Honors come flying in for state champion soccer team

By Justin Janssen '11

On top of capturing a state championship and breaking Brophy's goals scored record, Riggs Lennon '13 was named the Big Schools Player of the year by The Arizona Republic.

Lennon is the lone sophomore starter on a squad filled with senior-lad talent.

Lennon scored a school-record 35 goals, none bigger than in the quarterfinals vs. Desert Vista.

The Thunder handed the Broncos (23-1-1) their only loss all season, but in the playoffs, Lennon rescued Brophy by scoring a goal in the final minute of regulation to break a scoreless tie.

"Riggs has the ability to crack a game open with shots," Brophy soccer head coach Mr. Mark Kelly said. "He's made shots from 35-yards that went in and you're saying my god. He's a special player."

Kevin Grigsby '11, who scored two goals in the semifinal victory over Kofa Feb. 10, recently signed his letter of intent with the University of Michigan.

Midfielder Andre LeBlanc '11 signed his letter of intent with Long Island University.

Striker Sean Ayers '11 and defender Anthony Broglia '11 were named to The Arizona Republic's class 5A first team.

Broglia was the last defender and rescued the team on various occasions by stopping an opponent's chance at scoring.

Broglia used his quickness and athleticism to take on an opponent's best scorer head on, and more often that not, Broglia came away with the ball.

Ayers led the comeback vs. No. 2 Hamilton in the regular season with a goal and an assist in the second half after the Broncos were trailing 1-0 at the half.