The New Jersey lacrosse season is upon the state with practices starting March 14th. Teams like Delbarton, Mountain Lakes, Chatham, and Ridgewood are all getting ready to compete in what should be a fun season ahead. 

Being in New Jersey means fans get to watch some of the best players in the country. Everyone knows the lacrosse hotbeds like Long Island, the state of Maryland, and rocky mountain states like Utah and Colorado. New Jersey from top to bottom is one of the most competitive and talented states in lacrosse.

This year, there’s an abundance of great scorers, playmakers, and goalies returning. Here are some to keep an eye on in this beautiful season. 

Attackman, Jack Schultz, Ridgewood, Senior

The Maryland commit returns after being a key member of the team that won the Kirst Cup last year. With players like Myles McCutcheon and Owen Staunton graduated, Schultz will need to continue his great play to lead the Maroons back to more trophies.

The 2nd team all-state player had some great games last year. Including three five-point games prior to the Kirst Cup.   

Midfielder, Sean McCeney, Summit, Senior 

Vermont in 2025 will be getting a terrific midfielder. Until then, the returning 2nd team all-state player is ready to make the most out of his last season.

Playing under Head Coach Jim Davidson is demanding, but McCeney gets better from it. A very versatile and great two-way player, McCeney can get Summit the scores they need, and be an aggressive defender. With games against Scotch Plains-Fanwood, Delbarton, and Rumson-Fair Haven, Summit will need his presence in those games.

Attackman, Tyler Juhlin, Seton Hall Prep, Senior

Fans will remember Juhlin for having an amazing overtime goal over rivals Delbarton last May. Yet, he might have wanted to have a championship instead of losing in the third overtime period vs the Green Wave.

Juhlin and the Pirates are looking to get back there and he will be one of the pieces that will help them. 36 Goals for the Dartmouth commit last season and fans should expect more from him this season. The start of the season will not be easy to start as the Pirates will take on powerhouse IMG Academy. 

Attackman, David Brothers, Bernards, Senior 

It has been a great career for Brothers at Bernards. The Wagner commit has 140 career goals and 223 career points. Yet a championship is on his mind.

Brothers and Bernards have come so close to winning hardware but keep coming up short. But this is the year to do it. One of the most accurate passers in the state, Brothers will leave his mark on the program this year. 

Midfielder, JP Lagunowich, Chatham, Senior

Virginia Head Coach Lars Tiffany is ready to coach Lagunowich next season. JP though is focused on the season at hand.

Lagunowich has been a goal-scoring machine since his freshman season, and the goal is to be the best player for the best team in the state. First though, Chatham will have to face some great programs in Seton Hall Prep, Delbarton, and Westfield, to name a few. Get through that, and he and the Cougars have a shot at winning it all this spring. 

 
Goalie, Colton Carfello, Don Bosco Prep, Senior

Carfello might not be the tallest or biggest goalie, but he sure is a great one. The St, Joseph (PA) commit essentially took down every New Jersey team he faced except Delbarton. 180 saves is no joke for the senior.

Bosco has been blessed to have great goalie play the past few years from Carfello and others like Kai Dimaculangan back in the early part of the decade. While there are notable out-of-state matchups like Georgetown Prep, games vs Ridgewood and Mountain Lakes are important. 

Attackman, Noah Plenn, St Augustine, Senior 

The stat that pops out is that Plenn had 10 hat tricks last season. There is a reason Delaware is excited for this young man. 

The 1st team all non-public recipient is a special player. He also won a championship in high school back in 2022 vs Delbarton. Yet, he and the Hermits senior class want another chip before it’s all said and done and it can be done.

Midfielder/Face Off, Jordan Hernando, Mountain Lakes Senior 

A proven winner in football and wrestling, Hernando’s love belongs to the sport of lacrosse. Thanks to help from legendary NJ Lax coach Tim Flynn, Hernando has become one of the best face-off specialists in the state.

With a 69% win rate at faceoff last season, Hernando is a vital member of a consistent winner. The Bryant commit is looking to make the most out of his season, alongside teammate Giacomo Bevacqua. 

Defenseman, Kyle Capodanno, Manasquan, Senior

A highly rated defenseman by some services, Capodanno is back to win something important, the State Championship. Capodanno, who can also play long stick midfield, was named to the All-Junior team last year for his defensive effort. As always, South Jersey lacrosse is not easy for any player with how many great programs there are. Manasquan will play Wall, Rumson-Fair Haven, and Shawnee to name a few. The Bryant commit Capodanno will need to be at his best this season.

Attackman, Anthony Drago, West Essex, Junior

He might be the best player in the state regardless of class. The five-star Duke commit is all you want in a player at this level. An elite goal scorer, an amazing playmaker, great lacrosse IQ, his game is unmatched by anyone his age.

Drago has already had a prolific high school career with almost 200 points in just two seasons. But, coming off an 11-10 season last year, Drago and the Knights want to have a better and more consistent season this spring. As always, it’s a tough schedule that features teams like Pope John, Summit, and Seton Hall Prep. 

Attackman, Brady Scioletti, Don Bosco Prep, Junior

Another Duke commit in the class of 2025 from NJ. Also another great goal scorer from the garden state. Scioletti seemingly came out of nowhere last season with 85 points in his sophomore campaign.

According to scouts, he shoots the ball well, he’s great off the ball, and he is a terrific finisher. Bosco is poised for a big run this season and Scioletti is one of those players that can get the job done for the Ironmen. Duke head coach John Danowski is probably excited that his 2025 class has players like Scioletti coming soon.

 
Midfielder, Will Pedicano, Delbarton, Junior

The best team in NJ last season had one of the best players in the state. Everyone from Duke to Notre Dame to Johns Hopkins wanted Pedicano, but the five-star recruit will be taking his talents to Virginia. 

Until then, the Green Wave has an extraordinary talent. The long-stick middie is fast, smart, and aggressive. He is a young leader who will lead the Green Wave through a grueling schedule that features lacrosse powerhouses in St Anthony’s (NY), Seton Hall Prep, and Fairfield Prep (CT).

Catch all of the New Jersey high school lacrosse action this spring at https://www.youtube.com/@BigStateSports!