All-Delco: Springfield’s Spence was a scoring machine
In addition to Haverford School Player of the Year Drew Supinski, the All-Delco team includes:
Lucas Spence, Springfield: The senior three-time All-Delco was the driving force behind the Cougars’ run to the program’s first District One title. His finest hour came in the District One semifinal when he devastated Central Bucks East for seven goals. He added two goals in the title-game win over Conestoga. The All-America and Central League co-MVP shook off a sluggish start to the season to finish with 64 goals and 30 assists, his totals for goals and points each landing third in Delco. For his career, Spence scored a program-best 294 points. Spence will continue his career at Lehigh.
Curtis Zappala, Episcopal Academy: The senior three-time All-Delco was the flashpoint for the Churchmen’s attack. He finished second on the team with 44 goals, but combined with his 39 assists despite opponents keying their defenses toward him, he was undoubtedly EA’s most influential player. He started the season strong, scoring four goals and five assists over eventual PIAA runner-up St. Joseph’s Prep in a 16-2 drubbing. Bound for the University of Maryland, Zappala finished his career with 243 points. The All-America shared Inter-Ac Most Important Player honors with Supinski, as voted by league coaches.
Grant Ament, Haverford School: The engine of the Fords’ attack, the senior two-time All-Delco accumulated points at a blinding rate with his pinpoint passing and unbelievable field vision. He notched 37 goals and a county-leading 73 assists for a Delco-best 110 points. Some of his point totals were just astounding: Four goals and six assists against St. Paul’s, three goals and six helpers against St. Joseph’s Prep, eight assists in the Inter-Ac capping win over Malvern Prep. Penn State signee was named an All-America.
Jack Norton, Radnor: The senior two-time All-Delco was the leading scorer on the Raiders’ run to the PIAA Championship. He led the Raiders with 68 goals, 34 assists and 102 points. The goal total led Delco, while the points tally was second. He scored a season-high six goals in the April 30 win over Marple Newtown and accounted for four goals and one assist in each the District One quarterfinal tilt with Bishop Shanahan and the third-place triumph over Central Bucks East. The Amherst signee and All-America added five goals and three assists in the PIAA first-round victory.
Drew Ryan, Radnor: The senior became one of the Raiders’ most valuable pieces in the run to the program’s first state title. He finished second to Norton in goals (62) and points (85). He was at his best in the state tournament, scoring 16 goals in four games. That includes four goals and two assists, including setting up Jack Wilson’s overtime game-winner in the final win over St. Joseph’s Prep. In nine postseason games, Ryan compiled 30 goals and nine assists. He will continue his career at Penn State.
Matt Moore, Garnet Valley: On a balanced Jaguars offense, the sophomore two-time All-Delco midfielder was the unquestioned star. He led the team with 44 goals and 33 assists, fueling the Jaguars’ share of the Central League title. An All-America and Central League co-MVP, Moore put the Jags on track for the league crown by scoring four goals March 26 against fellow co-champ Penncrest. His most prolific outing was the District One playback semifinal against Spring-Ford with seven goals and an assist. One of the top recruits in the class of 2017, Moore is committed to the University of Virginia.
Dox Aitken, Haverford School: The junior midfielder was one of the most talented and acclaimed members of the Fords juggernaut. Aitken used his rocket shot to score 46 times, third-most on the team. He added seven assists. Five of his markers helped the Fords pull out an 11-9 squeaker over Gilman School in March. Aitken scored nine goals in the last three games, including four in the Inter-Ac Challenge semifinal. Among the top recruits in the class of 2016, Aitken is committed to Virginia.
Ryan Kinnard, Penncrest: The junior midfielder was one of the most consistent two-way performers in the Lions march for a share of a second straight Central League title. Kinnard was second on the team with 46 goals and third with 23 assists, and coupled with his strong defensive play, it added up to an All-American nod. Kinnard tallied a season-high five points in the Central League finale over Marple Newtown, helping the Lions overcome Marple’s upset bid. Kinnard recorded hat tricks in each of the Lions’ three postseason games, adding four assists. Kinnard has committed to Hofstra.
Christian Feliziani, Episcopal Academy: The junior faceoff specialist was the most dominant man at the X in Southeastern Pennsylvania, winning draws at a 75 percent clip. Statistically, his best performance came April 30 against Springside Chestnut Hill, when the All-America won 14 of 15 draws and scored one of his five goals. His most impressive outing, though, may have been an 18-for-22 masterpiece against Malvern Prep April 17, a game EA won, 11-8. Feliziani is committed to Ohio State.
Noah Lejman, Haverford School: The 6-5 senior defenseman towered over the Fords’ defense, forming the foundation of their undefeated season that included the Inter-Ac regular season and Inter-Ac Challenge titles. With the help of the Penn signee and All-American pick, the Fords allowed 10 or more goals on just three occasions, including just once in their last 20 wins. Lejman only scored three goals on the season, but that included a first-quarter tally in the Inter-Ac challenge final win.
Pat Smyth, Springfield: The junior defenseman anchored the Cougars’ stingy backline which propelled it to the District One title. Springfield allowed 10 or more goals in just three outings. In the District One tournament, Springfield permitted an average of 5.2 goals per game, including five in the title-game win over Conestoga. In back-to-back games midseason, Smyth helped Springfield limit Ridley and Radnor to six combined goals. The All-Central pick will continue his career at St. John’s.
John Lyman, Ridley: The All-Central defenseman was the Green Raiders’ most consistent performer and the unquestioned leader on a defense that ranked among the best in the Central League. Lyman helped the Green Raiders limit Strath Haven to one goal March 26. They also kept Plymouth Whitemarsh to just two goals in the first round of districts. The senior Hofstra signee scored twice and added one assist.
James Spence, Springfield: After earning the job as a freshman, Spence flourished in his sophomore season, playing just about every second between the pipes. He helped lead the Cougars to the District One title, conceding just 5.5 goals per game. He recorded 242 saves for a 66.1 save percentage. One of his best days was the April 23 mauling of Radnor, 7-2, which featured 15 saves. Spence, who will continue his career at Lehigh, also produced 12 saves in the District One second-round win over Downingtown East.
