Bruckner, Smock, Birkholz, Benton, Felago Named USA Lacrosse High School Girls' 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 (@USALacrosseMag).

NORTHEAST

Kailey Bruckner, Bayport-Blue Point (N.Y.)

In a season-opening battle of New York contenders, Kailey Bruckner made the biggest statement of all.

The Bayport-Blue Point senior midfielder broke a 9-9 tie with a sensational solo goal, spinning to split defenders before firing home the winner for the Phantoms with 20 seconds remaining to seal a dramatic win over Garden City (N.Y.).

It was the Towson commit’s third goal of the game. She added an assist, two ground balls and three draw controls.

“Kailey played a critical role in facilitating on the offensive end while scoring three goals and adding one assist,” Bayport-Blue Point coach Ryan Gick said. “Kailey was a physical presence on the defensive end and was a major presence with her hard work between the 30s in the riding and clearing game. In addition, Kailey was a critical part of the draw game.”

Also notable: Savanna Appleton, Massapequa (N.Y.); Jules Brzeski, Farmingdale (N.Y.); Taylor Gordon, Manhasset (N.Y.)

— Dylan Butler 

MID-ATLANTIC

Courtney Smock, Conestoga (Pa.)

The junior goalie was a huge part of two big wins for ‘Stoga to start their season. Smock made nine saves as Conestoga opened the season with a 6-5 win over defending PAISAA champion Agnes Irwin (Pa.). She followed it up with 12 saves in a 10-8 win over Academy of Notre Dame (Pa.). Her play between the pipes was momentum building for the Pioneers. She was a key part of their run to the 3A state semifinals a year ago in her first year starting with 93 saves and a 62% save percentage. She is verbally committed to Colorado.

Also notable: Maria Bragg, Severna Park (Md.); Chloe Cassidy, Stone Ridge (Md.); Sam Collins, Archbishop Spalding (Md.); Riley Davis, Academy of Notre Dame (Pa.); Harper Jensen, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (Va.); Ava Krantz, South Carroll (Md.); Lexie Kauffman, Manheim Township (Pa.); Cayden Reese, Maryvale (Md.)

— Justin Feil 

SOUTH

Bryn Birkholz, West Forsyth (Ga.)

West Forsyth needed an impressive effort to defeat a team like Milton (Ga.), and that is exactly what it got from its senior attacker. Birkholz scored four goals to lead her program to its first-ever victory against the Eagles. The South Florida recruit also posted a three-goal, one-assist performance over South Forsyth (Ga.). She now has 26 goals and eight assists for the season, while also being West Fosyth’s all-time leader in draw controls.

Also notable: Giselle Jaskiewicz, Lake Highland (Fla.); Gabi Johnson Cambridge (Ga.)

— Justin Boggs 

MIDWEST

Megan Benton, Olentangy Liberty (Ohio)

Five goals in the Patriots’ opener against Olentangy Berlin (Ohio) was impressive. It turns out the Ohio State commit was just getting started. Benton accounted for the majority of Liberty’s scoring days later when she scored eight goals in a 15-2 win over Kings. A year ago, Benton averaged a hat trick (3.1 goals per game), totaling 59 goals on a team that also had Corinna Hilmas (109 goals) and Madeline Pohmer (97). Benton is absorbing a much bigger role this year. So far, so good.

Also notable: Avery Anderson, New Trier (Ill.); Brooke Baker, New Albany (Ohio); Willa Braden, Hinsdale Central (Ill.); Taylor Denning, Turpin (Ohio); Bella Papsin, Detroit Country Day (Mich.)

— Jonah Rosenblum 

WEST

Alexis Felago, La Costa Canyon (Calif.)

Felago delivered a complete performance across a challenging three-game stretch, leading La Costa Canyon to in-state wins over Foothill-Santa Ana (17-5), Mira Costa (12-10) and Redwood (9-8). The junior midfielder totaled nine goals and an assist while dominating the draw with 14 draw controls, consistently giving them possession in key moments.

A relentless competitor, Felago has developed into one of the most well-rounded players in the West Region. As coach Genesis Lucero noted, she has become a true force on the draw, building on record-setting performances while continuing to impact both ends of the field. Her ability to control possession, generate offense and contribute defensively makes her a constant difference-maker and a driving force behind La Costa Canyon’s jumping up the rankings this week.

Also notable: Gia Bigelow, Valor (Colo.); Leele Bigelow, Valor (Colo.); Isabella Hamo, Santa Margarita (Calif.); Martha Hall, La Costa Canyon (Calif.); Harper Ezrine, Colorado Academy (Colo.)

— Sonorah Hunter