Connell, Champion Finishers are High School Boys' Players of the Week

USA Lacrosse recognizes the most outstanding individual performances in high school boys’ and girls' lacrosse in each region we cover. Coaches and others can submit athletes for consideration using our online form. Click here to enter your nomination.

Honorees are selected by USA Lacrosse Magazine staff and contributors and published each Wednesday on the USA Lacrosse Magazine website (usalacrosse.com/magazine) as well as our social media channels (@USALMAG).

NORTHEAST

Will Connell, Brunswick (Conn.)

It was the mic drop of exits from high school lacrosse for Will Connell.

The Brunswick senior was at the epicenter of the Bruins’ second Prep Nationals title in program history, instrumental in wins over nationally-ranked programs Lawrenceville (N.J.) and Deerfield (Mass.).

The Lafayette-bound senior made seven saves in a 16-15 double-overtime thriller against Lawrenceville and then more than doubled that up with a 15-save monster performance in an 8-7 win over Deerfield in the Prep Nationals final.

Connell was named the tournament’s MVP.

“What a great year for William,” Brunswick coach David Bruce said. “He was a star for us all year and saved his absolute best for his final game in a Brunswick uniform."

Also notable: Grady Alger, Tabor (Mass.); Billy Atkinson, St. Anthony’s (N.Y.); Ben Bacallao, Mamaroneck (N.Y.); Charlie Clark, Staples (Conn.); Cole Garrett, Fairfield Prep (Conn.); Ryan Rosenfeld, Syosset (N.Y.); AJ Yeung, Holderness (N.H.)

— Dylan Butler 

MID-ATLANTIC

Liam Durnbaugh, Saints Peter & Paul (Md.)

Durnbaugh had the guts to take a big shot in a big moment. The senior sniper ripped a shot in transition and his resulting third goal with 49 seconds left in double overtime gave Saints Peter & Paul (Md.) their second straight MIAA B Conference championship, 6-5, over Archbishop Curley (Md.). It was the second overtime win of the season over Curley. Hank Wolters (11 saves) and the Sabres defense kept things close for a dramatic comeback in which Andrew Steinhardt and Mason Roland each scored in the final 29 seconds to force overtime. Durnbaugh finished off his hat trick to close his high school career on a high note. He’ll continue at Boston University next year.

Also notable: Ethan Carpenetti, Liberty (Md.); Ryan Foy, Centennial (Md.); Jack Freeman, Summit (N.J.); Adam Heuston, Calvert Hall (Md.); Brennan Lyons, Seton Hall Prep (N.J.); Hunter Metz, McDonogh (Md.); Nick Neavin, Calvert Hall (Md.); Bryce Pfeffer, Seton Hall Prep (N.J.); Kane Quenault, Delbarton (N.J.); Matthew Schoonmaker, Calvert Hall (Md.)

— Justin Feil 

SOUTH

Linkin Miller, Roswell (Ga.)

Roswell repeated as state champs with Linkin Miller playing a big role. In addition to his five goals, the junior midfielder picked up two ground balls and caused two turnovers. He is committed to Army.

Also notable: David Atwell, Dallas Jesuit (Texas); Kamden Clack, Buford (Ga.); Jackson Hardwick, Roswell (Ga.)

— Justin Boggs 

MIDWEST

Casey Mork, Stillwater (Minn.)

Mork has played a huge role in the Ponies’ undefeated season, most recently saving 12 of 17 shots on goal (70.6 percent) in a 13-12 win over Benilde-St. Margaret’s (Minn.). The Le Moyne College commit has been locked in from the start this season, saving seven of 11 shots in Stillwater’s opening 9-4 win over Edina (Minn.). The senior also held a strong Prior Lake (Minn.) team to a single goal, saving seven of eight shots, and stopped 60 percent of the shots he faced in a two-goal win over White Bear Lake (Minn.). Through 12 games, Mork has a 3.68 GAA and has saved 69 percent of the shots he’s faced.

Also notable: Robert Appert IV, Stillwater (Minn.); Will Bates, Carmel (Ind.); Joe Lee, Brother Rice (Mich.); Teddy Long, Shawnee Mission East (Kan.)

— Jonah Rosenblum 

WEST

Cash Ginsberg, Loyola-Los Angeles (Calif.)

Loyola-Los Angeles senior Cash Ginsberg is this week’s Player of the Week after a dominant performance in the CIF Southern Section Division 1 championship game. The standout attacker scored five goals to lead Loyola to a statement 14-6 win over Santa Margarita and secure the program’s second straight section title.

Ginsberg proved once again why he has been one of California’s top offensive threats all season. The senior consistently found space, finished scoring chances, and helped Loyola control the pace against one of the nation’s top teams. His ability to rise to the occasion in big games has been a major factor in Loyola’s championship run this spring.

The title game performance capped an impressive senior season for Ginsberg, who also earned national attention earlier this year after posting seven points, four goals and three assists, in Loyola’s Mission League championship victory over St. Francis (Calif.). With his leadership and offensive production, Ginsberg helped solidify Loyola-Los Angeles as one of the premier lacrosse programs in the country.

Also notable: Tate Sedlachek, Marin Catholic (Calif.); Ian Stefonowicz, Valor (Colo.); Brandon Wright, Valor Christian (Colo.)

— Sonorah Hunter