The USA Lacrosse Players of the Week recognize the most outstanding individual performances in high school girls’ lacrosse in each of the five regions — Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, South, Midwest and West — outlined in our high school coverage.
NORTHEAST
CJ Schwartz, West Islip (N.Y.)
It was West Islip’s signature win of the season, and CJ Schwartz was the Lion who roared the loudest on April 23. The Albany-bound faceoff specialist battled an array of poles, shook off a slash to his hand and was still 17-for-19 on faceoffs and scored a season-high two goals as West Islip rallied from a four-goal deficit late in the third quarter to defeat host Bayport-Blue Point (N.Y.) 10-9.
“When they don’t have the faceoff guy, you understand how to get the clamp against the pole and get the right exit and get the ball for your team,” Schwartz said after the game. “Now I think we’ve got the confidence to win at the end.”
Also notable: Connor Baia, Kennedy (N.Y.); Charles Balsamo, Chaminade (N.Y.); Alec Gregorek, Victor (N.Y.); Matt Minicus, Darien (Conn.); James Moran, Nanuet (N.Y.), Joey Spallina, Mt. Sinai (N.Y.)
— Dylan Butler
MID-ATLANTIC
Caleb Fyock, St. John’s College High (D.C.)
The junior goalie made 17 saves to backstop a big defensive effort for the Cadets in an 11-5 win over St. Anthony’s (N.Y.). Then ranked No. 1 nationally, St. Anthony’s was held well under the 16 goals it averaged through the first eight games of the season. A first-half save by Fyock, nicknamed “Big Tasty,” on a shot in the crease set the tone for St. John’s stingy defense. Fyock is committed to continue playing at Ohio State. He has helped St. John’s go unbeaten and ascend to No. 1 in the country in the latest Nike/USA Lacrosse High School Boys’ National Top 25.
Also notable: Connor Gorman, Don Bosco Prep (N.J.), Koleton Marquis, Don Bosco Prep (N.J.), Ben McCarthy, Haverford (Pa.); Will Perez, Severn (Md.); Brian Ruppel, Catonsville (Md.); Jackson Strickland, Calvert Hall (Md.)
— Justin Feil