New Jersey: Mid-Season Top 10 Teams

New Jersey high school lacrosse is as good this season as it has ever been, with multiple NJ schools knocking off top-ranked out-of-state teams and working their way into the national spotlight. With the season a little more than halfway through, here's a look at the top teams in NJ and a few that just missed the cut, along with upcoming matchups to watch down the line.   With the county tournaments around the corner, each of these teams will be battling it out with their close-proximity rivals starting next week and will look to hoist the coveted county championship trophy by early to mid-May.   #1 Lawrenceville   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>2025 record: 11-3 X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='16730' first='Jett' last='Stake'] (So.) Overview: The Big Red stumbled out of the gate with a tight 2OT loss to top-ranked Calvert Hall (Md.), but steadied the ship with dominant wins against Academy New Church (P.A.) and Boys' Latin (Md.) before dropping two games to Brunswick (Conn.) and St. Anthony's (N.Y.) in April. They'll look to get past their last remaining teams on their schedule before gearing up for this year's National Championships in a few weeks. They're led offensively by junior classmates [player_tooltip player_id='16718' first='Hansen' last='Peck'] (Syracuse) and [player_tooltip player_id='16729' first='Jake' last='Sturtevant'] (Michigan) along with seniors [player_tooltip player_id='14558' first='Sawyer' last='English'] (Brown) and [player_tooltip player_id='20833' first='Ted' last='Rawson'] (Syracuse) and more who have all put up impressive numbers and impact the game in multiple ways. They have been efficient with the ball and have made the big plays in clutch spots when needed. If they're going to make a deep run once again this year, Lawrenceville will need to continue to get great production from sophomore net-minder [player_tooltip player_id='16730' first='Jett' last='Stake'], along with the rest of the defensive unit that has only let up double-digit goals once this season. The pair of Michigan commits, junior [player_tooltip player_id='16777' first='Wyatt' last='Stamnes'] and senior [player_tooltip player_id='14597' first='Nick' last='Voultos'], among others, have done a good job with their matchups to force tough shots and easy saves for Stake at times. However, the young goalie has also made numerous incredible saves in big moments to lift his group, which is why he is my X-Factor if the Big Red are going to 3-peat as national champions. Upcoming Matchups: 5/6 vs. Hill Academy (Ont.) 5/7 @ Hill School (P.A.) 5/10 vs Kiski Prep (P.A.)</li> </ul>   #2 Delbarton   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>2025 Record: 9-1 X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='25528' first='Christian' last='Troczynski'] (Jr.) Overview: Since losing to Brunswick (Conn.) early in the season, the Green Wave have been on an absoluet tear while rattling off eight straight wins, shutting down teams like St. Anthony's (N.Y.), Seton Hall Prep, Summit, and most recently highly-ranked Malvern Prep (P.A.) in a one-goal barn-burner. Having only let up double digit goals three times this year, the defense, led by senior star defensemen [player_tooltip player_id='14545' first='Will' last='Pedicano'] (Duke), has been clicking and in-turn the offense has been returning the favor with steady production from seniors [player_tooltip player_id='127087' first='Gavin' last='Romweber'] (Middlebury), [player_tooltip player_id='127092' first='Peter' last='Falk'] (Trinity) and [player_tooltip player_id='127095' first='Alex' last='Schobel'] (Babson) among others. However, it has been [player_tooltip player_id='25528' first='Christian' last='Troczynski'] (Cornell) along with [player_tooltip player_id='125519' first='Philip' last='Minardo'] who have been handling business at the face-off X and keeping teams on their heels. Both Troczynski and Minardo are currently at a 61% win percentage on the year, with Troczynski edging Minardo out in attempts by thirty or so. Still, both guys have been able to control the momentum of the game by playing make it, take it at times which is why keeping them hot is pivotal to the Green Wave's success moving forward with two extremely tough out-of-state matchups ahead and the Morris County Tournament, which they will look to win for the 3rd straight year. Upcoming Matchups: 5/3 @ Chaminade (N.Y.) 5/17 @ Fairfield Prep (Conn.) 5/20 vs. Bernards</li> </ul>   #3 Seton Hall Prep   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>2025 Record: 9-2 X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='127076' first='Nolan' last='Sabel'] (Sr.) Overview: With their only two losses of the season coming to St. Anthony's (N.Y.) and Delbarton, the Pirates are currently riding a 6-game win streak, outscoring their opponents 77-27 in that time. The defensive unit, led by senior goaltender [player_tooltip player_id='16502' first='Conor' last='Keenan'], had put up a great fight against tough teams and guys like senior Michael Clifford (Colgate) and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='121228' first='Jagger' last='Zemachson'] have been locking down their opponents all season, not letting a single team score double digits goals, while also getting solid production from junior [player_tooltip player_id='24393' first='Lucas' last='Angel'] (Fairfield) and senior [player_tooltip player_id='127099' first='Teddy' last='Coyle'] (Middlebury) at the face-off X. However, my preseason X-Factor and proving to also be my current X-Factor, senior [player_tooltip player_id='127076' first='Nolan' last='Sabel'] (Villanova) has had a phenomenal season for the Pirates, posting 48 points thus far and showing no signs of slowing down. He had a season high five goals against Fairfield Prep (Conn.) and a season high four assists against St. Paul's (Md.). While also seeing notable help from Joe DelMauro (Utah), [player_tooltip player_id='24402' first='Owen' last='Dunleavy'], and Clark RIch (Lehigh), the Pirates will need to keep their momentum with a few tough matchups to close out the regular season and with the Essex County Tournament coming up which they have dominated for the past 10+ years. Upcoming Matchups: 5/3 vs. Iona Prep (N.Y.) 5/12 vs. West Essex 5/13 @ Brunswick (Conn.)</li> </ul>   #4 Don Bosco Prep   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>2025 Record: 7-3 X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='14548' first='Brady' last='Scioletti'] (Sr.) Overview: With each of their three losses coming to top out-of-state opponents such as Chaminade (N.Y.), Haverford (P.A.) and Fairfield Prep (Conn.), the road doesn't look to get any easier, but with their defense working well together as of late, Don Bosco could be starting to peak at just the right time, like a year ago when they finished their season on an 11-game win streak. Their defense consisting of David Corb (Quinnipiac), [player_tooltip player_id='45464' first='Michael' last='Marino'] (Richmond), and Carson Cherven (Tampa), among others have held their last three opponents to under seven goals and have been attacking their matchups, making it difficult to get their hands free for a good look at the cage against both [player_tooltip player_id='82243' first='Brody' last='Corey'] (Rutgers) and James O'Hara (Siena). Offensively, my X-Factor, senior [player_tooltip player_id='14548' first='Brady' last='Scioletti'], has continued to lead the charge once again this season, currently with 42 points on the year. He is the unquestioned leader of the Ironmen squad, and there is no reason to believe that he won't finish strong and lift the offense in clutch spots along the way. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='17484' first='John' last='Devir'] (Yale), Brady Kushner (Loyola), and Hudson Villaruel (Sacred Heart) have also posted strong numbers offensively and senior FOGO [player_tooltip player_id='28069' first='Scott' last='Conte'] (Delaware) has been able control the X and put pressure on the opposing defense which is what he will need to continue to do if the Ironmen are going to capture their 5th straight Bergen County Championship and repeat as state champions. Upcoming Matchups: 5/3 @ St. Anthony's (N.Y.) 5/14 @ Hun 5/15 vs. Chatham</li> </ul>   #5: Summit   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>2025 Record: 8-2 X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='45416' first='James' last='Grainger'] (Jr.) Overview: After a hot 5-0 start, the Hilltoppers stumbled against Delbarton and Seton Hall Prep as of late, both being close games, but they'll look to win yet another Union County Tournament championship coming up in a few weeks and finish the regular season strong heading into state playoffs. Summit's zone defense is always a struggle for teams to navigate and this year is no different. Junior defender [player_tooltip player_id='82261' first='John' last='Conniff'] (Providence) along with guys like Luca Avelino (Denison), and Jake Reimold (Sacred Heart) have been able to hold down the fort and force teams into long shots, turnovers and mental mistakes, which works out just fine for junior goaltender [player_tooltip player_id='45465' first='Robbie' last='Kievit'] (Fairfield) who has taken care of business in between the pipes, tallying 60 saves. On the other side of things, my X-Factor junior attackman [player_tooltip player_id='45416' first='James' last='Grainger'] has once again led the Hilltoppers in scoring thus far with 37 points and has been the captain and facilitator of the offense. Juniors Jack Freeman, and Quinn Hynes have also made their presence felt, but freshman attackman Chris Davies is definitely a name to remember and a player to watch moving forward as he has eclipsed 26 points on the year and trending in the right direction as the Hilltoppers looks to make another long playoff push this spring and 3-peat as state champions. Upcoming Matchups: 5/3 @ Bernards 5/13 vs. Bergen Catholic 5/17 @ Ridgewood</li> </ul>   #6 Westfield   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>2025 record: 9-3 X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='24388' first='Corey' last='Gilford'] (Sr.) Overview: Westfield started their season a little rocky, but since losing to Seton Hall Prep, they've gone 5-1 and have outscored their opponents 77-40 during this stretch, with a 17-0 victory vs. Hunterdon Central and recently a 16-0 win vs. Wall. Senior attackmen [player_tooltip player_id='24386' first='Colin' last='Coyle'] (Umass) and [player_tooltip player_id='24397' first='Garrett' last='Ferguson'] (Washington & Lee) are lighting up the scoreboard so far, combining for 99 points on the year, with Ferguson leading the team in goals and Coyle leading in assists, with help coming from seniors Billy Gerne (Trinity) and Luke Gerne (Oberlin) as well as sophomore standout attackman [player_tooltip player_id='120530' first='Koby' last='Waldman'], who has 19 points on the year. The Blue Devil defense is led by my X-Factor, senior goaltender [player_tooltip player_id='24388' first='Corey' last='Gilford'], who has come up time and time again in the clutch for his team. He currently has 104 saves on the season, and players like Drew Pravlik (Muhlenberg), among others, have done a solid job of applying pressure and not getting beaten to avoid easy goals. Gilford has proven to be able to handle business in big spots in the past, and with Westfield looking to make a deep run this year with their loaded senior class, Gilford will be a huge part of their success. The Blue Devils will look to regain the Union County Tournament championship for the first time since 2017 in a few weeks. Upcoming Matchups: 5/3 vs. Pingry 5/13 vs. St. Augustine Prep 5/15 @ Bernards</li> </ul>   #7 Moorestown   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>2025 Record: 9-2 X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='127338' first='Ryan' last='O'Connor'] (Sr.) Overview: The Quakers have had a great start to their year after winning the state championship in a thriller last season. Their only two losses have come to Pingry and Summit, but other than that, Moorestown has handled their opponents convincingly for the most part, with notable wins against Ridgewood and Manasquan. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='121526' first='Aidan' last='Ruff'] is once again putting up a stellar season, already with 33 points and getting help from fellow classmates Chase Caulder and Bryce Buck (Embry-Riddle), including others contributing offensively. The defensive unit is led by seniors Paul Canton (Albany) and [player_tooltip player_id='31663' first='Luke' last='Holmgren'] (Iona), making it tough for opponents to get good shots off against the young sophomore goaltender Wes Canton, who has posted 65 saves to start the year. However, my X-Factor is senior FOGO [player_tooltip player_id='127338' first='Ryan' last='O'Connor'] (Villanova), who has had an outstanding start to his season with a 72% win rate on 127 attempts. Having a FOGO continuously wearing down his matchups and keeping pressure on the opposing defenses is critical in post-season play and being able to score and continue to win face-offs is a huge momentum boost for the Quakers as well which is why, with the offensive production thus far, they seem poised to repeat as champions once again this year. Upcoming Matchups: 5/1 vs. St. Augustine Prep 5/6 vs. Eastern 5/8 @ Cherry Hill East</li> </ul>   #8 Manasquan   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>2025 Record: 11-1 X-Factor: Ryan Aldi (Sr.) Overview: The Warriors have had a fantastic year so far, having only slipped up once, most recently to Moorestown, but Manasquan is hungry this spring and looking to avenge their nail-biting state final loss to Summit a season ago. Their defense, led by senior net-minder Pat Loxley (Muhlenberg), along with others like seniors Parker Harms (Villanova) and James Caddott (Delaware Valley) has held opposing teams to under ten goals the entire season and have hit that mark eight times themselves offensively. They are playing well as a unit, and as a result, Loxley is seeing the ball well and making great saves for his group. Offensively, my X-Factor, senior Ryan Aldi (Bentley), has put on an eye-opening performance this season, recording 33 goals and 17 assists thus far and looking to take that hot streak into the Shore County Tournament soon. He had a season-high 4 goals vs. Haddonfield and a season-high 4 assists vs. Holmdel, showing the ability to be versatile in his role. The Warriors are also getting contributions from upper-classmen Brandon Kunz (Lehigh), Matt Schneider (Monmouth), and [player_tooltip player_id='120287' first='Lucas' last='Longo'], accompanied by sophomore Kieran Schneider with 29 points on the season, 20 of them being assists. Manasquan will look to shake off the loss to Moorestown and get ready to finish the regular season strong before state playoffs arrive for another chance at the title. Upcoming Matchups: 5/6 @ Rumson-Fair Haven 5/10 @ Ocean City</li> </ul>   #9 Ridgewood   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>2025 Record: 6-4 X-Factor: Jack Frers (Sr.) Overview: The Maroons started off 4-1 before dropping three games in a row to Don Bosco Prep, Moorestown, and Westfield, but they've gotten back on track as of late with convincing wins coming against Northern Highlands and Pingry. Senior goalie Eli Pounds (Delaware) has put together a solid season so far, recording 85 saves and his fellow classmate, FOGO Ardem Sarajan (Connecticut College), has sone good work from center X, posting a 63% win rate and going up against some tough competition in the process, but he has been able to get quick clamps and has made smart plays with the ball in his stick, recording a pair of goals as well. The offense is led by junior [player_tooltip player_id='37802' first='AJ' last='LoSauro'] (Penn State) and, my X-Factor, senior Jack Frers (Lafayette), who have combined for 47 points to this point and are looking to lead the Maroon charge into a deep playoff run. LoSauro and Frers play well together in this offense and work off each other to find open looks and cutting teammates. Seniors Tyler Nesland and Jack McCarthy have also shown good production for the Maroons, along with freshman contributor Will LoSauro, with eleven points on the year. They will need to continue to see high efficiency from their offensive unit, which has put up 21 goals in the last two games, as they head into a loaded Bergen County Tournament. Upcoming Matchups: 5/3 @ Wall 5/13 @ Ramapo 5/17 vs. Summit</li> </ul>   #10 Chatham   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>2025 Record: 8-2 X-Factor: Nicholas Lagunowich (So.) Overview: The Cougars have been rolling teams in the early part of the season, with their only two losses coming in one-goal games at the hands of Ridgewood and most recently Marin Catholic (Cali.), but they are still in good shape moving forward with a few tough opponents to finish out their regular season. Their strong defensive unit is led by senior goaltender Jean-Luc Marlin, who has been great in the cage this year, with help from his guys up front, including upperclassmen [player_tooltip player_id='82263' first='Lochlan' last='Mahoney'], Carter Newman (RPI), and Paul Kuppenheimer, among others, making an impact. On the other end, my X-Factor, sophomore standout Nicholas Lagunowich, has been the focal point of the Cougars' offense, putting up 49 points and leading his team in goals currently. Juniors Kyle Gibney (Vermont) and [player_tooltip player_id='35168' first='Shep' last='Boyd'] (Michigan) have also played a big role, combining for 66 points, with Boyd leading the team in assists. Another pair of sophomores making their presence felt is Charlie Dunn and Quin Grosso, both combining for 33 points as well. This Chatham team is young and hungry, and they'll look to get back on track before competing for the Morris County Tournament championship coming up and then eventually getting back to the state title game down the line. Upcoming Matchups: 5/1 vs. Ramapo 5/15 @ Don Bosco Prep 5/17 @ Mountain Lakes</li> </ul>   Teams Also Considered: Pingry, Shawnee, Christian Brothers Academy, St. Augustine Prep

New Jersey high school lacrosse is as good this season as it has ever been, with multiple NJ schools knocking off top-ranked out-of-state teams and working their way into the national spotlight. With the season a little more than halfway through, here's a look at the top teams in NJ and a few that just missed the cut, along with upcoming matchups to watch down the line.