. They bounced back from that defeat with a 4-0 win in the first round of the state playoffs.

19. James Island (S.C.), 19-1-2

A 5-3 win over Hilton Head gave the Trojans their second Lower State championship in as many years. Now, they look to repeat as Class AAAA state champions.

20. Lyons Township (Ill.), 17-1

Last year’s Class 3A state runners-up enter the postseason on a four-game winning streak, having outscored opponents 57-6 this season.

21. Oregon (Wis.), 13-0-1

The Panthers had given up four goals in 13 games before surrendering two Wednesday in a 2-2 draw.

22. Broomfield (Colo.), 13-2

After a disappointing end to the regular season, Broomfield opened the postseason with a victory.

23. Metea Valley (Ill.), 15-2-1

The Mustangs knocked off previously ranked Naperville Central 4-1 to win their first DuPage Valley Conference title.

24. Muskego (Wis.), 9-0-3

The Warriors have given up just four goals all season, but two of those goals have resulted in 1-1 ties. The other was a scoreless draw.

25. Nerinx Hall (Mo.), 16-2-1

The Markers won five of their first eight games. Since then, last year’s Class 4 state finalists have reeled off 11 consecutive victories.

South County (Va.) made history last season, winning the first state championship in program history.

The Stallions had never made the state semifinals before then, but that didn’t stop them from going 17-0 and claiming the 6A title.

While South County returned plenty of experience from that championship team — eight of 11 starters — each year presents a new challenge. So far, the Stallions have passed this season’s challenges with flying colors. They have extended their unbeaten streak to 28 games, sandwiching a scoreless tie in between two runs of five consecutive wins, and have risen to No. 2 in this week’s JWS high school soccer rankings — up two spots from the last edition.

Talent is sprinkled all across the Stallions’ roster with defenders Brooke Birrell (Maryland commit) and Avril Silva (George Washington) marshaling the backline, seniors Abigail Colangelo (Duquesne) and Lauren Dupont (Northeastern) controlling the midfield, and forwards Jaidyn Curry (Dartmouth), Riley Brodrick (Ithaca College) and Tusca Mahmoudpour (Miami) leading the front line. That doesn’t even included injured defender Alyssa Cacace (Virginia Military Institute).

(Note that these rankings do not include teams from Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina, as their seasons are nearly done.)

Breaking news: your 2021 Girls Soccer State Champions 🥇@soco_gsoc @fcpsnews @Karen4Schools @soco_principal @LJ4fcps pic.twitter.com/Bm63MVykS0
— Brett M. Garner (he/him) (@GARNERyourGRIT) June 24, 2021

1. Valor Christian (Colo.), 12-0

The Eagles have not lost a regular season game in over three years and have outscored opponents 59-3 this season.

2. South County (Va.), 10-0-1

The Stallions are two wins away from a second consecutive undefeated regular season.

3. Bentonville (Ark.), 16-0-2

If the Tigers avoid defeat in their regular season finale, they will enter the playoffs undefeated.

4. Gretna (Neb.), 17-0

The Dragons opened postseason play Monday with a 16-1 victory.

5. Colonial Forge (Va.), 11-0

The Eagles just keep winning, and their season-opening win over Colgan looks better and better as the Sharks move up the rankings.

6. Valley (Iowa), 12-0

The Tigers have posted three consecutive shutouts and allowed just one goal in the last seven games.

7. St. Thomas Aquinas (Kan.), 12-0-1

The Saints earned a 1-0 double-overtime victory Tuesday over Blue Valley West, last season’s Class 6A state champions.

8. Colgan (Va.), 11-1-1

Led by junior forward Samantha DeGuzman, a Virginia Tech commit, the Sharks are averaging over four goals per game.

9. Broken Arrow (Okla.), 12-1

Broken Arrow cruised in its state playoff opener Monday and is now three wins from a state championship.

10. Legacy (Colo.), 13-1

The Lightning returned to the field Tuesday after six days off and cruised to a 10-0 win.

11. Yorktown (Va.), 10-1

Yorktown has reeled off 10 consecutive victories, nine by two goals or more.

12. Marian (Mich.), 7-0

The Mustangs scored the game-winning goal with less than two minutes left Tuesday, extending their perfect start under new head coach Reid Friedrichs.

Agatha Valka with a game winning goal for @MarianSoccer with 1:32 remaining to lift the Mustangs over @FGRathletics, 3-2!!! HUGE @CHSL1926 win! #MarianStrong #RoadWarriors pic.twitter.com/OOWh86vo0U
— Marian High School Athletics (@marianathletics) May 3, 2022

13. Fort Zumwalt South (Mo.), 18-1

The reigning Class 3A state champion Bulldogs have reeled off seven consecutive wins.

14. Triad (Ill.), 16-1

The Knights’ 41-game unbeaten streak ended with a 2-0 loss to Waterloo.

15. Pine Creek (Colo.), 14-0

The Eagles have scored 90 goals for an average of 6.4 per game.

16. Wade Hampton (S.C.), 18-1

The Generals appear to be peaking ahead of the state playoffs, having outscored opponents 12-1 in their last five games.

17. O’Fallon (Ill.), 14-1

Senior forward Avery Christopher spearheads the attack with 27 goals, over a third of the team’s scoring output.

18. Naperville Central (Ill.), 13-1-1

A rare goal against resulted in a 1-0 loss for the Redhawks.

19. Liberty North (Mo.), 15-0

The Eagles have already matched last year’s win total with two more regular-season games to go, and in doing so, make their first appearance in the rankings.

20. Wando (S.C.), 14-1

It’s not often that defending state champions in the highest classification fly under the radar. But the Warriors make their first appearance in the rankings on the back of a 14-game winning streak, including a 1-0 win over James Island on April 28.

21. Oregon (Wis.), 11-0

The Panthers’ dominance continued with a 6-0 win Wednesday. They have now outscored opponents 69-3 this season.

22. James Island (S.C.), 15-1-1

With a loss to Wando, James Island ended the regular season on a sour note, but now turns its attention to repeating as Class AAAA state champions.

23. Grandview (Colo.), 11-1-2

With over a week off, the Wolves will be well-rested when they face fellow 6A power Columbine in the regular-season finale.

24. St. Dominic (Mo.), 15-2

A 4-2 win Wednesday keeps the Crusaders on the right track.

25. Broomfield (Colo.), 11-2

With another 2-1 loss, the Eagles’ second in three games, Broomfield tumbled down the rankings.

One way to vault up the rankings: beat the top-ranked team.

That’s exactly what Valor Christian (Colo.) did Saturday, coming back from a halftime deficit to defeat Broomfield (Colo.) 2-1 and deal the Eagles their first loss in three years.

After Broomfield opened the scoring with a first-half tally, Valor Christian responded with two second-half goals. Oregon commit Ajanae Respass continued her hot start to the season with an equalizing goal and an assist on Peyton Parsons’ game-winning score.

Both Respass and Parsons have led the Eagles’ explosive offense, which is averaging over five goals per game. Respass has a team-high 11 goals in nine games plus five assists, while Parsons is second on the team with eight goals and leads the way with seven assists.

With their statement win over Broomfield, Valor Christian has climbed from fifth in last week’s JWS high school soccer rankings to No. 1 this week.

(Note that these rankings do not include teams from Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina, as those states are already in or close to their postseasons.)

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1. Valor Christian (Colo.), 10-0

Valor Christian went undefeated in the regular season last year before losing in the 5A semifinals. The Eagles hope to avoid that fate this spring.

2. Triad (Ill.), 15-0

The Knights just keep winning, extending their unbeaten streak to 41 games (40 wins, one draw) and their winning streak to 39 matches.

3. Naperville Central (Ill.), 11-0-1

The Redhawks’ defense continues to shut down opponents. The offense just couldn’t find the back of the net in a scoreless tie with Naperville North on Monday.

4. South County (Va.), 8-0-1

The Stallions have not lost since 2019 and appear primed for another deep postseason run.

5. Broomfield (Colo.), 11-1

The Eagles rebounded from their loss to Valor Christian, their first defeat since 2019, with a resounding 8-0 win Monday.

6. Bentonville (Ark.), 14-0-2

The Tigers tied defending 6A state champions Fayetteville 2-2 on Tuesday.

7. Legacy (Colo.), 12-1

A loss to Broomfield is the only blemish on the schedule for Legacy, which has reeled off three consecutive wins since that defeat.

8. Gretna (Neb.), 16-0

The Dragons capped an undefeated regular-season with another shutout win, their 14th of the season. Gretna hasn’t allowed a goal since March 29.

9. Colonial Forge (Va.), 9-0

The Eagles tied last year’s Class 6A runners-up Patriot in a preseason scrimmage. Since then, Colonial Forge has won nine straight and outscored opponents 51-3.

10. Valley (Iowa), 10-0

The Tigers are averaging 3.6 goals per game and squeaked out a 1-0 win Tuesday over Dowling Catholic.

11. Broken Arrow (Okla.), 11-1

Broken Arrow won a district championship with a 1-0 win Tuesday, handing Owasso, No. 24 in last week’s rankings, its first loss of the season.

12. Colgan (Va.) 10-1-1

The Sharks have won six consecutive games since a scoreless draw with South County on March 31.

13. St. Thomas Aquinas (Kan.), 11-0

The Saints defeated Blue Valley Southwest 3-1 on Tuesday in a rematch of last year’s Class 5A state championship game, which St. Thomas Aquinas also won.

Girls soccer final score against BVSW. @stasaints_GSCR pic.twitter.com/zL954yLXVP
— GoAquinasSaints (@GoAquinasSaints) April 27, 2022

14. O’Fallon (Ill.), 13-1

Since losing to Triad, O’Fallon has outscored its opponents 23-4 in five consecutive wins.

15. James Island (S.C.), 15-0-2

The Trojans, who have not lost in over a year, have four players who have scored 10 goals or more, led by senior Lilli Ray’s 17 goals.

16. Yorktown (Va.), 9-1

The Patriots have won their last two games by a combined score of 16-0.

17. Bloomfield Hills Marian (Mich.), 5-0

A 13-day break did not slow down the Mustangs, who recorded an 8-2 win Tuesday.

18. Chapin (S.C.), 18-1

Goalkeeper Peyton Henderson stopped a penalty kick to preserve the shutout, and the Eagles recorded a 2-0 win Friday to claim a region championship.

19. Lyons Township (Ill.), 12-0

Runners-up to O’Fallon in 3A last season, the Lions are gearing up for another postseason run.

20. Blue Valley West (Kan.), 7-1

It was an eventful week for the Jaguars, who won the Blue Springs South High School Tournament in Missouri but lost to sub-.500 Blue Valley Northwest on Tuesday.

21. Grandview (Colo.), 11-1-2

Grandview’s 1-0 loss to Valor Christian earlier in the season doesn’t look so bad anymore. Incredibly, that was just one of two goals the Eagles have given up this season.

22. St. Dominic (Mo.), 12-2

The Crusaders were shut out Tuesday in a 2-0 defeat to Liberty (Wentzville) but have outscored opponents 41-2 in their 12 wins.

23. Fort Zumwalt South (Mo.), 15-1

Since a 2-1 loss to Eureka, the Bulldogs have won four straight games by a combined margin of 18-3.

24. Pine Creek (Colo.), 12-0

The Eagles have outscored opponents 75-3 this season.

25. Wade Hampton (S.C.), 16-1

The Generals won their first region championship since 1989 last week and then followed that with two more shutout victories.

The last time the Triad High School (Ill.) soccer team lost a game, the world was a much different place. The Knights’ 38-game unbeaten run (37 wins, one draws) stretches back to May 31, 2019.

After the pandemic scuttled the 2020 season before it began, Triad went undefeated last year en route to claiming the Illinois 2A state championship, including a regular-season win over eventual 3A state champ O’Fallon.

The Knights have outscored opponents by 50 goals so far this season, beating teams by an average of more than four goals. They have faced stiff competition, too, besting O’Fallon 1-0 earlier this month.

That stellar run has catapulted Triad to the No. 3 spot in our first spring soccer rankings.

Note that these rankings do not include teams from Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina, as those states are already in or close to their postseasons.

Thank you @TriadHighSchool and @TriadKnights for recognizing both programs tonight! It was great getting the band back together! Reunion tour starts in March 😉 #triadproud pic.twitter.com/f5Y32vAJQt
— Triad Lady Knights Soccer (@TriadGirlsSoc) December 24, 2021

1. Broomfield (Colo.), 9-0

The defending Class 5A state champions last lost May 10, 2019 and have outscored opponents 26-3 this season.

2. Naperville Central (Ill.), 9-0

With multiple future Division I players on the backline, headlined by Missouri-bound Sophia Skoubis and North Dakota commit Sarah McCracken, the Redhawks have not allowed a goal this season.

3. Triad (Ill.), 12-0

The Knights aren’t showing any signs of slowing down with a 13-0 win on Tuesday.

4. South County (Va.), 8-0-1

The Stallions bring back eight starters and 16 players overall from last year’s undefeated state championship squad.

5. Valor Christian (Colo.), 7-0

Oregon commit Ajanae Respass has scored seven goals in six games, and a matchup against No. 1 Broomfield looms on Saturday.

6. Bentonville (Ark.), 13-0-1

The Tigers have already avenged their three losses from last season, including beating the defending 6A champions, Fayetteville.

7. St. Dominic (Mo.), 11-1

The two-time defending state champions are led by senior forward Grace Bindbeutel, who was named the Gatorade Missouri Girls Soccer Player of the Year as a sophomore.

8. Legacy (Colo.), 10-1

The Lightning have to share the spotlight with cross-town rival Broomfield, which beat Legacy earlier this season, but are an impressive team in their own right.

9. Gretna (Neb.), 12-0

The defending Class A state champions have picked up right where they left off, outscoring opponents 67-3 and beating last year’s Class B state champs.

10. Colonial Forge (Va.), 8-0-1

The Eagles opened the season with a tie against last year’s Class 6A runner-up, Patriot, and then beat powerhouse Charles J. Colgan.

11. Fort Zumwalt South (Mo.), 11-0

The reigning Class 3A champions have won all their games by two goals or more.

12. Valley (Iowa), 8-0

Abbey Van Wyngarden is averaging a goal and an assist per game for a team that has won 24 of its last 25 games.

13. Blue Valley West (Kan.), 5-0

Gunning for a fifth consecutive state title, the Jaguars are off to a fast start.

14. Colgan (Va.), 10-1-1

The sole blemishes for the Sharks: a loss to Colonial Forge and a scoreless draw with South County.

15. Broken Arrow (Okla.), 9-1

The Tigers’ only loss was to Georgia powerhouse Westminster.

Free kick to celebrate my birthday! 🥳💪🏻#freshmanszn pic.twitter.com/7hNNShSmC1
— Lyla Marrs (@LylaMarrs) April 13, 2022

16. Bloomfield Hills Marian (Mich.), 4-0

The Mustangs are aiming for their fifth consecutive state title.

17. St. Thomas Aquinas (Kan.), 9-0

The reigning 5A champions have picked up right where they left off last season with a plus-30 goal difference.

18. O’Fallon (Ill.), 10-1

Last year’s 3A state champions have won two straight since losing to Triad.

19. James Island (S.C.), 12-0-2

The Trojans, defending state champions, have won 11 straight after tying two of their first three games.

20. Omaha Marian (Neb.), 11-1

It looks like it will be another banner year for Omaha Marian, which has won 14 state championships and finished runner-up six other times.

21. Muskego (Wis.), 5-0-1

The Warriors have conceded just two goals for an average of 0.33 goals allowed per game.

22. Chapin (S.C.), 17-1

Chapin has yet to be beaten in regulation, with its sole defeat coming on penalty kicks.

23. Yorktown (Va.), 7-1

Yorktown has reeled off seven consecutive wins since a 1-0 loss to South County in the opener.

24. Owasso (Okla.), 12-0

Owasso will face its toughest opponents yet as the regular season winds down, including Broken Arrow.

25. Lyons Township (Ill.), 9-0

Runners-up to O’Fallon last year, Lyons has played lockdown defense so far this season, giving up just one goal.

Maya Nnaji is one of the 10 best high school basketball players in the country, a three-time state champion and a McDonald’s All-American.

But those close to the Arizona commit know basketball doesn’t define her; it’s just a part of who she is.

Nnaji, the Hopkins High School (Minnetonka, Minn.) senior, is an aspiring doctor who provides care packages to homeless people across Minneapolis; an amateur writer whose teacher encouraged her to turn a short story into a novel; and a trustee in the Nnaji Family Foundation, which is building basketball courts and educational centers across Nigeria.

“[Athlete] is what she is now,” said Gillian McNeal, one of Nnaji’s former teachers. “But the skills and things she learned, she’s taking it and branching out in so many ways. She’s going to help the world.”

Nnaji, 18, counts Maya Moore as a role model, and not just because of the WNBA MVP’s on-court accomplishments: Nnaji watched in awe as Moore stepped away from the game at her peak in 2019 to fight for social justice and help free Jonathan Irons, who was serving a 50-year prison sentence for a crime he did not commit.

“She knows she has bigger things to chase and more important things to work on,” Nnaji said of Moore. “People maybe didn’t understand her decision, but it really resonated with me.”

Nnaji’s holistic worldview is by design. Her parents, Apham and Janel, have always made sure their children’s interests stretch beyond sports. Nnaji, her younger sister Josie and her older brother Zeke, who now plays for the Denver Nuggets, join their parents on regular trips to Apham’s native Nigeria. All three children are also musically inclined — Nnaji has sung the national anthem before games, Zeke is a virtuoso piano player and Josie plays the piano and guitar. And then there’s the extra classwork.

“My parents made sure we filled our extra time with doing extra schoolwork,” Maya said. “Doing extra math stuff, doing a lot of reading, doing a lot of writing, practicing spelling and making sure we’re excelling in everything we can do.”

That includes helping others. Nnaji hopes to follow in Moore’s footsteps, whatever direction that might take her in — even if it means stepping away from the game earlier than expected.

***

The Nnaji Family Foundation (Courtesy of Apham Nnaji)

Nnaji’s desire to be of service to disadvantaged populations stretches back to the beginning of high school.

For a ninth-grade community service project, Nnaji decided to give out care packages around Minneapolis. She, Janel and Josie bought paper bags and blankets from Menards, fruits, vegetables and bread from Sam’s Club and Costco, and toiletries from the Dollar Store. They put together individual packages and drove around the city, offering them to the homeless.

“I didn’t give them a house. I didn’t give them a bunch of money,” Nnaji said. “I could do more to save their lives. But I felt like it was so touching to see the small act of kindness just make their whole day.”

Nnaji and Josie continue to deliver care packages today and have named the informal initiative “Silent Strength.”

That same year, in McNeal’s language arts class, Nnaji penned a powerful story on civil rights and police brutality.

“The kid grew up in a family, and they all did everything right,” Nnaji said, describing the story. “Then his dad was killed from a gang-initiation and his mom was killed being pulled over by a cop. It talks about the system of oppression that Black people are in. No matter how hard you work, you can work twice as hard and still be taken by the system.”

McNeal was so impressed, she told Nnaji to turn the short story into a novel.

“A ninth grader writing like this is uncanny,” McNeal said. “I remember bringing it back and saying, ‘I don’t even know what to say. This was unreal and I think I need you to make this into a book.’

“To get this voice out there, especially in the times we are living in now, this is such a strong voice and it’s actually being written by a teen, which has a whole other level of impact on people.”

The book remains a work in progress, but Apham has promised to get it published if her daughter finishes writing. McNeal said she wants an autographed copy.

Nnaji’s perspective is informed in part by those family trips to Nigeria, where she came across families unable to get necessary medical care because they lacked money for hospital visits.

“You have people dying from simple and curable diseases,” Nnaji said.

Arizona offered Nnaji, a 6-foot-4 forward who averaged 16.5 points and 9.3 rebounds this season, a pathway to pursue basketball and medicine. A Zoom call with Arizona President Dr. Robert Robbins was a major factor in her decision. A cardiac surgeon and former president and CEO of the Texas Medical Center, Riggins promised to write letters of recommendation and mentor Maya.

“The plan has already been set in place for her,” Apham said. “She’ll be doing summer school to catch up. The whole thing is set up for her to be successful.”

And Nnaji is already thinking about how to best maximize her time. She has applied for Arizona’s Accelerated Pathway to Medical Education program, which would allow her to finish undergraduate and medical school in seven years, instead of eight.

“I know I’m doing it for more than just myself,” Nnaji said. “I’m doing it for thousands and thousands of people who will be able to benefit, and thousands of people I can save and help.”

On a recruiting visit to Arizona in October, helping others wasn’t far from Nnaji’s mind. During a meal with coaches, Nnaji noticed some food had been left untouched. Knowing she wasn’t going to eat the leftovers, she boxed it up, and Arizona head coach Adia Barnes drove her around Tucson as they delivered it to the needy.

“Coach Adia was saying it’s awesome you care so much for so many people,” Nnaji recalled. “She was saying, ‘When you get here, we can do it more often, anytime we’re on road trips or we can have the fans come and do a food donation, do a food drive and deliver it to people around the city as well.’”

***

end of an era🥺💙 pic.twitter.com/TjfQjkoIhE
— Maya Nnaji (@maya_nnaji) March 20, 2022

The Nnaji Family Foundation, founded shortly after Zeke was drafted into the NBA in 2020, plans to build five basketball courts and educational centers across Nigeria and hold basketball camps across the U.S., including in Fort Collins, Colo.

As a trustee in the foundation, Nnaji is working with Josie to design jerseys kids will wear at those camps.

“In terms of overall vision, they are intimately involved,” said Apham, who co-founded the foundation with Zeke. “They are kids. They know what other kids want.”

The foundation wants to help 300 Nigerian children learn the game of basketball and get hands-on technological training, an experience most college graduates in Nigeria don’t receive, Apham said.

Feeding the hungry is also a priority, with the foundation recently providing 26 meals to families in Nigeria.

“My family, we’ve always vowed that if we’re ever successful, we’re going to make sure to give back first,” Nnaji said. “That’s what we’re doing.”

Much like UConn star Paige Bueckers, her former Hopkins teammate, Nnaji wants to be an inspiration for thousands of girls. But her dreams don’t end there.

Moore gave up basketball for a higher cause. Nnaji’s professional career is still years away, but she’s already prepared to make a similar sacrifice.

“It might be something I have to do,” Nnaji said, her voice taking on a solemn tone, “step away from a game I love to be able to help people that I love.”