TYLER EZELL
Anoka-Hennepin • adapted soccer
After scoring both goals in the adapted soccer state championship game on Saturday, Tyler Ezell explained his impressive showing in Anoka-Hennepin's 2-0 victory against Robbinsdale/Hopkins/Mound Westonka.
"I've been practicing a lot," said Ezell, a sophomore midfielder.
Ezell's performance stood out as his team upended seven-time defending champion Robins in the title match in the physically impaired division.
Ezell, who scored his first goal about 11 minutes into the game, showed off nifty dribble moves throughout the contest, frequently getting past the Robins' defense to fire off shots.
"[Dribbling is] definitely one of his strengths. He's probably our best passer on the team too, so being able to free himself to dribble the ball to the other players is a big help to us," coach Sue Opat said.
Ezell also showed toughness at the beginning of the second half. He quickly bounced back up after colliding with Robins' goalie Vincent Luu and then buried a penalty kick.
"He's our leading goal scorer, so we kind of expect that from him," Opat said.
ABBIE DOLAN
Visitation • Swimming
The senior capped a stellar high school career by adding five state championships – winning the 100 and 200 freestyles, anchoring the winning 200 and 400 freestyle realy teams and leading the Blazers to their third consecutive Class 1A team title. She graduates with 12 state titles to her credit.
