Four different players from the three Cherokee County high school soccer teams were named All-Smoky Mountain Conference this fall, while three other players received an honorable mention.
For Andrews, Joshua Hernandez was named All-Conference, while Jared Horton was an honorable mention. Hernandez was the Wildcats’ top offensive threat, always drawing a lot of attention from the defense because of his quickness and ability to make something happen in a flash. Horton played a prominent role on Andrews’ backline, always looking to snuff out opposing team’s chances.
For Murphy, Mann Barot and Jerry Bui were named All-Conference, while Cale Harger and Tyler Payne were honorable mention selections. Barot was the senior leader for an extremely young Bulldogs team, as 17 of the 21 players on the roster were freshmen.
Barot provided a steady presence for the young squad as a midfielder. Bui burst onto the scene as a freshman as an explosive offensive player who was willing to give it his all on the field, scoring a team-high 13 goals.
Payne developed into a steady presence in Murphy’s midfield, while Harger was an athletic presence in goalie who has tremendous potential. While the Bulldogs’ defense struggled at times, several games could’ve gotten out of hand much quicker without some of Harger’s saves.
In its first season back after not having enough interest to field a team last fall, Murphy finished fourth in the conference and returned to the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1A playoffs.
Calascione was a bright spot for the Jaguars first-ever boys soccer team, drawing the attention of all opposing defenses who knew they needed to limit his scoring opportunities. He was a N.C. Soccer Coaches Association 1A Region 11 selection as well, along with Barot and Bui.