Top 10 Battle: Standouts From Malvern Prep’s Win Over Episcopal

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Tuesday afternoon Episcopal Academy traveled over to Malvern Prep for a highly anticipated matchup between two Top 10 ranked teams in the nation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A back and forth first half was capped off with just seconds remaining in the second quarter when [player_tooltip player_id='24577' first='Danny' last='Riely'] of No. 7 Malvern Prep found the back off a busted designed play (more on that goal later). Riely's goal gave the Friars a 4-3 lead at halftime.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the 3^rd quarter, No. 5 Episcopal Academy struck first via a slick goal from [player_tooltip player_id='175058' first='Brody' last='Garrison'] that came off a swim dodge from X. EA also received goals from [player_tooltip player_id='16060' first='Keegan' last='Nash'] and [player_tooltip player_id='45374' first='Jackson' last='Orcutt'] in the 3^rd quarter. For Malvern, [player_tooltip player_id='175099' first='Conor' last='McCarthy'] posted a goal and [player_tooltip player_id='121320' first='Jamie' last='McCracken'] scored twice in the 3^rd quarter. Malvern led 7-6 after three quarters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 4^th quarter belonged to MP as its defensive unit, along with goalie [player_tooltip player_id='19759' first='Thomas' last='Ploszay'] put the clamps on Episcopal and held the Churchmen scoreless for over nine minutes. Meanwhile the Friars received two goals from [player_tooltip player_id='23638' first='Danny' last='Lucovich'] as well as one each from [player_tooltip player_id='170717' first='Joey' last='Murphy'] and Chase Deves. That dominant final stanza resulted in an 11-7 win for Malvern Prep.    </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below is a review of the prospects who impressed during the Episcopal Academy at Malvern Prep game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Episcopal Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["176197"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":176220,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-69dffa4816fa4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Against MP, this athletic, fast, and poised SSDM displayed a multi-faceted skill set. Melchionni got into ball carriers early in their dodges and knocked them of their intended paths. This 2029 also used his smooth lateral movements to stay in front of ball carriers for extended periods. His slides and recoveries were smartly executed too. Melchionni vacuumed up several GBs and then used his speed to push the ball down field for clears or transition opportunities. For a freshman, Melchionni exhibited incredible poise and a high IQ during this intense game between two nationally ranked teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["16060"],"_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-69dffa4817045"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Despite extra attention from Malvern Prep's defense, the Rutgers signee scored two goals in this contest. His first tally was an absolutely astonishing individual effort. On that play, Nash initiated from GLE and used his quick burst to gain a step on his defender. Nash then dipped underneath his man, came across the front of the crease and executed a twisty finish. Nash's second goal was a splendid example of his shake, athleticism and shooting skills. During that goal, Nash used a stutter step move to set up a dash down the right alley and then cranked a shot on the run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["31516"],"_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-69dffa48170c5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last night, this agile, athletic, and versatile pole displayed a well-rounded skill set. Piontek was a menacing on-ball defender who caused turnovers with powerful stick checks. He also flashed excellent team defensive skills with his well-timed slides and double teams. Still, what impressed the most about this Brown commit was his ability to scoop up ground balls in traffic and then sprint out of the defensive end. On those clears and fast breaks, Piontek showcased his separation speed and elusive stick maneuvers. Piontek made smart decisions with the ball on every one of those pushes up field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Malvern Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["175099"],"_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-69dffa481713f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">During Malvern's win, McCarthy was extraordinarily impressive as the quarterback of the Friars offense. McCarthy excelled at keeping his head up while on the run and then using his field vision to distribute to open teammates. His ability to play with either hand combined with his timing produced three assists in this game. This available 2027 prospect also scored a beautiful goal in the third quarter. On that play, McCarthy initiated from top left, cooked the initial defender, continued down the left alley and then fired a lefty jump shot into the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["19759"],"_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-69dffa48171b9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Word on the street was that Ploszay was ill and running a fever prior to this game yet gutted it out and decided to take the field. Based on his incredible performance in MP's win, you would not have known that Ploszay was sick. Ploszay's quick reaction and fast hands produced a slew of jaw dropping saves. He made several amazing clean saves while dropping to the ground or quickly sliding post to post. Additionally, Ploszay threw his body in front of a handful of shots to make stops. Once Ploszay had the ball in his stick, he displayed tremendous composure and precise distribution skills. Villanova landed an absolute gem with Ploszay.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["24577"],"_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-69dffa4817227"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This Notre Dame signee displayed elite shooting skills as he scored three goals during MP's win over EA. Riely's first goal was an overhand bomb from up top. He second was a sidearm snipe from the wing. Riely completed his first half hat trick with a crazy goal right before the end of the 2^nd quarter. Coming out of a MP time out, the ball was behind the cage. Riely set a screen up high, then dove to the crease where he came open. The pass intended for Riely was deflected and bounced on the turf in front of the cage, but Riely managed to scoop up the ball and then slipped a low shot into the net as he was body checked to the ground. The athleticism and hand eye coordination Riely displayed on that goal was remarkable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->