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Flores receives state’s highest soccer honor

Steve Yingling, Tribune sports editor
Tribune file photoWhittell High's Nestor Flores, left, had little room to maneuver as a senior because of the reputation he developed during his prep career
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Since his freshman year, Nestor Flores has dreamed about winning the top honor in Nevada prep soccer.

No matter how many goals he scored — and they came in bunches during his sophomore and junior years — MVP awards eluded the Whittell High superstar.

Triple- and double-team defensive schemes greeted Flores for his senior season, reducing his scoring totals. But his contributions from goal line to goal line weren’t lost on opposing coaches.



Even though his Warriors lost in the first round of the Nevada 3A Division playoffs in November, the four coaches who assembled for the 3A state tournament selected Flores as the state’s best boys’ player.

“The thing that won him that MVP award was his versatility — his ability to play more than one position and be the best player on the field in any position that he played,” said Steve Maltase, Flores’ coach for the past four years.”



During his prep career, Flores had 108 goals and 45 assists.

Watching Dusty Apocotos and Todd Echan earn division MVP honors before him inspired Flores to equal or surpass them.

Following an up-and-down season where the Warriors squeaked into the Nevada 3A Lake Division postseason tournament, Flores was selected the league’s MVP. But without a voice in the state’s final four and his 26 goals and 16 assists feats of the past, Flores wasn’t expecting any additional awards.

“I never thought I could get the state award, especially since we didn’t get past zone,” Flores said. “It was hard for me to do anything practically. I had to work off the ball a lot. I think coaches saw that and recognized who I was on the field.”

Flores is considering playing at a junior college, possibly Santa Rosa or Consumes River, next season. Wherever he plays, Maltase will miss his multitalented star.

“The sky is the limit for him,” Maltase said. “I just really hope he gets to accomplish his goals and reach his potential. He’s been a special player for our school and this area.”

Flores’ teammate Justin Haynes, a senior sweeper, was selected to the state’s second team.

“I’m really proud of him,” Maltase said. “His attitude and maturity earned him that spot this year. He’s always had the skills. This year, he put it all together for us.”


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