The Summerville boys have a seasoned group across the soccer pitch as they enter their 2024 campaign.
The Green Wave returns 11 varsity lettermen from this past season and added 11 players, including some who gained varsity experience elsewhere.
“Our seniors have tremendous experience, which really sets not only the tone but also the expectations for our future,” said Summerville coach Damon Dixon. “Senior captains Collin Dahlman and Patrick Cox have really taken ownership of leading the underclassmen. We have the talent, and our guys have been working hard since our loss to Wando in the playoffs last season. It is like we never stopped.”
Dahlman is the starter between the posts, and Dixon says he is among the state’s top goalkeepers. Center backs Bennett Kelley and Paxton Elrod and outside backs Noah Penley and River Orvin help ensure the defense’s stability.
Cox anchors the midfield. Joining him are defensive center mid Landen Malone and attacking center mid Preston Smith.
Providing firepower up top for the Green Wave are wings Gunnar McNeish and Sebastian Fong and Striker Nollan Riley.
“This year, we had four players who are zoned for SHS come back to us from other schools they attended,” Dixon said. “Sebastian Fong, a Francis Marion signee, is one of them and has made an instant impact. Freshman Noah Penley has started every game so far, and that is a testament to the level and ability that he plays at.”
Rounding out this year’s roster are senior Luka Duckworth, juniors Carter Wells, Sam Willeford, Mason Karns, Carlos Bejarano and Aiden Penley, and sophomores Rhys Jones, Chris Marshall, Isaac Martinez and Keoni Schneider, and freshman Ezekiel Martinez.
After battling through a tough schedule to win the No. 4 playoff seed this past year, the Green Wave fell 2-1 to Wando in the opening round. The team will be tested again early this season and again when it gets to region play.
“Last year, we had one of the most challenging schedules in 5A, and we aren’t slowing down this year,” Dixon said. “Staying mentally focused after a grinding pre-region schedule will be a challenge. We’ll have to remain composed mentally and be prepared to make that late-season run for the playoffs.”
Summerville is scheduled to host River Bluff at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, and will travel to Stratford Friday, March 15, and to Stall Tuesday, March 19. The Green Wave will then return home to host West Ashley at 7 p.m. Friday, March 22, and Ashley Ridge at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 2.
