Rooney’s growth over the past two years has been impossible to ignore. From the summer before his junior season to last spring and into his senior campaign, he continually elevated his game. For my money, he should be the frontrunner for Long Island Player of the Year. He netted a hat trick, and was instrumental during the Friars’ six-goal run, notching an assist to Charlie Cacciabaudo Charlie Cacciabaudo 5'10" | A | Right Hand St. Anthony's | 2026 #75 Nation NY with 33 seconds left in the first half, coming off a pick to finish nearside 21 seconds into the third quarter, then quick-sticking one home five minutes later.

Over the years, his lacrosse acumen has been well-documented (after all, he’s the son of a coach), along with his explosive dodging ability and knack for initiating offense from all over. He’s spent plenty of time below GLE setting up his teammates, but one could argue that he’s at his best from the wings and up top. Projecting as a college middie, I feel even better about his chances of seeing significant playing time as a freshman compared to a year ago. Wildly dynamic, he’s someone who artfully mixes up his planes and placement as well as anyone in the class, and has a quiet swagger that accompanies his skill set that’s fun to watch.

During SA’s overtime win, Rooney notched two goals to go along with three assists. Included in Rooney’s outstanding performance last night was the filthy dime he delivered to a cutting Jacob Johnston for the game-winner. Rooney’s offensive versatility was on full display last night. In addition to feeding cutters for multiple tallies, this Maryland commit scored via well-timed off-ball movements. His smart and quick cuts enabled Rooney to lose his defender repeatedly. Rooney also showed his tenacity and endless energy on several rides.  

Rooney created chances all day for his team, with his elite dodging ability paired with his vision to find open cutters. He finished with one goal and four assists, the lone goal coming early in the game off a backdoor cut to the crease. The Maryland commit shows good chemistry with his teammates and patience when dodging or looking for a shot. His effort on the field is noticeable and he works hard to help his team find ways to score in clutch moments like his assist to Johnston with almost no time remaining in the game.

Rooney set the tone early, delivering the ball movement the Friars needed with three quick assists. He showcased exceptional accuracy, touch, and vision in their win. He was a reliable feeder in set plays and a key point man in fast breaks. Every time the ball touched his stick, he seemed one step ahead of the defense. With these attributes, expect him to be among the Friars’ assist leaders this season.

The recent Maryland commit is going to be a household name on Long Island the next two years. Rooney has a cannon of a shot and when he had space this summer he was able to unleash some absolute lasers. Rooney has a ton of skill and possesses some sneaky athleticism to make himself one of the top threats on Long Island. He had a fantastic summer with Shore 2 Shore, as he consistently produced at a high level during the summer. I could see him impacting this St. Anthony’s offense in so many ways next year. His superb shooting ability combined with his explosiveness as a dodger will allow him to have a successful year in whatever role the Friars elect to give him.

A coach’s son, Rooney spent the summer stacking up big play after big play, routinely catching the eye of top recruiters. Incredibly savvy and slick, he has an aggressive dodging style along with a strong burst of speed and excellent hands. His versatility stands out: off-ball, his feet are always moving, enabling Rooney to set up scoring opportunities with precise and well-timed cuts. As a ball carrier, he goes hard to the rack and only needs a sliver of room to get shots off, never hesitating to cash in on low-angle shots. After St. Anthony’s graduated its whole attack unit, Rooney seems well-positioned to have a breakout junior season for the Friars.