Davis, Wickersham Direct LaSalle to 3OT Defeat of Radnor
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This highly anticipated matchup between two of the top-ranked 3A teams in the state of Pennsylvania had been circled on the calendar for two months. Mother Nature did her best to dampen the festivities with a steady downpour, but outstanding…
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Continue ReadingThis highly anticipated matchup between two of the top-ranked 3A teams in the state of Pennsylvania had been circled on the calendar for two months. Mother Nature did her best to dampen the festivities with a steady downpour, but outstanding play by both teams made sure this game lived up to the hype.
However, early on it appeared this game would be a tremendous disappointment. In the first quarter, LaSalle jumped out to a 5-0 lead as UPenn commit Stevie Davis Stevie Davis 5'6" | 180 lbs | FO | Right Hand La Salle | 2024 PA put on a dominating face-off performance. With Davis securing continuous possession for LaSalle, the Explorers’ offense looked like it would allow the Explorers to run away with this one.
Then with under three minutes remaining in the opening quarter Radnor’s comeback began. Uncommitted 2025 midfielder Sawyer Smith Sawyer Smith 6'2" | M Radnor | 2025 PA dashed down the left-hand alley and found the back of the net while on the move. Now trailing 5-1, the Raptors suddenly had a pulse. Across the second and third quarters, Radnor would climb back into this game by scoring six of the next seven goals. Eventually, Radnor took a 7-6 lead.
In the fourth quarter, LaSalle put an end to the Raptors’ string of goals with two straight tallies to retake the lead at 8-7. Radnor responded with a low-to-high rocket by Drexel commit Owen Knight Owen Knight 5'8" | 150 lbs | A | Right Hand Radnor | 2024 PA to tie the game at 8-8 late in the fourth quarter. When LaSalle’s Shane Dominello scored with less than a minute left in the fourth quarter, it seemed the Explorers had put this game away.
But the fun was just beginning. In the closing seconds of the regulation, LaSalle was whistled for a two-minute unreleasable penalty. Radnor took advantage of the man-up situation when future Williams College midfielder Tucker Graham Tucker Graham 5'10" | M Radnor | 2024 PA cut across the crease, took a slick pass from Nate Lucchesi Nate Lucchesi 6'1" | 195 lbs | M | Right Hand Radnor | 2024 PA (UPenn) and then deposited the ball in net with one second remaining on the clock. The game was now knotted at 9-9 and headed to overtime.
The first and second overtimes had fans on the edge of their seats as both Radnor and LaSalle generated solid scoring opportunities. But neither team could break the tie.
The third and final overtime ended this game the same way it started over two hours prior. Davis cleanly won the face off for LaSalle. He raced down field and passed the ball to Johns Hopkins commit Max Wickersham Max Wickersham 6'0" | 180 lbs | A | Right Hand La Salle | 2025 PA on the wing. Wickersham quickly moved the rock to Paul Van Bastelaar Paul Van Bastelaar M | Right Hand La Salle | 2024 PA on the doorstep, where Van Bastelaar ripped the game winner – 10-9.
Below is a review of the prospects who impressed during LaSalle’ thrilling 10-9 defeat of Radnor in triple overtime.
From the opening faceoff it was clear that the highly skilled and technically precise Davis was going to have a monster afternoon. His astonishing performance at the face off dot in the first quarter staked LaSalle to a 5-0 lead. Of course, his clean win on the draw to begin the third overtime triggered the game deciding play. Davis was 19-of-20 overall on the day, which allowed LaSalle to play downhill for the entire contest. Davis owns quick hands and a solid frame. His physicality and tenacity are also major assets. He will be a welcome addition for Penn next year.
After he scored three times on Saturday, including the game tying goal with one second remaining, you would never guess that Graham is a converted SSDM. Graham displayed fantastic speed, elusive dodges, and excellent off-ball movement. He is a ground ball machine and owns solid field vision. Of course, Graham will not hesitate to run back on defense and play a physical brand of lacrosse that causes frequent turnovers. As mentioned previously, Graham is committed to Williams College.
Highlights
Savadove is widely considered one of the top close defenders in the country, and watching him again on Saturday it is easy to see why. To begin with, the Harvard commit is a shut-down one-on-one cover man. Savadove is also a defender with extreme versatility. He can move his feet and patiently wait for an offensive player to make a mistake on which he can capitalize. Or he can play an ultra-aggressive, physical style of defense that causes turnovers in a flash. Savadove owns the athleticism and speed to scoop up a ground ball and streak into the offensive end to create opportunities for himself or his teammates. Plus, his high lacrosse IQ and field awareness make him an extension of the defensive coaching staff.
Van Bastelaar notched two goals and two assists in this game, including the game-winning score. His ability to stuff that stat sheet is impressive, as are his physical gifts like his speed and quick hands. Still, we came away from this game with profound respect for the intangibles Van Bastelaar possesses. He plays with a poise well beyond his years. As the primary initiator of La Salle’s offense, his high IQ and incredible instincts were on display all game. He owns an endless motor and a toughness that enables him to absorb non-stop stick and body checks from opposing defenses. The Penn Quakers are getting a prospect who should contribute from day one.
This Johns Hopkins commit was simply on fire in LaSalle’s 3OT win against Radnor. He registered six goals and three assists on Saturday and narrowly missed on one or two other scoring opportunities. Wickersham is a versatile prospect with all the tools. As a standstill shooter, he can launch missiles from multiple angles. Wickersham can also score on the run. Plus, he can drop creative and timely dimes to teammates. Wickersham’s speed and shifty moves enable him to attack the cage from X or the wing. Wickersham’s ability to effectively ride on clears is underrated.