The rising seniors of the Blue Star High School program had a very strong showing at the NXT Philly Invite this past weekend - going undefeated on the weekend. Led by Goalie Cameron Coyle (Yale, Robbinsville) George Talarico (Bucknell, Bergen Catholic) Jeremy Thompson (Westfield) the defensive unit held opposing teams to an average of 4 goals per game while the offense clicked and averaged just shy of 10 goals per game. Jake Waldman (Lafayette, Montclair Kimberly Academy) Mack Prybylski (Villanova, Westfield) and Aidan McClean (Fairfield, Westfield) set the tempo all weekend long.
Squaring off against local programs Steps Lacrosse and Upper Level, the 2022 team had a stout first weekend, showing tremendous growth and much improved from last summer's season. In their first game, they defeated Steps 10-4 and then the next day defeated Upper Level 11-1 en route to a 2-2 weekend. This group of 22's is developing into a great "team" with lots of selfless and team-first players! Seamus Schofield (Delran) was a monster at the faceoff X all weekend and Liam Ray (Ramapo) was making save after save. Strong midfield play from Max Avrillon (Christian Brothers Academy) and Evan Wright (Hun School).
Coach Whitlow's 2023 White squad also had a strong showing against some of the nation's best clubs this weekend including a tie against Brotherly Love. This squad will look to build on a strong start as they get into the rest of their summer schedule. Defensively, Trey Brown (Westfield) led a unit that was anchored in net by goalie Joe Drew (Mt. Olive). Sammy Selverian (Moorestown) was making plays all over the field with his athleticism at the midfield and on attack Ethan Kraus (Shawnee) led a very potent offensive unit all weekend long.
The 2024 White Squad kicked off their summer with wins over Leading Edge and Patriot Lacrosse. The win over leading edge was a back and forth defensive battle - anchored by strong play from 2024 Goalie Carter Johnson and a sturdy defense. Led by Coach Bill Sutphin, this group has lots of potential and we are excited to watch them grow the rest of the summer.
At Hogan Hershey in Pennsylvania the 2023 Navy Squad and the 2023 Blue Squad squared off against stiff competition and showed continued growth.
2023 Blue Players Who Stood Out
Anthony Buscio, Westfield (M) - Was dodging hard all weekend and creating offense
Ride Bumgarner, Somerville (M) - Contributed hugely at the Faceoff X, either winning the loose ball or tying up opponents for his teammates
Mason Marchese, Somerville (D) - True shutdown cover defenseman, erased the opposing teams #1 option all weekend
Colin Ward, Basking Ridge (A) - Brought a lot of energy and intensity all weekend especially in the riding game!
Luke Mokrzycki, Westfield (M) - Made plays between the lines and helped to quarterback the offense
Kyle Swan, Basking Ridge (LSM) - Contested every ground ball and didn't concede any easy clear to opposing teams
2023 Navy Players Who Stood Out
Vaughan Feudtner, Shawnee (D) - Leader of the defensive unit with strong communication skills, blanketed the #1 attackman all weekend
Nolan Samson, Lenape (M) - Made plays all over the field, his presence was felt for all four quarters
Ben Blum, Lenape (G) - Made big save after big save in frenetic situations, was a calming presence for the team the whole weekend
Eddie Sedowski, Northern Burlington (D) - Not only was taking the ball away but clearing it on his own with ease and pushed a lot of transition
Jack Bertino, Moorestown (M) - Old school hard alley-dodging midfielder who could create his own shot