Battle Of Yorktown Recap: Horace Greeley (N.Y.)

Horace Greeley enters the upcoming season with solid momentum. After a strong 2025 campaign, the Quakers continued to build their reputation as a competitive program in Section 1, leaning on a balanced offense and dependable team defense. Greeley finished 16-4 last spring, winning its first Section 1 Class B Championship and advancing to the Regional Finals, making a memorable run that generated a lot of excitement at the school and in the community.   That breakthrough season wasn't just the result of individual talent; it reflected a collective commitment to team culture, discipline, and development that continues to define the program heading into 2026. As head coach Ben Potash and his staff prepare for the upcoming season, there's a renewed sense of hunger around the program.    This year's Horace Greeley squad features a healthy mix of experienced returners and emerging contributors ready to take on expanded roles. Many of the upperclassmen were key pieces in last year's playoff run, while others have spent the past few seasons learning behind a talented senior class, waiting for their turn to step into the spotlight. The team's foundation remains in its balanced style of play: a high-powered, fast-paced offense paired with a gritty, high-energy defense that thrives on pressure and toughness. It's a system that rewards versatility and teamwork and has come to define Greeley's identity.   Off the field, the Quakers continue to put in the work throughout the offseason. The team competes year-round to stay sharp and maintain chemistry, playing in events such as the Battle of Yorktown Tournament and the Bronxville Tournament during the fall. They also participate in the Chelsea Piers Winter League, a highly competitive indoor league that keeps players engaged and game-ready through the colder months. Practices are held once a week through both the fall and winter, emphasizing fundamentals, communication, and conditioning while also building leadership among younger players.   The Battle of Yorktown offered an early glimpse at what makes this team special. Greeley displayed their trademark balance, competent ball movement, confident dodging, and a defensive unit that refused to back down against strong regional opponents. It was also an opportunity for the program's next generation to get live-game experience in a competitive environment, continuing the tradition of development that has fueled Horace Greeley's rise.   With expectations higher than ever, Horace Greeley enters the upcoming season focused, hungry, and prepared to build on last year's success. The bar has been raised, and this group embraces the challenge with confidence and purpose. If the Quakers can channel the same intensity, chemistry, and collective belief that carried them in 2025, they'll once again be a force to be reckoned with in Section 1. This team is driven not just by what they've already accomplished, but by the opportunity to keep proving themselves every time they take the field.    [player_tooltip player_id='170227' first='Zac' last='Klein'] brings an aggressive, high-motor presence to the Quakers' defense and thrives in both the LSM and close defense roles. He plays with relentless pressure, constantly disrupting opposing midfielders and forcing turnovers with well-timed, precision takeaway checks. Klein's combination of speed and physicality makes him a nightmare to dodge against and a difference-maker in transition. He's especially effective on the wings, where his ground ball ability and quick stick create instant offense going the other way. With his two-way impact and leadership as a senior, Klein sets the tone for Greeley's defensive identity and is poised for a breakout season anchoring the Quakers' back line.     A dynamic and reliable presence in the Quakers' offense, [player_tooltip player_id='170228' first='Tighe' last='Dolan'] has been a cornerstone of Horace Greeley's attack for the past three seasons. Equally comfortable running out of the box or operating behind the cage, Dolan's versatility allows him to exploit matchups and create offense in a variety of ways. He's known for his smooth lefty sweep and his ability to thread crisp, well-timed feeds to teammates, consistently generating scoring chances whether as a dodger or distributor. With his field vision, lacrosse IQ, and finishing touch, Dolan has become a player defenses must game-plan for. Heading into his senior year, he's poised to take on an even larger leadership role as one of Greeley's primary initiators and offensive catalysts.     A standout multi-sport athlete, [player_tooltip player_id='170229' first='Alex' last='Kriniske'] brings a unique blend of athleticism, speed, and intensity to the Quakers' defensive unit. His ability to match feet with quick attackmen and anticipate dodges makes him a reliable on-ball defender in key matchups. Kriniske isn't just strong in coverage, he's also confident pushing transition, often sparking fast breaks with clean clears and smart decisions under pressure. His energy and vocal leadership set the tone for Greeley's defensive communication, keeping the unit organized and engaged. With his competitiveness and commitment to doing the little things right, Kriniske embodies the hard-nosed, team-first mentality that defines Horace Greeley lacrosse.     A physical and determined competitor at the faceoff X, [player_tooltip player_id='170230' first='Luke' last='Tavolacci'] gives the Quakers a significant edge in possession and tempo. Known for his strength and toughness, Tavolacci consistently battles for every ground ball and uses his size effectively to gain leverage and control draws. He's not just a grinder; he's also capable of pushing transition immediately after a win, turning faceoffs into fast-break opportunities for Greeley's offense. His confidence and poise under pressure make him a reliable presence in critical game situations. As he enters his senior year, Tavolacci is focused on dominating the X and setting the tone each game with his physicality, work ethic, and leadership.     A physical and commanding presence on the back end, [player_tooltip player_id='170231' first='Jackson' last='Goebal'] anchors the Quakers' defense with size, strength, and confidence. Standing out as one of the top poles in the region, Goebal uses his frame effectively to neutralize dodgers and take away inside lanes. His commitment to Mount St. Mary's College this past summer is a testament to his development, leadership, and consistency. Goebal thrives as a vocal communicator and a decisive slider, often stepping up to stop high-danger looks on the crease and make key momentum-shifting plays. At the Battle of Yorktown, he once again showcased his toughness and poise, qualities that will make him a cornerstone of Greeley's defense in his senior season and beyond.     A tenacious short-stick defensive midfielder, [player_tooltip player_id='170232' first='Luke' last='Elghazaly'] brings toughness, athleticism, and leadership to the heart of the Quakers' midfield. Committed to Fairleigh Dickinson University, Elghazaly has continued to elevate his game through relentless preparation and a team-first mindset. He thrives in gritty matchups, using his strength and positioning to lock down opposing dodgers and spark clears in transition. Beyond his defensive impact, he's known as a Grade A teammate, constantly bringing energy, communication, and accountability to every practice and game. Elghazaly's blend of competitiveness and character makes him one of Greeley's most trusted leaders as the team gears up for another championship-caliber season.     A dynamic offensive weapon for the Quakers, [player_tooltip player_id='123266' first='Thomas' last='Pollard'] has emerged as one of the team's premier shooting threats. Known for his powerful outside shot, Pollard consistently stretches opposing defenses and forces goalies to respect his range. Over the past year, he's added a refined dodging element to his game, making him even more dangerous as both a scorer and initiator. Pollard plays with great awareness, reading defenses well and using picks and off-ball movement to create high-quality shooting opportunities. With his combination of size, strength, and skill, the junior midfielder continues to develop into a complete offensive force and a player poised to lead Greeley's attack for years to come.     The anchor of the Quakers' defense, [player_tooltip player_id='122949' first='Luke' last='Kaplow'], brings poise, confidence, and leadership well beyond his years. After a strong sophomore campaign, the Holy Cross commit has quickly established himself as one of the top young goalies in the region. Kaplow combines sharp instincts with excellent positioning, routinely making clutch saves in high-pressure moments. His calm presence in the cage allows him to settle his defense, communicate effectively, and jumpstart fast, organized clears. Kaplow's energy and composure make him the heartbeat of Horace Greeley's defense, poised to build on his early success and take another step forward in his junior season.     A versatile and athletic playmaker, [player_tooltip player_id='170233' first='Jackson' last='Barr'] provides the Quakers with valuable flexibility on both ends of the field. A true multi-sport athlete, Barr combines size, field vision, and lacrosse IQ to impact games whether he's initiating from X or running out of the midfield. He has a natural feel for the offense, able to distribute with precision or take defenders one-on-one when needed. His strength and competitiveness also make him reliable in defensive situations, showcasing his willingness to do the dirty work and contribute in transition. Entering his junior year, Barr's adaptability and all-around game will be pivotal to Horace Greeley's success as he continues to evolve into one of the team's most dependable two-way threats.     A tough, high-motor attackman, [player_tooltip player_id='170234' first='Matthew' last='Potenza'], embodies the Quakers' fast-paced and physical brand of lacrosse. He impressed at the Battle of Yorktown, showcasing his ability to command the X position and apply relentless pressure on the ride. Potenza has excellent off-ball instincts, consistently finding seams in the defense and putting himself in prime scoring areas. His willingness to play physically and battle for ground balls makes him a tone-setter in Greeley's attack unit. Entering his junior season, Potenza looks to continue leading by example, bringing energy, aggressiveness, and smart, unselfish play to help the Quakers maintain their up-tempo offensive rhythm.     A relentless two-way midfielder, [player_tooltip player_id='170235' first='Brian' last='Ross'] showcased his all-around game for the Quakers at the Battle of Yorktown, making key contributions on both ends of the field. He plays with grit and determination, embracing tough defensive matchups while also posing a threat as a shooter from range. Ross isn't afraid to take charge in transition, confidently carrying the ball through pressure and helping initiate fast breaks. His hustle and energy are contagious, setting the tone for Greeley's midfield unit. With his combination of toughness, athleticism, and team-first mentality, Ross continues to establish himself as a vital two-way presence entering his junior season.     A long, athletic pole with a physical edge, [player_tooltip player_id='170236' first='Justin' last='Pufhal'] brings a commanding presence to the Quakers' defense. Standing tall and playing with confidence, he's known for his ability to press out on attackers and dictate the tempo of matchups. Pufhal's aggressive style is complemented by his knack for landing well-timed, deceptive checks that disrupt possessions without sacrificing positioning. At the Battle of Yorktown, he consistently cleaned up loose balls and proved comfortable handling the rock in transition. With his combination of size, poise, and aggressiveness, Pufhal continues to develop into a key defensive playmaker for Horace Greeley.     After an All-Section freshman season that saw him rack up an impressive 83 points, [player_tooltip player_id='166651' first='Luke' last='Dessi'] returns as one of the most dynamic young scorers in Section 1. Dessi possesses elite off-ball awareness and a lightning-quick release, making him a constant scoring threat from both inside and beyond the arc. He's equally dangerous initiating from X, where his agility and change of direction allow him to beat defenders clean and create high-quality chances. Beyond his offensive production, Dessi's relentless effort on the ride sets him apart; he hunts down clears, pressures defenders, and creates turnovers through sheer will. As he enters his sophomore year, Dessi looks poised to build on his breakout campaign and continue leading the Quakers' high-powered attack.     A composed and technically sound defender, [player_tooltip player_id='170237' first='Michael' last='Giamelli'] stood out at the Battle of Yorktown for his maturity and field awareness well beyond his years. As a sophomore, he's already shown the confidence to organize the defense, calling slides, communicating clearly, and keeping his unit disciplined under pressure. Giamelli balances smart positioning with the ability to throw timely, effective checks, rarely overcommitting while still playing with an edge. His poise in the clear and willingness to push transition demonstrate his trust in his stick and understanding of team flow. With his blend of intelligence, fundamentals, and leadership, Giamelli has the tools to become a cornerstone of Greeley's defense for years to come.     A dynamic multi-sport athlete, [player_tooltip player_id='170241' first='Spencer' last='Acard'] made his presence felt for the Quakers at the Battle of Yorktown with his speed, athleticism, and toughness. As the starting running back for Greeley's football team, Acard brings that same burst and agility onto the lacrosse field, using quick cuts and powerful strides to push transition and clear the ball effectively. He showed impressive defensive awareness, matching feet with opposing midfielders and creating turnovers with timely stick checks. Acard's ability to impact both ends of the field makes him a valuable two-way contributor who can change momentum in an instant. With his competitiveness and athletic versatility, he's quickly becoming a key piece of Greeley's midfield core.     A skilled lefty with strong versatility, [player_tooltip player_id='170242' first='Brady' last='Kaplow'] has quickly proven himself as a reliable offensive option for the Quakers. Comfortable playing both attack and midfield, he can finish with precision around the crease or carry the ball confidently through the middle of the field. Kaplow's stick skills and field vision allow him to contribute in multiple offensive sets, keeping defenses honest whether he's initiating or finishing plays. His ability to adapt between roles demonstrates a mature understanding of the game for a young player. As he continues to develop, Kaplow's balanced skill set and lacrosse IQ make him a valuable threat for Horace Greeley.

Horace Greeley enters the upcoming season with solid momentum. After a strong 2025 campaign, the Quakers continued to build their reputation as a competitive program in Section 1, leaning on a balanced offense and dependable team defense. Greeley finished 16-4 last spring, winning its first Section 1 Class B Championship and advancing to the Regional Finals, making a memorable run that generated a lot of excitement at the school and in the community.