The Top 11 Shocking Picks for the 2025 HighSchoolOT All-State Boys Soccer Team – You Won't Believe #3!

The sixth-annual HighSchoolOT boys soccer all-state team has unveiled its lineup for the 2025-26 season, showcasing the talents of 75 athletes from across North Carolina. This year's selections include nine players who have earned spots on the team multiple times, with one standout, Fernando Hernandez of Southwestern Randolph, securing his third consecutive first-team selection.

The all-state list is notable for representing players from all classifications within the state, featuring athletes from four different associations. Each of the three teams—first, second, and third—comprises 25 players, categorized into positions that include two goalkeepers, four defenders, six midfielders, six forwards, and seven "at-large" spots. Additionally, there is an Honorable Mention list that recognizes 50 players irrespective of their positions.

Fernando Hernandez has made a remarkable impression, graduating as a three-time all-state selectee and first-team cornerstone. His consistent performance has solidified his reputation as one of the top talents in North Carolina high school soccer.

Among the other players with multiple selections, eight have made their second appearances on the all-state team:

• Landon Adams, Jacksonville
• Clark Marriott, Ashley*
• Cassius McKinnon, Marvin Ridge*
• Holden Spell, Clinton
• Carter King, East Lincoln
• Ayden Brown, West Davidson
• Aaron Avina, Southwestern Randolph
• Drew Huff, C.B. Aycock*

*Career first-team selections

The announcement of this year's all-state team comes as schools across the state complete their seasons and prepare for the next year. The recognition serves not only as a celebration of individual achievements but also highlights the growing talent pool in high school soccer across North Carolina. Coaches, players, and fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming matches as these young athletes continue to shine on the field.

2025 All-State Team Selections

First Team

Goalkeepers:

• Dallas Story, Hoggard (senior) — 9 shutouts
• Eamon Hipps, Western Alamance (senior) — 0.547 GAA, 16 shutouts, 4.2 saves per game; 2 goals

Defenders:

• Clark Marriott, Ashley (senior) — 16 goals, 2 assists
• Alec Dzialo, Christ School (junior) — 3 goals
• Cassius McKinnon, Marvin Ridge (senior) — 5 goals, 13 assists
• Mac Nalls, South Mecklenburg (senior) — 8 goals, 3 assists

Midfielders:

• Christian Penland, A.C. Reynolds (senior) — 17 goals, 14 assists
• Braden Mathis, Charlotte Catholic (junior) — 8 goals, 11 assists
• Brady Johnson, Covenant Day (senior) — 16 goals, 6 assists; Cedarville (D3) recruit
• Tyler Pidgeon, Green Level (junior) — 24 goals, 5 assists
• Harrison Dyer, Hoggard (sophomore) — 12 goals, 16 assists
• Henry Tidey, Laney (senior) — 24 goals, 15 assists; St. Leo (D2) recruit
• Holden Adams, Middle Creek (senior) — 11 goals, 9 assists; Campbell recruit
• Henry Boner, Myers Park (senior) — 7 goals, 20 assists; Wofford recruit
• Femi Ogunwale, Myers Park (senior) — 21 goals, 5 assists
• Fernando Hernandez, Southwestern Randolph (senior) — 41 goals, 23 assists
• Ethan Barghout, West Forsyth (senior) — 9 goals, 20 assists

Forwards:

• Alex Golovchuk, A.C. Reynolds (sophomore) — 25 goals, 9 assists
• Drew Huff, C.B. Aycock (senior) — 40 goals, 32 assists
• Rex Baumgarner, Charlotte Catholic (junior) — 25 goals, 10 assists
• Costa Barlas, Christ School (senior) — 18 goals, 11 assists
• Ben Horgan, Gaston Day (senior) — 38 goals, 23 assists; Wofford recruit
• Robbie Reeves, Grimsley (senior) — 31 goals, 23 assists; Elon recruit
• Dylan Cox, Hough (senior) — 24 goals, 20 assists
• Mac Mills, Wesleyan Christian (senior) — 22 goals, 15 assists

This year's all-state teams reflect not just the incredible talent of North Carolina high school soccer players, but also the dedication and support from coaches, families, and communities that drive these young athletes to excel.