Nansemond River High School’s boys’ soccer team had three players named to the 5A All-State teams.

The Warriors had a season for the ages this year. This year’s team accumulated the most wins in a season by any Nansemond River team. They also made it to the state tournament for the first time in school history.

Because of the success, the Warriors have had their fair share of postseason awards. Canandez Long and Sterling McGee were named to the 5A first team, while Sasha Karlov was named to the second team. Nansemond River had no representatives on the team last year.

“I think the season was very successful for the Nansemond River program,” Long said. “We accomplished a lot of team goals and personal goals, as well. It is a very humbling thing to be a part of.”

For Long, this is the ultimate reward. Back in January, the senior had to make a position switch due to a teammate’s injury. He was originally a wing player but had to switch to center back as a result of shuffling. Five months later Long is an All-State player in his first year at the position.

“I would have never guessed that this would be possible,” he said. “It was a huge adjustment from the position I was used to, but my teammates guided me and made this possible.”

McGee led the team in scoring for the second consecutive year. He was a big part of the scoring attack for the Warriors by also opening up other opportunities for his teammates.

He will go on to play at Bryant and Stratton in New York.

Karlov had a significant presence on the team as a mid-fielder and was happy to make the All-State team in his last season of high school soccer.

All three players also made the All-Conference and All-Region teams.

“It’s crazy. At the beginning of the season, I wouldn’t have expected all of this,” Karlov said. “It’s great to get recognized as one of the best state players in your final year.”

Long will be the only one of the three returning and believes that his teammates this year have raised the bar for Nansemond River soccer. He hopes to reach the same level of soccer or higher in his senior season with his returning teammates.

At that point he will be two years into his new position.