Jackson area's high school girls soccer primer: Is USJ still the best?
Here is the preview to the 2017 high school girls soccer season:
Favorites to reach state
Lexington: The Lady Tigers lost in the Class A-AA sectionals last year after making state in 2015. With the trio of Chandler Holmes, Molly Lewis and Hannah Bassham, Lexington will be tough to contain.
Madison: The Lady Mustangs have made four trips to the Class A-AA state tournament since 2005. So with the split of Class A-AA into two classes, Madison will have the opportunity to make state annually.
USJ: Missing the state tournament last year will motivate this year's team. The Lady Bruins had been to state every year since 2006 before last season. USJ has the players like Holeh Heydari and Sarah Sullivan.
Top players to watch
Hannah Bassham (Lexington, Senior, Midfielder): Bassham is known for her quickness moving the ball up the field. She plays a key role in setting up goals for the Lady Tigers.
Hannah Bilger (McKenzie, Senior, Forward): Bilger has speed on top of the offense that can breakdown defenses. Bilger and the Lady Rebels have a shot at winning a district title.
Mary Caroline Botter (TCA, Senior, Defender): Botter will anchor the Lady Lions' defense and try to stop the opposing team's attack to limit shots on goal.
Anne Caruthers (Westview, Sophomore, Forward): Caruthers scored 23 goals last season. Westview got to stay down in Class A, so Caruthers will try to lead the Chargers to a strong postseason.
Nicole Doughten (Crockett County, Senior, Midfielder): Doughten is one of eight starters returning, and she will use her speed to create scoring opportunities.
Gabby Forsythe (McNairy Central, Senior, Forward): Forsythe is ready to try and lead the Lady Bobcats past the region semifinals. She has the skills up top and is smart with the ball at her feet.
Aly Goodman (South Gibson, Sophomore, Midfielder): Goodman scored three goals in the Lady Hornets' opener, and few teams have learned how to slow her down.
Holeh Heydari (USJ, Senior, Forward): Heydari has an eye for scoring and creating offense. She will try to get USJ back to the state tournament.
Chandler Holmes (Lexington, Senior, Forward): Holmes finished last season with 38 goals and 24 assists. She will try and match those numbers this year.
Molly Lewis (Lexington, Senior, Midfielder): Lewis moved to defense last year, but she can also play up in the midfield. She is a versatile player.
Camryn Meyer (Madison, Senior, Midfielder): Meyer will play a key role in the Lady Mustangs' attack, especially if she is able to lead them back to the state tournament.
Meredith Nye (Madison, Sophomore, Midfielder): Nye had a breakout freshman season, and she will be called uponto help the Lady Mustangs keep possession.
Keylan Ridley (South Gibson, Senior, Forward): Ridley scored 22 goals as she helped the Lady Hornets to the best season in program history. The potential is there for the South Gibson to be even better.
Hannah Russell (Adamsville, Senior, Midfielder): Russell was named all-district as she played center midfield. She will try and lead the Lady Cardinals to a district title.
Mary Claire Swaim (Jackson Christian, Junior, Midfielder): Swaim will be the go-to attacker. She shored 21 goals last season.
Anslee West (Chester County, Senior, Defender): West can play anywhere on the field. She had 13 goals and 13 assists last year, while also playing on defense.
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Top matches to see
Madison at USJ (Aug. 22): These two are expected to be the best teams in West Tennessee with a chance of getting to state. This will show just how good these two could be.
South Gibson at Dyersburg (Sept. 14): The Lady Hornets got their first win over Dyersburg in the district title match last year, and these are the favorites in District 14-AA.
Chester County at Lexington (Sept. 19): This is probably the biggest rivalry in West Tennessee. Both teams play their best when they are playing each other.
Lexington at USJ (Sept. 21): To prove you want to be among the elite in West Tennessee,you must play well against a perennial powerhouse like USJ.
Madison at TCA (Oct. 3): These two are favored to make a run at the Class A state tournament. This could determine the No. 1 seed in District 12-A.
Reach Michael Odom at michodom@jacksonsun.com or 731-425-9754. Follow him on Twitter @JSWriterMichael.