It was a matchup between two top five teams from the high school lacrosse season. Mcodonogh and Taft featured some of the nations best players and this game lived up to the hype. This was the second semi-final of NHSLS and it went down to the wire. Mcdonogh pulled out a 9-8 victory over Taft in thrilling fashion. Checkout my top performers from this highly anticipated matchup.
Mcdonogh
Mason Elkas (2024)- The fogo for Mcdonogh had a dominant performance at the faceoff X. Elkas was in complete control of his matchup for the majority of this game. He was clam, cool and collective at the faceoff X compiling a ton of clean wins against a talented fogo and whenever Taft put out a long pole. He did a great job utilizing his wings and he also showed his ability to create offensive opportunities for his team in unsettled situations.
Luke Miller (2024) - The soon to be 4 year starter for the Eagles had another all around solid performance. Of course he’s a talented offensive player but the hustle plays Miller makes is incredible. He is one of the best riding attackman I’ve seen this summer. He zipped down field to completely stop a Taft fast break. Miller had a beautiful toe drag to get space before netting his first goal. He had another easy finish on a fast break. Miller who's headed to Notre Dame is a must watch player this summer.
Brendan Millon (2025)- NLF’s number 1 ranked 2025 prospect showed off the vision all afternoon. He was setting up his teammates and giving them terrific looks to boost this offense. Millon dissected the Taft defense and made a ton of great feeds. The combination between him and Ben Firle was a scary one. Millon is a great dodger and he continuously proves to be one of the smartest players on the field. He'll create an exciting duo with Luke Miller once again next season
Aidan Seibel (2025) - The 2025 goaltender had a day for the Eagles. Seibel easily had double digit saves in this contest and there were some impressive ones. He had one of the most incredible saves I’ve seen all summer after diving up from the ground saving a shot right on the crease after making the initial save. Seibel brought impressive energy as the leader on the back end. He made numerous saves on hard well placed shots which kept the Eagles ahead in this one. On September 1st you can count on Seibel drawing plenty of attention from Division 1 schools.
Ben Firle (2024)- I’d have to say Firle was the player of the game in this one. He is a lights out shooter and he proved that his shooting abilities are some of the best in high school lacrosse. He did it in a variety of ways, Firle had two step down shots that were absolute rockets that went top shelf. Then Firle showed off how impressive of a dodger he is. His first goal came down the lefty alley where he exploded through contact and got to his right hand inside and finished. Firle then came over a pick on a righty sweep where he hammered a shot low and away to score his third goal. Georgetown has a terrific goal scorer coming to their program.
Max Allen (2024) /Michael Tan (2025)- These two long poles were extremely impressive for Mcdonogh. Max Allen who’s headed to Georgetown is an athletic defender who looked great 1 on 1. He had a phenomenal takeaway check and he’s got the footwork to cause players some issues. Michael Tan who played behind some talented LSM’s has a bright future. He is aggressive and a great player in the open field. Tan can scoop up ground balls and get his team offensive possessions. Both of these guys bring the juice on defense and will be exciting to watch as time goes on.
Taft
Ben Wick (2024)- The lefty attackman had two goals for Taft and he’s a slippery player who can finish the rock efficiently. He scored his first goal on a fast break where he handled a tough pass and ripped one low to high. Wick would also show his off ball ability. On his second goal he did a tremendous job timing his cut and Wick had an easy catch and finish.He will build off of his successful junior year and be one of New England’s top goal scorers
Samuel Lovell (2024)- Taft was down 8-5 late in the third quarter and that's when Samuel Lovell stepped up when it mattered most. His team had a man up and Lovell was willing to let it fly. As the third quarter expired, Lovell called his own number as he stepped in and unleashed a high to low laser. In the 4th quarter, Taft still had an EMO and it was Lovell striking again. He stepped in and scored again to make it a one goal game. Both of his goals were off stick and very well placed, Lovell came up clutch to get Taft back in it
Ben Friedman (2024)- He might’ve not had a crazy number of saves but Friedman certainly had timely stops to keep Taft in it and he also showed that he is one of the most athletic goalies in America. The Yale bound 2024 is a prospect that can make every type of save. His reaction time and his hands are incredible. Friedman made quick and smart decisions in the clear game and threw phenomenal outlet passes.
Henry Hughes (2025)- The twitchy dodger had a terrific day for Taft. Hughes is a speedster and he scored the first goal for Taft on a terrific speed dodge. Hughes accelerated past his defender and turned the corner and put it top shelf. Hughes also was great on the ride creating chances for his team. He did the little things and picked up ground balls and ran past Mcdonogh players to get his squad possessions.
Jack Elliot (2024)- The Michigan bound defender is going to be an elite player for Taft during his senior season. He’s exactly what you want in a number one defender. He was solid in his matchup and when you watch Elliot shows off the leadership and all the fundamental traits in team defense. Elliot has good size and he can move very well. He was fun to watch against these Mcdonogh attackmen and he’s a player that will get exciting matchups in his senior season.
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