Player of the year

By JOEY KNIGHT
Published March 31, 2007

Ryan Griffin, Tampa Prep | All-County Boys Soccer Team

Why we picked him: Griffin scored 34 goals and had 39 assists to lead Tampa Prep to a 27-3-2 record and the Class 2A state title. Despite his big numbers, Griffin wasn't selfish, as evidenced by his play in the state final four where Tampa Prep won each game 1-0 with both goals scored by Zach Taylor. In the semifinal, however, the assist came off the right foot of Griffin. "I didn't care who scored," Griffin said. "I just wanted to do whatever I could to help us win." An attitude, coupled with the fact he was often marked by one or even two players, that he showed with such a high number of assists.

Most impressive accomplishment: "No doubt," he said, "helping my team win the state title."

College plans: Griffin is still a junior, but has received interest from several Division I soccer programs, none of which he wanted to name because he didn't want to show his cards too early.

Did you know: Griffin, at 6-foot-3, would probably play for Tampa Prep's basketball team, but the soccer season is played at the same time as basketball.

Griffin also is an accomplished fisherman. Biggest catch? A 3-foot snook.

Quote: "Yes, I scored a lot of goals, but my success is directly related to my teammates," Griffin said.

"Without them I would never have accomplished what I did."

Honorable Mention

Alonso - Juan Arbelaez, Simon Gomez, Nick Hall, David Mullen; Bloomingdale - Jared Adamo; Brandon - Cabot Brown, Ethan Walker, Ryan Young; Cambridge - Ryan Montesano; Chamberlain - Chris Scallon, Manuel Pena; Durant - Marcos Garcia, Chris Parsley, Jarrett Williams; East Bay - Vincent Labarbera; Freedom - Franco Colon, Bobby Huertas, Deion Jones, Miguel Martes; Gaither - Trent Anderson, Gavin Scott; Hillsborough - Gerald Johnston, Zoran Privelleja; Jesuit - Arthur Biel, Cameron Poklemba, Keith Sierra, Allie VanGurp; King - Nick Baker, Dami Phillips; Leto - Luis Cortes, Armando Perez; Middleton - Nigel Lewis; Plant - Matt Diss, Tyler Fry; Plant City - Jonathan Dupree, Michael Fekette; Riverview - Justin Suarez; Sickles - Ricky Jackson; Tampa Catholic - Phil Jones; Tampa Prep - Isaak Karpay; Wharton - Clete Goddard

Coach of the Year

Ray DiPompo, Alonso. The dean of Hillsborough County coaches, DiPompo incessantly tweaked his starting lineup at the season's outset until settling on a freshman, three sophomores, four juniors and three seniors. That group won three consecutive road playoff games, capped by a 1-0 upset of Countryside (then the nation's No. 1-ranked team) to earn a Class 6A state tournament berth.

First Team

Pos., Player, School Yr., Comment

F Julio Perez Alonso, Jr., 25 goals, 14 assists for Class 6A state tourney qualifier

F Ryan Griffin, Tampa Prep, Jr., 34 goals, 39 assists for Class 2A state champ

F Zach Taylor, Tampa Prep, Sr., Two of his 25 goals came in state tournament

F Brendan Howard, Gaither, Jr., 10 multiple-goal games for county power

MF Ben Foerstner, Gaither, Sr., Cowboys' field general had six goals

MF Anthony Baumann, Tampa Prep, Fr., 19 goals, 18 assists for state champs

MF Christian Silva, Wharton, Sr., Class 5A state player of year nominee for his region

D Brian Snuffer, Alonso, Sr., Coach calls him one of his best sweepers - ever

D Hunter Clasen, Jesuit, Sr., Speedster marked opposition's best player each match

D Andrew Kanarr, Durant, Sr., Standout on defense that posted five shutouts

GK Brad Sienkiewicz, Tampa Prep, Jr., Didn't surrender a goal in playoffs

Second Team

Pos. Player, School, Yr.

F Cody Walker, Jesuit, Sr.

F Chris Sellechia, Newsome, Sr.

F David Stovall, Wharton, Sr.

F Ryan Asare-Bediako, Wharton, Jr.

MF Mark Salamone, Alonso, Sr.

MF Fernando Gonzalez, Gaither, Sr.

MF Matt Hebert, Tampa Prep, Sr.

D Ciro Luysterburg, Freedom, Sr.

D Ben Jones, Durant, Sr.

D Isaac Karpay, Tampa Prep, Sr.

GK Justin Morris, Jesuit, Sr.

[Last modified March 31, 2007, 07:46:46]