ESPN RISE

The following are this week's ESPN RISE National Soccer Players of the Week. Players are recognized for their performances from the previous week (Monday through Sunday).

Boys player of the week
Chris Gaschen, Granite Bay (Calif.), Sr., F
Gaschen closed out a stellar high school career with a four-goal effort in Granite Bay's Sac-Joaquin Division II title win over Oakmont. In the three playoff matches, Gaschen, who has committed to Cal Poly, had seven goals and four assists. Although he missed six matches due to injury (in which the team went 1-3-2), Gaschen finished the season with 27 goals and 18 assists.

Finalists
Ryan Finley, Rancocas Valley (N.J.): Finley, a member of the U.S. under-18 national team, scored both goals as Rancocas Valley secured a FAB 50 Top 10 finish with a 2-0 victory over Clifton in the New Jersey Group 3 state final.

Jack Russell, Rockhurst Jesuit (Mo.): Russell scored the first two goals as Rockhurst defeated Glendale 3-0 to claim the Missouri Class 3 state title for the second straight season. Will Stamatis, Pingry School (N.J.): Stamatis scored twice as Pingry capped an undefeated season with a 3-0 win over St. Augustine in the new Jersey Non-Public A state final.

Past players of the week
Nov. 19: Joseph Lopez, Brentwood (N.Y.)
Nov. 12: Alex Tarnoczi, Rock Canyon (Colo.)
Nov. 5: Kyle Schickel, St. Xavier (Ky.)
Oct. 29: Tyler Pollock, Beavercreek (Ohio)
Oct. 22: Jordan Cyrus, Norfolk Academy (Va.)
Oct. 15: Ryan Finley, Rancocas Valley (N.J.)
Oct. 8: Kyle Schraier, Christian Brothers (Mo.)
Oct. 1: Walter Rodriguez, St. Benedict's Prep (N.J.)
Sept. 24: Adam Jahn, Sacramento Jesuit (Calif.)
Sept. 17: Erik Hurtado, Westview (Ore.)
Sept. 10: Devon Sandoval, Eldorado (N.M.)
Sept. 3: Chris Perez, Gonzaga (D.C.)

Girls player of the week
Jillian Kinter, Newburyport (Mass.), Sr., F
The Colgate-bound senior simply has the winning touch. Kinter had a goal and an assist in Newburyport's 2-0 victory over Monson in the Massachusetts Division III state final. For Kinter, it was her third state title in the span of one year. Kinter helped Newburyport to a state title last year and in between helped the Aztec club team to the state's U17 title. During the playoffs, Kinter scored or assisted on the match-winning goal in the team's final three victories. Kinter closed out her career with a school-record 89 goals. She had 25 goals and 11 assists this season.

Finalists
Brooke Bandazian, Ramapo (N.J.): Bandazian scored twice in the second half as Ramapo rallied from a 1-0 halftime deficit for a 3-1 victory over Freehold Borough in the Group 4 state final, marking the program's 10th state crown.

Jessica Gardner, Minnechaug (Mass.): Gardner recorded 10 saves as Minnechaug posted its 18th shutout in 22 matches in a 1-0 state final win over Acton-Boxboro.

Past players of the week
Nov. 19: Scout Libke, Lincoln (Ore.)
Nov. 12: Elizabeth Burchenal, St. Ursula (Ohio)
Nov. 5: Jocelyn McCoy, Archbishop Spalding (Md.)
Oct. 29: Kealia Ohai, Alta (Utah)
Oct. 22: Ashley Szalwinski, Noblesville (Ind.)
Oct. 15: Melissa Madrid, Casa Grande (Calif.)
Oct. 8: Kaitlyn Kerr, Pennington Prep (N.J.)
Oct. 1: Taylor Davidson, Baylor School (Tenn.)
Sept. 24: Ashley Cuba, Cardinal Mooney (Ohio)
Sept. 17: Ashley Jones, Alta (Utah)
Sept. 10: Erin Simon, Pennington Prep (N.J.)
Sept. 3: Danielle Hubka, Strongsville (Ohio)

To nominate an athlete for player of the week consideration, e-mail Sheldon Shealer. Shealer is the soccer editor of ESPNRISE.com.