LEWISTON — If you took Ali Hersi out of the Lewiston soccer lineup, the difference would be obvious. That was something the Blue Devils experienced the hard way last year.

“He has as much passion to play as the other guy, but he reads the game,” Lewiston coach Mike McGraw said. “He can anticipate what might happen nearly before it does. We found out last year what it is like playing without him.

“There was a clear change in flow of the game. There was a clear loss of possession ability. We sputtered instead of that fluidity we had become use to. It definitely showed how much control of the game he can provide.  Not that we lacked players, but more that we lacked some of that cohesion that made players play to their potential.”

Hersi was Lewiston’s MVP as a junior and he repeated that feat this year, sharing the honor with keeper Scott Ouellette. The Blue Devils had one of their finest seasons, going 12-2 and winning the KVAC title. The year ended with a heartbreaking overtime loss in the quarterfinals, but it was still a year to remember for Lewiston. Hersi played a vital role in making it happen.

Hersi was not only a KVAC Player of the Year but was also named to the All-Western and All-State soccer teams. He and teammate Shobow Saban were the only locals named to the All-State boys’ team.

“I played real good and team-wise we were excellent,” Hersi said. “It was probably the best team I’ve been on in four years. It was probably the best season I’ve had in high school. As a team, as a player, everything. I’ve achieved a lot as a player. My soccer has gotten better just because of the kids I played with. Everything went pretty well.”

This season was one Hersi has been building toward his whole high school career. McGraw recalls watching him during the summer between his sophomore and junior season.

“He started to direct where players should go in some situations,” McGraw said. “He would council younger players and eventually he became a coach on the field. Players respected his skills, toughness and the ability to distribute the ball.”

He didn’t display leadership qualities his first couple of seasons, but began utilizing them as a junior and thrived in that role as a senior. He made his team better and subsequently they returned the favor.

“It makes thing more fun because of the team playing well together and everyone is doing their job,” Hersi said. “Everyone is having a good time. I just had to do my job, and that was it. Everyone else did theirs, and that’s what made us a good team.”

Hersi handled his responsibilities with greater confidence. He worked hard to learn and improve his knowledge and skills. It showed in his maturity on the field.

“It paid off pretty well,” Hersi said. “I felt I could do a lot more. I would be passing the ball and then switch gears and then play more attack. I felt more confident doing everything. I felt confident trusting the ball with anybody.”

Hersi hopes to play soccer at the next level. He’s hoping to attend prep school and set the table for his next step.

“His hunger and determination to play is ferocious,” McGraw said. “I expect to see him on the sidelines when he is done competitive play. But I think that is going to be a long time from now.”

kmills@sunjournal.com

All-Region Boys’ Soccer Team

First Team

G – Scott Ouellette, Lewiston, Sr.

F – Tim Mains, Edward Little, Sr.

F – Shobow Saban, Lewiston, Sr.

F – Alex Parker, St. Dom’s, Sr.

F – Jack Martell, Gray-New Gloucester, Soph.

MF – Ali Hersi, Lewiston, Sr.

MF – Jack Erickson, St. Dom’s, Sr.

MF – Cody St. Germain, Dirigo, Jr.

MF – Jamiel Kidd, Oak Hill, Jr.

B – Elliott Wiegman, Leavitt, Jr.

B – Kyle Hargeraves, St. Dom’s, Sr.

B – J.J. Jackson, Edward Little, Sr.

B – Jimmy Neal, Mt. Blue, Sr.

Second Team

G – Josh Beedy, Mt. Abram, Jr.

F – Jake Freeman, Livermore Falls, Jr.

F – Alex Milledge, Dirigo, Sr.

F – Ryan Fairbanks, Lisbon, Jr.

F – Kyle Fletcher, Monmouth, Fr.

MF – Morgan Reeves, Lisbon, Jr.

MF – Kurt Johnson, St. Dom’s, Sr.

MF – Hunter Ross, Dirigo, Soph.

MF – Henry Seidler, Livermore Falls, Soph.

B – Austin Grover, Mountain Valley, Soph.

B – Derek Morin, Oxford Hills, Sr.

B – Elek Pew, Telstar, Sr.

B – Spencer Osgood, Livermore Falls, Jr.

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