Seven from Notre Dame highlight state team

Southeast Missourian

Southeast Missouri's quest for respect in soccer took a giant leap forward when Notre Dame won the Class 2 boys state championship, the first by any school in the region.

The respect came front and center this week with the release of the all-state soccer teams chosen by the state's coaches.

Notre Dame had a school-record seven seniors honored: four first team, two second team and one honorable mention.

In addition, Notre Dame's Tyler Cuba was selected the Class 2 player of the year; Adam Prasanphanich was chosen offensive player of the year; and coach Brad Wittenborn was the small-school coach of the year.

"You have to pay your dues," Wittenborn said. "I think we've come a long way. Winning the state championship, of course, helps get your players recognized."

As expected, the Bulldogs finished atop the final poll after a 20-5 season. St. Francis Borgia, which Notre Dame defeated 1-0 in double overtime in the championship game, finished second.

Heath Orr of Central led a list of honorees from other Southeast Missouri schools. Orr was selected for the first team in Class 3. During his junior season, Orr broke Central's single-season scoring record with 29 goals. The Tigers, who finished 18-7-1, were 10th in the final poll.

Also in Class 3, Jackson senior forward Stuart Knowlan was an honorable mention.

As for Notre Dame, midfielders Cuba and Prasanphanich were selected for the first team in Class 2 along with sweeper Dustin Haupt and goalkeeper Travis Siebert.

Middle defender Jeff Brosey and midfielder Dustin Tatum were chosen for the second team and midfielder Josh Essner was an honorable mention.

Wittenborn called Cuba, who had nine goals and five assists, the team's most seasoned player. Cuba had 20 goals at striker as a sophomore and nine in his junior year.

"He has such good field vision," Wittenborn said. "With his speed he's dangerous from anywhere."

Prasanphanich tallied a team-high 14 goals and had five assists.

"He has an explosive quickness," Wittenborn said. "He was very dominating in some games down the stretch."

Haupt and Siebert were the final lines of defense for a team which posted 14 shutouts. Siebert holds the school record for career shutouts.

"With Travis in goal and Dustin at sweeper, we were pretty solid back there," Wittenborn said.

Brosey scored eight goals, including the game-winner in both the semifinal and championship games.

Wittenborn called Tatum the team's top possession player. Tatum had five goals and four assists and "probably led the team in hitting the post," Wittenborn joked.

Essner led the team with 10 assists.

Poplar Bluff had two players honored in Class 3. Defender Matt Schindler was a second-team selection and forward Justin Caudel was honorable mention.