Ryan has scored three goals with four assists this season. His offense takes a backseat to what the Skippers are trying to accomplish as a group. The Skippers were eliminated in the Class 2A quarterfinals in 2023.
“We are looking to make a deep run in the state tournament,” Ryan said. “Anything short of a state championship would be considered a failure. We would all be disappointed.”
Kathyrn Adler of Champlin Park
Adler is a big reason the Rebels have vaulted to No. 1 in the Class 4A coaches association poll. The Rebels (17-2) are riding an 11-game win streak, including victories over No. 2 Lakeville North, No. 3 Lakeville South and Class 3A, No. 3 Northfield. The senior middle blocker, who is headed to Jacksonville University, has been a difference-maker both offensively and defensively, with 103 kills, 17 blocks, and a .461 hitting percentage during a seven-match span. “Kathryn is an outstanding athlete and talented volleyball player,” Champlin Park coach John Yunker said.
The senior halfback/defensive back was dynamic for the Raiders in a 55-35 victory over Hopkins. He rushed for 347 yards on 23 carries and four touchdowns, scoring on runs of 3, 38, 40 and 87 yards. He also returned a kickoff 74 yards for a touchdown after Hopkins closed the gap to 42-35. “Javon had a gutsy performance, playing both sides of the ball,” Roseville coach Andy Stephenson said. “It wasn’t just his tough runs that made us successful. It was his ability to find a seam off of some great blocking by his linemen and fullback that allowed him to spring some really long runs. He had a couple of really big tackles on defense as well.”
The Silverstreaks junior is 22-0 this season and ranked fifth in Class 1A by the coaches association. “Leah has had a great season building off her second-place finish at the state tournament a year ago,” said Ryan Maddock, her father and the Osakis coach. “She has made strong improvements with her serve, her fitness and her mental toughness from a year ago. She is a tireless worker.”
Moses Kamara of Armstrong
The Falcons are 11-2-3 thanks to the play of Kamara. The junior forward had a hat trick in a 5-4 victory over Blaine and scored twice in a 5-0 win against Spring Lake Park. ”Every single one of his 24 goals have been crucial,” Falcons coach Jordan Escobar said. “Many of his goals have come in clutch moments, helping us overturn deficits or break deadlocks in the second half. He has an exceptional ability to glide past defenders with a combination of grace and speed, followed by a powerful shot.”