Who are the top high school lacrosse players representing New Jersey in the All-America Underclass Games. What positions and schools are represented on the New Jersey boys’ and girls’ teams. How do the rosters reflect the strength of lacrosse programs across the state.
New Jersey’s Elite: Breaking Down the Boys’ Burn Team Roster
The New Jersey Boys’ Burn team for the All-America Underclass Games showcases a diverse array of talent from across the state. This roster represents the cream of the crop in high school lacrosse, featuring players from prestigious programs and a wide range of positions.
Offensive Firepower
The attack line boasts impressive talent, including Dylan Blekicki from The Pingry School and Colin Coyle of Westfield High School. These players bring a potent scoring threat to the team, complemented by midfielders like Dylan Ah Now from The Hotchkiss School and Graham Coakley of Seton Hall Prep. The offensive unit’s versatility and skill set promise to keep opposing defenses on their toes.
Defensive Stalwarts
On the defensive end, the Burn team is equally formidable. Noah Blinkoff from Saint Joseph Regional High School and Michael Clifford of Seton Hall Prep anchor a solid defensive line. The addition of long stick midfielders like Brock Getson from The Lawrenceville School adds versatility and transition potential to the squad.
Specialized Roles
The roster also includes specialists who excel in crucial aspects of the game. Grant Carle from Manalapan brings face-off expertise, while goalies Kyle Holtby (Immaculata High School) and Eli Pounds (Ridgewood High School) provide a strong last line of defense.
Command Team: A Powerhouse of New Jersey Lacrosse Talent
The New Jersey Boys’ Command team presents another impressive lineup, featuring players from some of the state’s most competitive lacrosse programs.
Offensive Dynamos
The attack unit is led by formidable players such as Andrew Ahrens from Princeton Day School (now at Hill School) and Alexander Ante of Seton Hall Prep. Midfielders like Jimmy Benson from Glen Ridge High School and Shepard Boyd of Chatham High School add depth and versatility to the offensive strategy.
Defensive Prowess
The Command team’s defense is anchored by standout players including Dara Corr from Delbarton and Ryan Healey of James Caldwell High School. Long stick midfielder Michael Roelke, also from Delbarton, adds an extra dimension to the team’s defensive capabilities.
Goalie Strength
The Command team boasts exceptional talent between the pipes, with Luke Burns from Pingry School and Wes Canton of Moorestown High School sharing goaltending duties.
Highlight Team: Showcasing New Jersey’s Rising Stars
The New Jersey Boys’ Highlight team rounds out the state’s representation with a roster full of promising talent from various high schools across the region.
Offensive Threats
The attack line features skilled players like Evan Dupras from Somerville High School and Patrick Kenah of Princeton High School. Midfielders such as Jake Caldwell from Bernards High School and Charlie Hunnewell of Peapack add depth to the offensive unit.
Defensive Backbone
The Highlight team’s defense is solidified by players like Sean Rooke Donohoe from Ridge High School and Alex Fontecchio of Deerfield Academy. Long stick midfielders Francis Keneally (Warwick Valley High School) and Connor Ross (Morristown High School) provide additional defensive support and transition capabilities.
Goalie Talent
Adam Angel from Seton Hall Prep and Caden Kirst of Bernards High School form a strong goaltending duo for the Highlight team.
Girls’ Burn Team: New Jersey’s Female Lacrosse Standouts
The New Jersey Girls’ Burn team showcases the state’s top female lacrosse talent, with a roster that spans various positions and schools.
Midfield Dominance
The midfield unit is particularly strong, featuring players like Kadyn Brandt from Hunterdon Central, Ava Cantillon of Chatham High School, and Kayla Davi from Bernards High School. This group promises to control the pace of the game and contribute on both ends of the field.
Offensive Firepower
The attack position is well-represented by players such as Ashlyn Carpenter from Chatham High School and Karsen Hippert of Easton Area High School, ensuring a potent scoring threat for the Burn team.
Defensive Strength
On the defensive end, players like Emme Dunphey from Ridgewood High School and Rebecca Lenner of Morristown Beard bring skill and tenacity to protect their goal.
Goalie Talent
The Burn team features two talented goalkeepers: Alexandra Genua from Oak Knoll and Marin McGuire of Summit High School, providing a solid last line of defense.
Impact of School Representation on New Jersey Lacrosse
The rosters for the All-America Underclass Games provide insight into the strength and depth of lacrosse programs across New Jersey. Several schools have multiple representatives across the teams, highlighting their prominence in developing top-tier talent.
Powerhouse Programs
Seton Hall Prep stands out with numerous players selected across all three boys’ teams, showcasing the school’s consistent ability to produce high-level lacrosse athletes. Other schools with strong representation include Delbarton, Ridge High School, and Chatham High School.
Geographic Distribution
The rosters reflect a wide geographic distribution of talent across New Jersey, with players hailing from various counties and regions. This diversity highlights the widespread growth and popularity of lacrosse throughout the state.
Position Breakdown: Analyzing Team Compositions
An examination of the position breakdowns across the New Jersey teams reveals interesting patterns and potential strategies for the All-America Underclass Games.
Balanced Approach
All teams show a relatively balanced distribution of positions, ensuring coverage across the field. This balance allows for flexible gameplay and the ability to adapt to various situations during matches.
Specialist Roles
The inclusion of face-off specialists and long stick midfielders on each team demonstrates the importance of these roles in modern lacrosse. These players can often be game-changers, providing crucial possessions and defensive stops.
Implications for College Recruitment and Player Development
The All-America Underclass Games serve as a significant platform for player exposure and development, with potential long-term implications for the athletes involved.
College Showcase
For many players, participation in these games represents a prime opportunity to showcase their skills to college recruiters. The level of competition and exposure can significantly impact their recruiting prospects.
Player Development
Beyond recruitment, the experience of competing alongside and against top talent from across the region can accelerate player development. The challenge of high-level competition often brings out the best in athletes and helps identify areas for improvement.
The New Jersey rosters for the All-America Underclass Games paint a vivid picture of the state’s lacrosse landscape. From powerhouse programs to emerging talents, these teams represent the future of the sport in the region. As these young athletes take the field, they carry with them the pride of their schools, the hopes of their communities, and the potential to shape the future of lacrosse in New Jersey and beyond.
New Jersey rosters for All-America Underclass Games
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/27/23
New Jersey rosters for All-America Underclass Games in Maryland this weekend:
NEW JERSEY BOYS – BURN
Name Hometown High School Position
Dylan Ah Now SHORT HILLS, NJ The Hotchkiss School Mid-Field
Dylan Blekicki Warren, NJ The Pingry School Attack
Noah Blinkoff Livingston, NJ Saint Joseph Regional HS Defense
Grant Carle Manalapan, NJ Grant Carle Face-off
Michael Clifford sparta, NJ Seton Hall Prep Defense
Graham Coakley Montclair, NJ Seton Hall Prep Mid-Field
David Corb Wayne, NJ Don Bosco Prep. Defense
Colin Coyle Westfield, NJ Westfield HS Attack
Brock Duerring Washington, NJ Warren Hills Regional Defense
Jackson Gervais Little Silver, NJ Christian Brothers Academy Lincroft Defense
Brock Getson Los Angeles, CA The Lawerenceville School Long Stick Mid-Field
Cole Hayden Hillsborough, NJ Immaculata Mid-Field
Kyle Holtby Flemington, NJ Immaculata HS Goalie
Chase Huggard Voorhees, NJ Eastern Regional HS Mid-Field
Charles Killen Glen Ridge, NJ Seton Hall Prep Attack
Sam Madalone MONMOUTH BEACH, NJ Img Academy Mid-Field
David Manzo Glen Ridge, NJ Seton hall prep Long Stick Mid-Field
Elliott McClendon Randolph, NJ Randolph Mid-Field
TJ Munn New Providence, NJ New Providence HS Mid-Field
Eli Pounds Ridgewood, NJ Ridgewood HS Goalie
Michael Ramirez Oak Ridge, NJ Pope John XXIII HS Face-off
Will Yates Ridgewood, NJ Ridgewood HS Mid-Field
NEW JERSEY BOYS – COMMAND
Name Hometown High School Position
Andrew Ahrens Lambertville, NJ Princeton Day School (Hill School) Attack
Lucas Angel SOUTH ORANGE, NJ Seton Hall Prep Face-off
Alexander Ante Maplewood, NJ Seton Hall Prep Attack
Jimmy Benson Glen Ridge, NJ Glen Ridge HS Mid-Field
Shepard Boyd Chatham, NJ Chatham NJ HS Mid-Field
Griffin Breen Haddonfield, NJ Haddonfield Mid-Field
Luke Burns Califon, NJ Pingry School Goalie
Jesse Busch South Orange, NJ Pingry Attack
Wes Canton Moorestown, NJ Moorestown Goalie
Cooper Christian Lebanon, NJ Seton Hall Prep Mid-Field
Dara Corr West Orange, NJ Delbarton Defense
Gus Cummings Westfield, NJ Delbarton Mid-Field
Luke Gouse Long Valley, NJ West Morris Central Face-off
Ryan Healey West Caldwell, NJ James Caldwell HS Defense
Chase Houser Caldwell, NJ Delbarton School Attack
Declan Kurdyla Bridgewater, NJ Bridgewater Raritan Mid-Field
AJ LoSauro Ridgewood, NJ Ridgewood HS Attack
Michael Marino Mahwah, NJ Don Bosco Prep Defense
Isaac McGarvey Basking Ridge, NJ Ridge HS Defense
Michael Roelke Morristown, NJ Delbarton Long Stick Mid-Field
Luke St.
Pierre Ho Ho Kus, NJ Don Bosco Prep Defense
Easton Tedesco Glen Rock, NJ Bergen Catholic Attack
Brayson Thurber Medford, NJ St Augustine Prep Attack
Christian Troczynski Clark, NJ Delbarton Face-off
NEW JERSEY BOYS – HIGHLIGHT
Name Hometown High School Position
Adam Angel SOUTH ORANGE, NJ Seton Hall Prep Goalie
Jake Caldwell Bernardsville, NJ Bernards HS Mid-Field
Sean Rooke Donohoe Basking Ridge, NJ Ridge HS Defense
Evan Dupras somerville, NJ Somerville High School Attack
Brandon Edwards Long Valley, NJ West Morris Central Face-off
Aidan Fairweather Scotch Plains, NJ Scotch Plains Fanwood HS Mid-Field
Alex Fontecchio Englewood Cliffs, NJ Deerfield Academy Defense
Charles Hodulik Tewksbury, NJ Seton Hall Prep Defense
Charlie Hunnewell Peapack, NJ Bernards High School Mid-Field
Tyler Juhlin Kinnelon, NJ Seton Hall Prep Mid-Field
Patrick Kenah Lawrenceville, NJ Princeton HS Attack
Francis Keneally Warwick, NY Warwick Valley HS Long Stick Mid-Field
Caden Kirst Bernardsville, NJ Bernards High School Goalie
Daine Kostes Bridgewater, NJ Bridgewater-Raritan Face-off
Cody Lam Westfield, NJ Westfield Attack
AJ Lembo Basking Ridge, NJ Ridge HS Attack
Zachary Lipton Short Hills, NJ Millburn HS Attack
Ryan Olivo Basking Ridge, NJ Ridge High School Mid-Field
Greg Peters Sparta, NJ Sparta HS Defense
Hudson Rocheville Livingston, NJ Seton Hall Prep Mid-Field
Connor Ross Morris Plains, NJ Morristown HS Long Stick Mid-Field
Trevor Sardis Bernardsville, NJ Bernards High School Face-off
Christian Schweiger Tewksbury, NJ Seton Hall Prep Attack
NEW JERSEY GIRLS – BURN
Name Hometown High School Position
Kadyn Brandt Flemington, NJ Hunterdon Central Mid-Field
Ava Cantillon Chatham, NJ Chatham HS Mid-Field
Ashlyn Carpenter Chatham, NJ, NJ Chatham HS Attack
Kayla Davi Bernardsville, NJ Bernards HS Mid-Field
Emme Dunphey Ridgewood, NJ Ridgewood HS Defense
Delaney Falk Manahawkin, NJ Southern Regional HS Mid-Field
Alexandra Genua Berkeley Heights, NJ Oak Knoll Goalie
Grace Hallahan Chatham, NJ Chatham HS Mid-Field
Karina Harrison Chesterfield, NJ N Burlington Regional HS Attack
Karsen Hippert Easton, PA Easton Area High School Mid-Field
Rebecca Lenner Short Hills, NJ Morristown Beard Defense
Gabriella Mariani Madison, NJ Madison HS Mid-Field
Marin McGuire SUMMIT, NJ Summit HS Goalie
Mary Catherine O’Connor Rumson, NJ Trinity Hall Mid-Field
Charleston Pike Cherry Hill, NJ Cherry Hill West Defense
Aleena Seyam Denville, NJ Morris Knolls Magnet program for Math & Science Attack
Zoey Smith LANOKA HARBOR, NJ Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science Mid-Field
Julia Swanson Montville, NJ Montville Township HS Attack
Addyson Walker Denville, NJ Morris Knolls HS Mid-Field
Lily Wood LITTLE SILVER, NJ Trinity Hall Mid-Field
NEW JERSEY GIRLS – COMMAND
Name Hometown High School Position
Jayde Amico Berkeley Heights, NJ Oak Knoll School Attack
Sam Bruno Cherry Hill, NJ Cherry Hill West Attack
Gillian Cohen Westfield, NJ Westfield Attack
Casey Conklin Livingston, NJ Livingston High School Mid-Field
Meghan Criqui essex fells, NJ Oak Knoll Attack
Stella Cuneo Ridgewood, NJ Ridgewood High School Mid-Field
Molly DeStefano morristown, NJ Oak Knoll School Defense
Leighton Gee Flemington, NJ Hunterdon Central Mid-Field
Reagan Larson Oradell, NJ Immaculate Heart Academy Goalie
Logan McCarthy Brielle, NJ Manasquan High School Defense
Maris McGinty Madison, NJ Oak Knoll school Mid-Field
Madison Mortimer Kinnelon, NJ Kinnelon High School Goalie
Lucia Nash Denville, NJ Morris Knolls High School Mid-Field
Mia Paulmeno Amawalk, NY Somers High School Attack
Korryn Peterson Morristown, NJ Madison Mid-Field
Rylee Rath Stroudsburg, PA Pleasant Valley High School Mid-Field
Margaret Rogers Madison, NJ Oak Knoll School Defense
Tallula Stebbings Springfield, NJ Oak Knoll Defense
Taylor Tabulov Ramsey, NJ Ramsey High School Defense
Bridget Troy Westfield, NJ Pingry School Mid-Field
Capri Valentino Allentown, NJ Notre Dame Attack
NEW JERSEY GIRLS – HIGHLIGHT
Name Hometown High School Position
Chloe Babich Skillman, NJ The Lawrenceville School Mid-Field
Maddie Brogan West Windsor, NJ The Lawrenceville School Attack
Sidney Cherry Redondo Beach, CA Redondo Union High School Defense
Bianca Chiarella Brielle, NJ Manasquan High School Mid-Field
Jacinda Connor Scottsdale, AZ Roland Park Country School Defense
Sofia Della Rocco Westfield, NJ Westfield High School Mid-Field
Alexandra Kucharz Glen Rock, NJ Immaculate Heart Academy Attack
Abigail Leporati Cherry hill, NJ Cherry Hill West High School Defense
Cathleen Moran Morristown, NJ Morristown High School Attack
Samantha Mortimer Kinnelon, NJ Kinnelon High School Defense
Ava Olender Flemington, NJ Hun School Mid-Field
Kayla Plotts Morris Plains, NJ Mountain Lakes Attack
McAllister Salter Tappan, NY Saddle River Day Goalie
Ava Sigrist Middletown, NJ Middletown High School North Mid-Field
Alyson Sojak Barnegat, NJ Barnegat High School Attack
Deborah Sullivan Little Silver, NJ Deborah Sullivan Mid-Field
Charlee Thomas Towson, MD Mount de Sales Academy Defense
Maggie Turco east windsor, NJ Rutgers Preparatory School Attack
Malia Zovich Plainsboro, NJ The Lawrenceville School Goalie
Lacrosse Friends Shine In The World Series
Eighth graders Michael Mesite and Ryan Plouffe have enjoyed growing up as lacrosse players in Cheshire.
This summer, the friends had the chance to travel out of state and pit their skills against the nation’s best.
Representing the Eclipse Lacrosse Club, Mesite and Plouffe helped their team go 5-2 in the Lacrosse World Series Championship held June 28 to July 1 at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex in Matthews, North Carolina. Elite U.S. 13-and-under clubs and some international squads attended the event.
“I was excited because we got to fly down and beat some great competition,” stated Plouffe.
Mesite and Plouffe play for an Eclipse summer team, but to represent the club nationally, they had to sign up for a tryout last summer in New Canaan.
Plouffe tried out on defense, while Mesite was evaluated as a mid-fielder.
“We had drills that tested our skills,” stated Plouffe. “We also did a scrimmage.”
Selected players had some workouts last fall, but the team didn’t all come together until January of this year.
“After a few practices, we meshed pretty well,” reflected Mesite.
“We bonded together.”
The preparation paid off, as the squad went 6-1 in a North regional tournament that ran March 25-26 in Frederica, Delaware. Teams competed from Connecticut, as well as Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Eclipse swept four games in qualifying and went 2-1 in the playoffs.
“It was great competition and great to play against other kids on a high level,” explained Mesite.
While coming up short in the title game, the team still qualified to play in North Carolina.
“After what we showed in qualifiers, we expected to do well in the World Series,” recalled Plouffe.
In the first two days in North Carolina, Eclipse went 4-1 against teams from Canada, Maryland, California, and Pennsylvania. Plouffe and Mesite liked seeing new styles of play.
“It (the tournament) showed how unique and different teams play lacrosse,” stated Plouffe. “Canada only used one hand (with their stick) and they didn’t switch hands.
It was like watching an indoor style of lacrosse.”
Eclipse kicked off the playoffs with an overtime victory over Duke’s Elite (Pennsylvania).
“It was really exciting and fun to celebrate with the team,” recalled Mesite.
In the quarterfinals, the team came up just short by a goal against 2Way Lacrosse, a club that is also based in Connecticut.
“It was fun to play them,” said Mesite. “The whole tournament we were playing kids from around the country and then got to play kids near us.”
Plouffe and Mesite both developed a passion for lacrosse at a young age.
With his father Nick being very active in the Cheshire boys’ youth lacrosse program, Mesite picked up the sport before going into kindergarten.
Plouffe signed up for lacrosse in kindergarten.
“I like the physicality,” said Plouffe. “It relates to football. It is a fast-paced and unique game.”
Mesite and Plouffe recently finished up their summer season in the National Lacrosse Federation Championship.
