Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/13/25
One of a series of scholastic previews for the 2025 season
Marple Newtown Tigers
League: Central League
Head Coach: Kevin Merchant (Year 6- Overall Record 75-20) Assistants: Joe Kostack, Tyler Kostack, Jake Huey, Logan Barlock, Nate Hawkins, Cain Tarquini, Jimmy Small, Kevin Hahn, Marcus Weathers
2024 Record: 22-3
2024 Team Honors: PIAA 2A State Champs, District 1 2A Champs
Opener: March 14th @ home vs Upper Dublin
Key returners: Brian Box, Marco D’alicandro, Ryan Keating, Jude Jelus, Chase Egan, Evan Kostack, Brett Wolski, Jace Kostack, Kevin Hodlofski, Ryder Palubinski
Key newcomers: Mikie Carr, Phillip Fingo, Jack Dreger, Stavros Stefanidis, Bobby Knapp, Finn Hopkins, Ryan Wagner, Kevin Gillan, Auggie Bruder, Liam Merchant, Gavin Bendig, Henry Benner, Kieren Henessey, Michael Murray, Michael Rush, Jacob Maida
Coach’s Outlook for 2025: “We are looking to build on the success of the previous years and carve out our 2025 path by defining our culture every time we step on the field.”
Conestoga
League: Central League
Head Coach: Brian Samson, coach CHS from 2001-2014 (225 wins, three state titles). Hired as head coach for 24-25 season after a 10-year break which included coaching stints at Villanova, Marple, and Conestoga (assistant). Assistants: Greg Hein, Eric Gorman and Volunteer assistants Peter Scott and Matt Logan
2024 record: 12-6 overall, 7-4 in Central
2024 League honors: Goalie Mikey Johnson, 2nd Team All CL. Gunnar Flesher, HM All Central
Opener: Avon Grove, 3/18
Key Returners: All American Goalie – Mikey Johnson(12 Hobart). Defense is lead by 11th grader Gunnar Flesher. 10th grade returning varsity player Whit Lukens – rangy and skilled defensive player with great speed and skills. Luke Meyer (11) , Alex Mierzwa (10), Teddy McKenzie (12), and Wade Belinski (12) are also talented and versatile poles all expected to add depth to the defense.
Noah Ulrich (10) Henry Meyer (10) –athletic defense midfielders, who we will count on to make plays, and run the open field.
Offense: Liam Donovan (10) is an emerging attackman, expected to have support from strong underclassmen all competing for time, Nate Mercaldo (10), James McGrath (11) Laird Manifold (9)
Midfielders are anchored by Holt McGinn (12) – holt will face off and play both ends of the field. Plays extremely hard, has a relentless energy, can do many things well.
Matt Scudder (12) is a physical midfielder recovering from shoulder surgery. We hope to get him back in April.
We are excited to debut George McGrath (12) at Midfield. George is going to play goalie at Belmont Abbey. He is one of the best athletes on the team and has selflessly agreed to switch positions for his senior year to help his team.
Charlie Pulliam (9) a big midfielder has impressed the coaches and will play significant minutes as a freshman.
Coach’s Outlook for 2025: “We have a strong defense and elite goalie. We are young and hope to be a team that grows leaps and bounds throughout the season.
“There is a great chemistry and vibe on the team. Great leadership and kids who care and compete.
“We’re not focused on an ultimate accomplishment, just hard work and improvement. I am excited to see how far this team can go.”
