Mt. St. Joseph (Md.) Opens Season Behind Standout Performances

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Gaels have had a strong start to their season, boasting an 8-2 record with wins over Georgetown Prep, Gilman, and St. Paul's. Their performance has caught the attention of many, especially following their 8-4 win over the Crusaders, MSJ's second-straight win over SP. That game showcased the true potential of Mt. St. Joe's roster, highlighting several standout players who have the talent to make a difference throughout the year. <br><br>As the season progresses, their abilities will be put to the test, particularly with an upcoming matchup against Boys Latin' and its tough zone defense. With key players like Reese and Slade leading the charge on defense, the Gaels are shaping up to be a group to watch. Let's take a closer look at the key contributors driving their success this season:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["127033"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67f850e54faa1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Reese has established himself as the go-to defender for the Gaels, routinely tasked with shutting down the opposition's top attackman. His standout performance came in a statement win over St. Paul's, during which he was matched up against five-star UNC commit Luke Bair, a dynamic offensive threat capable of taking over a game. Reese held Bair in check throughout the contest, playing a crucial role in the Gaels' victory. The Maryland commit also recorded several key caused turnovers, showcasing his ability to impact the game beyond just 1-on-1 matchups. He brings a rare combination of physicality, poise, and stick skills, anchoring the defense with a presence that elevates those around him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["127035"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67f850e54fb55"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Slade played a pivotal role in the Gaels' impressive win over St. Paul's, finishing with 13 saves and an outstanding 76% save percentage. Known for his low, loaded stance and aggressive approach to incoming shots, the Flagler commit may not stand out for his size, but his presence in the cage is undeniable. He consistently came up with timely stops, including several highlight-reel saves against elite scorers. Against St. Paul's, he displayed sharp reflexes and quick reactions, particularly in handling the deceptive shooting of Bair. In his game versus Gilman, Slade made two critical saves in the closing moments of a tied fourth quarter, both coming against a senior Johns Hopkins signee. His composure in high stakes moments and knack for delivering clutch saves make him a cornerstone of the Gaels' defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["123984"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67f850e54fbac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Currie has made a name for himself near goal line extended this season, contributing in various aspects of the offense. He has found success in transition, two-man game, and during extra man and zone offense. In transition, he has played both the point and low attack, scoring from both positions. In the two-man game, he's shown great savvy, often slipping to the goal to finish. During extra man and zone offense, he has been effective at sneaking the pipes to score. One constant throughout has been his smooth release on three-quarter, sidearm, and underhand shots. As a great athlete, it's clear that Currie will find his way onto the field at Le Moyne right out of the box.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["124326"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67f850e54fbf2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Against St. Paul's, Birrane showcased his athleticism with speed, quick changes of pace, and lethal goal-scoring ability. He finished the game with a hat trick, with each goal demonstrating his versatility. On his first goal, he dodged a short stick down the alley, stopped in shooting range, and fired a precise shot. His third goal came when he picked up an errant pass near the goal line. With quickness and agility, he darted to the crease and nailed the upper right corner of the goal. Birrane's athleticism, sharpened by his basketball background, gives him the explosiveness to make quick moves and finish in tight spaces, making him a constant threat on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["121619"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67f85cddb8fc2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The lefty attack spot has been firmly held down by Scott, and he's been a standout in that role. What stands out most are his box-style attributes, which have made him a dynamic force on offense. He knows how to finish in tight, using his body to create separation and get to the goal. His shot is especially dangerous, thanks to a deceptive release point that hides the ball from the goalie. His windup masks the shot, making it nearly impossible for the keeper to read. As only a sophomore, Scott's potential is clear. With his skill set and work ethic, look for him to have a long, successful career at Mount St. Joe and become a key player for years to come. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->