Newsday's top 100 Long Island boys lacrosse players for 2024

Newsday's annual list of the top 100 Long Island high school boys lacrosse players to begin the 2024 season, listed in alphabetical order. (All stats are from last season unless otherwise noted.)

Dan Aiello, Bayport-Blue Point, M, Sr.

Coach Doug Meehan called Aiello a “do-it-all middie” who provides the Phantoms with strong defensive play. Aiello had 28 points (13 goals and 15 assists).

Jake Anzelone, Seaford, D, Sr.

Anzelone  had a 25-goal season. The Navy commit caused five turnovers per game while averaging 13 ground balls.

Quinn Ball, Chaminade, FO/M, Jr.

Ball is a Penn commit who comes off a season in which he had a 64% win rate on faceoffs and collected 73 ground balls. Coach Jack Moran stated Ball is rated among the top three nationally at the X but will stay on the field and can play offensively and defensively.

Alex Bauer, Cold Spring Harbor, M, Jr.

Bauer helped Cold Spring Harbor become a state Class D champion by scoring 29 goals and adding 11 assists. The Michigan commit also had 38 ground balls.

Dylan Bender, Oceanside, D, Jr.

Bender is the heart of Oceanside’s defense. Coach Mike Santisteban said the 6-2 captain “anchors the defense” with his physicality and leadership.

Brandon Berozi, Commack, A, Sr.

Berozi had 36 assists with his 14 goals, forming a dynamic duo with James Pagano. Berozi is committed to Binghamton.

Kyle Bilello, St. Anthony’s, M, Sr.

The Brown commit can have an impact on offense just as much as he does on defense. Coach Keith Wieczorek said Bilello “runs the field extremely well” and is “dangerous in transition.”

Vincent Bolognino, Harborfields, LSM/D, Sr.

Bolognino, a four-year starter, tallied 10 goals and four assists. The Syracuse commit has the ability to mark an opponent’s best player, according to coach Ryan Conroy, and excels in transition to kickstart the offense.

Maxwell Bowers, St. John the Baptist, D, Jr.

Bowers has started every game since freshman year and scooped up 47 ground balls as a sophomore. The 6-2 defensive captain and Bryant commit is assigned to cover the top attackmen “and rises to every challenge,” coach Matthew Schomburg said.

Luke Breslin, St. Anthony’s, A, Sr.

Breslin totaled 25 points (15 goals, 10 assists). Coach Keith Wieczorek praised the Lehigh commit’s ball control and lacrosse IQ, as well as Breslin’s versatility to finish with both hands.

Derek Busking, West Islip, A, Jr.

The Siena commit had 41 goals and 23 assists. The third-year starter, is “the leader of the offensive side of the field," coach Tom Corcoran said.

James Caputo, Farmingdale, G, Sr.

Caputo had a 74.4% save rate while backing up Mike Ippolitti, who now plays for Syracuse. Coach Eric Dunne described Caputo as a strong communicator who “often robs shooters on the doorstep.”

Jayson Cardenas, Longwood, M, Sr.

Cardenas totaled 25 goals, 28 assists, 42 ground balls and 28 takeaways. The fourth-year starter and St. John’s commit also plays as a long pole when needed and is “the epitome of a Swiss Army knife in between the lines” coach Bryce Krawec said.

Brendan Carroll, Smithtown East, G, Jr.

The Drexel commit, who totaled 221 saves, had 10 games with 12 or more saves.

Will Cawley, Syosset, D, Jr.

Cawley had 19 ground balls and nine caused turnovers. The Lehigh commit “has been a force on defense” since freshman year and can “throw takeaway checks,” coach John Calabria said.

Thomas Cieleski, Long Beach, D, Sr.

Cieleski collected 47 ground balls, caused 38 turnovers and added three goals and three assists. The Stony Brook commit covers the opposition’s No. 1 threat and is “the backbone of our defense,” coach Jason Pearl said.

Kevin Cinotti, West Islip, D, Jr.

Cinotti is back after suffering an ACL injury. Coach Tom Corcoran described the 6-3 St. John’s commit as “a big, fast, athletic defenseman with a high lacrosse IQ.”

Rowan Collins, Manhasset, LSM, Sr.

Collins had 20 ground balls, serving as one of Manhasset’s best defenders. The Lehigh commit helped Manhasset (21-1) win the Class C state championship.

Kyle Conklin, Wantagh, G, Sr.

Conklin became the starter in 2023, making 220 saves (68%) in a season that ended in the Nassau Class C final.

Jack Cooper, South Fork, FO/M, Sr.

Cooper contributed 29 goals, 12 assists and 161 ground balls. He continued his trend of raising his faceoff win percentage every year, winning 81% of the time. The Providence commit quarterbacks the offense and provides a prime scoring threat.

Nicholas Cottage, Smithtown West, FO/M, Sr.

Cottage won 151 out of 203 faceoffs (74.4%). Coach Matt Schultz called the Towson commit “one of the best FOGOs” on Long Island and the player who “makes us click.”

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

Curran had 44 points (19 goals, 25 assists) on an incredibly strong and deep squad. Coach Doug Meehan described the Towson commit as a two-handed feeder. Curran displays exceptional patience to find the right pass that often leads to a shot on goal.

Spencer Cymbler, Roslyn, M, Jr.

The Muhlenberg commit scored 36 goals with 10 assists. Coach Jesse Sorensen called him “likely the best player at shooting on the run I have ever coached.”

Lou D’Agostino, Chaminade, D, Jr.

D’Agostino had 51 ground balls and 29 caused turnovers. The Syracuse commit stands out with his on-ball defense, stick skills, aggressiveness and physicality, according to coach Jack Moran.

Jack Deliberti, Northport, A, Jr.

Deliberti had 59 goals and 30 assists , finishing eighth in Suffolk in total points (89). He is committed to Ohio State.

David Disque, Syosset, M, Sr.

Disque had nine goals and six assists. Coach John Calabria said the John Hopkins commit and captain will take a two-way role while also helping out as a long-stick midfielder.

Owen Donnellan, Plainedge, M, Jr.

Donnellan has started since freshman year and is “a solid player offensively and defensively,” according to coach Joe Ancona. The 6-1 Stony Brook commit had 12 goals and 10 assists.

JC Echezuria, Island Trees, A, Sr.

Echezuria had 38 goals and 18 assists while also scooping 34 ground balls. The NJIT commit started this spring with a four-goal game.

Denis Fargione, Garden City, G, Sr.

Fargione saved 64% of shots as Garden City allowed six or fewer goals in 13 of 22 games. He is committed to Villanova.

Joseph Filardi, Half Hollow Hills, M, Jr.

The Syracuse commit had 15 goals and 15 assists while also forcing 18 turnovers and collecting more than 50 ground balls. Coach Connor Hagans said Filardi is tasked to cover an opponent’s best midfielder.

Ryan Filippi, Port Jefferson, M/A, Jr.

Filippi led Port Jefferson with 67 points (44 goals, 23 assists) despite often seeing double teams. He also served in a defensive role as a long-stick middie, including in man-down situations.

Joe Filocamo, Island Trees, D/M, Sr.

Filocamo helps out as a defensive midfielder with a short stick, providing two-way value. He  is committed to LIU.

Campbell Florence, Friends Academy, LSM, Sr.

Florence is a “ground ball machine and an all-around great lacrosse athlete,” according to coach Walt Carswell. The Dartmouth commit’s strong stick skills are expected to be on display more in the midfield than on defense, allowing Florence to make an even greater impact.

Luke Forde, Island Trees, FO, Sr.

Forde won 67% of his faceoffs, adding 88 ground balls and eight points. He is committed to Stony Brook.

Ben Fox, Chaminade, D, Sr.

A three-year starter and a North Carolina commit, Fox led the Flyers with 32 caused turnovers and added 43 ground balls.

Jaden Galfano, Shoreham-Wading River, G, Sr.

Galfano made 203 saves and had a 60% save rate. Coach Mike Taylor cited the Fairfield commit’s proficiency in clears and added that Galfano's communication skills "serve as the glue binding our defensive unit together.”

Jake Gallose, Connetquot, A/M, Sr.

The Quinnipiac commit had 25 goals and 21 assists.

Aidan Garvey, New Hyde Park, A, Sr.

Garvey had 92 points (52 goals, 40 assists) and 74 ground balls. Coach Michael Milio said the Adelphi commit with 106 career goals, is "an unselfish player, but when we need a goal, he’s so shifty, he’s so tough. … He pretty much does everything for us.”

Will Greaves, Wantagh, FO, Sr.

Greaves had a faceoff win rate of 68%, 65% and 68% the last three seasons as a starter. Coach James Polo stated that the Adelphi commit’s “dominance at the faceoff X has been the catalyst for the recent success” of the team.
Liam Gregorek, Shoreham-Wading River, M/FO, Sr.

Coach Taylor called the Johns Hopkins commit “an indispensable asset," thanks to his dodging ability. He had 29 goals and 10 assists.

Luke Hartman, Long Beach, A/M, Sr.

Hartman scored 33 goals and had 19 assists. Coach Jason Pearl sees the Towson commit as being a “big, strong, tough, smart player who is not afraid of contact.”

Eric Heimlich, Islip, LSM, Jr.

The Bryant commit is the lynchpin to Islip’s defense.

Owen Heller, Mepham, M, Jr.

Heller had 42 goals, 25 assists and 61 ground balls. The UMass Amherst commit led his team in points, with coach Ryan Walsh adding that “his high lacrosse IQ and vision allows him to command the offense and find his teammates.”

Liam Henshaw, West Babylon, Sr., M

The Adelphi commit had a team-high 34 goals, plus 19 assists. Coach Marcelo Sandoval likes Henshaw’s speed and ability to shoot on the run and thinks he’s “a tough matchup for any team.”

Owen Hickey, Locust Valley, M, Sr.

Hickey posted 32 goals and 15 assists. Coach Tom Duggan said the Iona commit is “a big downhill dodging middie" and a "good shooter.”

Cameron James, Smithtown East, A, So.

James scored 38 goals and added 15 assists. Coach Robert Campbell described him as a “natural finisher.”

A.J. Jeffares, Connetquot, A/M, Jr.

Jeffares is expected to take a larger role on offense after posting 10 goals and 23 assists. He is committed to St. John’s.

James Kelly, Hicksville, A/M, Sr.

Kelly, a Cortland commit, had 78 points (40 goals, 38 assists). Coach Tom Kinsella sees a player with “improved athleticism” to go with his notable field vision and lacrosse IQ.

Matthew Kephart, Garden City, D, Sr.

The Princeton commit headlines a strong defense that allowed 28 goals through six playoff games en route to a state Class B championship.

Liam Kershis, Shoreham-Wading River, A, Sr.

Kershis earned Newsday All-Long Island honors after being one of five players to post at least 95 points (59 goals and 38 assists). Coach Taylor described the Duke commit as “another coach on the field” and said he “epitomizes excellence.”

Maclin Keyser, Bayport-Blue Point, M, Sr.

Coach Meehan referred to the St. John’s commit as a “team leader” who “can stretch the field with a powerful outside shot but can [also] get to the goal with great athletic ability.” Keyser had 33 points.

Danny Kolin, Manhasset, A, Jr.

Kolin scored 34 goals with eight assists for a dominant Manhasset squad.

Carson Kraus, Garden City, M, Sr.

Kraus scored 14 goals and added seven assists as Garden City captured its second consecutive state Class B title. The Hamilton commit was a big reason for the Trojans’ success in the midfield, according to coach Steve Finnell.

Connor Kuttin, Chaminade, A, Jr.

Kuttin had 23 goals and 31 assists. Coach Moran praised the Johns Hopkins commit for vision, quickness, finishing ability and “lax IQ.”

Lucas Laforge, Mount Sinai, A, Sr.

Laforge’s 54 goals and 25 assists helped Mount Sinai (17-1) make a county championship appearance. The Michigan commit is a five-year varsity player and captain of the Mustangs.

Caden Lennon, Farmingdale, A, Sr.

At 6-5, Lennon has the size and strength, mixed with deceptively quick dodging, to be a mismatch all across the field. He scored 46 goals as Farmingdale reached the state Class A final.

Michael Luce, Bayport-Blue Point, D/LSM, Sr.

The Boston University commit stands out on defense at 6-4 and uses that length and physicality to check opposing attackers. Coach Meehan said Luce also can help on faceoffs, with the star defenseman doing a little bit of everything.

Zach Maggiacomo, Patchogue-Medford, D, Sr.

The Boston University commit scored 15 goals with nine assists. Coach Keith Greene said the Newsday All-Long Islander’s “ability to communicate and organize his team is what separates him as a leader on the field.”

Brady Mahler, Baldwin, A, Sr.

Mahler scored 65 goals and had 17 assists. The fourth-year starter and captain stands 6-5 and “is as fast as he is big and strong, making him a very tough cover,” coach Tim Clancy said.

Jake Martini, Wantagh, M, Sr.

Martini had 33 goals and 22 assists. Coach James Polo described the West Point commit as “the ultimate teammate” who also has elite athleticism and vision.

Jack McCormack, Mineola, A/M, Sr.

McCormack is closing in on his 200th career point after tallying 53 goals and 28 assists. Coach Jim Durso called the St. John’s commit “the unquestioned leader of the offense.”

Kian McCoy, Island Trees, M, Sr.

McCoy contributed 47 goals, 15 assists and 31 ground balls as an attackman. Coach Keesee described the Stony Brook commit and fourth-year starter as “a fast shifty lefty” who’s capable of “no-look feeds” and is “one of those small few who make it look so simple, so smooth it’s fast and in slow motion at the same time.”

Matt McIntee, East Islip, M, Sr.

The do-it-all speedy McIntee had 46 goals and 39 assists. McIntee is committed to Syracuse.

Michael Melkonian, South Side, M/FO, Sr.

Melkonia had 74% faceoff win rate paired with a whopping 171 ground balls. He is committed to Cornell.

Gary Merrill, St. Anthony’s, M, Jr.

Merrill’s athleticism will be on full display for the Friars. Coach Wieczorek said the North Carolina commit  is a “great on-the-run shooter.”

Ryan Meyers, Comsewogue, A, Sr.

Meyers led his team with 38 goals as Comsewogue won 13 games. The Binghamton commit also had 12 assists.

Ben Morris, Bayport-Blue Point, A, Sr.

Morris led the Phantoms with 73 points (50 goals, 23 assists).

Jack Mulholland, Manhasset, D, Sr.

Mulholland usually covers the top attackman. The fourth-year varsity player and third-year starter is committed to Dartmouth.

Patrick Mullin, South Side, D, Sr.

Mullin had 23 ground balls and 18 caused turnovers. The 6-4 Providence commit will be covering the opposition’s No. 1 threat.

Madden Murphy, Ward Melville, FO, Sr.

The Boston University commit won a remarkable 82% of his faceoffs in a part-time role.

Sam Myung, Kings Park, D, Sr.

Coach Tom Nally referred to the Geneseo commit as a “lockdown defender" and someone who “causes more turnovers than any defender I have ever coached.”

Tim Navin, Seaford, A, Sr.

You wouldn’t expect a lacrosse goalie to switch positions and have a 42-goal season as an attacker, but that’s exactly what Navin did. The Wingate commit added nine assists.

Daniel Odell, Eastport-South Manor, M, Sr.

Odell scored 18 goals with 22 assists. The West Point commit also scooped up 41 ground balls.

Brendan O’Keefe, Farmingdale, A, Sr.

O’Keefe earned a Newsday All-Long Island nod last season after scoring 39 goals with an impressive 53 assists. He has committed to Albany.

Evan Ostrager, Syosset, D, Jr.

Ostrager topped Syosset with 25 caused turnovers and had 43 ground balls.

Andrew Ottomanelli, Garden City, A, Sr.

Ottomanelli scored 42 goals and added 15 assists. He has committed to Holy Cross.

Carmelo Pace, Smithtown West, M, Sr.

Pace had 16 goals and 17 assists. Coach Matt Schultz labeled the Johns Hopkins commit as “the heart of our team.”

James Pagano, Commack, A, Jr.

Pagano had 43 goals with 17 assists. He is committed to Brown.

Ryan Parker, East Islip, M, Jr.

Parker had 30 goals and 16 assists for a team that went to the Suffolk Class B final. Coach Thomas Zummo called the Rutgers commit “the engine of the train” and lauded his “extremely strong competitive edge.”

Thomas Raccomandato, West Babylon, Sr., A

Raccomandato led the team with 55 points (30 goals, 25 assists). The 6-4 attackman is committed to Adelphi.

Anthony Raio, Half Hollow Hills, M, Jr.

A North Carolina commit, Raio led his team in scoring with 60 goals while adding 30 assists.

Mark Restivo, Calhoun, G, Jr.

Restivo had a 63% save rate. His efforts in net helped Calhoun reach the Nassau B championship for the first time since 1987.

Michael Romanelli, St. Dominic, A, Sr.

Romanelli put up 34 goals and 23 assists, including three goals and an assist to lead the Bayhawks to a win in the CHSAA Class A final. Coach Mike Schwalje labeled Romanelli, who plans on playing club lacrosse at Michigan, as a “crafty lefty” and a player with “a great mind to run the offense and find his teammates in the right spot.

Mitch Savali, Mepham, LSM/D, Sr.

Savali had 98 ground balls and forced 45 turnovers, leading Mepham in both categories. The NJIT commit is a returning captain, with coach Ryan Walsh describing him as “a valuable leader of the defense.”

John Savino, Smithtown West, M, Sr.

Savino contributed 24 goals and 12 assists. The Merrimack commit is “a very fast explosive athlete who can play both ways at the midfield,” according to coach Matt Schultz.

Justin Silon, Longwood, A, Jr.

Silon totaled 35 goals, 21 assists for a team-leading 56 points and 16 ground balls. He is committed to LIU.

Tommy Snyder, St. Anthony’s, D, Sr.

Coach Wieczorek praised Snyder’s on-ball skills as a defender, adding that he has “excellent stick skills and ball handling from close defense.” Snyder is committed to Syracuse.

Liam Taylor, Shoreham-Wading River, D, Sr.

Taylor had 38 ground balls and 26 caused turnovers for the Suffolk Class C champions. The Bryant commit was praised by his coach for his athleticism, physical presence, clearing skills and leadership.

Connor Terrell, Locust Valley, A, Sr.

Terrell had 26 goals and 30 assists. The St. Leo commit is “a good feeder and he kind of quarterbacks the offense,” coach Tom Duggan said.

Matt Triolo, Glenn, A, Jr.

Triolo scored 64 goals and assisted on 25 more. The Delaware commit, who came into this season with 142 goals and 42 assists for his career , “has the ability to get his laser shot and score from anywhere,” coach Sean Collins said.

Carson Turrissini, Connetquot, A/M, Jr.

Turrissini had 47 goals and 13 assists. He has committed to Iona.

Nick Uzakewicz, Hauppauge, A, Sr.

Uzakewicz led Long Island players in assists with 59 and scored 25 goals. The Maritime commit and fourth-year starter had 169 career points entering this season.

Dante Vardaro, St. Anthony’s, D, Sr.

Coach Wieczorek described the Penn commit as a “fierce defender,” while also complimenting his stick skills and clearing ability.

Adam Wacholder, Comsewogue, G, Sr.

Wacholder made 202 saves. Coach Pete Mitchell said the Marist commit with 400 career saves to begin this season is “the most athletic player on the field.”

Alessandro Walaitis, Mepham, A, Jr.

Walaitis scored 42 goals and added 23 assists. He also had eight caused turnovers and created numerous scoring chances thanks to his quick release.

Drew Walendowski, East Islip, G, Jr.

Walendowski had a goals-against average of seven and a save percentage of 60.1. The Villanova commit is a “pure ball stopper who thrives in chaos,” coach Thomas Zummo said.

Brody Waxer, Syosset, A/M, So.

The 6-1 Waxer  had 44 goals and 19 assists.

Owen West, South Side, M/A, Sr.

West had 28 goals, 17 assists and 36 ground balls. Coach Steve DiPietro described West as someone who is “the top player on every opponent’s scouting report.”

Ryan Wieczorek, Massapequa, LSM, Sr.

Patrolling the middle of the field, Wieczorek has no shortage of athleticism as his disruptive style of play is essential to Massapequa’s defense. The 6-2 UMass Amherst commit is “bigger, stronger and faster than anyone at his position,” coach Michael Draper said.

DJ Xavier, Rocky Point, G, So.

Xavier made 123 saves. Xavier is already a third-year starter and a player coach Tom Walsh feels is the “key to the strength of our defense and a phenomenal ball stopper.”