2022 Girls 2A Pre-Season Predictions

Feb. 10, 2022 High School Girls

District 9

  1. Steinbrenner – Phenomenal 2021 going 17-2, reaching State Semi Finals for the first time, losing to eventual State Champion St. Thomas Aquinas in a tight 8-7 Semi Final game. The Lady Warriors averaged 19 goals per game last year while allowing only 4. As the 2022 season starts, the Steinbrenner girls have an unprecedented (for our area) 8 college commits. 4 of which are to Division 1 teams. The Lady Warriors did not lose many players, we expect their strong Junior class led by Northwestern commit 2023 Midfielder Taylor LaPointe to dominate their district again. This team is definitely a top contender for a State Title. The Lady Warriors have a challenging schedule starting with an early Regional Final rematch with Newsome on Feb 16th. The Newsome girls lost that Regional Final 9-8 in double overtime. We are sure they are looking forward to the rematch. Other games of interest – Plant @ home on Feb 22nd, renowned Vero Beach at a neutral site Saturday March 5th, 1A State Runner Up Lake Highland Prep @ home on March 8th and hosting stellar Ponte Vedra on April 1st.
  2. Wiregrass – 9-6 in 2021, the Lady Bulls had an impressive season considering all 6 of their losses were to some of the top teams in the area including State Semi Finalist Steinbrenner (2 times). Wiregrass did have a number of seniors graduate but still have Sr. Midfielder Luna Khatib another TLR 2022 Watchlist player. Wiregrass opens on the road against a rebuilding Tampa Catholic on Feb 15th. Although Coach Havemann has a challenging schedule, it will be a tough task to knock off Steinbrenner in District 9 2A Playoffs.
  3. Wharton – 6-8 in 2021 – Overtime win over Sickles was most notable win of the season. The Lady Wildcats have a coaching change this new season, but again hard to advance in District playoffs.
  4. Mitchell – 6-10 in 2021, with close loss to Wiregrass. The Lady Mustangs should battle it out with Wharton for 3rd Mitchell did win the second match up with Wharton and could easily swap 3rd and 4th position.

District 10

  1. Newsome – 14-2 in 2021 only 2 losses were to 1A State Runner Up Lake Highland Prep and State Semi Finalist Steinbrenner in a 9-8 Double OT barn burner of a Regional Final. The Lady Wolves were recently moved from District 11 where they have been dominant for years, winning numerous District Titles. Now they are moved into District 10 2A with another top area team and longtime rival Plant. Both teams have enjoyed relatively easy District Championships over the last few years. Not the case anymore. Newsome returns a host of talent led by Sr Captain Midfielder Sophia Torres (St. Bonaventure), Sr Midfielder Maya Bronson (University of Alabama Huntsville), Jr M/A Sam Swanovich (Rutgers) and Jr Goalkeeper Cassidy Bauman, we expect them to be one of the top teams in the area. Home Steinbrenner rematch on Feb 16th will be a game to watch (who they will play again on March 5th away. Then Plant on March 30th which has traditionally been the best match up in our area for years and has always been a game to watch.
  2. Plant – 14-4 in 2021 losing to State Semi Finalist Steinbrenner in first round of regional playoffs. It will be hard to replace graduated seniors Attack Caroline Patterson (St. Joseph) and Midfielder Carolee Jones, but the Lady Panthers have added some young talent this season along with their already talented roster including returning Jr’s A/M Sophia Gray and D/M Anna Castro. This will be the first time that Plant will be challenged for a District Title with the addition of Newsome in D10 2A. Coach Chapman as always has a rigorous schedule for the Lady Panthers. The Steinbrenner rematch on Feb 22nd on the road, will be a game to watch. As mentioned above always a great matchup and with rival Newsome on March 30th. Ponte Vedra at home on April 2nd is another game to note. District 10 2A Finals will be fun to watch this season. Plant or Newsome can easily knock each other off, but with new rules may both still advance to regionals.
  3. Sickles – 9-8 in 2021 this may be the team to keep an eye on in 2022. A lot of young talent on the team in addition to returning Sr M/A Juliana Martino, Jr’s A/M Rebekah and Elena Hangen. The Lady Gryphons have put together a tough early schedule, opening at home vs powerhouse Newsome on Feb 14th. Followed by an away game at Plant on Feb 17th. Coach Hangen certainly will see early if these young Lady Gryphons are ready to contend for a very tough District 10 2A.
  4. Durant – 3-10 in 2021. Earned this spot with victory over Bloomingdale last season.

District 11

  1. Riverview –7-7-1 in 2021 the Lady Rams are breathing a big sigh of relief to see powerhouse Newsome moved into District 10. They are definitely the favorite to secure the District 11 2A Title. Tough opening part of their schedule facing a very good Academy of the Holy Names on the road for the season opener on Feb 14th, followed by top 2A talent Newsome on Friday 18th at home. Coach McLeod will learn quickly how her team will compete with these tough opening games. Losses of graduated Senior Midfielders Riley Spingler and Alexis Whitmore are going to be hard to replace.
  2. Lakewood Ranch – 8-7 in 2021, lost to Riverview twice last season (12-8 during regular season and 19-3 in District Semi Final). The Lady Mustangs may be the only real challenger for District 11 2A.
  3. Manatee – 5-8 in 2021, lost in District 11 2A Semi Final to Newsome. The Lady Hurricanes won’t have Newsome to contend with this season but still have a big task to knock off Riverview in District 11 Playoffs.
  4. Sarasota – 1-11 in 2021, only win over Osceola last season. Not yet up to challenging Riverview for top spot.

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