James Murphy wins New Jersey Gatorade award for boys soccer

Sophomore James Murphy was named the Gatorade State Player of the Year for boys soccer. The award honors the winner’s athletic excellence, academic achievement and exemplary character. Murphy, a center midfielder, scored 22 goals and provided 18 assists this season on the varsity soccer team. He was chosen Union County Player of the Year, and was named First Team All-State and NSCAA (National Soccer Coaches Association of America) All-American. “Earning Gatorade Player of the Year was an absolute honor,” said Murphy. “This year’s team, along with Coach Breznitsky and Coach Mortarulo, really pushed me to my limits and made me play the best I possibly could.” Murphy is now eligible for the National Player of the Year award, announced by Gatorade in May.