Butler County boys’ lacrosse all-stars: Meet the 2026 player of the year, first team, honorable mentions
Winning a district and state championship requires star power. Mars boys lacrosse extended its WPIAL Class 2A dynasty to 10 consecutive crowns and returned to the summit of the sport in Pennsylvania by winning its second PIAA title in five years.
Not surprisingly, the Planets landed a number of players on the Butler Eagle’s 2026 boys lacrosse all-star team. Other schools in the county contributed their own standouts. Here are this year’s player of the year, first-team picks and honorable mentions.
Grant Weaver, sr., M, Mars: Weaver’s stats (73 goals and 56 assists for the season) are very impressive, but according to Mars coach Bob Marcoux, they are products of intangibles.
“His toughness and competitiveness go unnoticed much of the time,” he said. “His play-making ability got us going this year.”
Weaver, who was named a USA Lacrosse All-American this year, had just finished his eighth-grade year when the Planets won their first state crown in 2022.
“I remember people making a big deal about it, posting things on Instagram and Facebook,” he said. “We looked up to that team, it was like our big brother.
“Helping to bring a state title back to Mars, it meant everything to me. Each state playoff game that we won just gave us more confidence.”
Weaver, who also played hockey for the Planets, will continue his lacrosse career at Grove City College.
“He and Mike Duffy (teammate, defenseman) got after it hard against each other in practice this year,” Marcoux said. “They’re both better players for it.”
Kale Baker, jr., M, Seneca Valley: SV’s Defensive MVP led the team in goals (31) and caused turnovers (24). Also picked up 41 ground balls. Was named a Section 2-3A first teamer. Committed to Frostburg State (Md.).
Mike Duffy, sr., D, Mars: The Mount Union College commit totaled 40 ground balls and 42 caused turnovers. Drew the toughest assignment from the opposing offense in every game. Earned All-WPIAL 2A honors.
Reed Fuller, jr., M, Mars: The All-WPIAL 2A selection scored 27 goals and added 21 assists along with 48 ground balls. His two-way play was invaluable to the Planets’ success. Committed to play at Marquette University.
Mason Lacey, sr., D, Butler: The Golden Tornado’s best defenseman caused 30 turnovers and tallied 48 ground balls. Added eight goals and a pair of assists to the offense.
JJ Micelli, so., M, Freeport: Was voted Team MVP after scoring 45 goals, tallying 11 assists, 59 ground balls, 72 faceoffs won and 16 forced turnovers. Scored eight goals in a game vs. North Catholic. Made a positive impact for the Yellowjackets all over the field.
Luke Murphy, sr., A, North Catholic: Added punch to the Trojans’ attack with 45 goals and 22 assists. Committed to play hockey at St. Lawrence University (N.Y.).
David Renner, sr., G, Mars: In his first season as a starter, tallied 99 saves, stopping more than 50% of the shots he faced. Committed to play at Penn State-Harrisburg.
Deacon Simko, jr., M, Butler: His effort influenced play on both ends of the field. Finished the season with 36 goals, 23 assists, 55 ground balls and 16 caused turnovers.
Jake Stevens, sr., A, Butler: Returned from a major knee injury to close his career with a strong campaign that included 36 goals and 14 assists.
Jack Tirch, sr., A, Mars: Was an elite scoring threat (71 goals, 16 assists) who earned All-WPIAL 2A honors. Scored seven of Mars’ nine goals in a PIAA semifinal win against Lampeter-Strasburg. A Lewis University (Ill.) commit.
Josh Wilburn, sr., FO, Mars: The Planets’ offensive prowess owed much to Wilburn, who won 77% of his faceoffs this season. The All-WPIAL 2A selection is committed to play at Ohio Northern University.
Ethan Bulvin, sr., D, Seneca Valley; Dylan Greer, jr., A, Seneca Valley; Ethan Kaper, jr., M, Knoch; Braden Ketler, sr., M, Seneca Valley; Chase Lamm, sr., M, Mars; Alec Pezzuti, sr., G, Seneca Valley; Luke Reinhart, jr., G, Mars; Brayden Riddell, jr., M, Freeport; Carter Yocum, so., D, Mars; Layne Zmijowski, sr., D, Butler
