Midwest Region Players of the Week, April 20-26

By Eric S. Smith

Some of the warm-weather states in the Midwest are winding down as the playoffs pick up, while in the northern half of the region, teams are fighting for playoff position. The players are responding with breakout performances. Highlighting this week is a Texas goalie who put his team on his back and carried them to victory. Also an Illinois middie and an Ohio attackman played major roles in key wins for their teams.

Austin Black, Sr., Goalie, Plano Wildcats, TX

The Wildcats knew they would be playing this coming week in the 4 vs. 5 first-round game in the Texas High School Lacrosse League North District playoffs. They also knew they would be playing Dallas Jesuit. But because of last week's 8-7 win over Jesuit, Plano will host the postseason meeting. The biggest reason the Wildcats will garner home-field advantage was Black and his play between the pipes. The senior made 19 saves against the Rangers and made up for a 37-19 shooting disadvantage. Black may need to stand on his head again in the playoffs, and if the Wildcats can't prevail this time, their season will be over.


Taylor Hess, Sr., Midfielder, Hinsdale Central Red Devils, IL

The Red Devils scored a major win over Wheaton-Warrenville South, 7-6. Hess became the hero as registered the game-winning-goal with 1:22 left in regulation. That tally was the second of the game for the senior. He was also a pivotal force on the face-off circle where he won nine of his 12 attempts. Hess will need to have another big week as the Red Devils have two contests, including one against a solid Glenbrook North team.


Cory Spencer, Junior, Attack, Worthington Kilbourne Wolves, OH

The Wolves notched yet another win as they blitzed Hilliard Davidson, 15-6. Spencer netted as many goals (six) as the entire Wildcats' offense. The junior helped keep Kilbourne on the unbeaten track, but he and the rest of the offense will get its stiffest test of the season as they battle the five-time defending state champions, Upper Arlington.

2009-04-27