Whatcom County may have ended its four-year reign as being home to a soccer state champion this spring, but the release of the Washington State Soccer Coaches Association All-State 2012 Spring Soccer Teams proves the region's talent level is undeniable.

Seven different County players received first-team selections between Class 3A and 2A.

Ferndale's Heath Sowers, Bellingham's Arie Vanderstaay, Will Lewis and Auden Schilder, Squalicum's David Starkovich and Spencer Wolfe and Sehome's Jimmy MacQuarrie earned first-team nods.

Sowers led the Northwest Conference in scoring this season with 22 goals out of his forward position. Wolfe and Vanderstaay were also all-state selections as forwards. Wolfe made the move up top from midfield midway through the season and finished with 13 goals and 11 assists. Vanderstaay scored 18 goals during his senior campaign and added six assists. Both players led their teams to the Class 2A state quarterfinals.

Midfielders Starkovich and MacQuarrie led their teams to the Class 2A State Tournament. Starkovich scored 13 goals out of an attacking mid role. He also handed out five assists. Squalicum coach Joe McAuliffe praised Starkovich for his on-ball strength and leadership. MacQuarrie, a four-year varsity player, finished his season with a team-high 13 goals. An impressive number, given the fact 16 different Mariners scored goals this spring.

Bellingham defender Lewis and goalkeeper Schilder were two key reasons the Red Raiders allowed 23 goals all season. Bellingham recorded a goals against average of 1.05 goals per game and posted 10 shutouts.

Sehome's David Abbott-Smith and Jake Haggen represented the Mariners as second-team selections. Haggen helped Sehome's defense limit opponents to 23 goals during 21 matches. Abbott-Smith scored 10 goals and recorded 15 assists - the second best mark in the NWC.

Squalicum's Adam Smiley received a second-team all-state selection. Smiley scored seven goals for the NWC champions and recorded a league-high 16 assists.

Lynden's Arturo Torres, who led Lynden with a team-best 14 goals, earned a second-team all-state selection, and defender Isaac Bogart received an all-state honorable mention.

No Class 1A players made the all-state team.

Mount Vernon defender Alex Bell and Burlington-Edison defender Chad Spady earned all-state honorable mentions.

Reach Andrew Lang at andrew.lang@bellinghamherald.com or call 360-756-2862.

Reach ANDREW LANG at andrew.lang@bellinghamherald.com or call ext. 862.