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Post by beauchenecoach on Feb 21, 2019 10:58:32 GMT -6
I expect Carson to be suiting up for Shreveport United again this summer. I personally haven’t seen him play but from a few coaches, whos opinions I value, have said nothing but great things about him. Hopefully I’ll see him Saturday night for all-star game. I went and shook this young man's hand after the state championship game last night. I did that as much for what I saw after the heartbreaking loss as I did for what I saw from him on the pitch. He played an outstanding game, and after losing in overtime, this young man's head never went down, he consoled his teammates, and then stood in front of a camera for several minutes doing an interview. My words don't capture just how impressive his actions were. He's a very good player, but I'm not going to say he's the best player in the state. However, when you consider all 3 components of Gatorade's selection criteria, this young man is definitely a strong candidate in my book. Well done Carson Berry, and all the best to you. Great player on the field... But the way the young after and reacted to such a loss of the field after the game tells everyone all they need to know about how special of a human being Carson Berry is. He is the undeniable leader of that team and those boys. That whole school student section was there and he thanked them all personally. Then, most amazingly, almost the entire Loyola team seemed to wait in line, 1 by 1 to take a final picture with him in his last high school game. His amazing attitude and the way everyone looked up to him after the game was perhaps one of the best things many of us in the press box had seen in a long time. That is a great indicator for how special of leader Carson was to those young men. Just an amazing sight and wanted to share that here since his name was mentioned. That young man will definitely be a success in life with these type of characteristics.
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Post by brsoccerdad50 on Feb 21, 2019 16:08:40 GMT -6
Another worthy candidate to consider would be Parrish Anderson of ESA.
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Post by smoser on Feb 21, 2019 21:44:06 GMT -6
Gatorade reps will contact you all... it doesnt have to be senior players but bc of the extra- cur stuff it helps. Every time they've contacted me about one of my players they spend more time asking about the other nominees. I'm sure I helped , and wholeheartedly/ gladfully helped, Jesuit snr Ben Hicks win a few years ago. He was a former club player of mine at Lakeview Soccer but was the most deserving of the that year. Blame Gallstar for my honesty.
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Post by sissoko on Feb 21, 2019 23:02:15 GMT -6
Gatorade reps will contact you all... it doesnt have to be senior players but bc of the extra- cur stuff it helps. Every time they've contacted me about one of my players they spend more time asking about the other nominees. I'm sure I helped , and wholeheartedly/ gladfully helped, Jesuit snr Ben Hicks win a few years ago. He was a former club player of mine at Lakeview Soccer but was the most deserving of the that year. Blame Gallstar for my honesty. Ben was more than deserving. Refreshing to see other coaches speaking highly of these players around these parts and appreciating the responsibility of nominating the best. As we self promotion has become the norm, it’s refreshing to see coaches acknowledge more deserving players from other teams. Hindsight or not, we could use more of it around these parts. Good luck to all players involved. With that in mind, I’d like to offer this- Having worked with or against some of the other players mentioned (even if only sparingly from helping with ODP or coaching against them), my vote would go to Carson Berry. To be fair, I havent seen some of the others as much, but I can only attest to my experience. There without a doubt seems to be some other deserving candidates that should stand right there with him, but here’s my experience- As a former recipient of the award- Carson has embodied what I would hope the recipient of the award would represent. He’s a humble and team-oriented player, but he also knows when to put everyone on his back (see the game-tying goal in the final -and if you didn’t, PM me and I’ll send it to you). He’s matured to be a true team leader this year and not only has he shown nothing but class in the most trying of circumstances, but he’s shown maturity to maintain it during difficult times. I’m sure other posters will share his accomplishments and accolades as well as their opinions. He easily has the stats to earn it, we know that. He’s faced the circumstances to demand it, and he’s maintained the class to deserve it. He has accomplished a lot to proud of, and while I’m sure he doesn’t need it, I believe he does deserve it. That’s only my opinion, but I feel compelled to share it. I know the award isn’t decided in the forums, but just sharing my opinion. I’d also be remissed I’d i didn’t remind everyone reading this that just to be mentioned is an accomplishment in itself, and no player should be defined by a selection committee. Good luck to everyone left in playoffs, and I hope everyone has either enjoyed it or continues to enjoy the experience. It’s always quite the ride regardless.
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Post by uhscubs1 on Feb 22, 2019 5:50:05 GMT -6
Gatorade reps will contact you all... it doesnt have to be senior players but bc of the extra- cur stuff it helps. Every time they've contacted me about one of my players they spend more time asking about the other nominees. I'm sure I helped , and wholeheartedly/ gladfully helped, Jesuit snr Ben Hicks win a few years ago. He was a former club player of mine at Lakeview Soccer but was the most deserving of the that year. Blame Gallstar for my honesty. As a former recipient of the award- Carson has embodied what I would hope the recipient of the award would represent. He’s a humble and team-oriented player, but he also knows when to put everyone on his back (see the game-tying goal in the final -and if you didn’t, PM me and I’ll send it to you). He’s matured to be a true team leader this year and not only has he shown nothing but class in the most trying of circumstances, but he’s shown maturity to maintain it during difficult times. I’m sure other posters will share his accomplishments and accolades as well as their opinions. I will add this tidbit to Mr. Berry. My son said he was "marking " Berry at the very end of the game and they were "jockeying" for position. He said as soon as the whistle blew to end the game, Carson turned to him shook his hand and told him "Good game."
That seems like such a small thing to most folks I think but when the context of the situation is truly understood; an emotional roller coaster 80 minute game that went 20 extra minutes of OT and his team lost on basically a last second shot and just for good measure throw on that he is a senior it is just a little a phenomenal to me. I want to go to his parents and say, "Well done!"
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Post by soccerwatcher26 on Feb 23, 2019 20:50:29 GMT -6
As a parent of a center back. I often wonder why the "best player in state" candidates are always on the offensive side of the ball? My son as a defender sometimes has 18-20 goals in a season off of set pieces and sometimes even shuts down theses players mentioned. Not trying cause an uproar just asking a viable question?
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Post by futballer on Feb 23, 2019 21:51:41 GMT -6
A very valid question. I think it does get lost sometimes that to win games, teams have to both score goals and also stop the opponent from scoring. I’ve seen some defenders who can literally take over a game by shutting down the other team’s offensive rhythm. A strong defender is fearless, reads the game and plays with anticipation, stays calm under pressure, makes smart choices when to play the ball short or long, or make a timely run up the field....
Some may disagree, but in my opinion, having a strong defense is equally as important as having a player who can score up top.
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Post by soccerfan583 on Feb 23, 2019 21:55:39 GMT -6
As a parent of a center back. I often wonder why the "best player in state" candidates are always on the offensive side of the ball? My son as a defender sometimes has 18-20 goals in a season off of set pieces and sometimes even shuts down theses players mentioned. Not trying cause an uproar just asking a viable question? last year a keeper was Gatorade player of the year.
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Post by soccerfan583 on Feb 23, 2019 21:57:15 GMT -6
As a parent of a center back. I often wonder why the "best player in state" candidates are always on the offensive side of the ball? My son as a defender sometimes has 18-20 goals in a season off of set pieces and sometimes even shuts down theses players mentioned. Not trying cause an uproar just asking a viable question? last year a keeper was Gatorade player of the year. attacking players get the credit because their impacts are immediately seen with goals, while defensive players do the mostly unseen work or less appreciated because a goal is much more instantaneous high for a team and is remembered.
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Post by realitycheck on Mar 1, 2019 13:44:12 GMT -6
Candidate - Carson Berry #2 • Senior (18 y/o) • Loyola College Prep. (Shreveport, LA) • Forward/Attacking Mid. • 6’2” • 190 lbs •31 ACT •3.67 gpa •Prospective Engineering Student • Freshman- (2015/16) - 22 goals. 20 assists. (24 games). 66 pts. <16-11-2> Lost in D-III playoffs. • Sophomore (2016/17) - 26 goals. 16 assists. (31 games). 73 pts. <15-13-3> Lost in D-III quarters. • Junior (2017/18) - 27 goals. 18 assists. (28 games). 73 pts. <13-11-5> Lost in D-III quarters. • Senior (2018/19) - 35 goals. 20 assists. (25 games). 86 pts. <19-9-4> Lost in State Championship runner up). 4-5 (OT) vs. U. High • 110 Career Goals. (2019) • Loyola College Prep. all time leading scorer (previously held at 74 goals). (2019) • First Team All-State • First Team All-City • First Team All-District • District Overall MVP • District Offensive MVP (Soph.) •United Soccer Coaches/MaxPreps High school Player of the Week (1/21/19-1/27/9). (2019). •2019 Louisiana East West All Star Game Participant. (2019). Is he playing at the next level?
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Post by laffysoccermom on Mar 2, 2019 5:04:33 GMT -6
I think some of the reason defenders aren’t recognized as much is lack of stats. You can look at an attacking player and see goals scored and against who. Can somewhat compare players that way. Same thing with keepers- saves are kept and you can look who they held scoreless etc. A defender is more difficult- the only way you can really get a feel for them is to see them play and likely in more than one game.
I know stats can be misleading but they are easier.
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Post by loJic on Mar 2, 2019 10:09:25 GMT -6
When is the last time we’ve seen a top notch defender from a dominating team? You could argue Garvey but he played CB a handful of times the last two seasons. There are others that have been quality but none have been the catalyst to their team’s success.
Phil Hicks was the last defender, not keeper, to get GPOY. He was a stellar player.
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Post by Formerhcpops on Mar 2, 2019 13:29:45 GMT -6
When is the last time we’ve seen a top notch defender from a dominating team? You could argue Garvey but he played CB a handful of times the last two seasons. There are others that have been quality but none have been the catalyst to their team’s success. Phil Hicks was the last defender, not keeper, to get GPOY. He was a stellar player. I'll second that, somewhat. Garvey's scholarship to U of Evansville (D1) is as a CB, which is his stock and trade in club. He's played varyingly at holding mid, CM, and forward the last two years for Holy Cross. In those roles he's learned more of the game and become an even more effective CB. Not so great for stats or top-end awards but great for getting the nuances of the game. Kudos to Holy Cross and Matt & Stu for developing the whole person and player. GPOY? Sure, why not? He's a killer student, too. But, I don't know enough about other kids to say and I'm not going to post his entire CV here. There are many hard-working, deserving scholar athletes in this state. I just know I'm proud of my son. That's enough for me. Anything else is a bonus. Safe and happy Mardi Gras to all!
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Post by loJic on Mar 2, 2019 14:10:46 GMT -6
When is the last time we’ve seen a top notch defender from a dominating team? You could argue Garvey but he played CB a handful of times the last two seasons. There are others that have been quality but none have been the catalyst to their team’s success. Phil Hicks was the last defender, not keeper, to get GPOY. He was a stellar player. I'll second that, somewhat. Garvey's scholarship to U of Evansville (D1) is as a CB, which is his stock and trade in club. He's played varyingly at holding mid, CM, and forward the last two years for Holy Cross. In those roles he's learned more of the game and become an even more effective CB. Not so great for stats or top-end awards but great for getting the nuances of the game. Kudos to Holy Cross and Matt & Stu for developing the whole person and player. GPOY? Sure, why not? He's a killer student, too. But, I don't know enough about other kids to say and I'm not going to post his entire CV here. There are many hard-working, deserving scholar athletes in this state. I just know I'm proud of my son. That's enough for me. Anything else is a bonus. Safe and happy Mardi Gras to all! Make sure he gets on a GCPL this summer. I’m sure they’ll (Fire 01s) make it to regionals but it will be good for him to train with a GCPL team when he can.
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Post by soccerwatcher26 on Mar 2, 2019 14:49:07 GMT -6
When is the last time we’ve seen a top notch defender from a dominating team? You could argue Garvey but he played CB a handful of times the last two seasons. There are others that have been quality but none have been the catalyst to their team’s success. Phil Hicks was the last defender, not keeper, to get GPOY. He was a stellar player.
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Post by soccerwatcher26 on Mar 2, 2019 15:01:58 GMT -6
When is the last time we’ve seen a top notch defender from a dominating team? You could argue Garvey but he played CB a handful of times the last two seasons. There are others that have been quality but none have been the catalyst to their team’s success. Phil Hicks was the last defender, not keeper, to get GPOY. He was a stellar player. That's untrue statement. As I said in my earlier statement. My son is a CB and has scored more goals than most of the offensive players on his team. Often winning the game with those scores. Pretty sure that makes him a huge part of their sucess especially seeing as his team has now won state two years in a row. It truly is sad that the defenders who not only help their team win but also stop them from losing dont get the recognition deserved. Just my two cents.
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Post by loJic on Mar 2, 2019 16:54:26 GMT -6
That's untrue statement. As I said in my earlier statement. My son is a CB and has scored more goals than most of the offensive players on his team. Often winning the game with those scores. Pretty sure that makes him a huge part of their sucess especially seeing as his team has now won state two years in a row. It truly is sad that the defenders who not only help their team win but also stop them from losing dont get the recognition deserved. Just my two cents. Your son is only a junior. I rate him as one of the better in the state. If Holy Cross wins his senior year I’m sure he would be considered heavily.
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Post by spitteroftruth on Mar 2, 2019 17:57:37 GMT -6
Candidate - Carson Berry #2 • Senior (18 y/o) • Loyola College Prep. (Shreveport, LA) • Forward/Attacking Mid. • 6’2” • 190 lbs •31 ACT •3.67 gpa •Prospective Engineering Student • Freshman- (2015/16) - 22 goals. 20 assists. (24 games). 66 pts. <16-11-2> Lost in D-III playoffs. • Sophomore (2016/17) - 26 goals. 16 assists. (31 games). 73 pts. <15-13-3> Lost in D-III quarters. • Junior (2017/18) - 27 goals. 18 assists. (28 games). 73 pts. <13-11-5> Lost in D-III quarters. • Senior (2018/19) - 35 goals. 20 assists. (25 games). 86 pts. <19-9-4> Lost in State Championship runner up). 4-5 (OT) vs. U. High • 110 Career Goals. (2019) • Loyola College Prep. all time leading scorer (previously held at 74 goals). (2019) • First Team All-State • First Team All-City • First Team All-District • District Overall MVP • District Offensive MVP (Soph.) •United Soccer Coaches/MaxPreps High school Player of the Week (1/21/19-1/27/9). (2019). •2019 Louisiana East West All Star Game Participant. (2019). Is he playing at the next level? Don’t quote me on this, but just going off what I’ve overheard at random times, he is still undecided. Considering UAB strongly from what I know. Would love to hear any updates on this if ever possible!
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Post by drogba on Mar 2, 2019 19:50:00 GMT -6
That's untrue statement. As I said in my earlier statement. My son is a CB and has scored more goals than most of the offensive players on his team. Often winning the game with those scores. Pretty sure that makes him a huge part of their sucess especially seeing as his team has now won state two years in a row. It truly is sad that the defenders who not only help their team win but also stop them from losing dont get the recognition deserved. Just my two cents. Your son is only a junior. I rate him as one of the better in the state. If Holy Cross wins his senior year I’m sure he would be considered heavily. Win or lose next year should get strong consideration have had multiple coaches say he is best defender. The goals he puts up with that really is unbelievable. Good luck to all the Senior candidates this year.
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Post by 9and6 on Mar 3, 2019 16:24:19 GMT -6
I would love to see a list of all the past winners. I’m aware of the past 2 winners, but I would like to see the entire list. If someone could produce that list it would be greatly appreciated.
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