By Richard Smith
West Valley Preps
For the second time, West Valley Preps watched enough soccer to put together a credible all Northwest Valley team. Here it is:
Ironwood's Noah Beck (#16) dribbles past the Campo Verde defense Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017 at Campo Verde High School in Gilbert. (Jacob Stanek/West Valley Preps)
First team
F - Ruben Fabian, senior, Dysart
F - Dylan Canet, senior, Liberty
F - Carlos Avechuco, senior, Ironwood
MF - Noah Beck, sophomore, Ironwood
MF - Rhett Livingston, junior, Paradise Honors
MF - Josh Aguirre, senior, Liberty
D - Rogelio Guerrero, senior, Ironwood
D - Jacob Lyle, senior, Northwest Christian
D - Antonio Jimenez, senior, Ironwood
D - Gavin Hanson, senior, Glendale Prep
GK - Julian Cervantes, senior, Dysart
Second team
F - Joey Pagliarulo, senior, Liberty
F - Michael Huss, freshman, Northwest Christian
MF - Jacob Parks, senior, Centennial
MF - Dario Kramer, junior, Cactus
MF - Juan Valles, senior, Dysart
MF - Matthew Holmes, freshman, Ironwood
D - Kyle Kerr, junior, Shadow Ridge
D - Evan Veloz, senior, Willow Canyon
D - John Marendez, senior, Paradise Honors
D - Logan Ritter, junior, Liberty
GK - Ryan Frieland, freshman, Northwest Christian
Player of the year
Noah Beck, sophomore, Ironwood -
Runner up
Ruben Fabian, senior, Dysart -
Coach of the year
Tim Beck, Ironwood - The local kingpin led another title charge, which only fell short in the 5A semifinals thanks to some tough luck, dubious calls and an odd and preventable situation where the Eagles played Campo Verde on its home turf. But that can't dull the memories of Ironwood's rebound season, nor the promise of the next couple years with a boatload of young talent.
Runner up
Jeremy Witt, Northwest Christian - The third year coach restored this perennial small school contender following two years of first round losses. As a No. 5 seed the Crusaders survived penalty kicks in the first round and knocked off No. 4 Horizon Honors.