Philly players lead Essex Community College (Md.) to national Juco finals

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/9/10

Three Philly players led Essex Community College to a 16-2 record and a berth in the finals of the men’s National Junior College Athletic Association tournament in 2010.

Freshman defenseman Neil Willis (Malvern Prep) earned first-team Juco All-American honors while sophomore midfielder Reed Phillips (Downingtown East) was a second-team All-American. Freshman midfielder Rocco Pilieri (Downingtown East) was a second-team all-state juco pick.

Willis also was an All-Region 20 First-Team pick, a Maryland Juco First Team selection and both the All-Maryland JUCO and Region 20 Defensive Player of the Year.

Phillips had 22 goals and 15 assists and was named All-Region 20 First Team and Maryland Juco First Team.

Piliero, who had 14 goals and 7 assists, was All-Region 20 Second Team, and Maryland Second Team.

Essex was the Region 20 champion and fell to Onondaga (N.Y.), 17-4, in the national championship game.