Express North 2027 Black: A Team Built on Tradition and Toughness

Express North has been a defining presence in the Westchester and Connecticut lacrosse community for more than a decade. The program was one of the area's first true year-round options, quickly earning a reputation for combining player development with an old-school emphasis on effort, accountability, and loyalty. That approach has not only produced over 100 Division I athletes, but it has also helped cultivate a family-oriented culture that sets the club apart from others and continues to shape each team that wears the Express North uniform.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Club Background & History</h2>   Founded in 2011 by Chris Schreiber under the name Superstar 365, Express North initially launched with its inaugural 2018 team. Two years later, in 2013, the program officially joined the Long Island Express family, aligning with one of the most established names in the club lacrosse world. Since then, Express North has grown into a premier year-round program in the region, producing over 100 Division I athletes, alongside dozens of additional commitments at other collegiate levels.   At its core, the club has remained true to a traditional, “old-school” coaching philosophy: work hard, control what you can control, and always bring effort and a positive attitude. Unlike some programs where players cycle in and out, Express North prides itself on being a family-first organization that prioritizes loyalty and a tight-knit atmosphere. Players are not just athletes here; they are cared for, supported, and molded into better teammates and young men.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Notable Alumni & Legacy</h2>   Express North's success is perhaps best illustrated by its alumni. Standouts such as Evan Zinn (Virginia, PLL), Logan McGovern (North Carolina, PLL), Declan McDermott (Georgetown), Ryan Schriber (Michigan), and Stephen Zupicich (Villanova, PLL) highlight the program's ability to develop talent capable of excelling at the highest levels. With three alumni currently playing professionally in the Premier Lacrosse League, Express North has built a pipeline that stretches from Westchester youth fields all the way to the pro ranks.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Coaching & Leadership</h2>   The 2027 Black team is led by Head Coach Jon Oronzio, who also serves as the Defensive Coordinator for Iona Prep's varsity program. Oronzio has been with this group for five years, stepping into the head coach role last season. His familiarity with the players and steady presence on the sidelines have been vital to the team's growth.   Supporting him is Coach Steve Pearsall, the longtime head coach of Wilton High School. Pearsall brings both a wealth of technical knowledge and a deep understanding of player development, ensuring athletes are prepared not only for the next level of lacrosse but also for the mental challenges that come with it.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Team Performance & Identity</h2>   On the field, Express North 2027 Black is defined by its defensive toughness. This group thrives on its ability to limit opponents, with long poles who rarely allow clean dodges and a midfield that forces opposing teams into difficult matchups. When healthy, they can hold opponents to single-goal games, making them one of the most frustrating teams to play against.   A few years ago, the team captured the Tri-Star Clash championship, defeating powerhouse programs such as Long Island Express and Eclipse along the way. Since then, they've continued to grind through a demanding tournament circuit, always playing with an identity centered around attrition, making opponents earn every second of the game.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Brotherhood Beyond the Game</h2>   Perhaps the most unique trait of Express North 2027 Black is the bond within its roster. Many players have been together for the entirety of Oronzio's tenure, and that continuity has created a brotherhood that shines both on and off the field. In an era where club rosters often fluctuate, this team's loyalty to each other and to their program is what sets them apart.   Express North 2027 Black is more than a lacrosse team; it's a reflection of a program's history, values, and commitment to excellence. With a foundation rooted in tradition and a future shaped by brotherhood, the group is poised to carry the Express North legacy forward.    Smith is a dynamic lefty attackman whose quick first step and speed allow him to consistently beat defenders over the top. His athleticism and agility make him a tough matchup in one-on-one situations, and he can finish from multiple spots on the field. While naturally left-handed, Smith is equally capable of scoring with his right, giving him versatility around the cage and making him a constant threat in any offensive set. His ability to create separation and finish with confidence sets him apart as a reliable offensive weapon.     Sacks is one of the most cerebral players on the field, using his lacrosse IQ to consistently find advantages against opposing defenses. He reads and feels pressure exceptionally well, often using it to his benefit by accelerating through contact and creating separation. That ability to turn tight coverage into scoring chances makes him difficult to contain, and he regularly converts those opportunities into high-percentage goals. Steady, composed, and efficient, Sacks is the type of attackman who elevates his unit by making smart decisions and capitalizing on his chances.     Martinelli is a highly productive attackman who put up an impressive 96 points this season in Section 1, NY. Drawing comparisons to Tewaaraton winner Ben Reeves, he combines speed, stick skills, and a polished lacrosse IQ to impact the game in multiple ways. Where Martinelli truly separates himself, though, is off the ball; he is the best cutter at his age group, consistently finding seams in the defense and creating scoring chances with his timing and movement. His ability to read defenses and exploit gaps makes him a nightmare for opponents and a constant spark for his team's offense.     Keating is a stocky, IQ-driven attackman who thrives by using his physicality and awareness to generate offense. He is particularly effective at getting to the islands, where his strength allows him to establish position and create high-quality scoring chances. In addition to his ability to initiate, Keating is also a polished off-ball finisher, consistently finding ways to cash in on opportunities created by his teammates. His combination of toughness, intelligence, and finishing touch makes him a dependable presence around the crease.     Bock is a hard-nosed midfielder who combines toughness with skill to make an impact all over the field. His seamless ability to play with both hands keeps defenders guessing, while his exceptional footwork and agility allow him to create separation and free his hands with ease. Quick, elusive, and relentless, Bock has the tools to consistently win his matchups and generate offense, making him a reliable presence in the midfield.     Freeman is a powerful two-way midfielder who excels in every phase of the game. A true workhorse between the lines, he brings toughness and endurance that allow him to impact both ends of the field. Whether it's locking down on defense, pushing transition, or battling on the wings, Freeman consistently finds ways to make winning plays. His versatility and reliability make him an invaluable piece of any lineup, embodying the complete midfielder role.     Flanagan emerged as one of the team's top scoring threats from the midfield last season, showcasing his ability to impact games on the offensive end. A true two-way presence, he balances that scoring punch with a hard-nosed defensive approach, bringing toughness and grit whenever he's matched up. Flanagan's shot is a weapon, powerful and accurate, and paired with his competitiveness between the lines, he embodies the kind of complete midfielder every team relies on.     Karafa is a powerful one-way dodger who thrives when initiating from up top. His explosive first move and speed allow him to consistently beat his defender, creating separation to attack the cage. Once he gets his hands free, Karafa can let it fly with a heavy overhand shot on the run, while also possessing the mechanics to bury step-downs when given time and space. A natural athlete who leverages his physical tools well, he brings a dynamic scoring presence to the midfield.     Wasserman is a smooth, natural lacrosse player whose athleticism and IQ make him a constant factor on the field. He combines good speed with excellent change of direction, allowing him to beat defenders and generate offense. Dangerous both with his step-down and his shot on the run, Wasserman can score in multiple ways, but what truly sets him apart is his decision-making. Whether on-ball or off-ball, he consistently makes the right play, cutting, moving, and keeping defenses on edge even when the ball isn't in his stick.     Ross is a reliable two-way midfielder who plays with poise and intelligence. His high lacrosse IQ allows him to consistently find space off-ball, while his control and patience as a dodger ensure he rarely forces plays. What stands out most about Ross is his unselfishness; he always makes the right read and puts the team first. Widely regarded as the best team player in the group, he brings balance, trust, and consistency every time he steps on the field.     Lussier brings true Division I size and presence to the defensive midfield position. He combines speed and agility with excellent change of direction, making him extremely difficult to beat clean. Technically sound, he sits low and drives the hip as well as anyone, while also excelling at scooping ground balls and sparking transition. Lussier is a workhorse end-to-end, with a strong sense of team defense and an innate feel for the flow of the game, making him an invaluable piece between the lines.     Butler is a versatile midfielder capable of contributing on both ends, though his biggest impact comes on defense. He is relentless in coverage, able to run step-for-step with his matchup and make life difficult for opposing ball carriers. What defines Butler's game is effort; he competes on every play, never gives up ground, and thrives on doing the dirty work that lifts his team. A tough, dependable presence, he brings energy and grit to the defensive midfield role.     Fahy is a gritty defensive midfielder whose physicality and relentlessness are evident when he is on the field. He brings toughness and energy to every possession, hounding opponents all over the field and refusing to back down. In transition, Fahy often takes on the role of “punt returner,” confidently clearing the ball himself and pushing the pace. A true workhorse, he embodies toughness to the core; it's not uncommon to see him battling through exhaustion, even playing through moments where most others would tap out.     Mitchell is a dominant presence at the faceoff X with a ferocious clamp and the strength to win draws clean. His quick hands and powerful punch allow him to consistently secure possessions for the team, often pushing the ball forward to jumpstart the offense. Just as importantly, Mitchell shows great awareness and unselfishness. When the situation calls for it, he has the IQ to pull the ball back and reset through the goalie, putting his team first. That blend of physicality, speed, and decision-making makes him a true difference-maker in the middle of the field.     Banahan is a fast-handed faceoff specialist who thrives on quick reactions at the whistle. Almost instantly, he has the ball going forward, creating immediate break opportunities for his team. Beyond his clamp speed, Banahan is excellent at countering other faceoff specialists, making ground balls true 50/50 battles and giving his wings chances to get involved. What makes him stand out even more is that he isn't limited to the X; he's a capable midfielder with a heavy shot on the run, able to score with both hands and contribute beyond just possessions.     Gulotta is a rangy long-stick midfielder whose game-changing presence impacts every phase of the field. He thrives in transition, pushing the pace after scooping ground balls and using his stick to generate turnovers with well-timed takeaway checks. While his flash and highlight plays often catch the eye, Gulotta is equally dependable as a lockdown defender. Fundamentally sound, he combines the footwork of a close defender with the speed of an LSM, making him the ultimate defensive Swiss Army knife. Rarely beaten and consistently neutralizing his matchup, Gulotta is already committed to North Carolina, where his length, athleticism, and toughness should translate seamlessly to the next level.     Paulson is as steady and mature a positional defenseman as you'll find in this class. His next-level footwork, hand placement, and body positioning allow him to neutralize top attackmen, a role he's taken on both within his own team and against elite competition across Connecticut and New York. Paulson doesn't rely on flash; he simply locks down his matchup and makes life difficult for opposing offenses. A true diamond in the rough, he's the type of defender who will quietly excel at the next level, and whichever program lands him will be getting a special player.     Neitzell is a tremendous athlete who anchors the defense with both his physical play and his voice. He brings toughness on-ball, using his strength to body up attackmen, while also serving as the loudest and most consistent communicator in the unit. Beyond his defense, Neitzell has a knack for winning ground balls in traffic, often coming out of scrums with possession in situations that look impossible. Dependable, physical, and vocal, he sets the tone for his team on the defensive end.     Jacobs plays with a physical edge that defines his game. Every time he steps on the field, he makes life difficult for opposing attackmen, pressing out hard and forcing them to run and make decisions under duress. He brings heavy contact on his slides, isn't afraid to double, and thrives on applying constant pressure. With aggression and toughness as his trademarks, Jacobs sets a relentless tone for the defense.     Robinson is an imposing presence on the defensive end, combining size with an aggressive, physical style of play. He uses his length and stride to stay tight in one-on-one matchups, while his physicality makes him difficult to get past. Beyond his individual defense, Robinson has a strong grasp of team concepts, consistently making the right reads and contributing to collective stops. His blend of size, aggression, and awareness makes him a versatile option both down low and between the lines.     Shelton is a big, strong defender who brings a physical edge every time he steps on the field. He uses his strength to deliver impactful checks and disrupt opposing attackmen, while his smooth stick allows him to excel between the lines. In transition, Shelton is relentless, hunting down opponents in the middle of the field and turning defense into offense. His combination of toughness and stick skills makes him a valuable presence both down low and in the open field.     Gilbert brings next-level size and athletic presence to the defensive end. Built like a basketball forward, he combines strength with length, using his wide base and long arms to take away space and shut down dodging lanes. His stature and physical tools make him extremely tough to beat one-on-one, giving him the kind of upside that projects well to the next level.     Feshal is an athletic goalie with sharp reflexes and the ability to change games when he's locked in. Very capable of stacking up high-save performances in big moments. Beyond stopping the ball, Feshal is confident and composed in the clearing game, making smart decisions and jumpstarting the offense once the ball is in his stick. His combination of quickness, poise, and playmaking ability makes him a reliable last line of defense.

Express North has been a defining presence in the Westchester and Connecticut lacrosse community for more than a decade. The program was one of the area's first true year-round options, quickly earning a reputation for combining player development with an old-school emphasis on effort, accountability, and loyalty. That approach has not only produced over 100 Division I athletes, but it has also helped cultivate a family-oriented culture that sets the club apart from others and continues to shape each team that wears the Express North uniform.