Available Standouts From PIAA District 1 Championship Games

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Wednesday night, Haverford High School hosted the PIAA District 1 championship game doubleheader.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the first contest, Penncrest downed Upper Dublin 13-8 for the D1-2A title. Penncrest took home its second District 1 championship trophy in program history thanks to four goals by Drexel commit Aaron Goldstein and a heroic effort from goalie Carson Patti.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The nightcap featured a matchup between archrivals Radnor and Springfield in a battle for the D1-3A hardware. A highly competitive, back-and-forth game was capped by a Springfield fourth quarter surge that produced a 10-8 win for the Cougars. Maryland signee [player_tooltip player_id='20026' first='Brad' last='Barber'] scored five times during Springfield's defeat of Radnor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below is a review of the available prospects who impressed during the District 1 championship game doubleheader on Wednesday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Penncrest vs. Upper Dublin (2A Championship</strong>)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["177814"],"_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":177880,"_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-6a1982e4cf825"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McNichol stuffed the stat book during the 2A title bout as he posted three goals to go along with an assist. This quick-burst athlete displayed timely off-ball movements and tremendous shooting skills on two of his goals. Both of those scores were a result of McNichol finding open space in the middle of the field, receiving a pass, and then ripping a shot into the net. McNichol's swift release and precise aim made both of those shots impossible to stop. On his second goal, McNichol used a filthy, turnaround jump shot to find the back of the net.     </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["177815"],"_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":177883,"_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-6a1986da36bbd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">During his freshman campaign, this athletic, lefty midfielder had a major impact for Penncrest. That trend continued in the 2A championship victory as Persichetti recorded one goal and two assists. When he dodged from up top or the wing, Persichetti got downhill in a flash and then was a threat to score or distribute. His ability to crank shots while running full speed was impressive. Persichetti was also a smooth operator in two-man game action. The field vision Persichetti displayed in this contest was remarkable. The upside of this 2029 prospect is intriguing.   </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["177817"],"_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":177884,"_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-6a1986da36e43"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pettit scored three goals in Penncrest's District 1-2A semifinal win against Marple Newton. Then, for the encore, Pettit found the back of the net twice in the 2A title game. On Wednesday night, Pettit displayed crafty off-ball movements and creative finishing skills. Once he got in close, Pettit executed deceptive head / stick fakes to get UD's goalie off balance before putting the ball in the net. On his first goal, the ball was at X when Pettit streaked through the heart of the UD defense. He then hauled in a pass and executed a lefty finish while on the run. Pettit's non-stop motor was on display during several effective Penncrest rides.        </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>&nbsp;Radnor vs. Springfield (3A Championship)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["176042"],"_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-6a1986da36ea1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">On Wednesday night, Cox was credited with seven caused turnovers, and, to be honest, that number seemed low. That's because this speedy, ball hawk of an LSM caused havoc all over the field against Springfield. He was a menacing on-ball defender who used stick checks and pokes to put the ball on the ground. In Radnor's zone defense, Cox's trail checks effectively stopped a host of Springfield shot attempts. Cox also deflected or intercepted passes with his active stick. As a bonus to his defensive skills, this sophomore also displayed excellent separation speed and polished stick skills on the fast break. Cox was a plus player on the face-off wing, too.   </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["171691"],"_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-6a1986da36edd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In last night's District 1-3A championship game, Curry continued to build his case as the top 2028 goalie in the state of Pennsylvania. Curry faced a hailstorm of shots from Springfield. A number of those shots came from point-blank opportunities or while Springfield was on EMO. Curry's fast hands and active stick allowed him to make clean saves on many of those shots. His ability to quickly slide post to post or execute swift drops was remarkable. Plus, on numerous possessions for Springfield, Curry (14 saves) used his body to keep the ball out of the net. Curry delivered several pinpoint clearing passes, too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["175530"],"_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-6a1986da36f15"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ellis posted two goals as well as an assist Wednesday night and showed a tremendously versatile offensive skill set. For instance, on his first goal, Ellis drifted into open space in the high crease, caught a pass, and then quickly fired an overhand shot into the net. On his second tally, Ellis swept across the Radnor defense, found open space in the middle, and then ripped a high-to-low missile while on the run. Ellis proved to be a poised initiator who could dodge from the wing or up top. His field vision, timing, and stick skills produced a host of creative passes.   </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["141718"],"_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-6a1986da36f4d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Over his career at Radnor, French has effectively played both midfield and attack. Last night, he worked as a two-way midfielder and posted an incredible performance. Offensively, French scored two goals and frequently operated as the quarterback of Radnor's offense. His second goal was a smooth play where he dodged down the right alley, spun back middle, and then fired a lefty rocket over the goalie's shoulder. On Wednesday night, French demonstrated that he is comfortable initiating from anywhere on the offensive end. On a couple of possessions, he exploded out of the box, received an outlet pass, and then smartly pushed the fast break. A number of times on Wednesday night, French dropped back and played a physical brand of SSDM. He was a plus player in Radnor's clearing game, too.      </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["175504"],"_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-6a1986da36f85"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">How this FOGO with blazing reaction times and polished technique remains uncommitted is a mystery. In Springfield's win, Rush simply dominated his Radnor opponents as he went 20 for 22 on face-offs and dished out an assist. Rush repeatedly secured clean clamps and then sprinted into the offensive zone to create fast breaks. He also used smart defensive exits to secure possessions. During a couple of face-offs, Rush precisely snapped the ball back to one of his wings. On the rare occasion where things got hectic at the dot, Rush out maneuvered his opponent with his polished footwork, physicality, and active stick. Rush's extensive wrestling background was obvious in those wins.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->