HF-L and Victor Open NYS Tournament Play Wednesday Night

Williamsville North High School will host a pair of New York State boys lacrosse tournament first-round games on Wednesday evening, with Section V programs traveling west to face Buffalo-area opponents in the first step to the New York State Championships.

The action gets underway at 5 p.m. with a Class C matchup between Honeoye Falls-Lima and Hamburg. The Cougars arrive as four-time Section V champions and the defending western regional entrant, carrying a 10-6 record built against one of the tougher schedules in the state, including a 16-12 victory over Brighton and a 7-4 win over Hamburg back on April 18.

Hamburg, the Section VI Class C champion at 11-7 overall and a perfect 8-0 in league play, won the sectional title and brings a potent offense capable of big scoring nights. The Bulldogs have been held to four goals in both previous meetings with HF-L this year and last, so breaking through against the Cougars' defense remains their primary challenge. HF-L is favored based on the head-to-head history and a superior cross-section resume, but Hamburg's sectional championship and explosive offense make this worth watching.

The nightcap at 7:30 p.m. brings the biggest game of the week, Class B, with Section V champion Victor taking on Section VI champion Orchard Park. The Blue Devils carry an 18-2 record and the second-highest ranking in New York, with both losses coming by a single goal to elite programs.

Orchard Park finished 17-1, with its only defeat a 7-11 loss to Penfield in April, the same Patriot team that Victor beat 11-8 in the regular season. The Quakers boast what may be among the best defenses in the field, surrendering fewer than five goals per game against a schedule that included McQuaid, Irondequoit, and Fairport. Victor holds the analytical edge on the strength of their schedule, rankings, and postseason form, but Orchard Park is a legitimate threat.  Full Story

Penn Yan and Penfield Look to Defend Section V Honor Thursday Night

Williamsville North will host a second straight night of New York State boys lacrosse tournament action on Thursday, with two more first-round matchups on tap as Section V programs again make the trip west to face Section VI opponents.

The evening opens at 5 p.m. with a Class D clash between Penn Yan and East Aurora. The Mustangs are one of the most decorated programs in New York state history, arriving as the reigning NYS Class D champions and 28-time Section V titlists with a 16-3 record and a coaching staff that has now won 344 games at the school. Penn Yan dismantled top-seeded Palmyra-Macedon 17-5 in the Section V final, never trailing after the opening goal, and carries a roster headlined by Braden Fingar, a Towson-bound midfielder with 85 points on the season, and faceoff specialist Greyson Hathway, who has piled up 178 ground balls.

East Aurora counters with a matching 16-3 record and the Section VI Class D title, won convincingly with a 24-9 final over Eden/North Collins. The Blue Devils have shown they can compete cross-section; their win over HF-L earlier this season is a credential — but Penn Yan beat that same HF-L team 15-5, and Hamburg 15-7, by margins that suggest a different level of dominance. Penn Yan is a clear favorite, though East Aurora's tournament experience and home-area crowd give them a chance to make it interesting.

The nightcap at 7:30 brings the marquee matchup of the week — Class A, Section V champion Penfield against Section VI champion Kenmore. The Patriots finished 14-4 and claimed their eighth Section V title, capped by a 13-3 dismantling of McQuaid in the final. Head coach John Schembri's squad is built around Brodie Joyce, the Section V MVP with 84 points, an All-Section goalie in Mason Schembri, a dominant faceoff specialist in Colin Miller who reached 500 career faceoff wins this season and US Lacrosse All-American AJ Theodorakakos on defense. Kenmore enters at 11-3 with one of the most explosive offenses in Class A anywhere in New York, led by Connor Whitney's 111 points, Bryan Lansing's 86, and freshman Nolan McPhee's 68.

If Kenmore's three-headed attack gets rolling, they are capable of beating anyone. But Penfield's defense, their faceoff dominance, and their tournament pedigree make them the favorite heading into Thursday night.

Winners from both games advance to Saturday's regional round, with Section V victors hosting at Honeoye Falls-Lima High School. Full Story

HFL Holds Off Hamburg 8-7 and Advance

HFL survived a Hamburg fourth-quarter rally to win 8-7 and advance in the NYS Tournament, with Jackson Coon and Grady Goodberlet each netting three goals to lead the way. Sam Jokl dominated the faceoff circle at 78% to help the Cougars control possession and preserve the victory. Full Story

Victor Pulls Away Late to Down Orchard Park 12-8

Victor pulled away from a closely contested game with a big second quarter to defeat Orchard Park 12-8, with Colin Wheeler (3g), Jackson Mead (2g), Lincoln Sny…Victor pulled away from a closely contested game with a big second quarter to defeat Orchard Park 12-8, with Colin Wheeler (3g), Jackson Mead (2g), Lincoln Snyder (2g-1a), and Eli Ricci (2g) leading the offense while Matthew Herendeen orchestrated the attack with three assists. Full Story

HFL and Victor Keep Sectional Sweeps Alive

DAY IN REVIEW: WEDNESDAY - It was a good day for Section V lacrosse, as both HFL and Victor advanced in the NYS Tournament. The Cougars survived a furious Hamburg fourth-quarter rally to escape with an 8-7 win, with Jackson Coon and Grady Goodberlet each scoring three goals to pace the offense. Victor had a little trouble with Orchard Park, but pulled away for a 12-8 victory behind three goals from Colin Wheeler and three assists from Matthew Herendeen. Both teams now await their next opponents as they continue deep postseason runs.

HONEOYE FALLS-LIMA-8 at HAMBURG-7 - HFL survived a Hamburg fourth-quarter rally to win 8-7 and advance in the NYS Tournament, with Jackson Coon and Grady Goodberlet each netting three goals to lead the way. Sam Jokl dominated the faceoff circle at 78% to help the Cougars control possession and preserve the victory.  [ Story and BOX SCORE]   - - More images in the photo gallery.

VICTOR-12 at ORCHARD PARK-8 - Victor pulled away from a closely contested game with a big second quarter to defeat Orchard Park 12-8, with Colin Wheeler (3g), Jackson Mead (2g), Lincoln Snyder (2g-1a), and Eli Ricci (2g) leading the offense while Matthew Herendeen orchestrated the attack with three assists.    [ Story and BOX SCORE]   - - More images in the photo gallery. Full Story

Section V Goes 4-for-4 in Section VI

DAY IN REVIEW: THURSDAY - It was a perfect two days for Section V lacrosse. Penfield and Penn Yan picked up wins Thursday to join HFL and Victor, who advanced Wednesday, sending all four Section V representatives to the State Regional round at Honeoye Falls-Lima High School on Saturday. Penfield rolled past Kenmore 18-6 behind 11 goal-scorers and coach John Schembri's 200th career win, while Penn Yan edged East Aurora 9-6 on a historic five-goal, 200th-career-goal night from Braden Fingar.

Saturday's schedule at HFL features four compelling Section V vs. out-of-section matchups: Victor (Class B) opens at 10AM against Horseheads (Section IV), followed by HFL (Class C) against Jamesville-DeWitt (Section III) at noon, Penn Yan (Class D) againstMarcellus (Section III) at 2PM, and Penfield (Class A) closing out the day against West Genesee (Section III) at 4PM.

PENN YAN-9 at EAST AURORA-6 - Braden Fingar hit a milestone Thursday evening, scoring his 200th and 201st career varsity goals, finishing the night with five goals and an assist to power Penn Yan past East Aurora 9-6 in non-league tournament play at Williamsville North. The Mustangs extended their winning streak to 14 games and improved to 17-3 on the season.

Fingar was the story of the night, but he had plenty of support. Collin Bacher added two goals and an assist, Miles Ditzell chipped in a goal and an assist, and Levi and Tukker Fisher each contributed two assists. Sophomore goalkeeper Wilson Oliva was steady in net, stopping 11 shots to preserve the win.

East Aurora (16-4) kept it competitive throughout, with Ethan Mior leading their offense with three goals and an assist, but Penn Yan's balanced attack and Fingar's historic night proved too much to overcome.  [ Story and BOX SCORE]   - - More images in the photo gallery.

PENFIELD-18 at KENMORE-6  - Penfield dominated from the opening whistle, scoring eight first-quarter goals on the way to an 18-6 non-league victory over Kenmore, with 11 different players finding the net. Griffin Banister (2g-3a) and Nick Dicataldo (3g-1a) led the offense, while head coach John Schembri earned his 200th career win and defensive midfielder George Marron scored his first varsity goal.  [ Story and BOX SCORE]   - - More images in the photo gallery. Full Story

Penfield Rolls Past Kenmore 18-6, Schembri Joins 200-Win Club

Penfield rolled to an 18-6 win over Kenmore behind 11 goal-scorers and a dominant faceoff performance, with the victory also marking head coach John Schembri's 200th career win. Full Story

Fingar Reaches 200 Career Goals as Penn Yan Tops East Aurora 9-6

Braden Fingar scored five goals to surpass 200 for his career as Penn Yan pulled away from East Aurora 9-6, extending the Mustangs' winning streak to 14 games. Full Story

Victor Moves on to Semifinals

DAY IN REVIEW: SATURDAY - Saturday's NYS Regional quarterfinals at HFL produced a split result for Section V, with Victor dominating while Penn Yan, HFL, and Penfield all saw their seasons come to an end.

Victor was the clear highlight, dismantling Horseheads 17-4 behind Jackson Mead's six-goal performance and a 12-goal scoring run to open the game. The Blue Devils collected milestones along the way, coach Dan Stone's 100th win, Eli Ricci's 700th career faceoff win, and first varsity goals for Caleb Hall and freshman Ben Gotham, as Victor advances to the next

The other three Section V teams put up fights but couldn't advance. HFL led JD 4-3 after one quarter before being outscored 12-0 the rest of the way, ending the Cougars' season at round at 19-2.13-7. Penn Yan fell to a potent Marcellus attack 19-11, closing out at 17-4 despite Braden Fingar's two goals in his final game. Penfield battled West Genesee throughout but dropped a 14-10 decision, finishing at 15-5 in a season that featured coach John Schembri's 200th career win and a sectional championship.
Victor alone carries Section V's banner forward, with their next game in Cortland on Thursday.

MARCELLUS-19 at PENN YAN-11 - Marcellus dominated from the opening whistle, building a 6-1 first-quarter lead and never looking back in a 19-11 victory that ended Penn Yan's season at 17-4.  [ Story and BOX SCORE]   - - More images in the photo gallery.

HORSEHEADS-4 at VICTOR-17  - Jackson Mead's six-goal performance headlined a dominant 17-4 Victor victory over Horseheads, as the Blue Devils rattled off 12 straight goals to open the game and coach Dan Stone collected his 100th career win.    [ Story and BOX SCORE]   - - More images in the photo gallery.

JD-16 at HONEOYE FALLS-LIMA-4  - Jamesville DeWitt outscored HFL 12-0 after the first quarter to end the Cougars' season 16-4, with Jason Bennett making 21 saves in a losing effort to surpass 500 career saves as HFL closes out at 13-7.  [ Story and BOX SCORE]   - - More images in the photo gallery.

WEST GENESEE-14 at PENFIELD-10  - West Genesee pulled away from Penfield 14-10 behind Liam Kelly's four goals and three assists, ending the Patriots' season at 15-5.  [ Story and BOX SCORE]   - - More images in the photo gallery. Full Story

Marcellus Pulls Away Early, Ends Penn Yan's Season

Marcellus dominated from the opening whistle, building a 6-1 first-quarter lead and never looking back in a 19-11 victory that ended Penn Yan's season at 17-4. Full Story

Victor Blue Devils Roll Into Semifinals

Jackson Mead's six-goal performance headlined a dominant 17-4 Victor victory over Horseheads, as the Blue Devils rattled off 12 straight goals to open the game and coach Dan Stone collected his 100th career win. Full Story

HFL's Season Ends at Home

Jamesville DeWitt outscored HFL 12-0 after the first quarter to end the Cougars' season 16-4, with Jason Bennett making 21 saves in a losing effort to surpass 500 career saves as HFL closes out at 13-7. Full Story

West Genesee Ends Penfield's Season in Class A Quarterfinal

West Genesee pulled away from Penfield 14-10 behind Liam Kelly's four goals and three assists, ending the Patriots' season at 15-5. Full Story

USA Lacrosse National Awards

*+The Head Coaches of Section V considered players who had been nominated for All-American and All-Academic awards. The awards identify some of the best players from each area around the country. Each of the head coaches in the Section is allowed to vote on each of the awards. The selections from our area were then submitted to the USA Lacrosse for final approval.

The All-American awards are given to excellent lacrosse players from the area. The national program allows one award for each six teams in the area but this year there were six awards available. Fifteen players were nominated. Section V coaches require that players who are in leagues must make first team league honors in order to be considered.

For the All-Academic award, emphasis has been placed on the academic qualification of the nominees, but players were required to be assets for their teams. Where, in the past, nominees for this award were first considered for their skill on this field, again this year, although skill was considered important, nominees did not need to be "All-American" quality players. Academically, nominees needed to have an average GPA of 3.7 (on a 4.0 scale). There were also six awards available in Section V and some players were nominated for both awards.

The Head Coaches also selected a USA Lacrosse Coach of the Year for NYS Section V. This year the coaches selected Pittsford Head Coach Andrew Whipple who led the Panthers to an undefeated regular season with a highly competitive Class B and Monroe County D-2 schedule.

In 2012, USA Lacrosse added an award named for the long-time Johns Hopkins lacrosse coach and Athletic Director, Bob Scott. The annual award is given to a senior of outstanding character, good academic standing and one who demonstrates good sportsmanship and safe play. The winner from Section V, this year, is Isaac Bailey, from Churchville-Chili High School.

Head Coach, Ryan Yunker says, "Isaac is the epitome of leading by example, always does the right thing, says the right thing, and is striving for excellence in every area of his life. He was voted team captain twice by his teammates, clearly demonstrating that he has his peers respect."

"Just as Isaac sets an example for our team with his never ending work ethic and motor, he has also been a phenomenal vocal motivator for our players. In a particularly hard practice this year Isaac took charge and made sure to push EVERYONE on the team to give their all and push through the pain to get better. It didn't matter if it was a freshman first year, or a fellow senior captain, Isaac was right behind them making sure they were running all out through the line and finishing every rep to the max. Isaac Bailey is truly one-of-one and I can't think of another kid more deserving of this award. "

• Braden Finger- Penn Yan senior Midfielder - Towson
  Head Coach Brian Hobart  says: "Braden has been the rock of my program for five years. He does all that is ever asked of him and looks to do more. He excels in all areas of the game - offense, defense, wing play and special teams. He is one of the finest young men I have had the pleasure to be involved with in my 25 years in education. What stands out most to me is his character and his ability to do the right thing in situations even if it is the more difficult choice. He expects high character choices from himself but also encourages and demands it from his teammates. It has been my true pleasure to watch him grow as a young man and a leader since he first began playing for me in 8th grade." 
  
  
• Grady Goodberlet - Honeoye Falls-Lima junior attackman - Maryland
  Head Coach Eric Goodberlet says: "Grady genuinely cares about his teammates and the success of our team. He consistently demonstrates fairness and compassion, treating everyone with respect regardless of their skill level. Grady understands that every player in our program brings value, has a role, and is a vital part of our overall program success. He is willing to play any position on the field and is extremely versatile. He brings and demands a high level of focus and intensity at practice and on game day which has proven to be contagious. Our overall team success in the recent years has been a result of this level of work ethic in which Grady's leadership has been the foundation." 
  
  
• Brodie Joyce - Penfield senior Attackman - Providence
  Head Coach John Schembri says: "A two-time lacrosse captain Brodie's work ethic and ability to foster younger offensive players is remarkable. He has been a leader of our offense for the last two seasons and excels in all aspects of the game. Shooting, feeding, and riding. His motor does not quit. He is a difference maker for our team. His quiet confidence in the face of adversity is a calming factor for fellow teammates when tensions rise and he brings a level head and valuable feedback to game time adjustments. Brodie has rewritten many of Penfield's offensive records. Points in a career, Career Goals, Career Assists, and Most points in a single season. All this while excelling in the classroom carrying a 4.0 GPA while taking six AP courses and multiple SUPA/SUPA/Dual enrollment classes. He is also a member of the national honor society." 
  
  
• Eli Ricci - Victor sophomore faceoff midfielder - Undecided
  Head Coach Dan Stone says: "Eli is a student-athlete who represents Victor High School with discipline, humility, and competitive integrity. He is a fierce competitor who continually pushes himself and his teammates to grow and become the best version of themselves. He has established himself as one of the most reliable and impactful face-off specialists in the area, and his influence on games continues to grow. Eli's progression from winning possession to consistently turning those wins into offensive opportunities makes him a multifaceted threat for opponents to plan for. His continued development as a two-way threat has made him a more complete midfielder whose impact is felt not only at the draw, but throughout the flow of the game." 
  
  
• AJ Theodorakakos - Penfield senior defenseman - US Military Academy at West Point
  Head Coach John Schembri says: "Despite the title of being a two-time captain he leads through example. A.J. epitomizes everything we ask of a Penfield Lacrosse Player. More than his unique skill set, his effort, physicality, work ethic, character and leadership are second to none. That is why it should be no surprise that he was selected to serve our country at the USMA at West Point after he graduates. We are blessed to have someone like A.J. as a leader in our program. A.J. is the #1 ranked defensemen in the Country for the 2026 class by Inside Lacrosse and the #4 overall recruit for the 2026 class. He was selected to the coveted New Balance Senior All-Star game the summer of 2026, an honor only given to the nation's best players and he is a two-time US All-American."
  
  
• Avery Valenti - Pittsford senior midfielder - Colgate
  Head Coach Andrew Whipple says: "Avery has been on Varsity since 7th grade. A true two way midfielder and has had an amazing senior year on a strong team. Avery is an amazing teammate and young man. I am sure other school's players would say the same. Avery is my best midfielder on both ends of the field. He had six goals vs Thomas, two goals and an assist vs Hilton, six goals and two assists vs Irondequoit, five goals vs West Genesee, three goals and 2 assists vs Canandaigua, four goals vs Marcellus, three goals and 2 assists vs Brighton and three goals vs Fayetteville, Manlius."
  
  

• Issac Bailey - Churchville-Chili senior faceoff midfielder - Uncommitted
  Head Coach Ryan Yunker says: "On the field He is a true throwback two-way midfielder that does literally everything for us, face offs, man up, man down, offense, defense, and everything in between. He even convinced us to let him use a pole for a few man downs this year. In the age of position specialization this kid does not come off the field. A game early in the season he took his first sub of the game with 5 minutes left in the third quarter. He attacks every play and every groundball with a tenacity that just cannot be taught. Our players think we have been joking but our team motto next year is BE LIKE ISAAC. He always does the right thing, always says the right thing, and is always striving for excellence." 
  
  
• Ryland Dunham - Geneva senior midfielder - Roberts Wesleyan 
  Head Coach Jeff Dunham says: "As a four-year starter on varsity, Ryland has grown tremendously as a leader amongst the team. Not only does his play and work ethic on the field serve as an example to his teammates, but he is consistently coaching up the younger players on the team. He is a great young man. He is well-respected by his peers, faculty, and staff at Geneva High School. His stats rank him fourth all-time is our school history and he will finish second in career goals. He will finish as four-year All-League player. In the classroom he is a member of National Honor Society."
  
  
• Carson Lich - Palmyra-Macedon senior midfielder - Ohio Northern
  Head Coach Joe Hill says, "Carson boasts an extraordinary resume of athletic and academic excellence that makes him a standout candidate. On the lacrosse field, he was named All-State 1st Team and Finger Lakes Co-Player of the Year in 2025, following it up this season with another dominant performance as the league's Defensive Player of the Year. A phenomenally versatile three-sport athlete, In the classroom, he matches that elite drive by ranking #7 in his class while pursuing an Advanced Regents Diploma alongside numerous rigorous IB courses. Furthermore, Carson completed the demanding Project Lead the Way (PLTW) STEM sequence, developing the critical thinking and hands-on engineering skills necessary to qualify for the renowned engineering program at Ohio Northern University, where he will proudly continue his academic journey and play collegiate lacrosse. "
  
  
• Eric Odell - Greece Storm senior faceoff midfielder - Clarkson
  Head Coach Shane Cole says, "Eric demonstrates strong leadership qualities through his role as a captain of our team. As a captain, he is trusted to hold his teammates accountable in a respectful and constructive manner, ensuring that team standards are maintained in both effort and attitude. He consistently leads by example, showing up prepared, focused, and willing to put in the work required for success, which naturally elevates the behavior and performance of those around him. He is currently a top leader in Section V for career faceoff wins and is a big reason for getting us offensive possessions. He is a role model for our team and always does the right thing and is willing to put in the hard work to get positive results.
  
  
• Mason Schembri - Penfield senior goalie - Uncommitted
  Head Coach John Schembri says, "Mason is a young man that is defined by his character. He loves life and his friends. He is always looking to do what is right and fair. He is always leading through example, that is why it should be no surprise he was selected as a captain in both his junior and senior seasons by his peers. A 4.0 student, the National Honor Society member has taken eleven AP/Dual credit course and will arrive at college with over 30 college credits, essentially making him a college sophomore academically. He broke the all-time saves record for Penfield as a junior making 700 career saves at 60%. Mason is someone that represents our program with character and integrity. Mason is someone that represents our program with character and integrity."
  
  
• Zack Tortora - Spencerport senior midfielder - Canisius
  Head Coach Bill Buttaro says, "Zach is the epitome of a what a winning person looks like. He works hard, and plays even harder. He does things that very few people in our league are asked to do. For three seasons he has played every game from beginning to end at midfield, taking only one break per game. He is a three-time captain, works with the kids coming up in our youth lacrosse program, and plays three Varsity Sports. He is a pillar of the Spencerport Community. When he plays defense, coaches isolate him to tire him out. He doesn't get tired. He just continues to work harder. There have been very few players that I have watched that can take over a game like he can. Defensively he is one of the best players on the field. He is strong, fast and nobody wants it more than him. He is the epitome of a Lacrosse Player and Leader. I am lucky to have coached him. "

Victor Faces Stiffest Test Yet as Niskayuna Awaits at SUNY Cortland

*+NISKAYUNA at VICTOR — The last Section V team standing takes on one of Section II's most storied programs Thursday afternoon, as the Victor Blue Devils (20-2) travel to SUNY Cortland for a 4:00 p.m. Class B semifinal showdown against the Niskayuna Silver Warriors (17-3).

Victor has been impressive in the NYS tournament, routing Orchard Park 12-8 in the opening round before Jackson Mead's six-goal, one-assist performance headlined a 17-4 dismantling of Horseheads in the regional quarterfinal, a game that also gave head coach Dan Stone his 100th career win at Victor and pushed sophomore Eli Ricci past 700 career faceoff wins. The Blue Devils are on an eleven-game winning streak and have outscored tournament opponents 29-12.

Niskayuna brings its own momentum to Cortland, having survived back-to-back one-goal thrillers to get here. The Silver Warriors edged Fayetteville-Manlius 14-13 in the regional final on a Parker Kelly goal with less than a minute to play, and haven't lost since April. The 21-time Section II champions are 17-3 with 287 goals on the season, and carry one of the more unusual statistical profiles in the field. They average just 4.6 goals through the first three quarters combined, then erupt for 7.3 in the fourth. The F-M win was no fluke; Niskayuna has been doing this all season.

The teams met once in the regular season, with Victor prevailing 9-6 on April 25 in a game that also marked Ricci's 500th career faceoff win. The sophomore has become one of the most dominant face-off midfielders in Class B, and he will be the central figure again on Thursday. If Victor can control possession and protect a lead into the fourth quarter, the Blue Devils should advance. If Niskayuna can keep it close through three, the Silver Warriors' fourth-quarter track record makes them dangerous.

The game will be streamed live on the NFHS Network. The winner advances to the Class B state final at Hobart and William Smith College, in Geneva on Sunday. Full Story