BTB GWG: Buffardi Headlines 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 (@USALMag).

NORTHEAST

Sophia Buffardi, Sayville (N.Y.)

On a chilly afternoon in Sayville, Sophia Buffardi had ice water in her veins in a battle of New York State championship contenders Saturday afternoon.

The North Carolina-bound senior already had a pair of assists before netting the behind-the-back winner with 45 seconds left to lift Sayville (N.Y.), arguably the favorite in Class C this year, to a 6-5 victory over four-time defending Class B champion Victor (N.Y.).

“Sophia has put so much time into mastering her skills as a player and a teammate,” Sayville head coach Gary Jensen said. “Because of this dedication, she not only has total confidence in what she knows she can deliver on the field, but her team does as well. She has made a habit of delivering under pressure. This was not the first time she has done this, and it surely won’t be her last.”

Also notable: Olivia Brady, Bayport-Blue Point (N.Y.); Anna Christie, St. Anthony’s (N.Y.); Cora Moore, Fox Lane (N.Y.); Olivia Mulada, Cold Spring Harbor (N.Y.); Whitney Palumbo, Noble & Greenough (Mass.); Sydney Sateriale, Yorktown (N.Y.)

— Dylan Butler 

MID-ATLANTIC

Kelsey Young, Agnes Irwin (Pa.)

Agnes Irwin traveled to California and got some great competition from some of the best in the West Region. Young helped ensure that the Owls came home on a hot streak. The junior midfielder scored three goals, had an assist, two draw controls, three ground balls and two caused turnovers in a 13-12 double overtime win over Coronado (Calif.), the region’s No. 5 team. She scored five times, dished out two assists, won five draws and had two ground balls and a caused turnover in a 12-10 win over the region’s No. 3 team, La Costa Canyon (Calif.). She had six goals and two assists in a 14-10 win over San Marcos (Calif.). Young is committed to Penn State.

Also notable: Riley Austin, Haddonfield (N.J.); Kelsey Begin, Severna Park (Md.); Ceci Facciponti, Broadneck (Md.); Taylor Fique, Manchester Valley (Md.); Laney Jensen, St. Stephen's & St. Agnes (Va.); Lexie Kauffman, Manheim Township (Pa.); Keira McHugh, Academy of Notre Dame (Pa.); Reed Pinkin, McDonogh (Md.); Cayden Reese, Maryvale (Md.); Molly Robison, Broadneck (Md.)

— Justin Feil 

SOUTH

Maison Van den Bossche, Anderson (Texas)

After three weeks off, Van den Bossche helped Anderson to a big win over Lamar (Texas) with seven goals and an assist. In just seven games, she has already compiled 26 goals and 11 assists. She is headed to Florida Southern College after next season.

Also notable: Kayleigh Bergstrom, Cardinal Mooney (Fla.); Addison Powell, Mountain View (Ga.); Ashlynn Stoner, Woodmont (S.C.)

— Justin Boggs 

MIDWEST

Charlotte Cook, Detroit Country Day (Mich.)

Cook isn’t your ordinary sophomore. She had four goals and four draw controls in the Yellowjackets’ opening win over Saline (Mich.). The sophomore then came up incredibly clutch in a rematch of last year’s state title game against Grand Rapids Catholic Central (Mich.), scoring the game-winning goal with two seconds remaining.

Also notable: Megan Benton, Olentangy Liberty (Ohio); Katherine Clark, Hinsdale Central (Ill.); Claire Iams, Upper Arlington (Ohio); Jillian Rocchio, Loyola Academy (Ill.); Sydney Rose, Zionsville (Ind.)

— Jonah Rosenblum 

WEST

Sadie Ghali, St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.)

Sadie Ghali delivered another dominant all-around performance this week, recording nine goals, four ground balls, four caused turnovers and 10 draw controls. The St. Ignatius Prep senior captain and 2025 USA Lacrosse All-American continues to lead by example as a true do-it-all midfielder, making her presence felt in every phase of the game. Committed to Dartmouth (‘27), Ghali has been a key force behind her team’s strong 7–1 record, with their only loss coming to Valor (Colo.).

Also notable: Gia Bigelow, Valor (Colo.); Kat Dykes, Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.); Harper Ezrin, Colorado Academy (Colo.); Cate Hansen, Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.); Emmy Leonard, Fairview (Colo.)

— Sonorah Hunter