NEPS Day 1 Top Performers
Article Written by Sheldon Shealer
Published: January 8, 2016
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Day 1 of the Natonal Elite Prep Showcase wrapped up Thursday and featured several of the nation's top winter-playing girls teams, and along with it plenty of elite talent.
M Hannah Allred, Nolan Catholic (Texas), Jr.: She was dangerous once she got the ball. She also moved well and was very versatile -- playing both fom the left and right sides. Allred is committed to SMU(w).
F Katy Brown, Marcus (Texas), So.: Brown scored the first two goals in Marcus' victory.
M Courtney Corrin, Harvard-Westlake (Calif.), Sr.: Exceptionally fast and very good on the ball. She had a back-heel pass to herself that left the defender all tied up.
F Grace Cory, Southlake Carroll (Texas), Sr.: One of the top players at NEPS last year is back at it again this year. Cory scored twice to help finish off Southlake Carroll's first opponent. Cory is committed to Texas A&M(w).
F Nathalia Da Silva, Montverde Academy (Fla.), Sr.: Perhaps the most polished, uncommitted senior in the nation. A native of Brazil is not a burner but is exceptionally fast and confident with the ball at her feet. She's very dangerous in 1-v-1 situations. Da Silva already has 35 goals this season, in 16 matches.
F Alexandria Griffin, Southlake Carroll (Texas), Jr.: Griffin made her Southlake Carroll debut a special night, scoring twice in the team's 6-0 win. Griffin has committed to Texas A&A(w).
D Avery Hall, McKinney Boyd (Texas), Jr.: Hall turned in a very strong performance, helping Boyd shut out previously undefeated Ursuline Academy. Hall is committed to Kansas(w).
D Sara Houchin, Coppell (Texas), Jr.: She's the "safety net." Houchin is an outstanding outside defender, but also makes her presence known in the attack. Her perfectly played, left-footed pass sprung a teammate for a breakaway that led to a game-opening penalty kick, which she converted. Despite being a junior, she was selected as team captain by her teammates. Houchen is committed to Auburn(w).
M Taylor Jordan, McKinney Boyd (Texas), So.: Jordan spent time at attacking mid and outside mid and gave Boyd some very important minutes. Her pass to Celia Hilsabeck resulted in the team's first goal in a 2-0 win.
F Allie Luna, Southlake Carroll (Texas), Sr.: One of several offensive weapons in a loaded Southlake Carroll lineup. Although a forward by nature, her play on this night was setting up teammates for goals while scoring one of her own. Luna is committed to Kansas State(w).
F McKenzie McFarland, Coppell (Texas), So.: McFadden stepped into a new role and was very active in the attacking third. She provided a lot of movement - side-to-side and pushing up and getting back. She kept the defenses guessing where she was going to be next. McFarland is committed to Texas(w).
M Taylor Moon, Marcus (Texas), So.: Moon had a goal and two assists in her season debut with the Marauders. She's very active, checking back for the ball and able to turn and attack. Moon is committed to Baylor(w).
M Atupele Mshana, Bishop Lynch (Texas), Sr.: A defender by trade, Mshana has been pushed into the midfield on the high school team in order create some offense for a squad that graduated seven seniors from last year's title-winning team. Mshana was a physical presence. Mshana is committed to Texas(w).
M Tyler Runnels, Coppell (Texas), So.: Had a flick into the side net, and hit a legit volley with power. Runnels, who has committed to Arkansas, may emerge as the team's top offensive threat this season. Runnels is committed to Arkansas.
D Sofia Salonen, Montverde Academy (Fla.), Jr.: The junior defender scored Montverde Academy's first goal and was a steady defender. A strength of her gam were her quality distrubtions, even when under pressure. She's from Finland, and it has not been decided if she will finish up her education in the U.S. or return to Finland next school year.
M Jackie Stacy, Plano West (Texas), So.: Stacy did a good job holding up and slowing, at times, Nolan's Allred.
D Holly Streber, [Vandergrift tx-w] (Texas), Jr.: Very solid in the back who has the ability to play simple and consice. Streber has committed to Texas State.
D Grace Wall, Plano West (Texas), Sr.: Wall is fast, keep position well and had great vision. Her play helped Plano West hold Nolan Catholic scoreless.
M Chelsee Washington, Hebron (Texas), Sr.: Washington scored the first goal and proceeded to dminant the midfield the rest of the match as Hebron defeated Harvard-Westlake. Washington is committed to Bowling Green(w).
