USA Lacrosse High School Boys' Players of the Week

The USA Lacrosse Players of the Week recognize the most outstanding individual performances in high school boys’ lacrosse in each of the five regions — Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, South, Midwest and West — outlined in our high school coverage. Games are considered from the previous Monday through Sunday.

NORTHEAST

Carter Hagen, Darien (Conn.)

In each of the last two years, Staples (Conn.) ended Darien’s season, first in the 2022 CIAC Class L final and then again in the 2023 Class L semifinals. And that followed a regular-season win over the Blue Wave.

Carter Hagen made sure the Blue Wave’s losing streak against the Wreckers ended there. The Loyola-bound goaltender made 10 saves, including one late in the fourth quarter, to seal Darien’s 7-4 victory April 13.

“Carter continues to be the leader of our defense and one of the top goalies in the country,” Darien coach Jeff Brameier said.

Also notable: Dylan Martini, Wantagh (N.Y.); Casey Quinson, Brunswick (Conn.); Luke Shannehan, Fairfield Prep (Conn.); Dillon Stephens, New Canaan (Conn.); Giancarlo Valenti, Northport (N.Y.); Kip Zacharia, Manhasset (N.Y.)

— Dylan Butler

MID-ATLANTIC

Alex Swartz, Calvert Hall (Md.)

Swartz and the Cardinals have faced a tough early schedule, but it is paying off in MIAA play. In their biggest win to date, Calvert Hall rallied to upend McDonogh (Md.) 8-7. Swartz made 15 saves, including some of his biggest ones in the final quarter that enabled Calvert to overtake McDonogh. Swartz, a senior, is committed to continue his career at Anderson (S.C.).

Also notable: Parker Hoffman, Boys’ Latin (Md.); Connor McNamara, Westminster (Md.); Kevin Miller, Landon (Md.); Brody Murphy, Haverford (Pa.); Jay Rodgers, Gilman (Md.); Cam Westlake, Centennial (Md.); Calvin Winship, Severna Park (Md.)

— Justin Feil

SOUTH

Ezra Moore, Roswell (Ga.)

In a big in-state victory, Ezra Moore had a five-goal, two-assist performance against Cambridge (Ga.). He then added another five-goal effort against Chattahoochee (Ga.). The talented senior is committed to Bellarmine.

Also notable: Dylan Faison, St. Andrew’s (Fla.); Jack Ransom, Charlotte Catholic (N.C.)

— Justin Boggs

MIDWEST

Khalif Hocker, St. Xavier (Ohio)

After the Bombers trailed for nearly the entire first half against Michigan powerhouse Brother Rice, Khalif Hocker lifted St. Xavier after halftime, including the tying and go-ahead goals. He scored four goals in total against the Warriors. But wait, to quote famed TV salesman Billy Mays, there's more. Earlier in the week, the Ohio State commit had a whopping seven goals and four assists to help his team edge Archbishop Moeller (Ohio), 16-13.

Also notable: Peter Biglin, Brother Rice (Mich.); Gentry Curtis, Rockhurst Jesuit (Mo.); Matthew Esguerra, Dublin Jerome (Ohio); Broc Fitzpatrick, Olentangy Liberty (Ohio); Ben Godwin, Olentangy Liberty (Ohio); Connor Lucas, Detroit Catholic Central (Mich.); Cashton Papadelis, Brother Rice (Mich.); Trent Yelton, St. Xavier (Ohio); Luke Zajdel, Detroit Catholic Central (Mich.)

— Jonah Rosenblum

WEST

Erik Volfson, Brophy Prep (Ariz.)

Volfson (Lafayette) netted nine goals and recorded five assists across two games. Volfson posted a career-high six goals and four assists against Notre Dame Prep (Ariz.) in his team’s biggest in-state matchup.

Also notable: Joshua Buse, Brophy Prep (Ariz.); Ian Dykes, Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.); Foster Huang, Torrey Pines (Calif.); Rush LaSelle, Valor Christian (Colo.); Dylan Reif, Cherry Creek (Colo.)

— Theresa Palmquist