The All-Neuse News girls' soccer team
Arendell Parrott’s Alex Melk scored 33 goals with 16 assists this season to become the first Neuse News Girls’ Soccer Player of the Year. Photo by William ‘Bud’ Hardy / Neuse News
By Junious Smith III
We’re back in business with high school sports — well, for three more stories anyway.
The inaugural All-Neuse News teams for spring sports are now into fruition, as the girls’ soccer team is a few lines away. Baseball and softball will be available very soon, with a Player of the Year, Pitcher of the Year, Coach of the Year, a first team, second team and honorable mentions.
For soccer, there were only four teams to choose from and one school, North Lenoir, declined to participate. As a result, there will be only one team and honorable mentions.
Without further ado, here’s the list:
Player of the Year: Alex Melk, Arendell Parrott Academy
Stats: 33 Goals, 16 assists
Melk was an offensive juggernaut for a Patriots team that made it to the mountain peak after coming close to the summit two years prior. No other player in the area scored more goals and teammate Megan Blair had the same amount of assists as the sophomore, who had to be accounted for every game. APA had plenty of great weapons to prevent the attack from being one-dimensional, but Melk provided the most impact and is well-deserving of the inaugural award.
Other finalists for the award were South Lenoir’s Candace Pierce, who had a hand in 91.4 percent of South Lenoir’s goals this season, and Greene Central’s Alyssa Keatts, who scored the second-most goals in the area.
Coach of the Year: Shivar Person, Arendell Parrott Academy
The Patriots lost in the NCISAA semifinals in two straight years heading into 2019 and while there was plenty of returning talent, the loss of several seniors in key positions would sting. Person was able to get his team to believe, as the Patriots achieved goals never seen before at the school — school records in goals scored throughout the season (99) and wins (16), a share of its first conference title and, of course, a state championship.
South Lenoir’s David Whaley was a finalist for the award, as the Blue Devils tied a school record with 10 wins, including their first playoff victory since 2014 with a 2-1 decision over East Montgomery in the first round of the NCHSAA 2A state playoffs.
Now, here’s the All-Neuse News Team:
Annabelle Averette, Arendell Parrott Academy
Averette was APA’s other NCISAA 3A All-State team selection, alongside Melk, and with great reason. The junior was all over the field and contributed 11 goals and 13 assists for the Patriots, also taking team MVP honors.
Ava Blair, Arendell Parrott Academy
Blair played the most field minutes of anyone on the team, starting every game as the central defender. The freshman chipped in three assists, but most importantly was a part of a defense allowing more than three goals twice this year.
Megan Blair, Arendell Parrott Academy
Blair showed a lot of grit, especially late in the season by playing with a broken bone in her wrist. Her play wasn’t hampered as the junior tied for the team lead in assists with 16 while finishing second in goals scored with 19.
Gisell Cervantes, Arendell Parrott Academy
Cervantes had a seamless transition into the Patriots lineup after a great freshman campaign at Greene Central last year. The sophomore had 15 goals and nine assists for APA, including the first goal of the title game with 14 minutes to play.
Skarlett Gonzalez, South Lenoir
Gonzalez played a strong secondary role on the Blue Devils scoring-wise, helping the Blue Devils to another successful campaign. The junior showed great speed and toughness on the way to seven goals and seven assists, and should be even better next year.
Alyssa Keatts, Greene Central
The greatest goal-scorer in school history had 27 for the Rams this year, despite numerous double teams. The senior will play at Pfeiffer next year as the first soccer player from Greene Central to play on an athletic scholarship straight out of high school.
Rachel Alexander Lee, Arendell Parrott Academy
Lee didn’t play a big offensive role (one goal, three assists) but her defense was pivotal for the Patriots. The junior received the team’s defensive award and was a big reason APA allowed just 27 goals in 19 games.
Perla Martinez, Greene Central
Martinez did more than enough to keep defenses honest against Keatts this season. As a freshman, Martinez had 11 goals of her own and could have an even stronger sophomore campaign if she continues to progress.
Candace Pierce, South Lenoir
Pierce was a major reason why the Blue Devils have enjoyed the best two-year stretch in soccer history and retires as the school’s top goal-scorer. The senior and Cape Fear commit had 23 goals and nine assists this season.
Lindsey Thomas, Arendell Parrott Academy
The senior was a four-year starter and team captain of a champion, also contributing four goals and six assists. Thomas played a steady hand in making sure the Patriots stayed focused throughout the season.
Ele Wooten, Arendell Parrott Academy
Wooten got stronger as the season went on and closed the season with consecutive shutouts. The eighth-grader’s best performance came against Carolina Day, as she had 17 saves in the 2-0 title game victory.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Vanessa Acevedo, Greene Central
The junior was a critical part of the Rams’ midfield defensively and was an adept passer.
Gabby Carriere, Arendell Parrott Academy
The senior wasn’t able to finish the season due to a broken nose, but the defender helped the team allow just 11 goals in its first 10 games.
Catherine Edwards, South Lenoir
The senior played a good role as a fullback defensively, helping to stop most offenses in the area.
Sydney Edwards, South Lenoir
A four-year starter on defense, the senior was a pillar for the Blue Devils this season, who allowed two goals or fewer nine times.
Baylee Freeman, South Lenoir
The junior made a great impact in her first year playing soccer, recording five shutouts for the Blue Devils.
Brooke Holmes, Arendell Parrott Academy
The senior’s defense was vital throughout the season and she relished in the role of a central defensive midfielder.
Mary Helen Hood, Arendell Parrott Academy
The freshman was a season-long starter who also helped shore up the defensive front for the Patriots.
Keelin Howard, South Lenoir
Another strong defender as a senior, Howard helped Catherine Edwards with throw-ins for the Blue Devils as well.
Kaitlyn Iannace, Arendell Parrott Academy
The eighth-grader showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season, posting six goals and five assists.
Holland Killinger, Arendell Parrott Academy
The eighth-grader came in halfway through the year and filled in for Carriere as a defender admirably.
JaQuoia McClain, South Lenoir
The senior had strong play in the midfield and was third on the team in assists with five.
Gabriela Tellez, South Lenoir
The freshman started all year and racked up four assists for the Blue Devils.
