Standouts From PIAA Quarterfinals Saturday

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below is a review of Pennsylvania prospect who impressed with their outstanding play during Saturday's PIAA state tournament quarterfinal games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["178384"],"_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":178386,"_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-6a257f25877fb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bender is committed to Ithaca, and after his dominant performance on Saturday, it is easy to understand why the Bombers' coaching staff signed him. During Shady Side's hard-fought loss to Radnor, Bender went an incredible 20-of-22 (unofficially) at the dot. Bender's clean face-off wins allowed Shady Side to play downhill all day. Once he got below the restraining line, Bender did a fantastic job of distributing to teammates. When Radnor attempted to counter Bender with a pole, he executed smooth defensive exits, then tracked down the ball and secured the GB. Bender's success on face-offs enabled Shady Side to own a massive time of possession advantage in this contest.    </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-6a25858fa6654"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">During Radnor's 11-7 win on Saturday, Curry absolutely stood on his head. As I mentioned above, Shady Side dominated possession in this game. When you combine that fact with a few untimely penalties by Radnor, the result was that Curry faced a hailstorm of shots. He was credited with 13 saves, but it felt like Curry stopped double that number of shots. Curry's poise and fast hands generated several robberies on close-in attempts by Shady Side. Curry also executed quick, but controlled drops to make saves on numerous low shots. Curry's ability to track shooters through traffic was remarkable. After each save, Curry swiftly delivered pinpoint outlet passes that allowed Radnor to clear the ball easily. Yesterday, Curry displayed poise and lacrosse IQ that was well beyond his years. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["178383"],"_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":178389,"_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-6a25858fa6760"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This athletic and highly skilled offensive prospect posted three goals to go along with two assists as he helped Twin Valley down previously undefeated Scranton Prep. Foster's explosive first step enabled him to blow past the initial defender and then score or distribute while on the run. On Saturday, Foster also proved to be a lethal catch-and-fire shooter. Foster's quick release, ability to change levels, and precise aim enabled him to find the back of the net from the perimeter. Foster's crafty off-ball movements made him difficult to mark throughout TV's win. Foster's ability to pass/shoot with both hands grabbed my attention, too.     </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-6a25858fa67c2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The smooth transition that French made from starting attackman in 2025 to two-way midfielder in 2026 was nothing short of amazing. Yesterday, French's incredible season at midfield continued as he poured in five goals and was a defensive standout for Radnor, too. French scored via physical charges to the net and off-ball cuts as well as snipes from the wing. Defensively, there were several times in Radnor's win that French raced back, located the ball, and halted a fast break chance by SSA. He also worked as a rock steady SSDM presence in Radnor's zone defense. French's ability to serve as a one-man clear or come out of the box to push the ball upfield was one of the keys to Radnor's win.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["176780"],"_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-6a25858fa6815"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">On Saturday, McPartland proved once again that he is one of the top available 2027 prospects in the state as he posted four goals to go along with three assists against Twin Valley. With his speed, filthy stick skills, and excellent field vision, McPartland excelled in unsettled action. In 6v6 play, McPartland proved he could get downhill and then score on the run. Additionally, McPartland demonstrated that he could rip perimeter shots into the net. McPartland's ability to move the opposing defense with his eyes or a stick fake before delivering a creative dime was impressive, too.       </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["142306"],"_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-6a25858fa6866"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 2026 regular season served as Ryan's breakout stretch, and that stellar level of play has now extended into the state tournament. During Springfield's opening round win over Perkiomen Valley, Ryan recorded a goal and an assist. Then on Saturday, this 2028 midfielder with serious shake and a powerful outside shot posted a hat trick as Springfield defeated Downingtown West, 15-8. Ryan's ability to get downhill in a flash and then run through sliding defenders created issues for D-West's defensive unit. His smart and timely off-ball cuts, drifts and dives also caused problems for the opposing defense. Plus, Ryan flashed incredible versatility during this game as he worked from up top, the wing, and X.    </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["177377"],"_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":178390,"_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-6a25858fa68c7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Recently, I profiled Smith as one of the Pennsylvania prospects college coaches should scout during the 3A state tournament. On Saturday, Smith made me look smart by pouring in eight goals as he propelled La Salle to a quarterfinal win over Ridley. Yesterday, Smith posted an incredible performance as he scored in every way imaginable. What impressed the most about Smith's remarkable performance was his ability to use his size and physicality to dodge through body contact as well as stick checks until he found open space for a shot. Smith also displayed nifty stick maneuvers on those charges to the cage. Plus, this sophomore proved he could rip long-range shots from anywhere on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->