@CBLaxers Girls' Recruit: Seneca High School (NJ) 2021 Midfield, Defense Regan Bednar of All American Aim has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Wagner College.
High School: Seneca High School (Medford, NJ) Grad Year: 2021 Positions: Midfield, Defense College Committed to: Wagner College Club Team: All American Aim Lacrosse Honors: 2nd Team All Conference (Defense) Academic Honors: Honor Roll, Athlete of the Month Expected Major: Business Why did you choose Wagner College, Women's D1? "I chose Wagner college because it is a perfect fit for me. I love the team and the coaching staff is amazing." Is there anything else you would like to share? "I would like to thank all of my coaches that have been apart of my process. They have all taught me so much and made me the player I am today. I couldn’t have gotten where I am today without them." What other colleges did you consider? "Manhattan College, University of Tampa, Boston University"
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Regan Bednar on her commitment to Wagner College. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Girls' Recruit: Deer Park (NY) 2021 Defense Jordan Sheehan of the LI Yellow Jackets has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at SUNY at Purchase College.
High School: Deer Park (Deer Park, NY) Grad Year: 2021 Position: Defense College Committed to: SUNY at Purchase College Club Team: LI Yellow Jackets Lacrosse Honors: Student-Athlete for Varsity Lacrosse Academic Honors: Honor Roll all of Sophomore Year Expected Major: Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Is there anything else you would like to share? "[Thanks to] my mom, dad and all my coaches!"
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Jordan Sheehan on her commitment to SUNY at Purchase College. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Boys' Recruit: Sayville High School (NY) 2020 Attack Cole Doller of East Coast Elite has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Drexel University.
High School: Sayville High School (Sayville, NY) Grad Year: 2020 Position: Attack College Committed to: Drexel University Club Team: East Coast Elite Lacrosse Honors: All County, All Division, Suffolk County Rookie Of The Year Academic Honors: Honor Roll National Honor Society Why did you choose Drexel University, Men's D1? "Drexel was the perfect fit as it offered a stellar lacrosse program and excellent academic opportunities." Is there anything else you would like to share? "I'd like to thank my coaches, parents, and teammates for helping get to level I am at today. None of this would be possible without their guidance and support."
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Cole Doller on his commitment to Drexel University. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Boys' Recruit: Bergen Catholic (NJ) 2021 Midfield Jake Nelson of NJ Riot Lacrosse has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Wagner College.
High School: Bergen Catholic (Oradell, NJ) Grad Year: 2021 Position: Midfield College Committed to: Wagner College Club Team: NJ Riot Lacrosse Academic Honors: First Honors
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Jake Nelson on his commitment to Wagner College. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
This past week, Back Of The CAGE caught up with one of the accomplished players in the history of Mount Sinai High School, 9th Ranked Senior, Jenny Markey for our weekly Senior Spotlight Series interviewing a new senior, each week.
The Syracuse University signee will go down as one of the greats that helped bring home half of the NY State Championships that Mount Sinai has won since its inception. Jenny was a part of the 2016 and 2017 State Championships and came so close in 2018 falling short in the Long Island Championship followed by making it back to the Suffolk County Class C Finals. With those losses, Markey has her eyes set on making history and bringing home her third and the programs fifth NY State title and that is her goal... Markey's story is unfinished and don't bet against her.
A 5-year varsity starter, Markey will be the leader of the team to help share her experiences from when she played on varsity in eighth grade and won back-to-back state titles. That taste of winning it all is something Markey wants back and is dedicated to deliver that during her final season and with such a highly decorated player who played on the German U19 National Team, earned All County, All State and Honorable Mention All BOTC honors in 2019, the Mustangs are in good hands with Markey at the Midfield and as the team leader complimented by the pieces around her.
Q&A:
Back Of The CAGE (BOTC): Last season, your team fell short in the Suffolk Class A Championship in a nail biter over Bayport Blue Point in a 6-7 loss. What are things you can took away from that loss personally and now being the leader of team that you can pass along to the up and coming class having been in their shoes as early as an 8th grader? Jenny Markey (JM): After losing to bay port in the county championship last year there were many things i was able to take away from that game. We as a team played as hard as we could but fell short in the end. After that experience i think for this upcoming season, what we should’ve taken away from that game is just the idea of getting one more. We have to work harder to make sure every single small ground ball, rebound, draw, etc., is ours because in the end, that could’ve been the game changer in such a close game like that.
BOTC: As mentioned above, you are a reigning Suffolk County Finalists. Will that loss carry over into the 2020 season and if so, how? JM: Losing in the county championship last year will definitely carry on into this season, but in a way that will better the team. That loss should be motivation for us to better ourselves on the field and work harder for hopefully a second shot at counties.
BOTC: You have been on Varsity since you were an eighth grader and have been a part of 2 NY State Championships out of the 4 won at Mount Sinai. How does it feel be part of such a winning tradition cementing a legacy forever and at an opportunity to win your third and the programs fifth NY State title – something only a handful of others have achieved? JM: This will be my 5th year on the Mount Sinai girls varsity lacrosse team. I’ve been involved in many of the big wins and also the big losses. This year if we are able to make it to the state championship and win that will be an unforgettable experience for me [and] it’s 100 percent my goal for this year to help my team get there. If we are win, that would be my 3rd state championship win and I’d be proud to be a part of the legacy of girls that have been a part of winning that many championships.
BOTC: What is your most memorable moment thus far? JM: Throughout all my years on my team the most unforgettable game I have been a part of was my first year on varsity. We were playing SWR [Shoreham Wading River], we were tied and they were in a stall with 18 seconds left. We were able to get the ball back and then we called a timeout. After the timeout one of our defenders at the time had the ball and launched it about 30 yards down the field to one of our attackers. She then carried the ball and passed it to another one of our attackers who scored with one second left putting us into overtime, which we ended up winning and moving on in our season. This game will always stick with me because it was a game we could have easily lost, but since we didn’t give up we came out with an unexpected win.
BOTC: What is your favorite quote or saying from the legend, Coach Bertolone? JM: One quote that Coach Bert would be known for is “clear eyes, full heart, can’t lose”. This quote has been in our program since before I was even on the team and is the legacy of Mount Sinai lacrosse.
BOTC: Being a Top 10 Recruit in the Country, Why did you choose Syracuse University and how excited are you to play for arguably the best women’s lacrosse coach all-time with Coach Gait? JM: Next fall I will be attending Syracuse University and playing on their Women’s lacrosse team. I chose this team because I fell in love with the school, the coaches, and all the opportunities it holds. There are so many options for majors in any field you could think of, I really liked this because at the moment I’m not 100 percent sure what i want to do in the future. Another big factor of my decision to commit were the coaches. All the coaches from head to assistant made me feel as comfortable and welcomed at possible and they showed me how much i would enjoy my time at Syracuse if i were to attend. Having the opportunity to play for Gary Gait is just something i could not pass up. I can not think of another person I’d want to coach me and help me exceed to the next level in my college career.
BOTC: Are you superstitious and do you have any pregame rituals? JM: Before every game I have a couple of rituals that I do. I tape my cross to my ankle and fold my socks twice. I also listen to the same song right before we walk on the field.
BOTC: What is your favorite quote or saying from the legend, Coach Bertolone? JM: One quote that Coach Bert [Bertolone] would be known for is “clear eyes, full heart, can’t lose”. This quote has been in our program since before I was even on the team and is the legacy of Mount Sinai lacrosse.
BOTC: What’s on your playlist before games? JM: Before games I don’t listen to a specific playlist but I usually listen to Eminem, New Found Glory, Taking Back Sunday, and Rise Against except when we’re walking onto the field, I listen to Breezeblocks by alt-J.
More about Jenny: All Rookie (2017), German U19 National Team, 2x All County, Under Armour All America, Honorable Mention All BOTC, 4th Team All State, Suffolk Class C Finalist
Check back next week to meet Russel Maher from Mount Sinai High School.
Written By: Thomas Michaelsen Photo Credit: Timothy Butler Photography Back Of The CAGE | BackOfTheCAGE.com
@CBLaxers Girls' Recruit: Phoenixville Area High School (PA) 2021 Midfield, Attack Alana Lathan of Phantastix Lacrosse Club has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at George Mason University.
High School: Phoenixville Area High School (Phoenixville, PA) Grad Year: 2021 Positions: Midfield, Attack College Committed to: George Mason University Club Team: Phantastix Lacrosse Club Academic Honors: Nominated to attend Live Like Blaine Leadership Program 2 years in a row. (attended both) Expected Major: Business Why did you choose George Mason University, Women's D1? "I was first drawn to Mason the second I met Head Coach Jessy Morgan and then from there I grew to love the assistants, campus, and opportunities George Mason offered." Is there anything else you would like to share? "Thank you to my mom for driving me all over the country. Huge thank you to Lorraine Beers and Aamina Thornton for coaching me into the best player I could be. To my teammates for supporting me through this whole process." What other colleges did you consider? "La Salle University, Temple University & Stetson University"
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Alana Lathan on her commitment to George Mason University. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Boys' Recruit: The Salisbury School (CT) 2021 LSM, Defense Kyle Gonsiorek of Sweetlax Lacrosse has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Syracuse University.
High School: The Salisbury School (CT) Grad Year: 2021 Positions: LSM, Defense College Committed to: Syracuse University Club Team: SweetLax Lacrosse Lacrosse Honors: Honorable Mention Monsignor Martin (Buffalo), Under Armour All-America Underclass Games Highlight Team (Upstate) Academic Honors: Honor Roll Expected Major: Psychology Why did you choose Syracuse University, Men's D1? "Being an Upstate New York kid it’s been my dream to throw on the Orange and play for Syracuse Lacrosse." Is there anything else you would like to share? "A special thanks to my family, coaching staff at St. Jospeh’s Collegiate Institute (Buffalo, NY) Big thanks to the Sweetlax organization and the coaches at Salisbury."
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Kyle Gonsiorek on his commitment to Syracuse University. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Boys' Recruit: Lower Dauphin High School (PA) 2020 Goalie Devon Harrity of Grizz Lacrosse Club has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Westminster College (PA).
High School: Lower Dauphin High School (Hummelstown, PA) Grad Year: 2020 Position: Goalie College Committed to: Westminster College (PA) Club Team: Grizz Lacrosse Club Expected Major: Business Why did you choose Westminster College (PA), Men's D3? "A great fit for a player." Is there anything else you would like to share? "[Thanks to my] Parents, Coaches and teammates."
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Devon Harrity on his commitment to Westminster College (PA). CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Boys' Recruit: Bishop Shanahan (PA) 2021 Attack, Midfield Owen Mehok of Freedom Lacrosse Club has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Saint Joseph's University.
High School: Bishop Shanahan (Downingtown, PA) Grad Year: 2021 Positions: Attack, Midfield College Committed to: Saint Joseph's University Club Team: Freedom Lacrosse Club Lacrosse Honors: Philly Fab 40, Baltimore Summer Kick off All Star, Big 12 those that Shined Academic Honors: Honor Roll, 'Boxes for our Troops' Service projects Expected Major: Business Why did you choose Saint Joseph's University, Men's D1? "The Academic and Lacrosse Reputation of St Joseph's University and the Coaches and players made me feel right at home on Hawk Hill. Excited to play for Coach Wray and his staff." Is there anything else you would like to share? "I would like to thank my Parents and siblings for their constant support as well as my Freedom and Shanahan Coaches for pushing me to become a better Lacrosse player." What other colleges did you consider? "Lehigh, Quinnipiac, Robert Morris & Richmond"
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Owen Mehok on his commitment to Saint Joseph's University. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Boys' Recruit: Forsyth Country Day School (NC) 2020 Midfield, Attack Tommy Aguilar of Triad Elite Lacrosse has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
High School: Forsyth Country Day School (Advance, NC) Grad Year: 2020 Positions: Midfield, Attack College Committed to: Lenoir-Rhyne University Club Team: Triad Elite Lacrosse Lacrosse Honors: 2x All-State 2x All-Conference Why did you choose Lenoir-Rhyne University, Men's D2? "I chose LRU because of the great community, amazing coaching staff, and the lacrosse program as a whole" Is there anything else you would like to share? "Thanks to my parents and all my coaches."
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Tommy Aguilar on his commitment to Lenoir-Rhyne University. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Boys' Recruit: Thayer Academy (MA) 2021 Faceoff, Midfield Quinn McConnaughey of Laxachusetts has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Providence College.
High School: Thayer Academy (Cohasset, MA) Grad Year: 2021 Positions: Faceoff, Midfield College Committed to: Providence College Club Team: Laxachusetts Lacrosse Honors: NLF Elite 120- chosen as “Standout,” Selected for Under Armour Underclass All-America Team New England, BostonLax All-State Underclassman 1st Team, BostonLax All-State Private Schools 2nd Team, All-ISL Honorable Mention with 70%+ FO win rate (2nd in 16 team league as a sophomore) Academic Honors: Harlem Lacrosse Volunteer Expected Major: Business Why did you choose Providence College, Men's D1? "Great facilities and coaching staff" Is there anything else you would like to share? "[Special thanks to] Coach Francis and my dad." What other colleges did you consider? "Marquette, High Point, BU, Ohio State"
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Quinn McConnaughey on his commitment to Providence College. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Boys' Recruit: Christian Brothers Academy (NJ) 2021 Attack Daniel Martin of Mad Dog National has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Villanova University.
High School: Christian Brothers Academy (Lincroft, NJ) Grad Year: 2021 Position: Attack College Committed to: Villanova University Club Team: Mad Dog National Lacrosse Honors: NXT Nike Philly Showcase All-Star, 2019 Manney’s Men NXT Nike Boys Philly Showcase, 2019 Honorable Mention Maverik Showtime Attendee, 2x Varsity Starting Attackman Shore Sports Network All-Conference 2nd team, 2019; Named to the All-CruitCast 2021 Team at the 2018 Naptown Challenge Tournament; NJ.com 2018 All-Sophomore/Freshman boys lacrosse teams; NXT Philly Freshman Showcase All-Star Fall 2017 Academic Honors: Week-long service trip to the De La Salle Blackfeet School in Browning, MT to work with and tutor Native American children. Best Day Foundation volunteer helping special needs children with adventure activities like surfing and body boarding. Family Promise of Monmouth County volunteer helping to raise awareness of homelessness in our area. Organized food drives for Fulfill - The FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties. Organized school supply and Thanksgiving food drives for the Boys & Girls Club of Monmouth County. Second Honors 2nd semester 2018/2019 First Honors 1st semester 2018/2019 First Honors 2nd semester 2017/2018 First Honors 1st semester 2017/2018 Expected Major: Business Is there anything else you would like to share? "Thank you to my coaches at Mad Dog Lacrosse, CBA Lacrosse, Shark River Lacrosse, my teammates, friends and family for all of their support and time throughout the years. I couldn't have done it without you guys!"
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Daniel Martin on his commitment to Villanova University. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Girls' Recruit: Smithtown HS East (NY) 2021 Midfield Amanda Moghadasi of the LI Yellow Jackets has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at the University of Connecticut.
High School: Smithtown HS East (St James, NY) Grad Year: 2021 Position: Midfield College Committed to: University of Connecticut Club Team: LI Yellow Jackets Lacrosse Honors: All Tournament 2019 SectionXI Girls Lax, 2x CBLaxers D1 Und1sputed All-Star, WPLL Futures Selection/National Combine Participant 2019 Academic Honors: Social Studies Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Mathematics Honor Society Expected Major: Biological & Biomedical Sciences
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Amanda Moghadasi on her commitment to the University of Connecticut. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
During Thanksgiving week, Back Of The CAGE caught up with one of the most athletic and an already accomplished athlete from Syosset High School, 4th ranked senior, Kendall Halpern for our weekly Senior Spotlight Series interviewing a new senior, each week.
The Northwestern University signee will go down as one of the greatest lacrosse players and athletes of all time at Syosset with her lengthy resume that consists of being All County in three sports (Soccer, Basketball & Lacrosse) All State (Basketball & Lacrosse), Honorable Mention All BOTC & Preseason All Inside Lacrosse, U19 Team USA Tryout Invitee and the Heather Leigh Albert Finalist to name some, yet, she still has one last year to add more to her impressive resume.
A 5-year varsity starter who was the second leader of draw controls in Nassau County last season has all the medals and honors an athlete can ask for but the 3-sport star and returning All American would trade all of that to bring home a championship in lacrosse. Halpern is motivated in doing so and like her coach says, Kendall Halpern just has to "play like Kendall Halpern."
Q&A:
Back Of The CAGE (BOTC): This past season, you were bestowed with the highest high school lacrosse honor after balling out scoring 52 goals, adding 60 points and finishing 2nd in Nassau County in draw controls garnering All American honors subsequently only becoming the 2nd player in the history of Syosset Girls Lacrosse to earn this prestigious award. How does it make you feel to know that you are just the second player of all time at Syosset to earn All American? Kendall Halpern (KH): Becoming Syosset’s second ever All-American was a prestigious honor. It has made it more meaningful to follow in the footsteps of Taylyn Stadler who has become a great player at UPENN. The recognition always provides confidence and satisfaction of the hard work I continue to put it to the game. Though earning the highest honor, I feel that I have much more to accomplish in high school before I begin my new journey at Northwestern.
BOTC: You are one of the most decorated athletes and especially at Syosset being All County in Soccer, Basketball & Lacrosse coupled with being All-State in Basketball & Lacrosse and being a Nassau County Champion in Soccer. Where would a stack up winning a Nassau County title in Lacrosse and what are your expectations for the 2020 season? KH: Winning a Nassau county title in lacrosse was the only goal I had when I first played for the varsity team in the eighth grade. I would give up many of the individual awards to bring a county championship home to Syosset. In 2018, after winning the County Championship in soccer, I had my eyes on both the championship in basketball and lacrosse. Falling short in both has added additional motivation to win them both in 2020.
BOTC: What is your most memorable moment thus far? KH: In lacrosse, my most memorable high school moment was in my sophomore season (2018), Garden City had been ranked number two in the country. I had scored my fourth and winning goal with no time on the clock to beat them for the first time in Syosset history. Overall my most memorable moment came in the 2018 Nassau County soccer final. The game had gone into penalty kicks, and as a field player I jumped into goal eventually saving and then scoring the final goal to take home Syosset Girls Soccer first county title.
BOTC: What is your favorite quote or saying from Coach LoMonaco? KH: Coach LoMonaco will always tell me pregame to go out there and just play like Kendall Halpern. Her goal is to always give me confidence to play relentless and leave it all out on the field.
BOTC: Being a 4-Star Recruit with a plethora of offers on the table, why did you choose Northwestern University? KH: I was given the opportunity to go play for a national championship for a legendary coach, in Kelly Amonte Hiller, at a world class university.
BOTC: Are you superstitious and do you have any pre game rituals? KH: My three pregame rituals include a special game day sandwich from Woodbury Country Deli (if your interested it includes grilled chicken, lettuce, tomato, mozzarella and balsamic). Also, I must wear a headband with eye black smudged down my face.
BOTC: What’s on your playlist before games? KH: Old Town Road, Dreams and Nightmares, Started From the Bottom
More about Kendall: All Conference in 2016, All County in 2018 & 2019, 1st Team All Long Island (FLG) and the leading Goal Scorer at SHS (52).
Check back in a week to meet Jenny Markey from Mount Sinai High School.
@CBLaxers Boys' Recruit: Kellenberg Memorial High School (NY) 2020 Defense, LSM Rory McHugh of True Blue Lacrosse has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Clark University.
High School: Kellenberg Memorial High School (Garden City, NY) Grad Year: 2020 Positions: Defense, LSM College Committed to: Clark University Club Team: True Blue Lacrosse Why did you choose Clark University, Men's D3? "Combination of great academics and competitive lacrosse."
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Rory McHugh on his commitment to Clark University. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Boys' Recruit: South Side HS (NY) 2021 Attack TJ Sheehan of Icon Lacrosse LI has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at the University of Denver.
High School: South Side HS (Rockville Centre, NY) Grad Year: 2021 Position: Attack College Committed to: University of Denver Club Team: Icon Lacrosse LI Lacrosse Honors: All Star at 2019 Naptown Tournament & All Star at 2019 NY State Regional Games, Honorable Mention All County, Top 50 Junior by BOTC Academic Honors: Nassau County Lacrosse Coaches Association - All Conference Academic Lacrosse Team SSHS Honor Roll Expected Major: Business Why did you choose University of Denver, Men's D1? "The Academics, The Coaching Staff, High level of lacrosse, style of play." Is there anything else you would like to share? "I want to thank my parents for their support as well as my Icon club coach John Detommaso who has been a mentor to me on and off the field."
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates TJ Sheehan on his commitment to the University of Denver. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Boys' Recruit: Monroe Township High School (NJ) 2020 Goalie Josh Estavillo of Team Turnpike Lacrosse & Nation United has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Jacksonville University.
High School: Monroe Township High School (Monroe Township, NJ) Grad Year: 2020 Position: Goalie College Committed to: Jacksonville University Club Teams: Team Turnpike Lacrosse & Nation United Lacrosse Honors: 2017 Under Armour Uncommitted Games, 2017 & 2019 NJ Under Armour Top 44 Game, 2019 Liberty National All Star Academic Honors: Honor Roll/High Honor Roll Every Semester of High School, National Honors Society Expected Major: Engineering Why did you choose Jacksonville University, Men's D1? "I chose Jacksonville because I wanted to go to college in Florida, and I liked that the head coach, coach Galloway, is a goalie for the PLL." Is there anything else you would like to share? "I want to thank my parents & Coach Weigner from Team Turnpike, coaches Young, Davis-Allen, Kemp, Stallworth & Ardrey from Nation United & coaches Yannone, Shultz & Garavente from Monroe Township High School for helping achieve my goal of playing lacrosse at the next level." What other colleges did you consider? "Fairfield, Boston & Rutgers"
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Josh Estavillo on his commitment to Jacksonville University. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
Over the weekend, Back Of The CAGE caught up with the 37th ranked senior on Long Island and the returning leading goal scorer from Wantagh High School, Ethan Insinga.
The Binghamton University signee is a 3-year varsity starter who has been consistent throughout his career who earned All-Conference as a Sophomore after helping the Warriors' to the Nassau County Finals followed by a stellar Junior year finishing tied for 16th in points in Nassau County (64) and earning All County honors.
Adversity is something Insinga has faced and wants to utilize his role as one of the captains to share his experiences, especially helping the underclassmen to push forward when the going gets tough because he knows anything can happen. This years Warriors team has a special core group of college bound seniors and Ethan has his eyes set on going out with a bang, bringing back some hardware to a perennial powered program to finish with a fairy tail ending and why you should "never give up." With Insinga quarterbacking the Attack, Wantagh is in good hands.
Q&A w/ Ethan Insinga
Back Of The CAGE (BOTC): Two years ago, your Wantagh Warriors were the Nassau Class C Runner-Ups but then last year, the team was plagued by injuries resulting in an early exit in the playoffs. You have lost some key contributors last season but are returning a solid senior group who have played together for several years now with whom 3 seniors are ranked in the Top 50. Do you think your team has the personnel and depth to make a run like you did in 2018 and if the 2020 season had a slogan, what would it be? Ethan Insinga (EI): I think this year's team has the tools to take the next step. Personnel wise I think we have playmakers in every position and ultimately the experience that is needed to win games late in the season. Our core senior group has been through 2 seasons that included a county final appearance and a disappointing semi-final loss last season. We are trying to use this experience to help push the team to make that next step and finally complete the job. If the 2020 season had a slogan it would have to be “never give up.” After struggling with injuries last season team moral did not stay as high as it needed to be. This season we as a team have to push forward, no matter what happens.
BOTC: During your sophomore year when you put up 34 points in which you played a vital role in helping the team to a Class C Championship appearance when you turned it up and went off with 11 points in the 3 playoff games, you credited the seniors to allow you and the underclassmen to blossom in your roles with a quote in Newsday saying “The seniors have been with us all the way, knowing we’re a big part of this and they want us to a be a big part of this. They’ve helped us and guided us and it’s worked out great.” With having the experience of playing as a sophomore, playing for an open culture and now taking on a leadership role as a captain, how will you embrace the underclassmen and what advice will you give them that maybe you didn’t receive? EI: My biggest goal this season is to be the leadership figure that I was lucky enough to have in my sophomore year. I was fortunate enough to have leaders like Tommy Rohan and Pat Walsh that guided me through the season and made me feel as if I were not an underclassman, but a key member of the team. This season we are going to have a lot of underclassmen who are going to play a vital role for us. In order for us to be as successful as we want to be, we need them to be playing at their best. Part of my role as a captain this year is going to be making sure that the underclassmen know that they are much needed in our team's success this year, just like the captains were to me my sophomore year. The advice I would give them is to take one game at a time. Enjoy every opportunity you get and make sure to make every practice and game count. Next thing you know it's all going to come to an end quicker than you could imagine.
BOTC: What personal goals do you have for yourself for the 2020 season? EI: This season, my personal goal is to get us back to the county championship. Playing in that game was an experience I will never forget and would like for the rest of the team to experience. More than anything else, I would like to see us finish my senior season on top.
BOTC: What is your most memorable moment thus far? EI: My most memorable moment thus far was easily our team trip to Arizona during my sophomore year. Taking a team trip across the country and playing teams from that area was an experience I will never forget and is something I am extremely grateful that I was apart of. That trip gave me friends and memories that I will take throughout the rest of high school and into college.
BOTC: Why did you choose Binghamton University and what do you plan on majoring in? EI: Binghamton was an easy choice for me and my family. Coach Mckeown and the rest of the staff have created an image for the program that I really want to be apart of. At Binghamton, there is a family atmosphere that really caught my attention. The stress on family stood out and made Binghamton the place that I could truly see myself succeeding. Both the quality of academics and athletics made Binghamton the place I knew I wanted to go. I plan on majoring in engineering, which is another major reason I chose Binghamton.
BOTC: Are you superstitious and do you have any pregame rituals? EI: I’m not too much of a superstitious person, but I am picky about the gear I wear. If the team is on a winning streak I try to wear the same shooting shirt for all of those games and change it at a loss. Before every game, I get a text from my mom wishing me luck for the game, usually with a motivational quote of some kind. Something we started doing as a team last year was putting a piece of tape over our hearts with the initials of who we were playing for that game. It was a constant reminder to play hard for the person over your heart. After every game, I would take the tape and put it on my locker so I could see it before every practice. I plan on doing this next season as well.
BOTC: What’s on your playlist before games? EI: My pre-game playlist is pretty simple, and whatever music is popular during the season. Lil Uzi Vert is my favorite artist and is usually what I listen to right before leaving the locker room. As for the team playlist, Dreams and Nightmares by Meek Mill is required and is something that we bump on the field before every game.
Check back to meet Syosset High School All American, Kendall Halpern.
@CBLaxers Boys' Recruit: Wyoming High School (OH) 2020 LSM, Defense Harry Powers of Commonwealth Kings Lacrosse has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Transylvania University.
High School: Wyoming High School (Wyoming, OH) Grad Year: 2020 Positions: LSM, Defense College Committed to: Transylvania University Club Team: Commonwealth Kings Lacrosse Why did you choose Transylvania University, Men's D3? "Everything about the school, from location, the majors, the coaches, and program itself made me realize that this was the place I wanted to play at." What other colleges did you consider? "Hope College & Carthage College"
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Harry Powers on his commitment to Transylvania University. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
@CBLaxers Boys' Recruit: Benilde (MN) 2021 Midfield, Attacks Patrick Burns of Project Midwest & West Coast Starz has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Providence College.
High School: Benilde (Orono, MN) Grad Year: 2021 Positions: Midfield, Attack College Committed to: Providence College Club Team: Project Midwest, West Coast Starz Lacrosse Honors: Under Armour Underclass All-American, Baltimore Summer Kickoff All-Star, FLG in 3d All-Star Academic Honors: Received Highest Honor Roll, Completed 35 Hours of Volunteer Service Work in First Semester of Junior Year, Student Ambassador Expected Major: Business Why did you choose Providence College, Men's D1? "Great Academics, great lacrosse program in the Big East Conference, excellent alumni network." Is there anything else you would like to share? "[Thanks to] Coach Horn, Coach Kay, my mom, dad, brother and my sister." What other colleges did you consider? "Albany, Drexel, St. John's & Boston U"
CB Laxers, the official college commitments sponsor for BackOfTheCAGE.com congratulates Patrick Burns on his commitment to Providence College. CB Laxers runs events for players aspiring to play at the college level & future college-bound players with small, boutique recruiting showcases for players in grades 8th-11th to provide players with a platform to get maximum exposure. For seniors signed to play at the next level, pre-college strength & conditioning training and the 'committed games' are offered which emulate the NCAA training regimen to help the top 10% of athletes get prepared for the next level. Visit CBLaxers.com for more info.
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