USA Lacrosse High School Boys' Players of the Week

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

Ryan Rooney, Smithtown East (N.Y.)

With the season on the line and Smithtown East (N.Y.) trailing 6-2 at halftime, Ryan Rooney put his team on his back and ensured it’d play at least one more game. The senior attackman scored four goals, but it was his assist off a timeout to freshman Cameron James with 0.2 seconds left that secured a remarkable 8-7 win over Huntington (N.Y.) in the Suffolk Class A quarterfinals Saturday.

The Sacred Heart commit has emerged from the shadows of standout attacking players ahead of him in previous years and has 46 goals and 44 assists in a breakout season.

“It was one of the games we’ve been waiting for him to have and show up against a really good team,” Smithtown East coach Rob Campbell said. “He’s been a bit of a role player most of his career, always been one of the hardest working kids. We needed a spark, and he was a leader for us.”

Also notable: Tyler McCarthy, Connetquot (N.Y.); Michael Luca Meola, Briarcliff (N.Y.); Rocco Portante, Iona Prep (N.Y.); Michael Romanelli, St. Dominic’s (N.Y.)

— Dylan Butler

MID-ATLANTIC

AJ Marsh, McDonogh (Md.)

The Eagles senior defender had nine ground balls over two games and helped anchor the defense that came up big in McDonogh’s run to its second straight MIAA A Conference tournament championship. Marsh, whom head coach Andy Hilgartner called “our best player this season,” is part of a defense that did not allow double-digit goals in the final eight games of the season. The Eagles are only the third team to repeat as champions in the toughest league in the country. Marsh will continue his career at Navy next year.

Also notable: Chris Berry, St. Albans (D.C.); Ryan Della, Broadneck (Md.); Connor Gately, Lawrenceville (N.J.); Brenden Kittner, Hereford (Md.); McCabe Millon, McDonogh (Md.); Chris Rabena, Malvern Prep (Pa.); Keegan Ryan, Mount Hebron (Md.)

— Justin Feil

SOUTH

Ayden Turner, Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.)

Cardinal Gibbons needed every ounce of offensive support Ayden Turner could provide as his club won a pair of tight contests en route to a state championship. Turner scored four goals and added an assist in Cardinal Gibbons’ 12-10 win over Charlotte Catholic (N.C.) in the title game. He also scored four goals in Cardinal Gibbons’ 11-10 overtime win over Middle Creek (N.C.) in the semifinals. The senior is committed to Washington and Lee University. He had 67 goals and 42 assists in his final high school season.

Also notable: Wyatt Miniard, Lexington Catholic (N.C.)

— Justin Boggs

MIDWEST

Colin Komenda, Rockhurst Jesuit (Mo.)

In the state semifinals, Colin Komenda was held scoreless — a rarity this season. The Hawklets junior bounced back with a remarkable performance in the state championship game, playing a role in seven of their 14 goals. Komenda finished Rockhurst Jesuit’s 14-10 win over Blue Valley Southwest (Mo.) with a season-high five goals and two assists, thus complementing Luke McNamara, who hit the century mark with his four goals in the title game.

Also notable: Gus Bell, Benilde-St. Margaret’s (Minn.); Charles Graves, Detroit Catholic Central (Mich.); Luke McNamara, Rockhurst Jesuit (Mo.)

— Jonah Rosenblum

WEST

Andrew Cook, Torrey Pines (Calif.)

The junior goalie recorded 19 saves and held Cathedral Catholic (Calif.) to two second-half goals as Torrey Pines rallied to win 9-7 in the CIF San Diego Open Division championship game. The Falcons trailed by a goal at halftime, but Cook’s performance helped them come back and eventually hold onto a lead. Nine of his saves came in the fourth quarter. Cook is committed to Johns Hopkins.

Also notable: Jacob Mendez, Torrey Pines (Calif.); Jack Porter, St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.)

— Laurel Pfahler