Battle of Yorktown Recap: Pelham Memorial (N.Y.)

Pelham Memorial High School enters the 2026 season with confidence and momentum after a strong 13–5 campaign in 2025. The Pelicans return an impressive 23 varsity players from last spring, one of the most experienced rosters in Section 1, giving them both the depth and leadership to make another serious postseason push. Their 2025 season showcased a balanced, fast-paced team capable of matching up with anyone, built around multi-sport athletes who bring speed, toughness, and competitive fire to every game.   That success wasn't accidental. It reflected a program-wide commitment to preparation, team chemistry, and player development that continues to define Pelham's identity. Head Coach, DJ Peters, and his staff have emphasized tempo, decision-making, and defensive execution in the offseason, preparing a group that plays fast and smart. With so many returners and an established core of leaders, this team's chemistry is already one of its greatest strengths.   This year's roster features a strong nucleus of upperclassmen who know how to compete, alongside younger players ready to step into expanded roles. The Pelicans' identity centers on their athletic, two-way midfield unit, players who can defend, clear, and initiate transition offense seamlessly. Their up-tempo system allows them to push pace, attack before defenses are set, and create high-percentage looks through quick ball movement. Offensively, Pelham thrives on spacing and unselfish play, with a group that can score in transition or patiently work through half-court sets.   Defensively, the Pelicans rely on a physical, disciplined unit that takes pride in controlling matchups and dictating tempo. The team's short-stick defensive midfield group stands out as one of the most reliable in the region, giving Pelham the flexibility to press out, slide aggressively, and trust their system. Behind them, senior goalie [player_tooltip player_id='171117' first='Reeve' last='Murrell'] anchors the defense with vocal leadership, composure, and confidence in the crease.   Off the field, Pelham's players embody the multi-sport mentality that has become the foundation of their success. With just 853 students, the school is one of the smallest in the region, but its athletes compete year-round in football, basketball, hockey, and soccer, bringing a toughness and conditioning advantage few programs can match. Throughout the winter, the team holds early-morning stickwork sessions and weekly film reviews, keeping players connected and focused while balancing multiple commitments.   The Battle of Yorktown served as an early proving ground for the group's returning core. Pelham showcased its trademark tempo, defensive intensity, and team-first approach, standing toe-to-toe with some of the strongest programs in attendance. It also gave younger players valuable reps and confidence heading into the spring, reinforcing the depth that could carry them deep into the postseason.   Captains   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='171117' first='Reeve' last='Murrell'] (2026) – Goalie The emotional and tactical leader of the defense, Murrell, brings consistency, communication, and poise to the crease. </li>   <li>[player_tooltip player_id='171119' first='Kamol' last='Frederick'] (2026) – SSDM A tone-setter with elite footwork and physicality, Frederick embodies Pelham's defensive identity. </li>   <li>[player_tooltip player_id='171121' first='Travis' last='Cross'] (2027) – Defense A steady, physical presence with advanced field IQ, Cross continues to be a reliable voice and competitor on the back line. </li> </ul>   With experience, athleticism, and leadership across the field, Pelham Memorial enters the 2026 season focused, motivated, and ready to build on last year's success. The pieces are in place for another strong run, and this group has the talent and drive to make it happen.    A poised and level-headed presence in the cage, [player_tooltip player_id='171117' first='Reeve' last='Murrell'] anchors Pelham's defense with confidence and maturity. He brings calm leadership to every possession, communicating clearly and organizing the defense before opponents can initiate their sets. Murrell is technically sound and dependable, consistently making the saves he should while also stealing momentum-shifting stops that change the flow of a game. His composure under pressure sets the tone for the entire defensive unit, allowing teammates to play aggressively knowing he has their backs. As a senior captain, he continues to elevate everyone on the field with his consistency, work ethic, and presence. Murrell enters his final season as one of the most reliable and respected goalies in Section 1.     An explosive and versatile midfielder, [player_tooltip player_id='171119' first='Kamol' last='Frederick'] offers Pelham the rare ability to impact the game in every phase. Last season, he excelled as an LSM, showcasing elite footwork, physicality, and ball-winning ability against top midfield matchups. Now, with added offensive responsibilities, Frederick brings a new dimension to Pelham's transition and settled offense. He plays fast between the lines, pushes tempo, and poses a tough matchup when dodging downhill thanks to his speed and strength. His strong stick and ability to generate offense while still locking down defensively make him a true two-way threat. Frederick's athleticism and multi-tool skill set make him one of the most valuable players on the roster.     A physical, high-energy defenseman with advanced footwork and field awareness, [player_tooltip player_id='171121' first='Travis' last='Cross'] stood out for Pelham at the Battle of Yorktown. He thrives in on-ball matchups, using quick lateral movement and a strong base to neutralize dodgers while maintaining excellent body positioning. Cross plays with an edge, his checks are precise, his communication sharp, and his confidence unmistakable. Beyond his defensive presence, he excels in the transition game, routinely sparking fast breaks with his ability to scoop contested ground balls and push tempo upfield. His two-way impact, competitiveness, and ability to create momentum-changing plays make him one of the most dynamic young defensemen in the region.     A crafty lefty attackman with a strong stick and natural feel for the game, [player_tooltip player_id='148058' first='Timmy' last='Gallivan'] brings deception and creativity every time he steps on the field. He thrives in two-man situations, using sharp footwork and timing to slip defenders and find open space. Gallivan's ability to disguise his hands and change release points makes him difficult to read for opposing goalies. He's constantly moving off-ball, creating passing lanes and high-quality scoring opportunities for himself and teammates alike. Shifty, skilled, and composed under pressure, Gallivan has a knack for finishing in tight and continues to develop into one of Pelham's most dependable offensive threats.     At 6'4” and 190 pounds, [player_tooltip player_id='171124' first='Will' last='Alexander'] is a physical force in the midfield and a nightmare for short-stick matchups. He attacks downhill with purpose, using his size and stride to create separation and unleash heavy, accurate shots on the run with either hand. Alexander consistently draws a pole and a quick slide, opening up space and opportunities for his teammates. His combination of strength, speed, and offensive instinct allows him to initiate from anywhere on the field and finish through contact. Already a focal point of Pelham's midfield unit, his blend of athleticism and scoring ability gives him a very high ceiling, one that continues to rise with every season.     One of the most versatile long poles in the area, [player_tooltip player_id='166508' first='Drew' last='Bier'] brings a rare mix of physicality, poise, and field IQ to Pelham's defensive unit. Capable of playing both close defense and LSM, he adapts seamlessly to any matchup, using his length and anticipation to create turnovers in key moments. Bier's stickwork and confidence allow him to throw checks from all angles, often dislodging the ball without sacrificing positioning. Off the ground, he's exceptional, winning tough battles and immediately pushing transition with smart outlets. Leading the team in both ground balls and caused turnovers as a freshman speaks volumes about his competitiveness and consistency. With another year of development, Bier projects as one of the cornerstones of Pelham's future.     As just a freshman, [player_tooltip player_id='171126' first='Sean' last='Grubert'] quickly established himself as Pelham's top short-stick defensive midfielder in Section 1. His elite toughness, lateral quickness, and disciplined positioning allow him to take on top matchups without requiring frequent slides, a rare trait for an underclassman. Grubert plays with a gritty, physical edge, but pairs it with the footwork and awareness to stay clean and effective in one-on-one situations. What makes him even more valuable is his ability to contribute offensively in transition, finishing the 2025 season with double-digit points. His standout efforts against Mamaroneck (2 goals) and Rye (1 goal, 1 assist) highlight a player who can impact the game in all phases. Grubert's maturity, confidence, and two-way presence make him a foundational piece of Pelham's midfield.     A composed and technically sound X attackman, [player_tooltip player_id='171128' first='Sam' last='Roberts'] brings a high IQ and creative playmaking ability to Pelham's offense. A righty with excellent field vision, he reads defenses well and can thread precise feeds through tight windows or capitalize on himself with a quick, accurate finish. Roberts is patient yet decisive, capable of controlling tempo and dictating the rhythm of possession. His ability to adapt to defensive pressure allows him to seamlessly shift between primary feeder and finisher, depending on the matchup. Already a dependable scoring threat as an underclassman, Roberts' poise and versatility make him a cornerstone of Pelham's offensive future.

Pelham Memorial High School enters the 2026 season with confidence and momentum after a strong 13–5 campaign in 2025. The Pelicans return an impressive 23 varsity players from last spring, one of the most experienced rosters in Section 1, giving them both the depth and leadership to make another serious postseason push. Their 2025 season showcased a balanced, fast-paced team capable of matching up with anyone, built around multi-sport athletes who bring speed, toughness, and competitive fire to every game.