Bishai controlled the X all game and showed how valuable experience at this level pays off against freshman Beau Dillmeier who did a good job of causing ground ball battles when he couldn’t win it clean. The Colgate commit finished with 15 wins on 20 attempts and was able to control the time of possession and was a key part in the red team’s quick start in the 1st quarter. He did end of switching jerseys with Dillmeier at halftime to even the playing field and had continued success with only a few face-off loses. The Connecticut native has good size and a quick reaction on the whistle with great stick skills and plays smart, not forcing the ball into turnover situations on the break.

Bishai is regarded as one of the best prospects in his class due to his quick hands and reaction time on the whistle, with a quick pinch and pop ability to kickstart offensive chances for his squad. He has showcased the ability to win the face-off in any direction and often doesn’t need the help of his wing players, with fantastic individual effort and a motor that seems to never stop whether in a ground ball scrum or on the break. The Lawrenceville product is a bit taller than most FOGOs, but he uses that length to outstretch his opponents for ground balls and has big strides when running to create separation. He is a smart player and doesn’t force shots or tight passes that could lead to trouble. Considering he is one of the best at his position still uncommitted, I would imagine that will change soon enough.

Speaking of loaded positional groups, Bishai helps make up quite the four-handed monster at the face-off X for the Big Red, along with fellow ’27 Max Slattery and a pair of Division I-bound seniors in Alex Swinnie and Luka Vecchione. On Sunday, he showed off his elite hand speed and ability with the ball while winning close to 60 percent, ultimately going on to pick up All-Tournament recognition. What struck me the most about the 6’1 Darien resident was how disciplined he was at the X. As ridiculously quick as his hands are, he never seemed to go early, which was noteworthy.