Every high-powered offense needs a talented decision-maker at its core — equal parts deadly goal scorer and unselfish point guard.
Junior midfielder Kaylee Smith, the News-Press girls soccer player of the year, filled that role with remarkable precision for Platte County’s Class 1 quarterfinalist squad, which finished 25-5.
Smith had no problem routinely finding the back of the net and tallied 41 goals on the year — her last three during a 9-0 sectional victory against Bishop LeBlond. She also set up her offense-minded teammates to pad their goal totals — including younger sister Whitney, who recorded 51 goals.
A loss to state champion Notre Dame de Sion stopped the Pirates’ remarkable run, but the entire roster returns for more next season.
— ANDY MEYER
All News-Press Soccer
GK — Beth Hammons, So., Smithville; Morgan Brown, Sr., Benton
D — Kara Coffee, Jr., Bishop LeBlond; Ali Ackman, Fr., Maryville; Samantha Hummer, Jr., Lafayette
MF — Amber Lattin, Jr., Central; Kim Girard, Sr., Bishop LeBlond; Kaylee Smith, Jr., Platte County*; Kate Gallagher, So., Savannah
F — Mallory Craig, So., Smithville; Mercedes Estes, Fr., Central;
Whitney Smith, So., Platte County
* — player of the year
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