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BOYS LACROSSE: Mann Reaches Triple Digits in Lansdale Catholic's Win Over Father Judge

By John Knebels (photos by: Kathy Leister), 04/30/21, 1:45AM EDT

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By John Knebels

Photos by: Kathy Leister

LANSDALE – When Lansdale Catholic junior Connor Mann first donned a varsity lacrosse jersey, simply making the team was considered an immense achievement.

 

If someone had told him he would reach 100 career points even though his sophomore season would be cancelled because of a global pandemic, and a part of his junior year would be dissed for the same reason . . .

“Reaching this is special for me,” said Mann, who reached the century mark by contributing five goals and two assists in a lopsided victory over visiting Father Judge April 28 to increase his career total to 77 and 24, respectively. “It’s an amazing feeling to hit that milestone in my career because it’s something I never thought I would accomplish.”

Lansdale Catholic vs. Father Judge gameday highlights by: Kathy Leister for PSD

Though there was no official ceremony after his assist on a goal by junior Pat McKeever late in the second period upped the Crusaders’ lead to 9-1 and placed his total at an even 100, Mann did celebrate with his teammates and coaches during halftime.

Mann wasn’t completely aware of how many points he needed. He tried not to think too much about establishing history.

“I had a little bit of a clue,” said Mann. “I knew I was close before the game, but when it came to game time, I just went out and played my game and had fun with my friends playing the sport I love.”

Head coach Mark Princehorn lauds his team's offense and defense performance in game vs. Father Judge. (video/kathy leister for PSD)

Lansdale Catholic junior attackers Connor Mann (L) & Mikey Kleinert knew they had to come out to win. (video/Kathy Leister for PSD)

At least two other Crusaders – 2017 graduate Grady Kelly and 2019 alum Ryan Flanegan – had eclipsed 99 points. If he remains healthy for the rest of this season and next, Mann might ultimately accrue the school’s all-time record.

Lansdale Catholic coach Mark Princehorn wouldn’t put anything past the humble attacker.

“He’s a phenomenal talent that brings it every game,” said Princehorn. “His passion and love for the game is evident in everything he does, and it fuels his desire to be the best.”

Senior goalie Connor Flanegan concurs.

“Connor is a kid who works day in and day out,” said Flanegan. “He's a player that fully deserves this accomplishment. As a lacrosse player, he's pretty unique. He's also a big-box lacrosse player, and brings a lot of that game onto the field during the spring.

“He's not afraid to take a shot, and really shines with scoring close to mid-range.”

Lansdale Catholic senior goalie Connor Flanegan decribes his team's method of defense in this crucial PCL match-up. (Video/Kathy Leister for PSD)

With his 100 points out of the way, Mann and the Crusaders can fully concentrate on their burgeoning record. 

At 7-1 in the Catholic League, the second-place Crusaders only trail undefeated and pretty much indestructible La Salle. Among Lansdale Catholic’s non-league wins was an 8-3 decision over rival North Penn that snapped an eight-year losing streak.

Take away a loss to La Salle, Lansdale Catholic has surrendered a stingy 15 points in seven league games.

“With our new head coach (Princehorn), our culture as a team has changed a lot,” said Flanegan, who gave way to freshman goalie Jack Kennedy late in the third quarter. “Coach is directly responsible for that.”

 

Judge’s loss masks its significant improvement this season. The Crusaders entered the contest at 6-1, this after having won a collective six league games in the three previous seasons (2017, 2918, 2019).

Mann said they respected the school that shares their Crusaders moniker.

“We knew we were going up against a very good team in Father Judge,” said Mann. “I think we played our best lacrosse.”

No doubt.

 

(Contact John Knebels at Jknebels@gmail.com or on Twitter @johnknebels.)