A common theme the past two seasons has been the increasing quality of the players who are advancing to the high school ranks. I wrote about it May 1st when I interviewed Natalie Smid and Rachel Scott of Springfield Catholic. I still remember the job that Ozark’s freshman did last year when the Tigers Opened Irish Eyes. Those sophomore players are now being clearly recognized as difference makers.
So I thought I’d tread some new ground and offer my personal take on a group of players that made a significant impact this year as freshman. I asked the coaches for their nominations, narrowed the list based upon my experience, and went back to the coaches a second time. My goal was to create a select list, a team that could come out and compete with some of the best in the region right now. I think we accomplished that with this group, the first of what I hope to make a regular effort. So here’s my All-Ozarks Freshman team.
Shelby Hatz, Springfield Catholic
Recognized as a 1st Team Regional player, Shelby wasted no time going forward and creating offensive opportunities for the Irish this year. Blessed with speed and attitude, she gave the Irish a a true 1-2 punch paired with Anna Delong up top. She delivered, scoring 19 goals (1st) and 51 (2nd) points with 13 (2nd) assists for the Irish. Shelby could develop into a top college prospect.
McKenna Adams, Kickapoo Chiefs
Didn’t show up on the varsity roster immediately for the Chiefs, but wasted no time in making an impact, scoring within minutes of coming on in the 2nd half against Rogers (AR) on March 29th. Her stats aren’t gaudy (6 goals and 4 assists this season) but defenses always knew when she had come in. McKenna earned Honorable Mention Ozark Conference and 2nd Team District recognition.
Jonna Welch, Bolivar Liberators
The photo tells the story of Jonna. The best forwards don’t have an off button and enter another zone when they reach the 18 yard box, much like Jonna. Jonna paired with Lindsy Archer up top and helped the Liberators reach the District final this year. She has the best shot in this group and was the leading scorer for the Liberators with 19 goals. Jonna is a 1st Team Central Region player.
Emily Cline, Glendale Falcons
1st team, All-Ozark Conference, the only freshman to earn that distinction and one of the best athletes in the region. Emily has speed, leaping ability and was the leading scorer on the top Class 2 program in the region. 22 goals, 10 assists for 54 points, it’s her willingness to cover the flank defensively as well that makes her the most valuable player in this group.
Natalie Smid, Springfield Catholic
Every team needs a playmaker, a two-way player with the technical skills and vision to bring the best out in their teammates. Natalie distinguished herself in that regard this year, exceeded in Class 1 only by her teammate Tara Bailes. It’s the most important position on the field and it will be her job next year. Natalie earned 1st Team Central Region recognition.
Kelsey Loderhose, Parkview Vikings
One of several players on this list that was called on to deliver from a variety of positions this year, her most valuable contribution to the Vikings this year was when she moved into the middle. Kelsey’s work rate and tackling skills solidified the defense. Her attacking skills are top notch as well. Ozark Conference and District Honorable Mention honors.
Ellen Spooner, Rolla Bulldogs
One of two players described by their Coach as being needed on the field, which translated to playing every position but goalkeeper as the season progressed. Ellen’s ability to contribute across all of these roles is the foundation of a good midfielder and the reason she made this team at that position. Scored 8 goals while contributing 5 assists, she was 4th on the team in total points.
Kate Bess, Kickapoo Chiefs
Like her teammate McKenna, Kate was not on the early season rosters at Chiefs games but she was on the pitch. The best defenders are almost invisible in the sense that you may not notice them until they screw up. Kate was solid, reliable and when the Chiefs needed some players to step up in a season filled with injuries, she was there the entire season.
Andrea Parker, Springfield Catholic
This is a player I neglected to recognize all season but will be a name to be reckoned with for the next three years. Playing primarily as a stopper in front of Anne Prenger, her skills and work rate gave the Irish another midfielder effectively. Look for her to step into Prenger’s position as sweeper next year, and continue the Irish dominance in the region. 2nd Team District honors.
Kali Kuse, Camdenton Lakers
A number of teams established new levels of achievement this season, and those improvements always start with defense. The Laker’s saw their goals allowed this year drop significantly, and it started with their sweeper. As important as Kali’s technical skills was her calmness under pressure, a quiet confidence that reflected onto her back line mates and helped Camdenton reach a new level of wins.
Jayme Braun, Ozark Tigers
The second player on this list who was called upon to play every position but goalie for her team. Working primarily as an outside midfielder and outside defender, Jayme left it all on the field. Equally comfortable in the attack or going in for a hard tackle, she helped establish a new attitude for the Tigers that will enhance their pursuit of the first ever Central Ozark Conference title next season. 2nd Team District honors.
Rachel Scott, Springfield Catholic
What can you say about the goal keeper that helped lead the Irish to their first ever “Springfield City Championship”? With wins over Kickapoo and Glendale, she established herself as one of the top keepers in the region, regardless of class. MVP GK, Central Region honors, she finished 16-5-2 with 12 shutouts.
Alex Cantrell, Marshfield Blue Jays, Forward
Alex is likely to set scoring records for the Blue Jays as her career progresses. 1st Team District honors.
Kelsey Haist, Nixa Eagles, Midfield
Asked to move to central midfield for the first time in her career, Kelsey earned 1st Team District honors for her work. She scored 7 goals, had 1 assist and was the second leading scorer after Stephanie Allen. Update – Honorable Mention Southwest Region!
Carsen Baron, Springfield Catholic, Midfield
A player who played every position except forward, she could develop into one of the best holding midfielders. Great long range shooting ability. 2nd Team District honors, Carsen had 6 assists and 5 goals this year.
McKenzie Payton, Parkview Vikings, Defender
One of only four freshman on the Ozark Conference list, McKenzie earned 2nd Team honors and is a relentless outside defender. 2nd Team Ozark Conference and Honorable Mention District honors.
Kristin Miller, Nixa Eagles, Goalkeeper
Helped keep the Eagles close in every game this year, will be part of an Eagles team that will need her after losing their top 2 career scoring leaders (Yach 2007, Allen 2008).
The regular season comes to an end two weeks from today. District seeding may occur as early as next week. 
