Marysville-Pilchuck striker John Crenshaw led the Tommies on a wild ride this season

John Crenshaw is a menace to opponents and a blessing to the Marysville-Pilchuck boys soccer squad.

Crenshaw, a Tomahawks junior forward, carved up opposing defenses on his way to scoring 21 goals to help M-P to an 18-2-2 record and a fourth-place finish at state. The 5-foot-9 speedster also doled out nine assists in earning The Herald's All-Area boys soccer player of the year award.

M-P's storybook season came to a screeching halt in the semifinals when it fell to South Kitsap on penalty kicks. It was M-P's first loss of the year and the Tomahawks then fell to Woodinville in the third-place game.

"It was really disappointing having all that work we did this year come down to a single PK," Crenshaw said. "But, it was a good year."

The good news for M-P is that Crenshaw will be back in a Tomahawk's jersey next season. Crenshaw averaged nearly a goal per game and tallied one hat trick (March 27 vs. Cascade) and four additional two-goal games.

M-P head coach Geoff Kittle said he noticed Crenshaw's game featured some improvements heading into this season.

"He was much more dynamic with his runs this year; he came in a little smarter," Kittle said. "This year he had a good ability to finish nice, low shots. A big part of that is Gary Harris, his Snohomish select coach."

Kittle added that Crenshaw was able to utilize his quickness to take defenders head on. The Seattle University commit added that his exceptional speed (Kittle hypothesized that Crenshaw is the fastest kid at M-P) is what helps him run on to his teammates' well-placed through passes into the zone.

"My speed for sure helps me get opportunities that many others might not get," Crenshaw said.

Crenshaw excels both on the soccer field and in the classroom. With a couple Advanced Placement classes to juggle with soccer, he is the definition of a student-athlete.

"Sometimes people look at kids and think they're just athletes," Kittle said. "John is a really well-rounded kid."

The forward made an early verbal commitment to Seattle University after a visit and meeting with the coaching staff. SU also offered a higher percentage of scholarship benefits than the other universities pursuing Crenshaw. The junior spurned the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Cal-State Fullerton, St. Mary's College (Moraga, Calif.) and Seattle Pacific for the chance to be a Redhawk.

"They gave me a good offer," Crenshaw said. "I really liked the campus, the coaches, I really got a good vibe."

If Crenshaw stays committed to SU, he likely will join Lake Stevens grad Wesley Van Hooser on the Redhawks squad. During the summer, Crenshaw will play for Harris on the Snohomish United, a select club soccer travel team. Joining him on the squad is midfielder Brady Ballew, a fellow M-P junior, as well as many of Crenshaw's opponents including Jackson's Devin Mendiola and 2009 Gatorade Washington player of the year Michael Harris of Shorecrest.

"It's actually really fun," Crenshaw said of playing with his rivals.

The summer also will provide him the opportunity to work on his left foot, the most glaring deficiency in his arsenal, Crenshaw said.

When next season comes around, Crenshaw -- who wasn't a captain this season -- will shoulder much of the load for the Tomahawks. Asked if he feels pressured to take on a leadership role, Crenshaw said: "Not really, I think it's (next year) going to be the same as this year with everybody going out and working their hardest."

Kittle added: "He keeps the group's nerves lightened up (with jokes). I started seeing him turn around and be more of a leader as the season went on."

And Crenshaw already has some motivation to work harder. "I want that Gatorade player of the year," he said with a laugh, adding: "(A state title) would be even better."