Fourteen area high school soccer players were named to the all-state team released today by the Tennessee State Sports Writers Association.

Players from five Class A/AA schools were honored, including Boyd-Buchanan forward Alex Kuhne, whose 12 goals and seven assists led the Buccaneers to a surprise finish in the state final four.

Hixson forward Mahmoud Ibrahim also was chosen after becoming one of the area’s top scorers with 18 goals, while Notre Dame’s Matthew Keaney and Arts & Sciences’ Duncan Keegan made the team as midfielders. Keegan finished his senior season with 16 goals and 14 assists, and Keaney led the Irish with 15 goals and eight assists.

Chattanooga Christian’s Brad Gibson was one of three keepers honored in A/AA, while Cleveland’s Adam Gonzalez made the team in AAA. Teammate Robby Marcum and Ooltewah’s Daniel Tackling were chosen at midfield, and McMinn County defender Stephen Stansell was also honored. Marcum’s 11 goals helped Cleveland reach the state tournament for the first time, and Tackling finished his Ooltewah career with 17 assists and nine goals.

Baylor midfielder Kelly Smith, defender Chris Wilson and keeper Danny Van Valkinburgh were named to the Division II team after leading the Red Raiders to the state final four after a season in which the team allowed just six goals. McCallie forward Cartter Kerr, who had seven goals and nine assists, and defender Stephen Pollard, who helped the Blue Tornado to 11 shutouts, were also honored at the end of a final-four season.

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