The club also performed well in the 2023 AA Class, sending two Duke’s teams to the finals in Duke’s Young Guns and Duke’s Elite 2023’s. Ultimately it was Duke’s Young Guns who came out on top, but the club was happy either way. 

“It wasn’t our tournament necessarily, but you have to give credit to coach [Jack] Forster and the Young Guns,” said Duke’s Elite 2023 coach and Duke’s president Ebe Helm. “They played well all tournament.”

The 2022 high school class championship game featured a Duke’s Elite 2022 vs. Sidewinders 2022 matchup. While Duke’s Elite 2022 was able to hold off the Sidewinders the day before in a 7-4 win, Sunday proved to be a different story. Even with a 3-1 halftime lead with two first-half goals from La Salle College High School attackman and Marist commit PJ Oppenheimer, the Sidewinders came on late with two goals from Will Mercer of Indian Creek School to tie the game late and win in overtime. 

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 11/14/16

The Dukes Lacrosse Club 2021 Young Guns defeated Long Island Express Black, 6-2, today to claim its divisional title (2021 Brown) at the Lahigh Lacrosse King of the Mountain at the Goodman Campus.

Dukes beat BBL Elite (Building Blocks) 7-5, Edge (Canada) 7-1 and Long Island Express 8-7 to go 3-0 in pool play. Dukes toppled Blaze 5-2 in the semifinals.

Duke’s L.C. Young Guns 2021 won its divisional title at the Lehigh Lacrosse King of the Mountain

Co-coach Rob Forster (who shared the duties with Upper Dublin coach Dave Sowers) noted key players for Dukes:
Midfield- Matt Riley (Leading Scorer), Billy Adams, Liam Labarge
Face-Off- Jayden Santangelo and Matt Riley
Attack- Andrew Sowers (led the team in assists playmaker from X) and Clayton Hollinger, while Brett Rama led by finishing in tight.
Defense- Jake Rossman, Dylan Fesmire, Henry Tarr and Ryan Ngo
Goalie: Nate Yi
Players of the tournament: Yi and Riley

“We learned a lot about this group this weekend,” said Forster, who coaches Academy of the New Church. “They are a great group of competitors that want to be a great team. With only two practices as a team, this group came together and fought through some adversity to earn this championship.

“They have a lot to learn as a team and individually as lacrosse players, but they have proven to be a very coachable group that wants to succeed. Myself and Coach Dave Sowers are extremely excited to see what this team can accomplish.”

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/14/15

Champions from the Passport Alliance Liberty Bell Challenge at Germantown Academy and Upper Dublin, Pa.

2016 – Sweetlax 13, Twist 0 – Click here for game story

Duke’s LC wins 2019 title at Liberty Bell Challenge

2017 – NJ Riot 8, Team Carolina 3 – Click here for game story
2018 – Team Long Island 6, SweetLax 5, OT – Click here for game story
2019 – Duke’s L.C. 4, SweetLax 3 – Click here for game story
2020 – SweetLax 5, Orange Crush 3
2021 – Orange Crush 11, TeamLong Island 2
2022 – Little Dukes 9, Twist 6
2023 – CT Chargers 5, Team DLA 4

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/18/15
Staff Report

The Duke’s Lacrosse Club Team 1 claimed its fourth straight Champ Camp title and ninth in 10 years today as it defeated the Black Rhinos (OR), 7-5, at Johns Hopkins University’s Homewood Field.

The Duke’s L.C. wins fourth straght Champ Camp title and ninth in 10 years

Attackman Forry Smith (Haverford School), who will be playing at Johns Hopkins, had two goals and two assists as the Dukes rallied from an early 2-0 deficit and led, 7-4, before holding on for he win.

“Coach Ebe calls this the Super Bowl weekend,” said Smith. “All tournaments lead up to this tournament. The Dukes program has been able to win nine of the last 10 which is awesome. Just to keep that rolling year after year shows why Philly lacrosse is on the map now.”

The Dukes had defeated the Rhinos, 8-4, in Pool play. But Smith said it was important to regroup today after Friday night’s thrilling 10-9 win over Tri-State Black (N.J.) in the semifinals.

“The morning is always hard to wake up for the last day after three days of getting beat up,” Smith said. “But we got to the field and rallied together and said after pulling off that last night there was no way we were losing. Last night and today were two big games for everyone that’s a part of the Dukes program.”

Duke’s champs – Left to right, Mike Drake, James Vandergrift, Brett Baskin. Austin Clibanoff, Phil Robertson

Jason Yoquinto (Bishop Shanahan) and Ian Walsh (Shipley School) split the goaltending duties today. Yoquinto played the entire game Friday against Tri-State and was a standout. Kevin Stump (St. Joseph’s Prep) added two goals and an assist and Adam Goldner (Malvern Prep) had a goal and an assist whie Kyle Long (Springfield-Delco) and long pole Pat Smyth (Springfield-Delco) each scored once. Alex Bonnett (Penncrest) added an assist.

“Going into last night we had an idea of what they had,” said Smith. “A lot of the guys on Tri-State are from Philly or Hun School or teams we have played against.

“We played well the whole weekend and we were pretty confident. We got ourselves together as the tournament progressed and we knew we had to play quick between the lines. We did a good job playing faster rather than physical. If you looked at their team every player is like 6-4, big and strong and athletic and we have some smaller quicker guys.

“We did a good job playing our game. In the long run that’s what helped us be so successful The coaches did a nice job keeping us fresh with our rotations and Jason came up with some huge saves that sealed the win.”

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/9/15

The Dukes Lacrosse Club will continue its Ricky Whelan Clinics this Sunday after the Labor Day Holiday weekend break.

The clinics are being held at The Shipley School. Players in the classes of 2022 to 2026 check in at 1:30 pm for 2-4 PM sessions while 2016 to 2021 players check in at 4:15 pm for the 4:45- 6:45 PM sessions.

Along with an aggressive and evaluative training regimen each week, several college coaches will serve as guest speakers. This week the guest coach speaker will be Salisbury coach Jim Berkman and he will be followed on successive Sundays by Coach John Tillman (head coach of Maryland, 9/20), Coach Kevin Cassese (head coach at Lehigh, on 9/27) and Coach David Pietramala (head coach at Johns Hopkins on 10/4).

Click here for needed paperwork and registration info for the final four clinics.

These clinic sessions not only are elite learning and training tools for all boys with a “Who’s Who of Coaches” running the clinics, but they are also serving as continuing evaluative tools for all boys looking for a home in the Duke’s Programs leading into a final tryout on 10/11. The initial tryout and clinic saw over 400 boys participate.

Players who Initially have been Selected to the Duke’s High School are:
–2017’s & 2018’s
Jack Frasier and Casey Joyce

–2019’s
Zac Coar, Sam Keyser, Ricky Amorim, Dylan Rahm, Zack May, Ryan Flanagan, Drew Brown, John Austen, Drew Lenkaitis, Devon Cowan, Gavin Derham, Nate Whittaker, Anthony Gugluizza & Luke Talago.

Players Initially Selected for Duke’s Young Guns are:
–2020’s
Aidan Schandley, Alex Belamino, Jake Bernstein, Matteo Gariffo, Ethan Gyllenhaal, Griffin McGinley, John Veit, Brian McCarry, Matt Hemphill, Sam Hoffman, Mike Kalai, Randall Brown, Peter Lehman, Mike Leschinsky, Matt Ottillo & Nate Yi.

–2021’s
Jake Methlie, Matt Geroulo, Luke Walstrom, Aidan Kelly, Brennan Witman, Pete Malitas, Brett Lehman, Josh Gallia, Tim Pot, Nick Cataline, Dean Scalamandre, Luke Cole, Reed Conrey, Dean Fey, Clayton Hollinger, Zack Lippincott, Brady Long, Riley Spitznas, Julian Smith, Henry Tarr, Mike Waetzman , Cade Taylor, Eric Spanos and Mason Lazasz.

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/10/15

Philly U-19 hopefuls: from left, Charles Kelly, Dox Aitken, Christian Feliziani, Grant Ament, Drew Supinski, Michael Sowers, Matt Moore, Jack Rapine, Noah Lejman,, assistant coach Bill Leahy

Drew Supinski (Haverford School, incoming Johns Hopkins freshman) scored two goals and Grant Ament (Haverford School, incoming Penn State freshman) had two assists and Dox Aitken (Haverford School, 2016, Virginia commit) had a goal to help lead the Blue team to a 13-12 win over the White Team Sunday in the U.S. Men’s U19 Exhibition at Homewood Field at Johns Hopkins that capped the weekend’s tryouts among the final 50 players.

Noah Lejman (Haverford School, incoming Penn freshman) had one groundball and helped anchor the defense while Christian Feliziani (Episcopal Academy, 2016, Ohio State commit) won 6 of 14 face-offs and scooped five groundball for the Blue.

For the White Team, Michael Sowers (Upper Dublin, Princeton commit) had two goals and two assists and while Jack Rapine (Upper Dublin, incoming Johns Hopkins commit) had two groundballs and Charles Kelly (Malvern Prep, incoming UNC freshman) won 7 of 13 face-offs and picked four groundballs.

The event featured nine Philly players, including 2017 midfielder Matt Moore (Garnet Valley, Virginia commit). A 10th, goalie Ryan Kern, of Salesianum School, could not attend due to obligations for the Naval Academy where he begins school shortly.

The team is expected to be cut to 30 players today.

Lacrosse Box Score (Final)
U.S. Men’s U19 Exhibition
Blue vs White (Aug 09, 2015 at Baltimore, Md.)

Blue (1-0) vs. White (0-1)
Date: Aug 09, 2015 Attendance: 750
Weather: Low 80s, Sunny

SCORE BY PERIOD 1 2 3 4 OT Total 
Blue 2 5 3 2 1 13
White 2 4 3 3 0 12

Blue SCORING: GOALS: Alex Roesner 4; Drew Supinski 2; Alex Concannon 2; Tyler Dunn 2; Ryan Conrad 1; Henry Grass 1; Dox Aitken 1. ASSISTS: Grant Ament 2; Jared Bernhardt 2; Ryan Conrad 1; Henry Grass 1.
Charles Kelly 7 of 13 FO

White SCORING: GOALS: Brad Smith 3; Michael Sowers 2; Bryan Costabile 2; Mac O’Keefe 1; Joe Licciardi 1; Timmy Kelly 1; Jack Jasinski 1; Alex McGovern 1. ASSISTS: Joe Licciardi 2; Timmy Monahan 2; Mac O’Keefe 2; Michael Sowers 2; Cole Williams 1.
Christian Feliziani 6 of 14 FO

Penalties – Blue 0/0:00; White 1/0:30.

30-second Goals/Warnings (Violations) – Blue 0/0 (0); White 0/0 (0).

Officials: Matt Davis; Kevin Forrester; Marty Joyner; Jeff Bruso. Blue wins in OT on Alex Roesner’s 4th goal

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/20/13

The Duke’s Lacrosse Club (PA) rallied from a 4-2 first-half deficit and claimed a 7-6 victory today over Leading Edge (N.J.), to claim the championship at Champ Camp at Johns Hopkins University’s Homewood Field.

Duke’s L.C. won its 7th Champ Camp title in 8 years

The Dukes won their second straight title and seventh in eight years.

The Dukes used strong goaltending by Will Schreiner (Avon Grove, 2014 G, Penn State) and face-off work by Charles Kelly (Malvern Prep, 2015, North Carolina) and balanced offense to gain the win. 

The Dukes rebounded from a pool play loss to SweetLax (N.Y.) and reached the finals with a 7-4 triumph over Tri-State Gold in the semifinals. Leading Edge toppled highly-regarded Got Skillz, 6-4, in the semifinals.

Scoring for Dukes L.C. were Chase Young (St. Joseph’s Prep), Ryan Hilburn (Malvern Prep), Hunter Jones (Abington), Will Friedman (Great Valley), Mikey Zadroga (Upper Merion), Peter Blynn (Haverford School) and Drew Supinski (Haverford School).

Duke’s coach Ebe Helm noted that his squad has a 100-6 record in the past 12 years at Champ Camp, recognized as one of the top summer tourneys for years. In that span, the Dukes have reached the Final Four all 12 times and made the finals 10 times.

“There was a lot of parity and no standout guy like a (Matt) Rambo on the team,” he said. “I felt these guys had to do something special to earn this – and they did.”

Schreiner said the loss to SweetLax helped the team refocus.

“I think after that loss it was either we go and blame each other or come back together,” he said. “I think everyone still had high spirits after that loss and that helped us.

“It’s amazing. When you join Dukes you learn the goal is always to win Champ Camp. This is the best feeling as a player.”

Schreiner said the Dukes defense pulled together after the early deficit against Leading Edge.

“It took us a little while to fgure it out,” he said “They were strong at midfield and had good outside shooters.

“There also was a lot of hype for the championship game. We were anxious and nervous, but after the first half we felt that this was the last time playing for Dukes. why not go out for a big win?”

Also on Saturday, Team Washington Cohos 2016 defeated Jr. Black Rhinos, 6-4, to claim the first-ever Champ Camp Challenge Championships.

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/14/13
Staff Report

Matt Heim (Central Bucks East, 2014) scored early in overtime on a man up laser to lift the Duke’s Lacrosse Club 1 to a 5-4 victory over Tri-State Black in the Tri-State National Summer Lacrosse Festival Senior AA championship at Mercer County Park (N.J.).

The Duke’s L.C. won the Sr AA title at Tri-State Nationals (Photo by Rene Schleicher)

Heim took a feed from Hunter Jones (Abington, 2015) for the game-winner. Dukes LC had gained the man-up edge late in regulation.

“Once it got to overtime and we had the man up situation everyone was confident at that point,” said Heim, a Loyola commit who had two goals. “We felt the game was ours and we wanted to end it right there.”

Heim had given his team a 4-3 edge with about seven minutes to play, but Tri-State Black tied it with several minutes left. Also scoring for the Dukes were Andrew Pettit (Tower Hill, 2015), Matt Schleicher (Conestoga, 2015) and Mikey Zadroga (Upper Merion, 2014).

Matt Heim had the game-winning goal (Photo by Rene Schleicher)

“It was a real tight game,” said Heim. “This has always been a big one for Dukes.”

Heim noted that the Dukes had not had a lopt of time together and can use this title as a springboard for next week’s much-anticipated Champ Camp at Johns Hopkins where the Dukes have been dominant by winning six of the past seven titles.

“There are always teams gunning for us,” Heim said. “We’ll see Got Skillz, Sweetlax and Tri-State (which won the title in 2011 over Dukes) and some other great teams.

“This weekend we were down five or six guys that couldn’t play but I think this is a big win. We had good chemistry and we’re only going to get better at Champ Camp.”

In the semis, Duke’s 1 defeated its brother team, Duke’s 2 as Schleicher had two goals and an assist.

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/11/13

The U15 (2017) Duke’s Triple H Lacrosse Club opened its summer season by winning the prestigious 2017 Young Guns tournament held at the Boys’ Latin School in Baltimore last weekend.

Dukes HHH champions – Seated: Anthony Giuliani, Matthew Clibanoff, Kevin Vandegrift Kneeling:Coach Eric Gregg, Dylan Tocco, Grant Peden, James Spence, Frankie Labetti, RJ Fink, Shawn Coulter, Brett Baskin, Jake Floyd-Jones, AJ Fantazzia, Joey Wolf
Standing: Coach Harley Brown, Brayden Peck, Doug Jones, Kyle Derrickson, Jake Martellucci, Bobby Gibson, Danny Cassidy, Nick Marren, Malcolm Glendinning, Jake McCaughan, Chris Hladczuk, Michael Clibanoff, Jordan Young, Michael Drake, Mike Fay, Matt Moore, Coach Billy McKinney

The Duke’s Triple H team, comprised of middle school players from the Philadelphia area, emerged victorious over the top club teams in the nation. The teams that competed in Young Guns are: Building Blocks (NJ), Top Gun LittleNecks (MA), Crabs (MD), CT Chargers (CT), Dukes Triple H (PA), LI Express Terps (NY), LI Express Tenacious Turtles (NY), West Coast Starz (CA), Thunder (GA), VLC (VA), West Coast Wild (CA), Breakers (MD), Madlax (DC), Sweet Lax (NY), Team Washington (WA), True Blue (NY), Denver Elite (CO).

“At a tournament, we believe it is the duty of the players to have fun and compete to the best of their capabilities, and it is the duty of the coaches to put the players in the best position to win and help them improve ,” said HHH coach Billy McKinney. “Thankfully, the Triple H players and coaches were able to fulfill our duties at this great event.”

The two-day Young Guns tournament featured a pool play round and a championship tournament. Triple H won the title game, 6-5, over the Baltimore Crabs on game-tying and game-winning goals by Michael Drake.

Duke’s Triple H Squared up against defending Young Guns champion West Coast Starz in the final pool play game to determine the top seed for the championship tournament. Players on the Starz roster are selected from the 22 Regional Starz teams that represent eight states and Canada.

Triple H was able to build a 4-1 halftime lead and held on for 6-3 victory to secure the 1 seed in the championship tournament.

In the first round of the championship tournament, Triple H beat Top Gun Little Necks, 7-4, to advance the semifinals vs. the LI Express Tenacious Turtles, which downed the West Coast Starz, 6-4.

The Tenacious Turtles, who won back-to-back titles at Dick’s Sporting Goods National Tournament of Champions, stormed out to a 2-0 halftime advantage over Triple H. Triple H responded by scoring six unanswered goals in the second half and defeated the Turtles, 6-3. This was the first time the 2017 Tenacious Turtles have been beaten.

Triple H faced the Crabs, who breezed past Building Blocks in the semi-finals by a score of 11-1, in the championship game. The Crabs were able to build a 4-0 halftime lead, but after trading goals in the third quarter, Triple H was able to cut the deficit to three.

The score after three quarters was 5-2. Triple H stormed into the fourth quarter and scored two unanswered goals. With 56 seconds on the clock and the score 5-4 in favor of the Crabs, Triple H called a time out with possession of the ball.
Drake scored with 32 seconds left on the clock to tie the game at 5-5. The game went into overtime, and after trading possessions, Drake netted the game winner.

Anthony Giuliani was rewarded with the tournament MVP for his dominant play at the face-off x throughout the tournament.

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/27/12

The Duke’s Lacrosse Club captured its sixth Champ Camp title in seven years Saturday by edging Baltimore power GotSkillz, 8-7, in overtime at Homewood Field at Johns Hopkins University.

Duke’s L.C. Champ Camp winners, 2012

The Dukes won it when Matt Rambo (La Salle) fed Sean Coleman (La Salle) for the deciding goal 37 seconds into overtime. The possession came after a face-off win by rising sophomore Charles Kelly (Malvern Prep), who excelled all week as the Dukes went 9-0.

Dukes coach Ebe Helm – whose team has reached Champ Camp finals nine straight years and the Final Four 11 straight tourneys – said the championship established the team as one of the top classes in many years.

“We challenged this class of 2013 to identify the legacy we wanted to leave for the Dukes program,” Helm said. “The field was very challenging.”

The Dukes went 9-0 and had a key 6-5 win over defending champion Tri-State (White) in the quarterfinals before blitzing Team 24 (N.Y.), 13-2, in the semifinals.

In the title game, eight different players scored for the Dukes: Rambo, Chris Hilburn (Malvern Prep), Nick Valentino (Hempfield), Trevor Kupecky (Upper Merion), Grayson Helm (Wyomissing), Mike Sutton (St. Augustine Prep) and Reilly Hupfeldt (Haverford School).

Matt Barrett (Malvern Prep) was the winning goalie and Kelly more than held his own against top upperclassmen.

Duke’s Captains at Champ Camp: L to R: Coach Ebe Helm; Tanner Peck; Mike Sutton; Grayson Helm; Jimmy Murphy; Tyler Butler; Charles Kelly; Austin Pifani; Matt Barrett; Matt Rambo; Sean Coleman; Trevor Kupecky.

The Dukes had seized a 6-2 lead in the second half with the help of five straight goals. But Villanova recruit Devin McNamara (Loyola Blakefield) scored twice for GotSkillz and after Hilburn gave the Dukes a 7-6 lead Princeton recruit Sam Bonafede (Chaminade) tied it with 2 minutes left in regulation.

In the win over Tri-State, Rambo had two goals and two assists, Hupfeldt and Sutton scored twice and Jeff Cimbalista (La Salle) had three assists.

The Dukes also routed Fog City, 15-2 in the playoffs. That team was loaded with D1 recruits from California. Earlier in pool play, the Dukes handled SweetLax, 5-1, in a game called at the half due to lightning. SweetLax had many D1 players from New England.

Helm said that Rambo was a dominant force the entire tourney and got great help on offense from Sutton, Coleman, Hupfeldt, Kupecky, and Hilburn as well as middies Jimmy Murphy (Hatboro-Horsham), Tyler Chambers (Episcopal Academy) and Joey Carlini (Malvern Prep).

The defense was led by Austin Pifani (Abington), Stefan Bergman (La Salle), and LSM-SSMs Tim Langerhans (Conestoga) and Tyler Butler (Central Bucks East). Barrett was a standout in goal along with Alex Ready (Manheim Township).

Rambo’s performance capped an amazing summer for the Maryland-bound attackman. He also excelled for the Philly All-Stars in the overtime win over Team USA (game-winning goal) in June and led Team Philly to the Under Armour Underclassmen title (tourney MVP) and La Salle to the Brine Shootout Session 2 crown.

“I think he had a phenomenal summer and is at the forefront,” helm said. “I have not seen a player anywhere that is better. He gets double- and triple-teamed and can make the step-away pass and had a lethal shot.

“Rambo is the full package. It’s really impressive to he and Sutton go after a groundball. It’s like a meal to them; they go after them like no other. They also ride hard.”

Dukes 1 roster
1 Matthew Barrett G Malvern Prep 11
2 Stefan Bergman D La Salle College High School 12
3 Peter Blynn M The Haverford School 10
4 Tyler Butler D Central Bucks East 10
5 Joe Carlini M Malvern Prep 11
6 Tyler Chambers M Episcopal Academy 11
7 Jeffrey Cimbalista M La Salle College High School 11
8 Sean Coleman M La Salle College High School 11
9 Freddy Freibott D Salesianum School 10
10 Charles Giunta LSM William Penn Charter 11
11 Ian Hare D Spring-Ford High School 11
12 Grayson Helm M Wyomissing Area 12
13 Chris Hilburn M Malvern Prep 11
14 Reilly Hupfeldt A The Haverford School 11
15 Charles Kelly III M Malvern Prep 9
16 Trevor Kupecky A Upper Merion 11
17 Timothy Langerhans LSM Conestoga 11
18 Paul Major A Spring-Ford 11
19 Jimmy Murphy M Hatboro-Horsham 11
20 Kevin Murphy M William Penn Charter School 11
21 Tanner Peck A Avon Grove High School 10
22 Austin Pifani D Abington High School 11
23 Matthew Rambo A La Salle 11
24 Alex Ready G Manheim Township 10
25 Kevin Rogers LSM Malvern Prep 11
26 Zack Schleicher M Emmaus HS 11
27 Matthew Senft A Hempfield High School 11
28 Graham Seuffert M Salesianum School 11
29 Michael Sutton M St Augustine Prep 11
30 George Uhrich LSM La Salle College High School 11
31 Nick Valentino M Hempfield High School 11

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/23/12

The Duke’s Lacrosse Club Team 2 finished with a 6-1 record at Champ Camp last weekend in the Baltimore area, faring well against a field that featured many teams stocked with top rising seniors.

Dukes 2 won its Group C bracket (3-0) and lost only to New England power SweetLax (MA, NY, CT) in a difficult first-round playoff game.

With a mix of rising sophomores, juniors and seniors, Dukes 2 responded well to adversity and drew plenty of college coaches to games as most of team is uncommitted.

Offensive middies Chris Daly (Lower Merion), Tyler Haab (Episcopal Academy), Matt Heim (Central Bucks East), Nick Bambino (Penn Charter), Curtis Zappala (Episcopal Academy), Sean Tornetta (Perkiomen Valley), and Chase Young (St. Joseph’s Prep) did a solid job of stretching defenses and finding open teammates.

Two-way middies Drew Schantz (Malvern Prep), Rob Kuhn (Moorestown, NJ), Nick Wojdak (Episcopal Academy), and Jace Liszka (St. Joe’s Prep) provided strong groundball play and created transition opportunities on both ends of the field.

Attackmen Owen Evans (Henderson), Tyler Fuhrman (Boyertown), Jeffery Odiorne (Haverford School), and Drew Murray (Penn Charter) controlled the pace of the game and put home finishing opportunities.

Defensively, Sean Dougherty (Hill School), Will Kroppe (Wyomissing), Andrew Benedict (St. Joe’s Prep) and Hayes Nolte (Germantown Academy) protected the defensive end with smart team defense and timely slides. At the LSM position Joe Earley (Council Rock North), Keith Cameron (Hatboro-Horsham), and Liam O’Donnell (Penncrest) created turnovers and flustered teams in their clearing attempts and between the lines all tourney.

Dukes awards 
Overall MVP honors
Matt Ernst (Episcopal Academy) 69% faceoff percentage
Eric Giannetti (Bishop Shanahan) 2way mid (6g, 3a)

Offensive MVP honors
Tyler Keen (Downingtown West) 9g, 3a
Scott McAvoy (Wyomissing) 10g, 2a
Nick Waligurski (Berks Catholic) 8g

Defensive MVP honors
Jon Weinstein (Bishop Shanahan)
Brian Zappala (Episcopal Academy)
Will Schreiner (Avon Grove)

Dukes 2 Champ Camp results

Dukes 2 vs Team Twist Silver (16-2 win)
Dukes 2 vs Gilman (13-4 win)
Dukes 2 vs Tristate Navy (11-3 win)
Dukes 2 vs Sweetlax (MA, NY, CT) (12-7 loss) 1st round playoffs
Dukes 2 vs Ridgewood 1 (7-6 win)
Dukes 2 vs Team Turnpike Elite 2013 (7-2 win)
Dukes 2 vs Team Turnpike Elite 2014 (9-3 win)

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/12/12

The Duke’s Lacrosse Club defeated Tri-State Black, 4-2, Sunday to claim the Tri-State National Lacrosse Festival Senior AA championship.

The Duke’s L.C. won the Senior AA title at the Tri-State National Lacrosse Festival

The Dukes, playing in their first tourney of the summer, reached the finals for the 4th consecutive year after blanking Team Carolina Red, 8-0, in the semifinals. Behind great faceoff work by Charles Kelly (Malvern Prep), the Dukes were able to control most possessions all tournament long.

Kelly’s win percentage was in the 80% for the tourney. His wingmen did a strong job, as Charles Giunta (Penn Charter), George Uhrich (La Salle), and Freddy Freibott (Salesianum) cleaned up any messes or turned back any break opportunities. TIm Langerhans (Conestoga) handled short stick and Longstick duties.

tWO-WAY middies Jimmy Murphy (Hatboro Horsham), Joey Carlini (Malvern Prep), Kevin Murphy (Penn Charter), and Tyler Chambers (Episcopal Academy) cruised between the restraining lines to spark play in transition.

Tris-State Black jumped out early in championship game to a 2-0 lead before Matt Rambo (La Salle, three goals, one assist) led the attack with a brilliant effort. Jeff Cimbalista (La Salle) scoref the go ahead goal with a step down rip from 12 yards off a Rambo feed.

Defensively, Dukes 1 was sharp in the cage with Matt Barrett (Malvern Prep), and Robbie Zonino (Conestoga), who made many point blank saves. Longstick Austin Pifani (Abington) quarterbacked the defense and often times was the catalyst for offensive production. Carson Scott (Conestoga), Tyler Butler (Central Bucks East), Ian Hare (Spring-Ford), Kevin Rogers (Malvern Prep), and Stefan Bergman (La Salle) patrolled the defensive end with tenacity and confidence.

Offensively, Mike Sutton (St. Augustine) was the right handed sniper for Dukes LC. Brandyn O’Connell (Downingtown East), Paul Major (Spring-Ford), Trevor Kupecky (Upper Merion), Tanner Peck (Avon Grove), and Matt Senft (Hempfield) contributed timely offense as well.

Sean Coleman (La Salle) had his trademark dodging abilities on display and showed his talents with both hands on the run. Chris Hilburn (Malvern Prep), Nick Valentino (Hempfield), Ian Strain (EA), Zack Schleicher (Emmaus) and Peter Blynn (Haverford School) stepped up by being threats offensively and showing why they are all top midfielders in our area.

Now having won its third straight title, the main goal for players and coaches is to regain the Champ Camp trophy on July 21st. This was a positive step.

Click here for link to video of game by Access Lacrosse.

Overall MVP Charles Kelly (Malvern Prep)

Offensive CO-MVP’s Matt Rambo (La Salle) and Mike Sutton (St. Augustine Prep)

Defensive CO-MVP’s Matt Barrett (Malvern Prep), Robbie Zonino (Conestoga), Austin Pifani (Abington), Carson Scott (Conestoga)

Scores
Saturday
8-0 win vs Tristate Gold
8-4 win vs LI Express 2013
6-3 loss vs Ward Melville Elite
Canada Edge Prep & Madlax (Va) cancelled due to storms

Sunday playoffs
9-1 win vs Resolute Black (OH) Upper Arlington area
6-2 win vs Smithtown West Elite
4-2 win vs Ward Melville Elite
8-0 win vs Team Carolina Red
4-2 win vs Tristate Black

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/5/12

The Dukes Lacrosse Club 2015 team claimed the third title of the summer for the program in Baltimore last weekend when it captured the Crabfeast National crown for the third time in six years with a 6-3 victory over the host Crabs.

2012 Crabfeast Champion Dukes L.C.

Despite the hot and humid conditions, the Dukes came with a purpose to measure themselves against some of the best players in the country in their class. With 17 states and Canada represented, it showcased the best talent on the east coast.

In first game on Saturday after dodging trees on main streets and exits into Loyola Stadium’s Ridley complex, Dukes young guns beat eventual semifinalist Leading Edge 2015, 7-4. Phillip Robertson (Salem, VA) controlled pace of game at attack as the Dukes settled into rhythm of the game.

Game 2 had a local flavor with Dukes LC facing off against LB3. Both teams would provide some spectacular transition plays as Dukes LC pulled away in the end 13-6. Two-way middies Chris Friedman (Great Valley) and Aric Dupell (Gov. Mifflin) excelled in transition and stuck a couple trailer breaks. Zach Ward (Hempfield) was versatile quarterbacking at attack and through midfield.

Game 3 on Saturday was heavily attended by coaches and would be the toughest match up of the tourney for Dukes LC as it faced of against the Annapolis Hawks. Solid defense and goalie play highlighted this contest, but Dukes LC was able to get a couple of timely man-up situations and upper 90 stingers to win 4-2. Drew Supinski (Haverford School) quarterbacked the man-up and first midline to provide some solid play making abilities on both ends of the field.

Dukes LC earned the No. 1 seed in its bracket and advanced Sunday into the Top 16 playoff round. A first round game was played at the scenic Boys’ Latin campus vs Building Blocks (NJ). It was a tight affair but offense loosened up as the Dukes pulled away 6-3. Jeff Kern (Saucon Valley), Sam Lehrman (Germantown Academy), and Matt Petrick (Kennett) provided a physical defensive presence to start the playoff round.

The quarterfinal matchup pitted Dukes LC vs Team Michigan, as midfield depth and dominant faceoff X play contributed to a 8-2 win. Andrew Pettit (Tower Hill), Keith White (Methacton), and Matt Donnelly (Clearview, NJ), made some fine passes and finished when opportunities arose.

The semifinal matchup was against the historic Green Turtle program out of the MIAA conference. All three Dukes goalies, Sean McGovern (CB East), Colin Reder (Episcopal Academy) and Ryan Kern (Appoquinmink, DE) had been consistent all tourney and provided the last line of defense when needed all weekend. The Dukes offense was clicking and sparked a 7-2 victory. Damase Bagbonon (Conestoga) & John Warg (Parkland) provided a spark in transition and created some transition opportunities and timely groundballs at The LSM position.

The championship game pitted two programs that have won this tourney multi times. Dukes LC was fired up from the start and jumped out to a 4-1 lead off some excellent feeds and finishing abilities by Corey Richards (Haverford School). The Crabs had plenty of chances to keep game close with man-up opportunities, but goalie Ryan Kern (Appoquinmink, DE) stopped some point blank opportunities and the Crabs would get no closer than 5-3 in second half before an open-net goal sealed the game 6-3 for the Dukes.

Offensively, several players stepped up and were able to contribute.

Leading goal scorers
Matt Schleicher (Emmaus)-8 goals
Evan Wolf (Lower Merion)-7 goals
Grant Ament (Haverford School), Zack Drake (LaSalle), Corey Richards, Curtis Zappala (Episcopal Academy), Drew Schantz (Malvern Prep)–4 goals each

Leading Assists men
Brandon Shima (Haverford School)- 8 assists
Curtis Zappala & Grant Ament–4 assists each

Overall MVP’s–Charles Kelly (Malvern Prep), Drew Schantz

Championship MVP–Grant Ament

Offensive MVP’s–Brandon Shima, Zack Drake, Zack Hare (Springford), Curtis Zappala

Defensive MVP’s–Ryan Kern, Christian Teuber (Penn Charter), Jake Peden (Downington East), Dustin Buchanan (CB EAST), Robert Keehfus (Penn Charter)

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/27/11

Dukes’ Lacrosse Club Ebe Helm had nothing but praise for the team – Tri-State Black – that ended his squad’s five-year hold on the throne at Champ Camp Sunday at Johns Hopkins University.

Duke's Lacrosse Club's Joey Carlini (Malvern Prep) reaches for a loose ball during last weekend's Champ Camp action. Dukes 1 advanced to the finals for the eighth straight year before falling to Tri-State Black (N.J.), 9-6, in the title game (Photo by Donna Tamasitis)

Helm also said the Duke’s L.C. had nothing to be ashamed of after placing second and reaching the finals for the eighth straight year in one of the summer’s top recruiting boys’ club tournaments.

Tri-State, featuring a number of Philly players and rising seniors headed to Philly colleges, defeated Dukes 1, 9-6, in the title game. The win snapped a remarkable 53-game win streak (formerly reported as 52) and gave Tri-State its first Champ Camp title since 2000.

Both Tri-State and Duke’s L.C. have won the most Champ Camp crowns (five) overall.

In Sunday’s title game, Tri-State fell behind, 3-1, and then scored four straight goals to take a 5-3 lead. The Dukes cut the deficit to one twice, but Tri-State tallied three consecutive goals in the second half after goalie Duncan Saunders (Hill School/committed to North Carolina) made a key save (he had four overall) and the game was never close again.

Tri-State got two goals from Doylestown’s Steffen Gratch (Hun School, NJ/Princeton) and one apiece from attackmen Tim Mulrenan (Seton Hall Prep/Villanova) and Jack Curran (Rumson Fair/Villanova) and midfielders Mark Leonhard (Lawrenceville School/Penn) and Stephen Pontrello (St. Augustine Prep, North Carolina).

Tri-State coached by former Delaware and Philadelphia Wings great MV Whitlow, also featured attackmen Alex Martinelli (Moorestown/Delaware), Calvin Hopkins (Pennsbury), Parrish Young (Gunnery School, CT/Delaware), and defenseman James Lawrence (Lawrenceville School/Brown).

Tri-State also knocked off Dukes 2, 9-6, in the semis.

For Dukes 1, Matt Rambo (La Salle rising junior) and Ian Strain (Episcopal Academy rising junior) had two goals apiece while Sean Coleman (La Salle rising junior) and Ian Robertson (St. Anne’s Belfield, VA/Delaware) each scored once.

Helm said he had much respect for the Tri-State program its founder, Bob Turco, its directors, Joe and Ross Turco, and its coaches, Whitlow and Bob Green.

“We’re probably (friendlier) with that program than any other program,” said Helm. “They even have a Dukes guy (La Salle alum and Notre Dame rising sophomore) Westy Hopkins helping out (as a coach).

“They’re a wonderful club and if anyone was going to beat us I am glad it was them. Their players were gracious with their comments after the game. They do it the right way.

“I was a little torn, but very happy for them to win. We crushed them at the Tri-State tourney, 10-2, in the semifinals, but they didn’t have everybody there.”

Rambo, rising senior Ryan Ambler (Abington/Princeton) and Robertson led the attack throughout the tourney for Dukes 1 (8-1 overall). Coleman, rising junior Mike Sutton (St. Augustine/Penn State) and Dan Kinek (Emmaus/PG at Avon Old Farms) paced the midfield and rising senior Jon Garino (Episcopal Academy) and rising junior Mark Gurenlian (Springfield-Delco) were strong at the face-off X all week.

Defensively, Dukes 1 got key performances from rising seniors Chris Panichelli (Bishop Shanahan/Drexel), Ryan Guittare (Garnet Valley/Penn State) and Eddie Morris (Malvern Prep/Johns Hopkins) and rising junior Austin Pifani (Abington). Rising senior goalies Jackson Tamasitis (Penn Charter) and Tyler Morrell (Episcopal Academy) were strong in the cage.

Helm said the Dukes – who relied heavily on rising juniors – were unable to defend some of the bigger Tri-State offensive players.

“They had some big strong athletes that delivered at the critical points of the game,” Helm said. “We were not able to handle their size and power.”

Helm said it was easier now to appreciate the Dukes’ five-year run on the title.

“Somehow maybe that five-year run will be a little more important,” said Helm. “We’ve been to the Final Four at Champ Camp 10 straight years and to the finals eight years in a row. It speaks to the consistency of the program.

“We know we’re not invincible. Maybe that makes what we did a little more special. People can now reflect on what we’ve been doing and how we’ve been doing it. It (winning Champ Camp) is not automatic.”

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/11/11

The Duke’s Lacrosse Club repeated as Sr. AA champions at the Tri-State National Summer Lacrosse Festival Sunday at Mercer County Park.

The Duke’s L.C. finished 7-1 overall and claimed the title by winning all four playoff games Sunday, including a 5-3 victory over fellow Philly power Mesa Fresh 2012 – the team it lost to in pool play. Dukes defeated previously undefeated Tri-State Black, 10-2, in the semifinals and Team Long Island, 7-4, in the title game. Team Long Island consisted of players from L.I. powers such as Chaminade, St. Anthony’s and Comsewogue.

Duke’s L.C. highlights included:
–Will Gural (Haverford School) and Jon Garino (Episcopal Academy) excelled at the face-off X and scored five goals in the last three playoff games to drive the specialty units.

The Duke's Lacrosse Club claimed its second straight Tri-State Sr. AA Division title. The team included; 1st row--Sitting Left to right : Capt. Mike Sutton, Capt. Ryan Guittare, Capt. Chris Panichelli, Capt. Grayson Helm, Austin Pifani, Ray Vandegrift, Joey Carlini, Bryan Garrahan & Stefan Bergman. 2nd Row--Kneeling Left to right : Dan Kinek, Matt King, Nick Valentino, Jackson Tamasitis, Max Carroll, Chris Hilburn, Jared Jacobs, Mike Paoline, Trevor Kupecky, Jon Garino, Coach Mike Mackrides. 3rd Row--Standing left to right : Coach Ebe Helm, Ryan Ambler, Brian Zappala, Chase Miller, Ian Strain, Parker Self, Tyler Morrell, Will Gural, Chris Duffy, Kevin Gulyas, Adam Weaver, Ian Robertson & Coach Jason Christmas

–Ryan Ambler (Abington) quarterbacked the Duke’s offense and was helped control the flow of the game, notching two goals and four assists in the three games he played on Sunday.
–Ian Robertson (St. Anne’s Belfield, Va.) broke loose from his attack position in the championship game with three goals and two assists as well as two goals and one assist in the semifinal win.
–Dan Kinek (Emmaus/Avon Old Farms) was an overall offensive MVP for the Dukes, contributing in all areas of the attack.
–Trevor Kupecky (Upper Merion) led the team in riding and groundballs and outworked everyone on the field.
–Jackson Tamasitis (Penn Charter) and Tyler Morrell (Episcopal Academy) were strong in goal, with each making some standout saves.
–Defensively, Ryan Guittare (Garnet Valley), Chris Panichelli (Bishop Shanahan) and Austin Pifani (Abington) had big days at close defense/LSM; while Kevin Gulyas (Allentown Central Catholic), Bryan Garrahan (Archmere Academy), Joey Carlini (Malvern Prep) and Jared Jacobs (Conestoga) excelled as defensive middies.
— Ian Strain (Episcopal Academy), Grayson Helm (Wyomissing), Mike Sutton (St. Augustine’s Prep), Chase Miller (Manheim Township) Chris Hilburn (Malvern Prep), Ray Vandegrift (Penn Charter), Nick Valentino (Hempfield), Parker Self (Central Bucks East) also contributed offensively while Chris Duffy (Abington), Mike Paoline (Downingtown West), Max Carroll (Downingtown West), Matt King (Avon Grove), Adam Weaver (Henderson), Mark Gurenlian (Springfield-Delco) and Brian Zappala (Episcopal Academy) also contributed defensively.

Duke’s L.C. now gears for Champ July 21-24 at Johns Hopkins and where it will shoot for its sixth straight crown as “mythical” National club champions. Duke’s is 45-0 in the last five years at Champ Camp, 61-2 over the last seven years and 86-5 over the last nine years.

The Duke’s 2 squad finished a solid 4-2 at Tri State in the Sr. AA Division and fell to Duke’s 1, 6-4, in the Round of 16. The Duke’s 3 squad went 5-2 overall and bowed in the quarterfinals of the Soph Division to to the eventual champion.

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/5/11

The Duke’s Lacrosse Club went 5-0 last weekend at the University of Virginia Annual Summer Team Camp.

The Duke's L.C. went 5-0 at the UVA Summer Team Camp. 1st Row Sitting L to R: Paul Majors, Troy Szostek, Ryan Kern & Ryan Hibbs; 2nd row Kneeling L to R: Coach Jason Christmas, Ryan Beatson, Dave Sickler, Matt Senft, Joe Walsh, Philip Robertson, Nick Waligurski, Charles Kelly, Rob Keehfus, Brian Zappala & Coach Eric Gregg; 3rd Row Standing L to R: Coach Ebe Jelm, Coach Mike Gurenlian, Mark Gurenlian, Aric Dupell, Chris Daly, Sean Brown, Sean Dougherty, Ian Hare, Chase Young, Keith Cameron, Blake Booker, Jeff Cimbalista, Ryder Harkins, Will Mette, Josh Pope, Jake Cresta, Dylan McCaughey, Scott McAvoy, Andrew Benedict, George Uhrich, Curtis Zappala, Drew Schantz & UVA Player/Mentor, Pat Harbeson.

The Duke’s squad was a mix and match of Duke’s and Duke’s Lite players, including rising freshmen up to and including two Dukes rising seniors.

Duke’s defeated, among others, St. Anne’s Belfield (Va.), Cal Nor-West, and a Minnesota Select Team from the Lakes region.

Aside from the games, the UVA Coaches conducted a Unique Film Session with the team to review individual players and game schemes in a similar fashion to how they review their own national champs.

Highlights for the Dukes were:

*The face-off prowess of Mark ” Little Beast” Gurenlian (rising junior/Springfield-Delco), and Charles Kelly (rising freshman/Malvern Prep);

*Strong goalkeeping from Brian Zappala (rising sophomore/Episcopal Academy) and Ryan Kern (rising freshman/Appoquinimink HS, Del.);

*Strong midfield play from MVP Ryan Hibbs (rising senior, Downingtown West) Jeff Cimbalista (rising junior/New Hope Solebury), Chris Daly (rising junior/Lower Merion), Sean Brown (rising senior/The Hill School), Chase Young (rising sophomore/St. Joseph’s Prep), and Drew Schantz (rising freshman/Parkland);

*Offensive MVP Paul Major (rising junior/Spring-Ford) led the attack;

*Solid defense from Sean Dougherty (rising junior /The Hill School), Ian Hare (rising junior/Spring-Ford), Andrew Benedict (rising sophomore/St. Joseph’s Prep), and Ron Keehfus (rising freshman/Penn Charter).

This is one of a series of article counting down the Top 20 Stories of Philly lacrosse for 2010

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/8/11

The Duke’s Lacrosse Club had to play a familiar foe when it geared for its shot at a fifth straight title in the championship game last summer at the 21st Champ Camp tournament at Johns Hopkins – Duke’s 2.

In an unprecedented result, Joey Sankey (Penn Charter/now signed with North Carolina) scored five goals and Duke’s L.C. (9-0) toppled Duke’s 2, 10-3, to retain its hold on the unofficial title of top boys’ club team in the country. The 1-2 finish gave the Duke’s L.C. the No. 11 Story of the Year in Philly lacrosse as named by Phillylacrosse.com.

Duke's L.C. claimed its fifth straight title at Champ Camp in 2010

Sixty-nine teams entered the tournament; one, GotSkillz, was engineered with the intent of dethroning the Duke’s. But that squad, with at least 14 major Division I recruits from Long Island, Baltimore and other top regions, fell to Duke’s L.C., 8-7, in the quarterfinals.

Duke’s then defeated Team Turnpike SB, 6-4, in the semifinals to earn the spot alongside Duke’s 2. Duke’s 2 advanced to the finals with a 7-1 victory over Baltimore’s Belax, 7-1, and a key 8-6 triumph over New England power NESLL 1 in the semis.

In the title game, Duke’s 2 scored first and the game was tied, 2-2, early on before Duke’s 1 outscored its friendly foe, 8-1 the rest of the way.

Other Philly teams also fared well in the tourney. Both Mesa Fresh 2011 and Twist Black finished among the top 12 teams and went 6-2 overall. HEADstrong Elite was 5-3 and made it to the championship playoffs. Twist Silver went 5-3 and HEADstrong Young Guns finished 3-5 while Springfield-Delco was 3-5.

In the semifinals, GotSkillz was leading the Duke’s, 7-6, entering the fourth period of a game that no team led by more than two goals. Thanks to brilliant goaltending by Duke’s rising senior Hank Altschuler (Lower Merion-Hill Academy/Hofstra), the Duke’s stayed alive and then tied it on a goal by rising senior attackman Carl Walrath (Haverford School/Virginia). In all, Walrath had three goals.

Later in the final period, freshman midfielder Matt Rambo (Abington) put the Duke’s ahead for good while a defense anchored by rising senior Ryan Kilpatrick (Salesianum School/North Carolina) clamped down in front of Altschuler.

Also scoring for the Duke’s in that game were Sankey (two goals), rising senior attack Kevin Forster (La Salle/Maryland), rising senior Shane Morrell (Episcopal Academy/Bryant) and rising senior Brendan McGrath (Haverford School/Princeton). Rambo and Sankey added key assists.

In the semifinals, Duke’s LC toppled Team Turnpike SB (N.J.), 6-4, as rising senior goalies Conor Kelly (Haverford School/Notre Dame) and Dustin Keen (Downingtown West) played strong games; and Duke’s 2 downed NESLL1 (New England), 8-6.

Duke’s L.C. program head coach Ebe Helm said the championship was the result of strong teamwork from players to coaches and parents.

Throughout the tourney, the Duke’s received strong goaltending, led by Altschuler, Kelly and Keen. “Altschuler was phenomenal,” said Helm.

On defense, Kilpatrick was a force with his play on the field and as a leader. Helm said he refused to let the Duke’s players get intimidated when GotSkillz began to clutch and grab Duke’s attackmen in the quarterfinal win.

The rest of the defense – rising seniors Goran Murray (Haverford School/Maryland/LSM), Jesse Horn (Great Valley/LSM), Rich O’Neill (Unionville/Penn State/LSM), John Sax (St. Joseph’s Prep), Tim Kulp (West Chester East), Mark DiFrangia (La Salle/St. John’s), Kevin Barrow (Avon Grove), Alex Warden (Garnet Valley/Air Force) and Benn Karr (Conestoga/Ohio State). – helped the Duke’s yield just 22 goals in the tourney.

At the face-off X, rising senior Drew Kennedy (Malvern Prep/Johns Hopkins) was dominant. “If there is a better face-off man in the country, I want to know who he is,” said Helm.
Rising senior Joe McCallion (Haverford School/Penn) also excelled at the X. Helm said that the defensive middies – McCallion and rising seniors, Jeff Heath (St. Joseph’s Prep/Delaware/6 goals), Billy Flatley (Conestoga/Georgetown), and Corbin Booker (Chestnut Hill Academy/Brown) and rising junior Grayson Helm (Wyomissing) – also were superb.

The offensive middies included McGrath, rising seniors Jack Bogorowski (La Salle/Johns Hopkins) and Tanner Scott (Conestoga/Duke) on the first line, rising seniors Andrew Blundin (Salesianum), Eric Gartner (Great Valley/Villanova) and senior Bobby Gildea (Springfield-Delco/Essex CC) on the second line, and rising sophomores Rambo and Sean Coleman (La Salle) and Chas Robino (Tower Hill Academy/UMass) on the third line.

Attackmen included Sankey, Forster and Walrath on the top line and rising seniors Morrell and Mike Dougherty (Malvern Prep/St. Joseph’s Univ.) and rising junior Ryan Ambler (Abington/Princeton).

Duke’s 1 coaches included Helm (overall administrator), Mike Dolente (face-offs), Mike Mackrides (head coach, box, offense), Ron Forster (offense), Jason Christmas (defense) and Eric Gregg (goalies).

The Duke’s 2 club team may have been considered an underdog to many when it entered play last week in the 21st Champ Camp Tournament at Johns Hopkins, but the team itself expected to challenge for the title.

Duke's 2 was the runner-up at Champ Camp in 2010

That’s why Duke’s 2 co-coach Marty Kupprion was not surprised when Duke’s 2 – despite fielding many rising sophomores and juniors – advanced to the finals of the summer’s top boys’ club tourney and faced four-time defending champion Duke’s 1.

Despite falling, 10-3, in the finals to its brother team, Duke’s 2 finished 8-1 and has established itself as one of the top club teams in the nation. Several weeks ago Duke’s 2 also reached the semifinals of the prestigious Tri-State (N.J.) tourney where it fell to Duke’s 1 in a tight one-goal game.

To reach the finals, Duke’s 2 defeated Maryland’s Belax, 7-1, in the quarterfinals and NESLL 1 (New England), 8-6, in the semifinals. Belax had eliminated Duke’s 2 from the championship round last year.

Against Belax, rising senior Billy Donovan (Unionville) scored two goals while rising sophomore Brandyn O’Connell (Downingtown East), rising senior Dan Kinek (Emmaus), rising senior Kurtis Kaunas (Parkland/Lehigh), rising junior Parker Self (Central Bucks East) and rising senior Andrew Caldwell (Penncrest/Salisbury) each scored once. Donovan, Kinek, rising junior Jeremy Omrod (Holy Ghost Prep/Drexel), rising junior Henry Blynn (Haverford School) and rising sophomore Nick Valentino (Hempfield) each had assists.

In the win over NESLL, Donovan – who led the team with 14 goals – again scored twice while rising senior Richard Kaiser (Unionville) scored twice and Caldwell, Kaunas and O’Connell and rising sophomore Matt King (Avon Grove) scored goals. King’s came from his spot at long pole on a length-of-the-field dash. Assists came from rising sophomore long pole Adam Weaver (Henderson) on a full-length fast break as well as King on another fast break, and Self.

In the loss to Duke’s 1, rising senior midfielder Blair Bonner (West Chester East/St. John’s), rising junior face-off specialist Jon Garino (Episcopal Academy) and Omrod scored once each. Kiney had an assist.

“We made the finals at Tri-State two weeks ago and lost to Duke’s 1 by one goal,” said Kupprion, who coached with Joe Vetrone (head coach, goalies), Dan Deckelbaum (box),
Chris Fallon (defense) and Mike Dolente (face-offs). “We had clear expectations and that was not to do well, but to make the finals, and we were pretty sure we’d be there against Duke’s 1.

“The success at that previous tournament set the table. We played with the best club team (Duke’s 1) in the country and we knew it was a legitimate goal. We kept (winning) and stayed focused and business-like.

“You don’t expect so many rising sophomores and young guys to stay so business-like, but it was great to set high expectations and to reach them by knocking down obstacles in their way.”

Kupprion said the win over Belax was a major triumph. “They knocked us out last year in a controversial game and a handful of guys are back and remembered that,” he said. “We took that game personally and wanted to make a statement.

“Then we played NESLL at 8:30 under the lights at Homewood Field in the semifinals. That was like our championship game.”

Kupprion said the entire Duke’s 2 roster contributed greatly to the second-place finish, led by the goalies. Rising sophomore Matt Barrett (Malvern Prep) established himself as a major prospect with his play while rising senior Victor Garcia (La Salle) and rising junior Tyler Morrell (Episcopal Academy) also excelled.

On defense and long pole, rising junior Chris Panichelli (Henderson/Drexel) was the anchor while King, Weaver, rising juniors Ryan Guittare (Garnet Valley/Penn State), Mike Paoline (Downingtown West), Eddie Morris (Malvern Prep/Johns Hopkins), Casey Eidenshink (La Salle) and Connor McCann (Episcopal Academy) and rising sophomore Austin Pifani (Abington) also were standouts.

The defense also received a boost from rising junior d-middies Bryan Garrahan (Archmere Academy, DE), Jared Jacobs (Conestoga) and Kevin Galyas (Allentown Central Catholic) and rising senior d-middie Troy Moyer (Boyertown).

The offensive midfield lines featured Caldwell (nine goals), Bonner, Omrod, Kinek, Valentino, rising senior Keith Dreyer (Malvern Prep/Air Force), rising juniors Chase Miller (Manheim Township/Jacksonville) and Gregory Shildkrout (Germantown Academy) and rising sophomores Michael Sutton (St. Augustine Prep, NJ). They played key roles on offense.

Kupprion noted that face-off men Garino and rising junior Brad Perz (Bishop Shanahan) emerged during the tournament as major contributors. Garino also scored five goals.

Donovan, Kaiser (seven goals), O’Connell (five goals), Kaunas, Self, Glynn and rising freshman Conor Glancy (Malvern Prep) led a balanced attack.

“I was proud over the way that our team shared the ball and that everybody got in on the action,” Kupprion said. “In our three games on Friday, we had nine goal scorers three games in a row – which was hard to believe.

“It was fun to watch, and definitely helped as come together as a team as we moved towards the tougher match ups. Seventeen different players scored, and 16 different players contributed assists over the tournament.”

Duke’s LC head coach Ebe Helm said the program has excelled at Champ Camp for several reasons.

“We have a consistent approach to everything we do,” he said. “We have beverage coordinators, a transportation coordinator, and a social coordinator. With that type of consistency the players know they can go out and just play lacrosse.

“We have a strict curfew at night and if anyone breaks it they know they get thrown out. The second thing is the coaches. We have a head coach on each team, someone that does the box, face-offs, and each area of the games. The players are proud to be Duke’s players and they want to be held accountable.”

Helm is also proud of his program’s success in helping players go to college and to play college lacrosse. Last year’s senior class had 32 players – and each is attending college and playing lacrosse. Also, the seniors enter into a mentoring program with a middle school-aged player who shows both talent and the potential to excel as a college student-athlete.

“They want to honor not only themselves and their communities, but also their schools,” he said of the players. “They know that our mission statement is to be a better person than a player. If they are an All-American player, they better be an All-American person.

“The whole focus is to bring college money to PA guys to use lacrosse as a vehicle for higher education.”

Championship Game
Duke’s LC 10, Duke’s 2 3
Summary (3 12-minute periods were played due to heat)

Duke’s LC 2-4-4 – 10
Duke’s 2 2-0-1 – 3

Duke’s LC – Joey Sankey (Penn Charter) 5 goals, Andrew Blundin (Salesianum School) 1 goal, Billy Flatley (Conestoga) 1 goal, Shane Morrell (Episcopal Academy) 1 goal, Sean Coleman (La Salle) 1 goal, Jack Bogorowski (La Salle) 1 goal, Joe McCallion (Haverford School) 1 goal.

Duke’s 2 – Blair Bonner (WC East) 1 goal, Jon Garino (Episcopal Academy) 1 goal, Jeremy Omrod (Holy Ghost Prep) 1 goal.

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/27/10

The Duke’s 2 club team may have been considered an underdog to many when it entered play last week in the 21st Champ Camp Tournament at Johns Hopkins, but the team itself expected to challenge for the title.

That’s why Duke’s 2 co-coach Marty Kupprion was not surprised when Duke’s 2 – despite fielding many rising sophomores and juniors – advanced to the finals of the summer’s top boys’ club tourney and faced four-time defending champion Duke’s 1.

Duke's 2 was the Champ Camp runner-up

Despite falling, 10-3, in the finals to its brother team (see article), Duke’s 2 finished 8-1 and has established itself as one of the top club teams in the nation. Several weeks ago Duke’s 2 also reached the semifinals of the prestigious Tri-State (N.J.) tourney where it fell to Duke’s 1 in a tight one-goal game.

To reach the finals, Duke’s 2 defeated Maryland’s Belax, 7-1, in the quarterfinals and NESLL 1 (New England), 8-6, in the semifinals. Belax had eliminated Duke’s 2 from the championship round last year.

Against Belax, rising senior Billy Donovan (Unionville) scored two goals while rising sophomore Brandyn O’Connell (Downingtown East), rising senior Dan Kinek (Emmaus), rising senior Kurtis Kaunas (Parkland), rising junior Parker Self (Central Bucks East) and rising senior Andrew Caldwell (Penncrest) each scored once. Donovan, Kinek, rising junior Jeremy Omrod (Holy Ghost Prep), rising junior Henry Blynn (Haverford School) and rising sophomore Nick Valentino (Hempfield) each had assists.

In the win over NESLL, Donovan – who led the team with 14 goals – again scored twice while rising senior Richard Kaiser (Unionville) scored twice and Caldwell, Kaunas and O’Connell and rising sophomore Matt King (Avon Grove) scored goals. King’s came from his spot at long pole on a length-of-the-field dash. Assists came from rising sophomore long pole Adam Weaver (Henderson) on a full-length fast break as well as King on another fast break, and Self.

In the loss to Duke’s 1, rising senior midfielder Blair Bonner (West Chester East), rising junior face-off specialist Jon Garino (Episcopal Academy) and Omrod scored once each. Kiney had an assist.

“We made the finals at Tri-State two weeks ago and lost to Duke’s 1 by one goal,” said Kupprion, who coached with Joe Vetrone (head coach, goalies), Dan Deckelbaum (box),
Chris Fallon (defense) and Mike Dolente (face-offs). “We had clear expectations and that was not to do well, but to make the finals, and we were pretty sure we’d be there against Duke’s 1.

“The success at that previous tournament set the table. We played with the best club team (Duke’s 1) in the country and we knew it was a legitimate goal. We kept (winning) and stayed focused and business-like.

“You don’t expect so many rising sophomores and young guys to stay so business-like, but it was great to set high expectations and to reach them by knocking down obstacles in their way.”

Kupprion said the win over Belax was a major triumph. “They knocked us out last year in a controversial game and a handful of guys are back and remembered that,” he said. “We took that game personally and wanted to make a statement.

“Then we played NESLL at 8:30 under the lights at Homewood Field in the semifinals. That was like our championship game.”

Kupprion said the entire Duke’s 2 roster contributed greatly to the second-place finish, led by the goalies. Rising sophomore Matt Barrett (Malvern Prep) established himself as a major prospect with his play while rising senior Victor Garcia (La Salle) and rising junior Tyler Morrell (Episcopal Academy) also excelled.

On defense and long pole, rising junior Chris Panichelli (Henderson) was the anchor while King, Weaver, rising juniors Ryan Guittare (Garnet Valley), Mike Paoline (Downingtown West), Eddie Morris (Malvern Prep), Casey Eidenshink (La Salle) and Connor McCann (Episcopal Academy) and rising sophomore Austin Pifani (Abington) also were standouts.

The defense also received a boost from rising junior d-middies Bryan Garrahan (Archmere Academy, DE), Jared Jacobs (Conestoga) and Kevin Galyas (Allentown Central Catholic) and rising senior d-middie Troy Moyer (Boyertown).

The offensive midfield lines featured Caldwell (nine goals), Bonner, Omrod, Kinek, Valentino, rising senior Keith Dreyer (Malvern Prep), rising juniors Chase Miller (Manheim Township) and Gregory Shildkrout (Germantown Academy) and rising sophomores Michael Sutton (St. Augustine Prep, NJ). They played key roles on offense.

Kupprion noted that face-off men Garino and rising junior Brad Perz (Conestoga) emerged during the tournament as major contributors. Garino also scored five goals.

Donovan, Kaiser (seven goals), O’Connell (five goals), Kaunas, Self, Glynn and rising freshman Conor Glancy (Malvern Prep) led a balanced attack.

“I was proud over the way that our team shared the ball and that everybody got in on the action,” Kupprion said. “In our three games on Friday, we had nine goal scorers three games in a row – which was hard to believe.

“It was fun to watch, and definitely helped as come together as a team as we moved towards the tougher match ups. Seventeen different players scored, and 16 different players contributed assists over the tournament.”

Duke’s LC head coach Ebe Helm said the program has excelled at Champ Camp for several reasons.

“We have a consistent approach to everything we do,” he said. “We have beverage coordinators, a transportation coordinator, and a social coordinator. With that type of consistency the players know they can go out and just play lacrosse.

“We have a strict curfew at night and if anyone breaks it they know they get thrown out. The second thing is the coaches. We have a head coach on each team, someone that does the box, face-offs, and each area of the games. The players are proud to be Duke’s players and they want to be held accountable.”

Helm is also proud of his program’s success in helping players go to college and to play college lacrosse. This year’s senior class had 32 players – and each is attending college and playing lacrosse. Also, the seniors enter into a mentoring program with a middle school-aged player who shows both talent and the potential to excel as a college student-athlete.

“They want to honor not only themselves and their communities, but also their schools,” he said of the players. “They know that our mission statement is to be a better person than a player. If they are an All-American player, they better be an All-American person.

“The whole focus is to bring college money to PA guys to use lacrosse as a vehicle for higher education.”

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/31/09

The top-seeded Duke’s Lacrosse Club, ranked as the No. 1 club team in the country by Inside Lacrosse, staved off a major challenge last weekend to win its fourth straight Champ Camp crown.

Patrick Resch, a rising senior at La Salle, scored the game-winner late in the game off a feed from Eric Warden (Garnet Valley, rising senior) as the Duke’s downed Belax (Baltimore Elite Lacrosse Club), 6-5, at Johns Hopkins University. The goal, which came off a slow fast-break, capped a brilliant rally by the Duke’s – who trailed twice by three goals in the first half.

The Duke’s (9-0 overall) were down, 3-0, early in the game, but cut the deficit to 3-1 when Andrew Mongeluzzi (Lower Merion, rising senior) scored off a feed from Jordan Wolf (Lower Merion, rising senior). Belax took a 4-1 lead, but Kevin Forster ( La Salle, rising junior) converted off a pass from defenseman Ryan Kilpatrick (Salesianum, DE, rising junior) to close the gap to 4-2 at halftime.

Behind clutch goaltending from Andrew O’Connell (Malvern Prep, rising senior), who made 12 saves, the Duke’s continued the rally in the second half. Defenseman Tim Souders (Emmaus, rising senior) went coast-to-coast to make it 4-3 and Forster tallied his second off a strong individual effort to tie it.

Rich Rambo (Abington, rising senior) put the Duke’s ahead, but Belax tied it, setting up the heroics by Resch.

Duke’s LC has now reached the finals at Champ Camp – considered as the top summer tourney on the boys’ club scene – for the sixth straight year.

Duke’s head coach Ebe Helm cited the goaltending of O’Connell as the key. Hank Altschuler (Lower Merion, rising junior) and Conor Kelly (Haverford School, rising junior) also contributed in the goal through the tourney.

At attack, Helm said Duke’s was led by Wolf, Forster and Shane Sturgis (Downingtown East, rising senior). The midfield showed a strong transition game and was paced by Rambo, Warden, Austin Rogusky (Conestoga, rising senior) and Bobby Hill (Malvern Prep, rising senior) on the offensive end. Resch, Mark Jackson (Malvern Prep, rising senior), Adam Yee (Penncrest, rising senior) and Alex Kuehner (Emmaus, rising senior) led the defensive midfield. Joey McCallion (Haverford School, rising junior) was a key on face-offs.

On defense, Souders and Stephen O’Hara (St. Joseph’s Prep) were lock-downs all tourney and Alex Beatty (Haverford School), rising junior) was strong.

The Duke’s LC coaches were Helm, Mike Mackrides, Ron Forster, Jason Christmas and Bob Mongeluzzi.

Duke’s 2 squad wins bracket, reaches quarterfinals

The Group EE champion Duke’s 2 squad (6-2 overall) suffered a heartbreaking 9-8 loss to Belax in the quarterfinals, after taking a 7-2 lead. The Duke’s 2 got strong goaltending all tourney long by Andrijko Andrusko (Holy Ghost Prep, rising senior) and Dustin Keen (Downingtown West, rising junior).

The attack was led by Ryan Ambler (Abington, rising sophomore), Rich Kaiser (Unionville, rising junior), Kurtis Kaunas (Parkland, rising junior) and Chas Robino (Tower Hill School, DE, rising junior). The midfield was paced by Matt Rambo (Abington, rising freshman), Eric Gartner (Great Valley, rising junior), Nate Hare (Upper Merion, rising senior) and Jeff Heath (St. Joseph’s Prep, rising junior). The defense was anchored by Ben Karr (Conestoga, rising junior), Jesse Horn (Great Valley, rising junior), Alex Warden (Garnet Valley, rising junior) and Chris Panichelli (Henderson, rising junior).

Duke’s 2 coaches were Joe Vetrone, Chris Fallon and Marty Kupprion.

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/31/08

The Duke’s Lacrosse Club routed the New Hampshire Tomahawks, 10-1, to claim its third straight Champ Camp National Championship at Johns Hopkins Sunday.

The Duke’s reached the finals by toppling Tri-State Black, 8-7, and also had a key 7-6 overtime win over Team Headstrong in the playoffs.

The Duke’s roster featured goaltenders Niko Amato (La Salle) and Andrew O’Connell (Malvern Prep), defenders Billy Conners (Malvern Prep), Tucker Durkin (La Salle), Andrew Fusselbaugh (Friends’ Central), Ty Souders (Emmaus), Stephen O’Hara (St. Joe’s Prep), Mason Poli (Downingtown East) and C.J. Mooney (Malvern Prep) and long stick middies John Gill (Unionville) and Stocky Euler (Haverford School).

The offensive midfielders were Mic DeBellis (Emmaus), Peter Schwartz (La Salle), Andrew Sih (Germantown Academy), Rich Rambo (Abington), Joey Jones (Abington), Dave Alyanakian (Strath Haven), Bobby Hill (Malvern Prep) and Shane Sturgis (Downingtown East).

The defensive middies were Austin Rogusky (Conestoga), Mark Jackson (Malvern Prep), Zack Donnelly (Radnor), Derek Bogorowski (La Salle) and Ryan Snyder (Reading, Kent School, Ct.). Bogorowski and Snyder also were standout on the face-offs.

The attackmen included Kevin Forster (La Salle), Randy Forster (La Salle), Westy Hopkins (La Salle), Jordan Wolf (Lower Merion), Eric Warden (Garnet Valley) and Dan Jones (Penncrest).

Duke’s Team 2 also enjoyed a strong tourney, going 7-1 and finishing ninth overall.

The Team 2 midfield was led by Grady Stevens (Unionville, also did face-offs), Ahmad Zachary (Lower Merion), Jeff Heath (St. Joe’s Prep) and Adam Yee (Penncrest). The defense was led by Joe Lisicky (defense). The goalies were Conor Kelly (Haverford School) and Hank Altschuler (Lower Merion).

The attack was led by Joey Sankey (Penn Charter), Tyler Novotny (Spring-Ford), Andrew Mongeluzzi (Lower Merion) and Tim Golder (Avon Grove).