Forrest Giard named All-State, three Bobcats named to All-ESD teams

Three players from the Brookings Bobcats soccer teams were honored as the South Dakota High School Athletics Association released their All-State team and the Eastern South Dakota Conference released its all-conference team last week.

Forrest Giard was named to the All-ESD team as well as All-State second team after scoring a team-high seven goals to go with two assists for the Bobcats this season. With 41 shots including 26 shots on goal, Giard made a major contribution to fill the void in the Brookings offense, scoring from four different positions this season.

We needed someone to step up as our goal scorer this year and Forrest certainly filled that role, Brookings boys soccer coach Reece Weber said. He can score from any position and he brings a lot of versatility to our team. Were excited to see what he can do in his senior season.

Braylon Peters was also named to the All-ESD team after scoring a goal and recording an assist this season. But Peters was most known for his role in helping the Bobcats post five shutouts this year and his leadership as the teams senior captain.

Braylon was the heart of our team, Weber said. He led the team by example as senior captain and set the tone for our defensive line every game. Hes a player you can always rely on to give 100 percent and compete until the final whistle.

Were going to miss Braylon next year as a leader and a player, but were excited to see what he achieves in the future.

Shae Lefers was also honored with a spot on the All-ESD girls soccer team. Lefers was a major part of Brookings offense, scoring four goals with six assists in her junior season and has Brookings girls soccer Adam Juba optimistic for what she can accomplish next fall.

Shae is a major asset in our midfield, Juba said. She has incredible vision to create attacks and retain possession. When in possession, she can absorb pressure and stays composed.

Shae is a strong player and strong leader. Im excited to see how she grows this offseason before her senior year.

The Brookings boys soccer team finished with a record of 5-8-2 this past season and lost 5-3 in extra time to Rapid City Stevens in the first round of the Class AA State Tournament on Oct. 8.

The Brookings girls soccer team finished 4-10-1 and saw their season end with a 5-0 loss to the Raiders on Oct. 5.