Belle Vernon’s Apodiakos named Tribune-Review Westmoreland Boys Soccer Player of the Year

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, December 9, 2017 | 5:42 PM

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Player of the Year

Markello Apodiakos, Jr., F, Belle Vernon

It was a record-breaking season for Belle Vernon junior Markello Apodiakos.

The star forward scored 37 goals to shatter the school's single-season mark set by his coach, Rob Miele, more than a decade ago.

His 81 points also set a new program record for a season.

Apodiakos also had nine assists, passing off to teammates when he was man-marked by two or more defenders.

For his efforts, he is the Tribune-Review Westmoreland Boys Soccer Player of the Year.

Greensburg Central Catholic's Luke Mort also was considered.

Belle Vernon (14-5-1) reached the WPIAL Class AAA quarterfinals after finishing second in Section 3 to rival Ringgold.

Apodiakos, who has 62 career goals, was an all-state and all-WPIAL selection, as well as the Section 3 Player of the Year.

What is your most memorable moment from this season?

In general, just on how far we made it.

What would you change most about the season?

Our goal was to go and win the WPIAL championship and continue on to win states.

Any college interest or offers?

Decisions still need to be made.

Whom or what inspires you to play the game the way you do?

Cristiano Ronaldo.

Any interesting hobbies?

I like to ride quads and dirt bikes.

Favorite pro soccer team to follow?

Barcelona.

What is another sport you are good at?

Baseball.

What do you want most for Christmas?

Clothes and money.

Favorite Christmas movie?

“Home Alone.”

What actor would play you in a movie?

Mark Wahlberg.

Fill in the blank: I can't play a soccer game unless I ______.

Am mentally prepared.

Was it hard to adjust playing on gold-colored turf at James Weir Stadium?

At first it was difficult because the field was very slippery. Improvements were made to the field to make it better.

What do you want to improve on heading into your senior year?

I want to improve on making more creative runs and movement off the ball.

How has playing cup soccer for Century helped prepare you for WPIAL play?

Cup soccer has prepared me because I was exposed to greater competition and had the opportunity to travel the country to play higher level teams.

What was it like playing against such a strong defense, the “Border Patrol,” in practice?

Our defense is very strong. Playing against them made sure that I was prepared to play against other defenders throughout the season.

What will the future hold for the Leopards after losing nine seniors?

We will continue to work hard and stay positive at all times. The underclassmen will have to step up and fill the positions.

Boys Soccer All-Stars

Ben Bailey, Sr., D, Mt. Pleasant

Key defensive presence for the Vikings, who posted nine shutouts, including seven straight. Had two goals and two assists as team won 13 of final 14 games.

Carter Breen, Jr., F, Norwin

All-WPIAL player took on increased scoring role and finished with team-leading 19 goals and 13 assists for playoff team.

Jackson Guess, Sr., MF, Belle Vernon

Earned all-section and all-WPIAL honors after leading the Leopards with 31 assists. Also notched six goals.

Austin Kreutzberger, Sr., F, Penn-Trafford

All-WPIAL pick led the Warriors with nine goals, pushing his career total to 46 scores. Radford recruit helped Warriors make playoffs again.

Luke Mort, Jr., F, Greensburg Central Catholic

Rising scorer and all-WPIAL selection had career season for the Centurions with 39 goals and 14 assists. GCC reached the WPIAL Class A quarterfinals.

Sam Napper, Jr., MF, Mt. Pleasant

Helped Mt. Pleasant win Section 2-AA title with 12-0 record and make trip to WPIAL quarterfinals. All-WPIAL pick had 17 goals and 17 assists.

Shane Popko, Sr., MF, Franklin Regional

Led playoff team with 10 goals as Panthers won Section 4 title and made WPIAL Class 4A quarterfinals. Earned all-section and all-WPIAL honors.

JoJo Schwerha, Jr., F, Greensburg Central Catholic

All-WPIAL forward contributed 13 goals and 14 assists for Centurions, who made run to the WPIAL Class A quarterfinals.

Brad Tait, Jr., F, Mt. Pleasant

All-WPIAL player played key role in Vikings winning section title and notching first playoff win since 2013. Section 2 player of the year had 24 goals and 11 assists.

Jake Trapanotto, Sr., D, Franklin Regional

One of WPIAL's top center-back defenders, he only scored one goal but helped Panthers post seven shutouts and win section title. All-WPIAL selection.

Tags: Belle Vernon, Franklin Regional, Greensburg C.C., Mt. Pleasant, Norwin, Penn-Trafford