High School Girls' Players of the Week: Valor's Tannella Delivers

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

Kaleigh Howard, Northport (N.Y.)

Kaleigh Howard chose a high-level regional clash as part of the 24th annual Louis J. Acompora Memorial Lacrosse Jamboree to raise her game to a different stratosphere.

The Northport senior scored four goals, including the winner with 17 seconds left in regulation, to lead the Tigers to a thrilling 11-10 win over Wilton (Conn.) on Saturday. The Old Dominion commit, who now has 31 goals and 18 assists, ensured her team remained undefeated on the season.

“Kaleigh had her best career performance against Wilton,” Northport coach Carol Rose said. “She carried the team on her back, scoring six points. Kaleigh had ice in her veins and wanted the ball in the biggest moment.”

Also notable: Sabrina Asadurian, Wantagh (N.Y.); Carly Cangelosi, Sayville (N.Y.); Corey Kumin, Noble & Greenough (Mass.); Cam Pokorny, Darien (Conn.); Samantha Schultz, Pleasantville (N.Y.); Maya Torgalkar, Rye County Day (N.Y.)

— Dylan Butler 

MID-ATLANTIC

Lauren Dietrich, Oak Knoll (N.J.)

Dietrich has had some big scoring games for Oak Knoll over her four seasons, but nothing like what she did Saturday. The senior attacker scored seven goals and added an assist as the Royals handed Trinity Hall (N.J.) its first loss of the season, 14-7. It was Oak Knoll’s fifth straight win, and Dietrich has been a big part of all of them. She started the week with a pair of goals in an 8-6 win over Montclair Kimberley (N.J.), then scored a hat trick in a 12-9 win over Summit (N.J.). Dietrich has 28 goals this season, one behind Maris McGinty for the team lead. Dietrich is committed to Georgetown.

Also notable: Mairin Almy, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (Va.); Emma Anthony, Notre Dame (Pa.); Eleanor Beard, Severn (Md.); Toby Bergstrom, Manheim Township (Pa.); Maria Bragg, Severna Park (Md.); Sophia DeLuca, South Carroll (Md.); Lauren Dietrich, Oak Knoll (N.J.); Reagan O’Donovan, McDonogh (Md.); Cayden Reese, Maryvale (Md.); Bailey Schalleur, West Chester Henderson (Pa.); Sophia Tray, Villa Maria Academy (Pa.)

— Justin Feil 

SOUTH

Bryce Birkholz, West Forsyth (Ga.)

It’s scary to think that Bryce Birkholz still has two more seasons to torment defenses in Georgia. The sophomore phenom finished her second high school regular season with 83 goals and 40 assists. She added eight goals in last week’s win over North Gwinnett (Ga.). She also had a five-goal, two-assist effort versus Pope (Ga.).

Also notable: Gabi Johnson, Cambridge (Ga.); Jane Bailey Ward, Cardinal Gibbons (N.C); Gabby Ulrich, Cardinal Mooney (Fla.); Kylie Waters, Milton (Ga.); Casey Yi, Westlake (Texas.)

— Justin Boggs 

MIDWEST

Berkeley Thomas, Upper Arlington (Ohio)

Thomas did a little bit of everything in the Golden Bears’ 15-2 win over Land of Lincoln power New Trier, including four goals, five ground balls and six draw controls. The Ohio State commit also had a hat trick a few days earlier in an emphatic win over Olentangy Orange (Ohio). Thomas has now scored multiple goals seven times this season and also brings huge value in other areas, including leading Upper Arlington in draw controls (43) and ground balls (23). Perhaps most memorably, Thomas tallied 11 draw controls in a two-goal win over St. Francis DeSales (Ohio).

Also notable: Ellie Beam, Kentucky Country Day (Ky.); Darcy Doyle, University School of Milwaukee (Wis.); Ellie Espey, Carmel (Ind.); Evie Howenstine, Olentangy Liberty (Ohio); Chloe Mangel, Loyola Academy (Ill.); Jillian Rocchio, Loyola Academy (Ill.); Evie Ruma, Upper Arlington (Ohio); Addison Schaumleffel, Belleville West (Ill.); Scarlett Subeck, New Trier (Ill.)

— Jonah Rosenblum 

WEST

Micki Tanella, Valor Christian (Colo.)

In a highly anticipated clash between Colorado’s top two 5A programs, Micki Tanella delivered a dominant performance to power No. 1 Valor Christian to a decisive 13–5 win over Fairview (Colo.).

A dynamic attack and draw specialist, Tanella controlled every aspect of the game. She erupted for five goals and two assists, driving the Eagles’ offense while consistently creating scoring opportunities. At the draw circle, she was just as impactful, winning 11 of 19 draws (58%) and giving Valor a crucial possession edge from the opening whistle.

Tanella, a Virginia commit, showcased the complete skill set that has made her one of the premier players in Colorado, combining scoring ability, field vision, and draw control dominance. She’ll be a key component to Valor’s success as it enters postseason play.

Also notable: Lilah Cade, Coronado (Calif.); Breck Dunn, Coronado (Calif.); Kat Dykes, Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.); Maggie Goldstein, Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.); Allie Moskowitz, Valor Christian (Colo.); Nora Still, Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.)

— Sonorah Hunter