Reese, Waters, Bigelow Named High School 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).

MID-ATLANTIC

Cayden Reese, Maryvale (Md.) 

The top-ranked senior in the country got her final season for the Lions off to a very promising start. Reese did a bit of everything for Maryvale as they pulled away for a 16-7 win over Georgetown Visitation (D.C.). Reese scored six times, assisted on three other goals and won seven draw controls. Reese is a key cog for the Lions, who hope to repeat as IAAM A Conference champions this year before she heads to Maryland, where she’ll play for her mom, Terps head coach Cathy Reese.

Also notable: Nora Bailer, Episcopal (Pa.); Caroline Ewing, St. Mary’s (Md.); Catherine McBridge, Council Rock North (Pa.); Mak Myers, Penn Charter (Pa.); Reed Pinkin, McDonogh (Md.); Greta Potten, Archbishop Carroll (Pa.); Lucy Schardt, Agnes Irwin (Pa.) 

SOUTH

Kylie Waters, Milton (Ga.)

It was another impressive week for Milton’s high-flying scorer Kylie Waters. Taking it to perennial Midwest powerhouse Upper Arlington (Ohio), the senior attacker scored four times and added an assist. Against Roswell (Ga.), she had six goals and two assists. The Clemson recruit is widely considered one of the top offensive recruits coming out of high school. 

Also notable: Logan Colleen, Cambridge (Ga.); Giselle Jaskiewicz, Lake Highland (Fla.); Emma Switter, American Heritage-Delray (Fla.) 

WEST

Gia Bigelow, Valor Christian (Colo.)

Bigelow was a standout in back-to-back performances to open the season, proving herself as one of the most complete midfielders in the West Region with her ability to dominate the draw and impact the game on both ends of the field.

In Valor's season opener, a Colorado 5A championship rematch against ThunderRidge, she set the tone immediately, erupting for six goals and seven draw controls while adding two ground balls as the Eagles picked up right where they left off a season ago.

She carried that momentum into Valor's matchup against St. Ignatius (Calif.), tallying three goals, one assist, and 10 draw controls. A consistent spark in transition, Bigalow's ability to win possession and push the pace gave Valor a decisive edge throughout. Whether attacking the cage or distributing to her teammates, she was the deciding factor against a competitive West Region matchup. 

A UNC commit, Bigelow's combination of draw control dominance, finishing ability, and playmaking makes her a matchup problem that opposing defenses will be preparing for all season long. 

Also notable: Leele Bigalow, Valor Christian (Colo.); Enna Corley, Marlborough (Calif.); Sadie Ghali, St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.); Lucy Jeffers, Redwood (Calif.); Jasmine Lugo, Regis Jesuit (Colo.); Skyler Schramm, Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.)