Gamecock’s Stanton Named Player of Week
ATLANTA – After sparking South Carolina to a pair of Top 10 victories and winning the SELC tournament, Gamecock freshman Johnny Stanton is the MCLA Division I Warrior Player of the Week for the period ending April 24.
South Carolina opened the weekend against No. 5 Florida and the McLean, Va., native struck for a pair of goals while setting up three others as the Gamecocks rolled up the Gators, 12-6.
That was followed with Sunday’s championship game against No. 7 Georgia Tech and again Stanton was clutch, scoring two more goals while also dishing out four dimes in the 17-15 triumph for the hardware.
For the weekend, he finished with four goals, seven assists and 11 points.
“Johnny was a last-minute surprise to the team as he transferred in the spring from UMass,” said South Carolina coach Peter Candela. “He shows up to practice every day and plays just as hard as he does in games and it's something that gets the entire team motivated.
“He is only a freshman, so instead of being a vocal leader, he leads by example, which really generates high-intensity practices. His performance this weekend is indicative of his nickname: Johnny ‘First Goal’ Stanton, as he usually strikes first and is a shot of adrenaline for our team.”
For his efforts earning the Warrior Player of the Week, Stanton will receive a Warrior Burn XP-O – a $100 value – for his efforts. Warrior is a proud sponsor of the MCLA.
Warrior Honor Roll
Gage Duchon, Attack – Northeastern
In key conference wins over Boston College and New Hampshire, the Mill Valley, Calif., product combined for nine of the team’s 18 total goals.
Sam Eck, Midfield – Georgia Tech
The Grayson, Ga., product struck for seven goals and three dimes against Florida State and added a hat trick against South Carolina.
Seth Garff, Attack – Brigham Young
The Cougars rolled to the RMLC title thanks to a combined four goals and eight assists from the Danville, Calif., product.
Connor Griffin, Midfield – South Carolina
The Lake Grove, N.Y., product buried six goals in the championship game of the SELC tournament to earn game MVP honors.
Will Harris, Attack – Minnesota
In the championship game of the UMLC tournament, the Bloomington, Minn., native struck for five goals – including the OT winner – and two assists against Michigan State.
Jackson McKenney, Midfield – Concordia-Irvine
The Lake Forest, Calif., native scored a season-high four goals along with an assist in the Eagles 17-14 triumph over Chapman.