Apodiakos back to lead goal-oriented Belle Vernon
The Belle Vernon boys soccer team appears to be in a rebuilding year, but with all-section, all-WPIAL and all-state senior forward Markello Apodiakos leading the way, expect the Leopards to be in the playoff hunt.
“Our expectations will always to be the same and that is to make the playoffs, win the section and make a run in the playoffs, but certain years it may take a little more to get there and achieve things,” said second-year coach Rob Miele. “We graduated a lot of key players last year but return three of our top five players. We just need to find guys who can compliment them and step in and play.”
If he stays healthy, Apodiakos will shatter the program’s records.
His 62 goals are seven shy of tying the program record set by Mike Posey (1989 graduate) and his 146 points are only 54 away from tying Posey’s program record of 200.
Apodiakos already holds the school record for goals in a game (5), points in a game (11), goals in a season (37) and points in a season (83).
Miele said that Apodiakos has not been resting on his past success.
“Even with his stats and the accolade-filled year he had last fall, he has worked as hard as ever this offseason to improve his game,” Miele said. “I know he enjoyed last year but I know he would trade all of those accolades for a deeper run in the playoffs as he is the ultimate team guy.
“He is a leader as is Aaron Brown and Hunter Martin.”
Brown and Martin each are seniors. Brown has moved from forward to midfield and Martin from forward to defense because the team graduated all four defensive starters from last year’s playoff squad.
“Markello and Hunter are more lead by example guys with Aaron being the more vocal leader on the team,” Miele said. “And hopefully Niko Apodiakos will be a big piece for us this fall.”
A junior, the younger Apopdiakos was limited to eight games a year ago because of an injury.
Miele believes Ringgold is the team to beat in Section 3-AAA.
“I expect them to be very strong. I think after only losing a few players form their section title team, they have to be considered the favorite,” he said. “Laurel Highlands will be a tough team and I expect Trinity to be much improved as they got better last year throughout the season with a young team.”
Belle vernon opens the season today at home against West Mifflin.