Pennsylvania Private School Teams To Watch In 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below is a preview of three Pennsylvania “private” school teams we will be keeping a close eye on during the upcoming spring season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Allentown Central Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 2025, ACCHS racked up 20 wins, captured the District XI title and advanced to the PIAA 2A state semifinals. The Vikings graduated a few key pieces from that impressive 2025 team, but four of the top five scoring threats return for 2026. Therefore, I like the chances of the offense carrying the Vikings to another big season this spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The dynamic attack duo of senior [player_tooltip player_id='171606' first='Jack' last='Restino'] (67 goals; Stony Brook commit) and sophomore Alex Karetsos (47 goals &amp; 30 assists in 2025) spearhead an offense that can put up scary numbers. Restino is quick burst athlete who impossible to stop 1v1. Meanwhile Karetsos carves up opposing defenses with his filthy stick skills that enable him to distribute and score. Running at attack with those two scoring machines is DeSales University commit Liam Farrell. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season the Vikings' attack group received tremendous support from two-way midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='29040' first='Tate' last='Shoemaker'] who recorded 59 goals to go along with 25 assists. Shoemaker is an extraordinary multi-sport athlete who is committed to Manhattan for lacrosse. We expect that junior midfielder Tommy McGorry will also make significant contributions. McGorry is an athletic and shifty midfielder who excels in transition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keep an eye on two other talented offensive prospects for ACCHS – Catholic University commit Luke Walter (2026) and 2027 attack / midfielder Quinn Driscoll. In 2025 Driscoll was one of the top feeders in the East Penn Conference,</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>St. Joseph's Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The anticipated rebuild at St. Joe's Prep appears to be ahead of schedule, so I expect SJP to make serious noise in 2026. But the results of SJP's 2026 season will rely heavily on success at the face off dot and their defensive unit remaining stout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first part of that winning equation should not be an issue as face off specialist [player_tooltip player_id='141686' first='Mason' last='Proctor'] is an absolute beast. Proctor repeatedly executes clean pick-n-pops for wins. Then Proctor's explosive speed carries him into the offensive end for scoring opportunities. Proctor's ability to keep SJP playing downhill will be the key to their season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SJP's tenacious defensive unit will be the second key to the Hawks success in 2026. Anchoring this group will be close defenders [player_tooltip player_id='20469' first='Chase' last='Carle'] (Manhattan commit) and [player_tooltip player_id='171475' first='Christian' last='Witzke'] (2027). The 6-foot-6 Carle is a tenacious on ball defender with an enormous wingspan. Carle is extremely capable of shutting down the opposing team's No. 1 option. At 6-foot-3 and sporting an active stick, Witzke creates serious problems for opposing offensive players too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Between the pipes for SJP will be [player_tooltip player_id='171496' first='Matthew' last='Corrado']. During fall ball 2025 action, this super sophomore demonstrated that he is a poised net minder with fast hands and quick reactions. Corrado's clean saves combined with his swift outlet passes should generated plenty of transition opportunities for SJP.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SJP graduated its top three scoring threats from last year. However, once the talented group of returners develops some chemistry, opponents will be in for a world of trouble. Attackman Dominic Flynn (Quinnipiac commit) owns a quick burst and elite stick skills. That combination makes Flynn impossible to defend 1v1. This past fall, sophomore mid/attack prospect [player_tooltip player_id='172529' first='Mason' last='Warrick'] torched opponents with his downhill dodges. Thanks to his fantastic fall ball performances, Warrick has become one of the top 2028 offensive prospects in Pennsylvania.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Midfielder Tom Duffy also impressed during fall ball action. Duffy repeatedly demonstrated that he could generate offense on the fast break or in 6v6 action. 2028 attackmen Chris Bryan and Class of 2027 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='172710' first='Nick' last='Laber'] will supply additional offensive firepower.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bishop Shanahan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last spring Bishop Shanahan assembled a 16-win season and lost in heartbreaking fashion (9-8) to Allentown Central Catholic in the 1st Round of the PIAA 2A state tournament. The group of returning players for 2026 will provide a talented and well-balanced foundation for Shanahan's roster. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On defense, Shanahan boasts a trio of athletic and versatile poles. Senior Kieran Bonass is a fleet footed LSM who excels at stripping opposing ball carriers and then using his separation speed to lead the fast break. Class of 2027 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='172152' first='Jack' last='D'Annunzio'] is a menacing on ball presence with a crafty bag of stick checks that frequently cause turnovers. Fellow 2027 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='142076' first='Hudson' last='Linaugh'] is a ground ball machine who can run at LSM or close defense. Additionally, look for freshman pole Dominic Ciccarone to make a name for himself in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shanahan's specialists will be counted on to provide major contributions in 2026 too. Senior goalie Dom Napoli (Catholic Univ. commit) is outstanding between the pipes. Napoli's imposing size, agility and fast hands make him a brick wall in the net. Face off specialist Bryan Venini (2026) can secure clean clamps or drop to the turf and grind out a win. His ability to shoot / distribute on the run is keeps opposing defenses guessing. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shanahan's offense will be led by UMBC commit [player_tooltip player_id='171940' first='Nate' last='Kennedy'] (2027). Kennedy is quick twitch attack prospect with polished stick skills and incredible field vision. During his sophomore campaign, Kennedy notched 31 goals and 31 assists. In the midfield, Shanahan will look to 2026 prospects Nick Snyder and Nate Bracken. The fast and agile Snyder is a fantastic two-way mid who is committed to Catholic University (D3). Bracken is an extraordinary multi-sport athlete who can run past or over defenders on his dodges. Bracken's can also operate as a fierce and physical SSDM.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->