Battle of Yorktown Recap: Archbishop Stepinac

After winning the CHSAA State Championship in 2024, Archbishop Stepinac entered the 2025 season in transition, graduating a talented senior class that had been the foundation of the program's title run. The result was a rebuilding year, one focused on growth and development as younger players gained valuable experience. Now, heading into the 2026 season, the Crusaders begin a new era under first-year head coach Blake Balcaen, who has quickly set out to reestablish Stepinac as one of New York's premier private-school lacrosse programs.   Under Coach Balcaen's leadership, Stepinac has embraced a new identity built on toughness, discipline, and accountability. The program's focus this offseason has been on instilling a consistent standard of effort and excellence while creating a culture that values hard work and character just as much as on-field performance. The Crusaders' players have bought into the process early, establishing strong habits in both the weight room and on the practice field as they prepare for a challenging spring slate.   Since September, the team has held offseason workouts two to three times per week, emphasizing team lifts, speed and agility training, and individual skill development. Many members of the roster are multi-sport athletes who compete in football, basketball, soccer, and hockey. For those not in-season, these voluntary sessions have created an opportunity to strengthen team chemistry, improve overall athleticism, and enhance injury prevention. The fall weather also allowed for productive outdoor practices on the turf, where players refined fundamentals and improved their tempo and spacing.   The Crusaders' participation in events such as the Battle of Yorktown and the Bronxville Lax Fest provided early opportunities to implement new systems and to evaluate how players responded to in-game challenges. Competing against strong regional programs, Stepinac showcased its signature physical play and growing defensive organization. While still developing offensively, the team demonstrated evident progress and a willingness to play fast, compete hard, and execute under pressure.   Momentum continues to build as the program enters the winter stretch. Stepinac's young core, supported by a motivated senior class, has shown a renewed commitment to the program's direction. The players' enthusiasm and work ethic reflect a group that is determined to restore the championship standard that defined Stepinac just two years ago. The Crusaders are setting their sights high and understand that each step forward, whether in training, competition, or culture, moves them closer to sustained success.   Leading the team once again is senior defenseman Kiernan Austin, a returning captain and Division I Binghamton commit. Austin was named to the CHSAA “AA” First Team last season and continues to set the tone with his leadership, consistency, and toughness. As the defensive anchor, his presence brings stability to a team in transition and sets an example for the younger players following in his footsteps.   With a new head coach, a strengthened sense of identity, and a group of players eager to prove themselves, Archbishop Stepinac enters the 2026 season ready to take significant strides forward. The Crusaders are focused, united, and driven to bring the program back to championship form, one practice, one game, and one season at a time.    [player_tooltip player_id='129599' first='Christopher' last='Keating'] is a high-IQ attackman who thrives as the primary quarterback. He processes defensive rotations quickly and consistently makes the right read, whether distributing from X or initiating above the cage. Keating is an advanced feeder who elevates those around him, but he's equally dangerous when he attacks GLE with creativity and precision. His ability to manipulate defenders with subtle fakes, hesitations, and changes of direction creates high-percentage opportunities. Keating's poise under pressure and natural command of the offense make him a reliable playmaker in big moments and a central piece of any scoring unit he's part of.     [player_tooltip player_id='129606' first='Nash' last='Mayclim'] is a powerful left-handed attackman who brings size, strength, and a physical edge to every possession. At 6'3”, he creates immediate matchup problems, using his frame to beat defenders, win positioning, and get to his spots with authority. Mayclim is a lethal shooter from the wing, able to bury shots in stride or off the catch with effortless power and accuracy. He also forces defenses to collapse, consistently drawing early slides that open up quality looks for his teammates. With his combination of scoring ability and gravity within the offense, Mayclim is the type of attackman who changes the way opponents game-plan and elevates the production of everyone around him.     [player_tooltip player_id='120800' first='Luke' last='Fehsal'] is a high-energy LSM who creates chaos in every part of the field and constantly disrupts opposing offenses. He's a true takeaway artist, using quick hands, well-timed checks, and excellent footwork to force turnovers and win matchups one-on-one. Fehsal is equally dangerous in transition, where his confidence with the ball and natural playmaking instincts set him apart from most poles. His stick skills are so advanced that he can comfortably stay on the field and contribute on offense, adding an unexpected scoring threat. With his motor, range, and ability to impact both ends, Fehsal is the type of dynamic pole who changes momentum and elevates his team's energy.     [player_tooltip player_id='120803' first='Cole' last='Fehsal'] is an athletic, agile goalie whose quick reflexes allow him to take away high-quality shots and keep his team in games. When he's locked in, he can completely shift momentum, stacking up high-save performances against top-level competition. Fehsal brings a calm, composed presence to the crease, making disciplined reads and holding strong positioning even during extended defensive stands. He's also highly effective in the clearing game, using intelligent decision-making and confident outlet passes to jumpstart transition and put his offense in advantageous situations. With his blend of quickness, poise, and playmaking instincts, Fehsal provides a steady last line of defense and elevates the entire unit in front of him.     [player_tooltip player_id='171154' first='Liam' last='Doherty'] is an actual “smooth operator,” bringing an effortless fluidity to every aspect of his game. At 6'2”, he stands out as one of the most athletic players on the field, consistently using his speed and long stride to glide past defenders on dodges. His versatility makes him invaluable; he can run offense, play solid 2-way midfield, contribute in transition, and match up defensively when needed. Doherty's ability to change pace and create separation allows him to generate high-quality scoring opportunities for himself and teammates. With his combination of athleticism, poise, and positional flexibility, he impacts the game in all areas and elevates the entire midfield unit.     [player_tooltip player_id='171156' first='Noah' last='Laglenne'] is a polished, fundamentally sound offensive midfielder who brings a complete skill set and advanced understanding of the game. A high-level dodger, he consistently creates separation with sharp footwork, strong posture, and excellent change of direction. Laglenne's lacrosse IQ stands out just as much as his physical tools; he reads defenses well and instinctively finds soft spots, whether initiating with the ball or working off-ball. His timing, spacing, and decision-making keep him one step ahead of opposing midfield matchups. With his blend of technical skill, intelligence, and consistency, Laglenne anchors the offense and plays like a midfielder beyond his years.     [player_tooltip player_id='171158' first='Andrew' last='Basani'] is a tough, hard-nosed two-way midfielder who brings edge, pace, and reliability to every shift. His box lacrosse background shows in his footwork, instincts, and ability to find space, making him highly effective both as a dodger and an off-ball threat from the wing. Basani excels in transition, pushing the pace with confidence and turning defensive stops into scoring opportunities. Defensively, he competes with energy and physicality, embracing difficult matchups and doing the gritty work between the lines. His versatility and competitiveness enable him to impact the game across multiple phases, making him one of the most dependable midfielders in his class.     [player_tooltip player_id='128844' first='Vincent' last='Mazzei'] brings a calm, steady presence to the crease, showing poise well beyond his age. He tracks the ball cleanly and efficiently, relying on sharp vision and strong fundamentals rather than unnecessary movement. Mazzei's ability to remain composed in high-pressure situations makes him a stabilizing force for the defense, especially during long possessions. In the clearing game, he is calm and collected, making smart decisions and delivering accurate outlets that help his team transition smoothly into offense. His disciplined approach and consistency make him a dependable backstop and a key piece of True Westchester's defensive identity.

After winning the CHSAA State Championship in 2024, Archbishop Stepinac entered the 2025 season in transition, graduating a talented senior class that had been the foundation of the program's title run. The result was a rebuilding year, one focused on growth and development as younger players gained valuable experience. Now, heading into the 2026 season, the Crusaders begin a new era under first-year head coach Blake Balcaen, who has quickly set out to reestablish Stepinac as one of New York's premier private-school lacrosse programs.