The King’s Warriors worked hard this season to accomplish as much as they did. Struggling with numbers, they played half their games without a full team. The final record was a respectable 10-10-4. The team was productive offensively, scoring 66 goals, led by Chance Blevins 17, Caleb Ihimbazwe scored 14 and Caleb Okes scored 11, which is particularly impressive playing as a left back. Other goal scorers included Ailena Bezek, 4; Eli Blevins, 4; Jackson Yates, 3; Juan Calix-Herrera, 3; Aaron Smith, 3; Dakota Jack Spurgin, Andrew Smith, Ermias Mekonnen, Brayan Calix-Herrera, B.J. Spurgin, Zack Fink, and David Salehe all had 1 goal each.
The defense was solid and played well, but was sometimes overwhelmed due to playing short. They posted 3 shutouts, and goal keeper Dakota Jack Spurgin was named MVP at the NACA tournament. Left back Caleb Okes and center back Andrew Smith were excellent at their positions. Aaron Smith, probably the King’s Warriors most versatile player, solidly anchored the right back position. The defense gave up 66 goals, but 39 of those goals were given up in the 12 games that they played with less than a full side, and 7 of the 10 losses occurred when the team was short.
This made their season accomplishments even more impressive. Eight very committed, core team members held the team together all season, including senior co-captains Spurgin, Okes, and Andrew Smith; juniors Ailena Bezek and Eli Blevins; sophomore Chance Blevins; freshman Aaron Smith; and eighth grader Jonah Blevins.
The team will take a few weeks off before beginning the winter futsal (indoor soccer) season. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a King’s Warrior, get more info at swvkingswarriors.org, or call 304-466-0083, or 304-890-4946.