MID-ATLANTIC REGION Nike/US Lacrosse High School Preview RECORD BREAKER PRESEASON TOP 10
1. MCDONOGH (MD.) The Eagles enter 2014 riding a 91-game
winning streak and boast arguably the best player in the nation in Megan Whittle.
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2. MOORESTOWN (N.J.) The Quakers have a 51-game winning streak
and return Marie McCool, New Jersey’s top player and one of the nation’s top midfielders.
3. HARRITON (PA.) All but two starters are back, including
defender Hilary Lemonick and goalie Melina Avery, for the defending PIAA champ.
4. MARYVALE PREP (MD.) Seven starters return, but a sophomore and freshman will vie for the starting goalie job.
5. BRYN MAWR (MD.) An IAAM semifinalist, Bryn Mawr is strong
on defense with goalie Maggie Kane and defender Alex Argo.
6. MARRIOTTS RIDGE (MD.) The defending 2A/3A state champ has eight starters back, including its entire attack unit.
7. ST. STEPHEN’S & ST. AGNES (VA.) The Saints lost stars Carly Reed and Besser
Dyson, but goalie Gussie Johns may be the best in the nation and will provide stability.
8. GEORGETOWN VISITATION (D.C.) The Tigers had not named a new coach as of
press time. Top midfielders Kelly Myers and Ana Hagerup return.
9. ST. PAUL’S (MD.) Courtney Martinez Connor replaces
Brooke Kuhl McClelland at the helm. Paige Aldave, Kerri Clayton, Julie Braig and Sara Moeller are top returners.
10. GOOD COUNSEL (MD.) The defending WCAC champ’s midfield will
be strong with Madison Hoover, Alyssa Chalk and Rose Prizzi.
Osbourn Park (Va.) standout Corinne Wessels sets sights on NFHS career scoring mark, Northwestern By Matt Ward
he National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) girls’ lacrosse record book has 14 slots for most assists in one game. Corinne Wessels occupies 11 of them. The Northwestern-bound standout from Osbourn Park (Va.) also already owns the record for assists in a season (142 in 2013) and points in a season (256 in 2013, besting her own mark of 200 in 2012). Wessels has a stat line that leaves you breathless. In three seasons with the Yellow Jackets, she has compiled 328 goals and 272 assists (600 points), putting her on pace to become the nation’s all-time leading scorer. Barring injury, Wessels should surpass recent North Carolina standout Emily Garrity for career assists (289) and points (695). While playing for an under-the- radar program, Wessels relies on impressive speed, deft stick skills and guile to set her apart. It’s inherited. Her father, Ken Wessels, is a former Air Force pilot and lacrosse goalie who raised Corinne and her two younger brothers in Colorado Springs, Colo., before moving to Manassas, Va. He now coaches the Osbourn Park boys. As a freshman, Wessels frequently went to goal on a team that did not share the ball as well as it does now. The next year, Yellow Jackets coach Kate Thomas asked her to facilitate her teammates more often. With opponents looking to shut down the young dynamo, Wessels learned to make precise feeds, and her teammates learned to be ready for the ball. Wessels’ selflessness became contagious. Players communicated more on defense and followed passes with constant movement on offense. It’s no wonder Osbourn Park went 16-4 and advanced to Virginia’s AAA semifinals last year. “I would much rather get an assist than a goal because it just brings your whole team up,” Wessels said.
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Behind-the-back shots are normal for the artful Corinne Wessels, who needs 96 points to become the nation’s all-time leading scorer.
M Olivia Harpel West Windsor Plainsboro (N.J.)
M Taylor Hensh Marriotts Ridge (Md.)
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G Gussie Johns St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (Va.)
M Daniela Kelly Peddie School (N.J.)
D Hilary Lemonick Harriton (Pa.)
M Kacie Longo South River (Md.)
M Marie McCool Moorestown (N.J.)
M Kelly Myers Georgetown Visitation (D.C.)
A Corinne Wessels Osbourn Park (Va.)
A Megan Whittle McDonogh (Md.)
A Publication of US Lacrosse
But even with the threat she poses as a passer, Wessels can still impose her will as a scorer. She shoots from odd angles with speed and accuracy. Google her name and you’ll come across a video of her behind-the-back skills at last summer’s Lake Placid Classic. “I don’t really think about what I’m going to do,” Wessels said. “When I step on the field, all of my problems, all of my worries, just drop. It feels like where I belong.”
Osbourn Park has reached the state quarterfinals the last three years, with semifinal appearances in 2011 and 2013. “This year I just want to be a family, with the team just enjoying all the blessings of lacrosse,” she said. Well, that’s nice, but what about a title? “You can’t get a state championship without that stuff,” Wessels said. LM
March 2014 >> LACROSSE MAGAZINE 57
©JOHN BOAL (CW); ©ANDY LEWIS (MM)
©JOHN MECIONIS (GJ)
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