I think an interesting way to look at the best players in the state in any position would be to base it on a game-by-game basis. Which players stepped up in big games? If you look at it that way, then you have to look at the scores from matches where top teams play each other. The most recent match that comes to mind is Irmo's loss to Aiken, 4-2, at Irmo. I am not sure exactly, but I think this is the first time Irmo has lost on their home field by more than one goal (discounting OT and PKs) in a few years. Irmo was the number #1 AAAA school in the state at the time, and arguably the state's strongest squad. I do not know any Aiken High players personally, though I do know they have a few that travel with Fire. But the 2 or 3 players that were the difference makers in that match would have to be considered the strongest players in the state right now. There are flaws in looking at it this, but ultimately all athletes are remembered for how they performed in big games.
