On Monday, I was doing color commentary on Varsity Media for the downstate championship game between Kellenberg and Iona Prep. It was an intense game between both squads and it featured some very talented players. Iona Prep got the best of Kellenberg by the score of 12-6 and they will face the Buffalo winner for the AA state championship. Checkout my top performers from the game.
Iona Prep
Brandon Blenk- The senior headed to Siena was named the game MVP after finishing with 4 goals on the day. The speedster caused so many problems for the Kellenberg defense as he proved to be a talented dodging threat. Blenk had the strength to withstand contact and have a second burst to blow by defenders. This one of the younger Iona Prep teams, and it was evident that he was a leader on the field
Blaise New- The captain was one of the best pure athletes on the field. The UMass bound senior was a lockdown short stick defensive midfielder. He would guard his offensive player all the way out to the parking lot. He had the speed and strength where he simply wouldn’t get beat. Kellenberg had some physical dodgers but that played right into New’s favor as he delivered terrific jams and would constantly win his matchups. He also played well offensively as a true two way player for the Gales
Rocco Portante- When the lights are bright, Portante comes to play. The goaltender followed up his 8 save first quarter against Archbishop Stepinac with another incredible outing in the opening frame vs Kellenberg. Portatne had three saves on the opening possession to set the tone. He made several point blank saves showing off his athleticism. He held Kellenberg scoreless in the first quarter and to just one goal in the entire first half.
Tim Plunkett- It's hard to believe he’s just a freshman. Plunkett was a mature leader from behind the cage and was a true X attackman. Just like all year, he did a good job quarterbacking the offense. He always had his head up and made great decisions to find his teammates. The duo he has created with fellow freshman Billy Haggerty is a special one. Plunkett’s feeding ability and Haggerty’s shooting is going to terrorize teams for years to come.
Crew Davis- Another freshman for this Iona Prep squad, had a big day all over the field. He is an elite two way midfielder for the Gales. Already at 6 foot and 180 pounds he’s a terrific athlete and is very strong defensively. He did well in his 1v1 matchups and he also had key hustle plays and did a great job sprinting back on defense to prevent transition. On offense, he was a nightmare for short stick, as he easily got down the alley for a goal. Davis also had a beautiful hitch in the fourth quarter, he’s one of the most athletic 2026’s in New York.
Will Scala- He’s a guy that could be left on his own island out there. The Villanova bound senior has impeccable quickness and he wasn’t getting beat 1v1. He did a great job on ground balls and he was easily one of the most skilled players on the field as a long pole. He was the rock of this defensive unit that played outstanding against a good Kellenberg offense. The physicality and aggressiveness between him and junior Ryan Lunstead caused issues all game.
Kellenberg
Charlie Villa- Recently named team MVP, Villa was the general out there for the Firebirds. He was challenged with a very good Iona Prep offense and he made some quality saves for Kellenberg. The Tampa commit is one of the more athletic goalies on the island, being able to drop down to shots while also being able to handle high heat. His leadership for the Firebirds defense was evident and Villa is going to do great things at the next level
Owen Fitzgerald- The senior long pole was one of the most effective players for the Firebirds. He was one of the fastest players on the field and he made plays clearing the ball and picking up GB’s. I really liked him on the wing and he was a difference maker in transition to put pressure on this Iona Prep. He was also physical and threw solid checks, he was one of the top players all season long for Kellenberg.
Michael Anzelone- The quick two handy midfielder was the top dodger for Kellenberg. He was a good initiator and he was winning some of his matchups and he drew very quick slides. He got the offense moving during this one and he finished with a goal and an assist. He could’ve easily had more if Rocco Portante didn’t make some tough saves. Anzelone did a good job getting other juniors involved like Michael Felcetti who had 3 assists and Maverick Chernoff who is a great step down shooter.
James Rosellon- The faceoff specialist headed to Pace outperformed expectations by having a big day at the X. He was able to win a number of faceoffs to himself and secure possession for his team. What was really impressive was the size and strength Rosellon has. When he won the clamp, his power was too much and he did a good job handling the ball and didn’t let pressure phase him.
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