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Cal Girard, a Duke commit, is winning 83 percent of his faceoffs this season.

USA Lacrosse High School Boys' Players of the Week

April 12, 2023
USA Lacrosse Magazine Staff
Shaggerty Media

The USA Lacrosse Players of the Week recognize the most outstanding individual performances in high school boys’ lacrosse in each of the five regions — Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, South, Midwest and West — outlined in our high school coverage.

NORTHEAST

Cal Girard, Manhasset (N.Y.)

Cal Girard has been a dominant force at the faceoff X since he arrived at Manhasset (N.Y.) four years ago. But as a senior, the Duke commit has taken his game to a different stratosphere. A returning All-American who helped guide the Indians to the New York State Class C title a year ago, Girard is winning 83 percent of his faceoffs this season. On Saturday, in the latest Battle of the Sound showdown against Darien (Conn.), Girard won 14 of 16 faceoffs and added a goal and an assist in the 11-2 win over the Blue Wave in a meeting of nationally-ranked squads.

“One of the keys was to maximize our offensive possessions and Cal kickstarted that from the start of the game for us,” Manhasset coach Keith Cromwell said. “He continues to be a dominant presence at his position and is so extremely valuable to the team. To be able to win 14 of 16 at the faceoff X as well as chipping in one goal and one assist against an opponent like Darien was an outstanding performance and a major factor in our win.”

Also notable: Brayden Arias, Comsewogue (N.Y.); Ethan Aust, Penfield (N.Y.); Jimmy Ayers, St. John’s Prep (Mass.); Carter Hagen, Darien (Conn.); Daniel Picart, Pleasantville (N.Y.)

— Dylan Butler

MID-ATLANTIC

Brendan Millon, McDonogh (Md.)

The sophomore attackman was hurt for much of the early portion of last year but returned to help the Eagles win the MIAA A Conference crown. This year it is his senior brother, McCabe, who has missed games early with injury, and Brendan Millon has helped to lessen the sting of not having McCabe. Brendan came through with one of his best games of the year in McDonogh’s toughest challenge yet. Millon scored five times and had two assists to help the Eagles hold off Boys’ Latin (Md.) 11-10.

Also notable: Dylan Cadigan, Boys’ Latin (Md.); Jackson Gaffney, Radnor (Pa.): Lucas Hurlburt, Fallston (Md.); Matt Sentowski, Mountain Lakes (N.J.); Charlie Schutta, Ocean City (N.J.); Bennett Wright, Loyola-Blakefield (Md.)

— Justin Feil

SOUTH

Ethan Streiner, St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.)

Ethan Streiner faced a barrage of shots from perennial Florida powerhouse St. Andrew’s in St. Thomas Aquinas’ victory last week. He made 21 saves in the 11-8 win over St. Andrew’s. Streiner is leading a defense that averages 6.2 goals allowed per game. The senior is committed to Iona next season.

Also notable: James Finch, St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.); Spencer Surface, Bolles (Fla.)

— Justin Boggs

MIDWEST

Hunter Polonkey, Brother Rice (Mich.)

All eyes, at least in the Mitten State lacrosse community, were on Brother Rice's state championship game rematch with Hartland, and Polonkey was among the numerous stars ensuring that the Warriors didn't fall again to the Eagles. The Lehigh commit scored a game-high six goals to lead Brother Rice to a 21-5 victory, showing off an absolutely lethal lefty shot, including from tough angles and rapid-fire.

Also notable: Johnnie Guttman, St. Xavier (Ohio); Sam Klein, Brother Rice (Ohio)

— Jonah Rosenblum

WEST

Cohen Krudwig, Foothill-Santa Ana (Calif.)

The senior goalkeeper was tested in a 7-5 win over Loyola Los Angeles (Calif.), but he came up big to preserve the lead. He made 19 saves on 24 shots for a 79.1 percent save rate and had four ground balls. Krudwig owns a 5.5 goals against average in five starts this season.

Also notable: Finn Hazelton, Loyola-Los Angeles (Calif.); Magnus Langtry, Legend (Colo.); Harry Luong, Valor Christian (Colo.)

— Laurel Pfahler