CWAC announces boys soccer all-conference teams
MIKE MAYNARD | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year AGO
COLUMBIA BASIN — The Central Washington Athletic Conference has announced its All-Conference teams for boys soccer. The first, second, and honorable mention teams were announced, including offensive and defensive players of the year, officials announced Tuesday.
The Offensive Player of the Year is Jose Cabrera from the Othello Huskies. Cabrera has scored 25 goals this season and could add to that total as the Huskies begin state tournament games this week.
“This is his year, it’s like a dream come true for him, like saying he finally got it, he was first team two years in a row,” Huskie Head Coach Bernie Garza said, “so it’s a confirmation from the coaches voting for him and giving him that recognition.”
The Defensive Player of the Year is Quincy’s Kasey Toevs. According to Quincy head coach Hector Vaca, he has been a pillar for the Jacks' defense this season as they reached the district tournament in their first year back in the 2A league.
“He’s just a phenomenal athlete, phenomenal player, he’s a great leader, I think he’s just an all-around great kid, works hard, works hard for the team, and always puts the team first,” Vaca said.
The Jacks also saw a second player make the first team, Erick Zepeda. Vaca praised Zepeda’s ball skills and attitude for contributing to this accomplishment.
“He’s a team-first kind of guy, never puts himself above the team, he’s always ready to play for the team. I’ve also known him since he was a fifth-grader, so known him for a while,” Vaca said, “More than anything ... he’s got a winning mentality, and he’ll do anything to help the team win.”
The Jacks had five players named across the first and second teams and four more players listed as honorable mentions. Vaca has praised his team throughout the season for their grit and work ethic.
The Huskies had four players listed across all three categories. Garza pointed to his team’s overall selflessness his team has shown throughout the season.
“They’re not jealous of each other, it doesn’t matter who scores, and that’s why I think we’re so successful, because they don’t care, like, if Jose (Cabrera) scores or we have a bad day, Ruben (Macilla) scores, or if he has a bad day, Larry (Maldonado) scores. It doesn’t matter, they just want to win,” Garza said.
The Ephrata Tigers were recognized by the CWAC for their team sportsmanship and had three players listed as honorable mentions for the All-Conference teams.
All-Conference Players (by school):
Othello:
First Team:
Jose Cabrera
Second Team:
Irving Guzman
Larry Maldonado
Honorable Mention:
Ruben Mancilla
Quincy:
First Team:
Kasey Toevs
Erick Zepeda
Second Team:
Jesus Armando Carrillo
Jose Garcia
Brayan Nunez
Honorable Mention:
Edwin Hernandez
Ken Morales
Dominik Plasencia
Momo Sandoval
Ephrata:
Honorable Mention:
Junior Chavez Mendoza
Jose Negrete Jr.
Avian Soto
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