Anthony Raio, Half Hollow Hills senior lacrosse player, is one of Newsday's Top 100 players for 2025 and spoke about his expectations for his team's success this year. NewsdayTV's Carissa Kellman reports. Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara; File Footage; Photo Credit: Bob Sorensen

Quinn Ball, Chaminade, FO/M, Sr.

Ball was successful at the faceoff X 79.6% of the time last season, winning 249 of 313, and the Penn commit contributed 163 ground balls as well as three goals and four assists. Coach Jack Moran described the fourth-year starter, who was named to Newsday’s 2024 All-Long Island first team, as a “very athletic, tough, two-way midfielder.”

John Balsamo, Chaminade, A, Jr.

Balsamo contributed 19 goals and 10 assists as a sophomore. According to coach Jack Moran, besides having a high lacrosse IQ and being “an excellent shooter off ball or off a dodge,” the Virginia-bound second-year starter’s “quickness and speed make him hard to defend.”

Steve Baranoski, Floral Park, A, Sr.

Baranoski had 56 goals, 12 assists and 43 ground balls in helping Floral Park match its program record with 13 wins. The fourth-year starter and SUNY Cortland commit, who owns 113 career goals, is “the leader of the offense for the Knights in 2025,” according to coach Matt Povolny.

Alex Bauer, Cold Spring Harbor, M/A, Sr.

The Michigan-bound Bauer contributed 25 goals, eight assists and 33 ground balls in helping the Seahawks to a three-peat as Class D state champions. Coach Dennis Bonn summed up the fourth-year starter, who received All-Long Island second-team recognition from Newsday, as “excellent offensively and defensively.”

Dylan Baumgarth, Northport, FO, Sr.

Baumgarth won an impressive 77% of his faceoffs and added six goals and three assists. The Dartmouth commit enters his fourth spring as a starter and will leave as “one of, if not the most, dominant faceoff specialists in school history,” according to coach Billy Cordts.

Harrison Behan, Port Washington, D, Sr.

Defense will be Port Washington’s route to success, and Behan is a major reason for that. His physicality translates directly from football to lacrosse with the athleticism to cover whoever he’s matched up against.

Dylan Bender, Oceanside, D, Sr.

Oceanside is set to make its debut in Nassau’s Power League after an 11-6 season, and Bender’s dominance on defense is a big reason why the Sailors could take a significant leap this spring. A St. John’s commit, described by coach Michael Santisteban as a “freak athlete,” Bender will be an unwelcome sight by Nassau’s attackmen.

(Clockwise from top left) Alex Bauer of Cold Spring Harbor, Liam Byrne of Smithtown...

(Clockwise from top left) Alex Bauer of Cold Spring Harbor, Liam Byrne of Smithtown West, Derek Busking of West Islip, Dylan Baumgarth of Northport, Luke Bradley of Half Hollow Hills, Josh Berger of Roslyn and Dylan Bender of Oceanside.

Josh Berger, Roslyn, A/M, Jr.

Berger keeps getting bigger and better, improving on an impressive 31-point freshman campaign to post 52 points with a team-high 40 goals and 12 assists as a sophomore. Coach Jesse Sorensen called him “an incredible asset” who “understands what it takes to be great.”

Max Bowers, St. John the Baptist, D, Sr.

Bowers, a Bryant commit, was the team’s defensive MVP last season when the Cougars went 16-4 and claimed the program’s first CHSAA Class A state title. Coach Matt Schomburg calls the fourth-year starter and captain “the ultimate team-first guy” and “an all-around athlete” who “can cover any kind of attackmen,” and feels “his ability to get the ball off the ground and create transition is unparalleled.”

Luke Bradley, Half Hollow Hills, M, Sr.

Bradley can be overlooked among a sea of talented Half Hollow Hills players, but doing so would be a mistake. There’s little he can’t do, providing an offensive impact with 44 points (13 goals, 31 assists) while consistently showcasing the athleticism that allows him to be a top-tier defender as a true two-way midfielder.

Ethan Bramoff, St. Anthony’s, LSM, Jr.

The Virginia commit provides terrific versatility in transition as a long-stick midfielder. He helped St. Anthony’s take the CHSAA Class AAA state title and post a 12-2 record while playing against some of the country’s best high school teams.

Derek Busking, West Islip, A, Sr.

The fourth-year varsity starter is the most reliable producer on a team littered with talent, scoring 38 goals and assisting on 39 more for 77 points in his junior season. Coach Tom Corcoran said the Siena commit has “the highest lacrosse IQ I’ve ever coached.”

Liam Byrne, Smithtown West, A, Sr.

A team captain as a junior, Byrne’s 62 points helped Smithtown West leap to a 15-3 record after going 4-11 in 2023. The Binghamton commit enters his fourth season as a starter after scoring 27 goals and logging 35 assists last spring.

Tyler Byrnes, Massapequa, A, Jr.

Those that don’t know the 6-4 UMass commit will become all too familiar with his game this spring. The third-year starter doubled the 20 points he had as a freshman with 21 goals and 19 assists as a sophomore.

Brendan Carroll, Smithtown East, G, Sr.

Entering his fourth year between the pipes, Carroll had 211 saves with a 65% save percentage. The Drexel commit shined when his team needed him most in its playoff game last spring, stopping 18 shots and allowing just seven goals in a double-overtime loss to Huntington.

Blake Cascadden, Garden City, M, Sr.

Cascadden is a third-year starter who has committed to Cornell. He made Newsday’s All-Long Island first team in football last season.

Luke Cascadden, Garden City, FO, Sr.

Cascadden had won his faceoffs about 65% of the time as a junior, and he contributed six goals, three assists and 88 ground balls for a team that made the Nassau Class B semifinals. The second-year starter, who has committed to Navy, is “one of the top FOGOs” on the Island in the view of his coach, Stephen Finnell.

(Clockwise from top left) Tyler Byrnes of Massapequa, Brendan Carroll...

(Clockwise from top left) Tyler Byrnes of Massapequa, Brendan Carroll of Smithtown East, Luke Cascadden and Blake Cascadden of Garden City, Connor Curran of Bayport-Blue Point, Luca Cuozzo of Huntington and Logan Cash of Northport.

Logan Cash, Northport, M, Sr.

The senior cashed out of 2024 with an impressive 28 goals and 21 assists in his first year as a starter. Coach Billy Cordts praised the Siena commit’s ability to shoot on the run with both hands, adding that he has the ability “to make an impact in every game on both sides of the field.”

Jack Cavalieri, Middle Country, A, Sr.

Coach Tim McIntee called Cavalieri a “do-it-all type of generational player,” and the numbers back it up. The Stony Brook commit didn’t play varsity last spring, but he posted 78 points as a sophomore with 66 goals and 12 assists.

Will Cawley, Syosset, D, Sr.

The fourth-year varsity starter and Lehigh commit is among the best defensemen in the state, let alone Long Island. He scooped up 57 ground balls and caused 32 turnovers last spring.

Andrew Cimino, Shoreham-Wading River, A, Jr.

The Richmond commit will be the focal point of the Wildcats’ offense following the graduation of Duke commit Liam Kershis. Cimino scored 30 goals and assisted 10 others as a sophomore.

Kevin Cinotti, West Islip, D, Sr.

Few teams have as experienced and talented a defender as West Islip has with Cinotti, who has committed to St. John’s. Coach Tom Corcoran said Cinotti is the first four-year varsity starter at close defense in program history.

Aiden Cromwell, St. Dominic, M/A, Jr.

Coach Mike Schwalje praised Cromwell for his “very high lacrosse IQ to see the whole field.” Cromwell had 19 points in just five games, with the Navy commit looking to lead the Bayhawks back to the Class A CHSAA championship game.

Luca Cuozzo, Huntington, FO, Sr.

The UMass commit won 67% of his faceoffs and scooped up 64 ground balls. Coach Julian Watts described Cuozzo as “tough and gritty,” two traits that exemplify why he will see time as a midfielder in addition to his role with faceoffs.

Connor Curran, Bayport-Blue Point, A, Sr.

Curran delivered 32 goals and 45 assists to help Bayport-Blue Point go 21-1 and win the Class C state tournament, the first state title in program history. Coach Doug Meehan feels that the fourth-year starter and Towson commit is the “best feeder” on Long Island and is a player who “fills up the stat sheet.”

Spencer Cymbler, Roslyn, M, Sr.

Coach Jesse Sorensen enters his 20th season with Roslyn, which makes it all the more notable when he says Cymbler “has been consistently one of the best shooters we have ever had in the program.” The Muhlenburg commit had 26 goals and 13 assists last spring, giving him 85 points over the last two seasons.

Lou D’Agostino, Chaminade, D, Sr.

D’Agostino had 42 ground balls and 22 caused turnovers for his 11-4 team and made Newsday’s All-Long Island second team. The third-year starter and Syracuse commit, who can play close defense or as a long stick middie, is a “tough on-ball defender,” has “excellent stick skills” and “can run the field,” according to coach Jack Moran.

Jack Deliberti, Northport, A, Sr.

The Ohio State-bound senior led his team in points last season with 64, posting 46 goals and 18 assists as Northport battled to the Suffolk Class A final. Coach Billy Cordts called Deliberti “arguably the the most complete attackman on Long Island,” noting that the four-year varsity starter will be the “composer of Northport’s offensive symphony.”

Owen Donnellan, Plainedge, M, Sr.

Coach Dan Achatz described Donnellan as a “top 20 player on (Long Island),” and there’s good reason to think that. The Stony Brook commit has led Plainedge in scoring for the past two seasons, posting 43 goals and 24 assists for 67 points last spring.

Finn Drake, Westhampton, M, Sr.

Suffolk defensemen could have many sleepless nights this spring after facing Westhampton given that coach Drew Peters said he will use Drake in a more attacking role in 2025. The Manhattan commit posted 34 goals and 25 assists for a team-high 59 points as a midfielder.

Brian Falk, Seaford, M, Jr.

Falk had 40 points last year with 26 goals and 14 assists, and he collected 42 ground balls. The third-year varsity starter will be the key to Seaford’s success, with coach Brian Horner praising the West Point commit’s ability to be “aggressive and physical on all parts of the field.”

Ryan Filippi, Mount Sinai, M, Sr.

Filippi will be a fourth-year varsity starter who spent three of those years dominating with Port Jefferson. Entering his first season with Mount Sinai, the Florida Southern commit brings his production — 48 goals and 15 assists as a junior — along with him to a Mustangs team looking to bounce back.

Joe Filocamo, Island Trees, M, Sr.

Filocamo, an LIU commit, totaled 15 goals, 35 assists and 92 ground balls, and he caused nearly 30 turnovers. The fourth-year starter and captain has “an absolute motor” and is “the heart of the team,” according to coach Brendan Keesee, who also praised Filocamo’s uncanny ability to come up with ground balls.

Harley Finkelstein, Calhoun, A, Sr.

Finkelstein, who played a major part in Calhoun’s county final runs in 2022 and 2023, came through with 45 goals, 28 assists and 73 points to help Calhoun go 15-2 last season. Coach Jim Femminella called the fourth-year starter, two-time captain and SUNY Cortland commit “one of the top offensive players in the 2025 class” and believes his “dodging, shooting and feeding abilities make him a triple threat to opposing defenses.”

Michael Gabriel, Riverhead, D, Sr.

The Sacred Heart commit scooped up 75 ground balls while locking down attackers, helping Riverhead go 14-4 and post its best season in program history. Coach Vic Guadagnino called Gabriel a “big factor in Riverhead’s resurgence last year.”

Michael Galgano, Farmingdale, D, Jr.

A defensive standout whether he’s playing close defense or as a long-stick midfielder, Galgano had 28 caused turnovers and 29 ground balls as a sophomore. He has committed to UMass.

Nico Ghicas, Half Hollow Hills, FO, Sr.

While the senior’s most significant contribution comes at the X where he won 76% of his faceoffs last spring, Ghicas possesses the talent to stay on the field as a midfielder. The fifth-year varsity starter and Hofstra commit had 15 points and scooped up 62 ground balls in his junior season.

(Clockwise from top left) Owen Donnellan of Plainedge, Brian Falk...

(Clockwise from top left) Owen Donnellan of Plainedge, Brian Falk of Seaford, James Gillis of Chaminade, Harley Finkelstein of Calhoun, Spencer Cymbler of Roslyn, Nico Ghicas of Half Hollow Hills and Ethan Goldberg of Roslyn.

James Gillis, Chaminade, A/M, Jr.

Gillis, a Duke commit, had 29 goals and 20 assists. Coach Jack Moran described the second-year starter this way: “Excellent athlete with speed and toughness, shoots with high velocity and can feed, dodges with power.”

Ethan Goldberg, Roslyn, FO, Jr.

The Bucknell commit thrived for Roslyn as a sophomore, winning 182 of his 232 faceoffs for a strong 78% win rate. Coach Jesse Sorensen called Goldberg the “most hard-working player I’ve ever coached.”

Luke Griffin, Kings Park, M, Sr.

Griffin contributed 27 goals and 19 assists for a team that reached the Suffolk Class C semifinals. Coach Tom Nally feels the Maryland commit and third-year starter is “one of the top athletes” on Long Island and that he’s “almost impossible to guard” one vs. one, citing his “explosive first step.”

Eric Heimlich, Islip, LSM, Sr.

The long-stick midfielder is a dominating defender, but his ability to provide two-way value in transition takes his talent to a whole new level. The Bryant commit added 17 points with nine goals and eight assists.

Owen Heller, Mepham, M, Sr.

The UMass commit surpassed 100 career goals and 200 career points in 2024 and will continue to add to those numbers in dominant fashion. Heller is irreplaceable to the Pirates, evidenced by his 32 goals, 36 assists, 45 ground balls and 10 caused turnovers.

Matt Ippoliti, Farmingdale, D, Sr.

Ippoliti is the last person you want to see coming your way if you're an attackman on Long Island. His 31 caused turnovers and 38 ground balls only tell part of the story for the LIU commit, whose tenacity was on display early and often during Farmingdale’s run to the Class A state championship.

Cameron James, Smithtown East, A, Jr.

James had 39 goals and 19 assists while scooping up 26 ground balls for Smithtown East as a sophomore, boasting three games with six or more points. The Yale commit has 125 points over the last two years.

Michael Jannotte, Massapequa, G, Sr.

Posting 201 saves with a save percentage of 60 in Nassau’s Power League, Jannotte provides stability and leadership in goal. He has committed to Stevens Tech.

A.J. Jeffares, Connetquot, M/FO, Sr.

Jeffares, a third-year starter who has committed to St. John’s, totaled 27 goals and 21 assists despite drawing the toughest matchups during Connetquot’s 9-9 season. Coach Brett Jeffares described his son as a player who’s a “big, strong lefty that can play up top or behind the cage.”

James Jenet, St. Dominic, M/A, Sr.

The Muhlenberg commit scored 43 goals and added 14 assists for a team-high 57 points. Coach Mike Schwalje described him as a “leader on the field” who “can be interchangeable.”

Jacob Johnston, St. Anthony’s, M, Sr.

The Johns Hopkins commit started as a sophomore and will provide two-way value in the middle of the field for one of the best high school lacrosse programs in the country. Coach Keith Wieczorek praised his versatility to provide value on both offense and defense, while touting him as an “excellent transition player.”

Jack Kalinowski, East Islip, M, Sr.

The Stony Brook commit tallied 41 points with 24 goals and 17 assists for a 17-2 East Islip squad. Coach Tom Zummo described the lefty as someone “who can control a game with his ability to do it all, from defense to offense.”

Alex Kantrowitz, Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK, M, Jr.

Watch out for the Hawks this spring, a team that made the playoffs with a 10-7 record while starting eight sophomores. That includes Kantrowitz, a team captain who had 33 goals and 20 assists for 53 points. Coach Michael Schatt said he “always gives 150% on the field and off as a player and person.”

Michael Kelton, St. Anthony’s, D, Sr.

The West Point commit returns as the heart of a St. Anthony’s defense that averaged 6.8 goals against in 2024, allowing double-digit goals just twice. Kelton is one of just four Friars starters to return to a team that’s seeking its sixth consecutive CHSAA Class AAA state title.

Stephen Kiernan, Kellenberg, D/LSM, Sr.

Kiernan scooped up 71 ground balls and caused 22 turnovers in what coach Kevin Fechtmann labeled “a tremendous junior season” for a team that went to the CHSAA Class AA state title game. Fechtmann feels the second-year starter and LIU commit is the “leader on the defensive side of the ball” and plans to often have him guard the No. 1 offensive player, like last season.

(Clockwise from top left) Charlie Koester of Garden City, A.J....

(Clockwise from top left) Charlie Koester of Garden City, A.J. Jeffares of Connetquot, Michael Jannotte of Massapequa, Chris Kittel of Bay Shore, Jack Kalinowski of East Islip and Danny Kolin of Manhasset.

Chris Kittel, Bay Shore, D, Sr.

Kittel has shown himself to be a leader and a big factor at both ends. Coach Mark Spruyt described the third-year starter as someone who “doesn’t just shut down the opposing team’s top player — he’s a game-changer on both the man-up and in transition.”

Tommy Kline, Huntington, M, Sr.

There is nothing Kline doesn’t bring to the table for Huntington. The Loyola commit is a versatile threat, able to score (27 goals) as well as pass (25 assists), while also providing consistently punishing defense in the middle of the field. Coach Julian Watts called Kline “an extension of the coaching staff on the field and in the locker room.”

Charlie Koester, Garden City, M, Jr.

Koester scored 28 goals and assisted on 17 others. The Lehigh commit is a “versatile offensive player,” according to coach Stephen Finnell.

Daniel Kolin, Manhasset, A/M, Sr.

Coach Keith Cromwell believes Kolin will contend for Nassau’s top attackman honors, and it isn’t hard to see why. The Navy commit had 29 goals and 10 assists while leading Manhasset to the Nassau Class B title game against eventual state champ South Side.

Billy Koutsoumbaris, Carey, D, Sr.

Koutsoumbaris, who has committed to Adelphi, collected 65 ground balls and chipped in with three goals. Coach Tom Aiello labeled the fourth-year starter as an “intense player with good size and speed.”

Nick Kump, Hauppauge, M, Sr.

Kump, a versatile Vermont commit, contributed 21 goals, 17 assists and 47 ground balls. Coach Jim Konen lauded the third-year starter as one of Long Island’s top midfielders, calling him “a do-it-all middie” who’s “big, fast and extremely athletic,” can shoot with either hand and create offense and “is tremendous on defense.”

Connor Kuttin, Chaminade, A, Sr.

Kuttin is a John Hopkins commit who’s coming off a 26-goal, 18-assist season. Coach Jack Moran noted that the third-year starter is a “quick, explosive attackman,” who has “excellent skills as a feeder/finisher” and will serve as the “quarterback of the offense.”

Luca Lattanzio, Comsewogue, A, Jr.

Lattanzio, a 6-3, 195-pound fourth-year starter, had 44 goals, 22 assists and 66 of his 110 career points as a sophomore. Coach Pete Mitchell views him as “big, strong and fast.”

Colin Lennon, Huntington, M, Sr.

Armed with a powerful shot and elite athleticism, Lennon is a two-way midfielder who produces for Huntington in almost every facet of the game. The Siena commit had 29 goals, 22 assists and 25 ground balls as a junior.

Cullen Lynch, South Side, M, Sr.

It’s impossible to overstate how valuable Lynch was to South Side’s triumph at the Class B state championship last spring. The Iona commit recorded 53 goals and 12 assists, scoring three times in the Nassau championship, Long Island championship, regional final and state championship.

Gavin Lynch, Chaminade, M, Sr.

Lynch delivered 36 goals and 10 assists and made Newsday’s All-Long Island second team. Coach Jack Moran feels the second-year starter and Notre Dame commit is a “power dodger with a high-velocity shot” and a player who “can get to the cage with power and speed.”

Troy Madden, Herricks, A, Sr.

Madden led Nassau with 105 points, a total built on 48 goals and 57 assists. The fourth-year starter and Mercy commit is “an improved scorer” according to coach Mike Chin, a player who “has the vision to distribute the ball” and one who “makes everyone better around him.”

Joe Mainente, Island Trees, LSM, Sr.

Mainente, who has committed to Connecticut College and plays long stick middie and close defense and contributes offensively, ended up with 12 goals, 15 assists, 70 ground balls and 68 caused turnovers. Coach Brendan Keesee is enthused over the fourth-year starter and captain’s ability to knock down passes, strip the ball from a top threat and “dodge the lane and finish all while making it look effortless.”

(Clockwise from top left) Dylan Martini of Wantagh, Zach Marco of Half Hollow Hills, Gavin...

(Clockwise from top left) Dylan Martini of Wantagh, Zach Marco of Half Hollow Hills, Gavin Lynch of Chaminade, Cullen Lynch, South Side, Joe Mainente of Island Trees and Jake Mangio, Farmingdale.

Jake Mangio, Farmingdale, M, Sr.

Coach Eric Dunne called Mangio “a shutdown defensive midfielder,” a player who supplied 21 caused turnovers and 28 ground balls as a junior. The Bryant commit also had six goals and five assists, proving his ability as a two-way talent who can quickly launch Farmingdale’s transition offense.

Zach Marco, Half Hollow Hills, A, Sr.

The Harvard commit posted 96 points with 68 goals and 28 assists. A dominant scorer with elite athleticism, Marco enters his fifth year as a varsity starter after helping Hills go 17-2 in its best season to date as a combined program.

Dylan Martini, Wantagh, M/A, Sr.

Speed and agility are only two pieces of the puzzle that make Martini one of the hardest lacrosse players to guard on Long Island. With the athleticism that saw him win the Thorpe Award for Wantagh football and the lacrosse IQ that led Wantagh lacrosse to its first county championship in 23 years, the West Point commit will look to help claim Nassau’s Class C crown after recording 58 goals and 18 assists as a junior.

Luke Martini, Wantagh, M/A, Fr.

Long Island’s top programs rarely feature a freshman in a prominent role, but Wantagh took it a step further when Martini burst on the scene as an eighth grader. He scored 55 goals and had 10 assists in his first year as a starter for a Power League team.

Gavin Marzigliano, Kings Park, D, Sr.

Marzigliano is a second-year starter and Marist commit. Coach Tom Nally praised his athleticism, toughness and physicality and his ability to “clear the ball and create offense in transition,” and feels that he’s “fast and strong enough to stay with any offensive player.”

Tommy McCann, Sayville, M, Sr.

McCann, a Drexel commit, came through with 67 points out of the midfield, including 31 goals and 36 assists. Coach Christian Dollar called the third-year starter a “dynamic, athlete dodger” and “creative in our offense,” and praised his distribution skills and his maturity level, which allows the offense to run through him.

Parker McDonald, St. Anthony’s, LSM, Sr.

Everything comes easier in lacrosse when you have a dominant long-stick midfielder covering the middle of the field, and that’s exactly what McDonald brings to the Friars. Coach Keith Wieczorek said the North Carolina commit has “fast hands and feet” in addition to strong stick skills to match his defensive ability.

Timmy McDonald, Huntington, M/A, Sr.

McDonald is a returning captain who will play both as an attackman and a midfielder after posting a 39-point season with 22 goals and 17 assists. He has committed to Siena.

Callan McLaughlin, Ward Melville, M, Sr.

McLaughlin posted 25 goals and fed for 10 more in his junior season, his first as a starter. Coach Jay Negus feels the Harvard commit is the “best two-way midfielder in Suffolk County, praising his work ethic as well as his “athleticism, speed and strength,” and adding that “his dodging ability and defensive skills make him a true threat on both sides of the ball.”

Gary Merrill, St. Anthony’s, M, Sr.

Merrill scored 19 goals for the Friars last season and assisted on 12 more, with three coming in a CHSAA Class AAA state championship win over Chaminade. The North Carolina commit will play football for Bill Belichick and suit up for lacrosse in the spring for the Tar Heels.

Richie Metzger, Carey, G, Sr.

Metzger made 187 saves in his junior season when he helped Carey go to the Nassau Class B semifinals. Coach Tom Aiello sees the fourth-year starter and Marist commit as an “excellent stopper and clearer” and a player who’s “extremely quick for his size.”

Joe Nicholson, Wantagh, M, Jr.

Every team needs a physical two-way midfielder, but not every team will want to go against one as powerful as Nicholson. Coach James Polo described the Villanova commit — who tallied 35 goals and 15 assists as a sophomore — as “a combination of strength, skill and grit.”

Devin Paccione, Wantagh, A, Jr.

The only thing crazier than Paccione recording 68 assists alongside 36 goals for a whopping 104 points is that he did it as a sophomore within Nassau’s Power League. There aren’t many feeders better than the Villanova commit, who coach James Polo describes as “a special player who has the drive and intangibles to excel at the game of lacrosse.”

James Pagano, Commack, A, Sr.

Pagano, a Richmond commit, had 51 goals and 28 assists in his junior season. Coach Billy Grant called the fourth-year starter and captain a “great shooter and lacrosse player,” praising his “great understanding of the game,” and adding that “Richmond will be very lucky to have him.”

Chris Paladino, Lynbrook, D/LSM, Sr.

Paladino served as captain and became Lynbrook’s top defender as a junior. Coach Bill Luzzi noted that the tough third-year starter and Adelphi commit “plays aggressively and puts a lot of pressure on opponents.”

Ryan Parker, East Islip, M, Sr.

There are few players you’d want more than Parker in the middle of the field, whether he’s checking an opponent or flying forward in transition. One of the best two-way players on Long Island, the Rutgers commit added 31 points on the attack, with 22 goals and nine assists in 10 games, and was named to Newsday’s All-Long Island second team.

Marc Pluchino, Floyd, M, Jr.

Pluchino, whose nickname is Bubba, had 22 goals and 23 assists as a sophomore. Coach Dez Megna credited the third-year starter, who has been on the varsity since the eighth grade, for his versatility and his knack for scoring “big goals in big games,” and called him “the most electric (Class of) 2026 midfielder in Suffolk.”

(Clockwise from top left) Joe Nicholson of Wantagh, Ryan Parker...

(Clockwise from top left) Joe Nicholson of Wantagh, Ryan Parker of East Islip, Richie Metzger of Carey, Callan McLaughlin of Ward Melville and Anthony Raio of Half Hollow Hills.

Anthony Raio, Half Hollow Hills, A, Sr.

No Suffolk lacrosse fan needs an introduction to Raio, a fifth-year starter who led Long Island in goals (75) and points (119). The North Carolina commit and Newsday’s 2024 Suffolk Player of the Year also had 44 assists, with coach Connor Hagans noting how Raio “will create not only for himself but is great at getting his teammates involved.”

Josh Rubin, Jericho, A/M, Sr.

Rubin is coming off a standout junior season in which he had 56 goals, 44 assists, 100 points and 52 ground balls. The fourth-year starter “will draw the opposing team’s top defensive player and still contribute each game,” according to coach Brandon Mulholland.

Jack Salva, Kings Park, A, Sr.

Salva posted 39 goals and 28 assists in his junior season. The Merrimack commit, who has started since he was a sophomore, is described this way by coach Tom Nally: “Outstanding shooter, tremendously accurate, great vision on the field, quarterback of our offense.”

Sal Santoro, Half Hollow Hills, G, Sr.

The Pace commit saved 67% of the shots that came his way last spring and enters 2025 as a fourth-year starter. Santoro provides stability between the pipes and is an above-average passer when asked to clear.

Justin Silon, Longwood, A, Sr.

Silon totaled 37 goals and 17 assists after contributing 35 goals and 17 assists in 2023. The third-year starter has committed to LIU and “is an old-school, tough-as-nails, throwback student-athlete,” according to coach Bryce Krawec.

Dontae Spadaro, Mount Sinai, A, Jr.

Spadaro scored six goals and assisted on eight more as a sophomore after coming back from a broken ankle suffered late in the football season and battling through a knee injury. The Marist commit recently received a clean bill of health and looks to excel for a team looking to bounce back from a 4-12 season. Coach Harold Drumm called Spadaro “a big part” of what the Mustangs want to do on offense.

Jackson Thompson, Miller Place, A, Sr.

The St. John’s commit scored 42 goals and logged 15 assists in his 57-point junior season. Coach Nick Belvedere described Thompson as the “leader of the offense.”

Christian Todaro, Carey, M, Sr.

Todaro, a fourth-year starter and St. John’s commit, had 30 assists to go with 16 goals as a junior. Coach Tom Aiello describes him as an “excellent two-way midfielder” and someone who “creates a lot of offense.”

Matt Triolo, Glenn, A, Sr.

Triolo posted big numbers for Glenn as a junior with 59 goals, 25 assists and 84 points, and he earned All-Long Island second-team status. Coach Jaron Batts described the fifth-year starter and Delaware commit as a player who “puts in all the work and it shows every time he steps out on the field,” and called him “a true leader, teammate and competitor.”

Carson Turissini, Connetquot, A, Sr.

Turissini, an Iona commit, scored 50 goals and assisted on 19 as a junior. According to coach Brett Jeffares, the fourth-year starter is a “great shooter” and scores “big goals in big moments,” and “his basketball background has had a great impact on his decision-making and the way he moves on the field.”

Alessandro Walaitis, Mepham, A, Sr.

Walaitis led Mepham in goals (47) for a second straight season and added seven assists for 54 points. But what sets him apart is his work ethic without possession, shown by his 16 caused turnovers and 33 ground balls as an attackman.

(Clockwise from top left) Justin Silon of Longwood, Christian Todaro of Carey, Sal Santoro of Half...

(Clockwise from top left) Justin Silon of Longwood, Christian Todaro of Carey, Sal Santoro of Half Hollow Hills, Carson Turissini of Connetquot, Drew Walendowski of East Islip and Owen Wuchte of Garden City.

Drew Walendowski, East Islip, G, Sr.

Walendowski made 215 saves and had a 6.63 goals-against average in helping East Islip take its first Suffolk title. Coach Tom Zummo feels the Villanova commit is ready to be Long Island’s top goalie.

Brody Waxer, Syosset, A, Jr.

Already committed to Michigan, Waxer had 36 goals and 19 assists as a sophomore while playing for Syosset in Nassau’s Power League. The star attacker has been on the varsity since the eighth grade. He trailed only 2024 graduate and Johns Hopkins freshman David Disque in points for Syosset last spring.

Luke Waxer, Bethpage, LSM, Jr.

Waxer, a Bryant commit, finished among the top five in Nassau with 47 caused turnovers and led the team with 84 ground balls. Coach Patrick Gorman praised the fast third-year starter and captain for his “great stick and lax IQ” and will have him covering the best offensive threats. He’s expected to contribute offensively, too.

Jack Weber, Mepham, D, Jr.

The defenseman had 20 caused turnovers, 35 ground balls and a pair of assists for Mepham, with the athleticism and lacrosse IQ to be in the right place at the right time. He has committed to Penn State.

Jack Weiss, Harborfields, M, Sr.

With the size and physicality to match his defensive ability, Weiss is always an unwelcome sight for opponents in the middle of the field. The UMass commit had 18 goals and 20 assists as a junior.

Owen Wuchte, Garden City, M, Sr.

Wuchte, a starter since his freshman year, collected 29 ground balls as a junior. Coach Stephen Finnell described the Bucknell commit as a “do-it-all two-way midfielder who has been a defensive anchor for the last four years.”

DJ Xavier, Rocky Point, G, Jr.

Xavier has started for the varsity since eighth grade and is highly regarded by coaches around Suffolk. The Cornell commit made 179 saves as a sophomore.

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