Get the latest Syracuse news delivered right to your inbox.
Subscribe to our sports newsletter here.

At midnight on Sept. 1, a new lacrosse recruiting cycle begins, and as of Sunday, Syracuse has added nine commits to its 2023 recruiting class. But before the cycle commenced, Syracuse underwent a large change.

After a 46-year career with Syracuse lacrosse, head coach John Desko retired in early June. Former Syracuse lacrosse star and SU women’s lacrosse head coach Gary Gait replaced Desko as head coach. Gait became the fifth head coach to lead the Orange, a program that hasn’t won an NCAA Tournament game since 2017.

In his opening press conference as head coach, Gait said he was already recruiting for the Class of 2023.

Meet Syracuse men’s lacrosse’s nine commits from the Class of 2023:

Donny Scott, Defense, 4-star

The 6-foot-1, 180-pound defender ranks No. 21 among Class of 2023 recruits and was ranked 4-stars by Inside Lacrosse. According to his recruiting profile, Scott’s plays aggressively and effectively one-on-one and “with a mean streak.” He displays proper awareness off-ball, is a threat in transition and occasionally notches a point or two on the offensive end. Under new defensive coordinator Dave Pietramala, Scott’s size, skill and IQ could prove beneficial for the Orange.

Trey Deere, Attack, 4-star

Hailing from the Kahnawake Mohawk territory, Deere ranks No. 43 within the Class of 2023. The left-handed attack is known for his feeding and finishing ability, as well as his off-ball movement. Deere comes from hockey and box lacrosse backgrounds, and both are evident in his ability to catch before finishing.

Stevie Finnell, Midfield, 4-star

Finnell was the fourth midfielder to commit to Syracuse from the Class of 2023. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound midfielder is a 4-star commit according to Inside Lacrosse. Finnell plays for Garden City (New York) High School and recently joined Igloo Lacrosse’s 2023 Black Diamond roster. He joins a strong lineup of midfield commits, including Tucker Kellogg, Jake Spallina and Tyler McCarthy.

Michael Ippoliti, Goalie, 4-star

Unlike Class of 2022 goalie commit Jimmy McCool, who stands at 6-foot-3, Ippoliti, who is 5-foot-8, will be one of the smallest goalies to play for Syracuse. He’s a vocal leader from the crease, directs traffic, adds explosiveness to the ball and is quick with his outlets, according to his recruiting profile.

Tucker Kellogg, Midfield, 4-star

In 2017, Kellogg’s shot registered at 102 MPH during the World Series of Youth Lacrosse, putting him on Division I coaches’ rader ever since. He can send shots on goal while on the run and with his feet set — making him one of the best shooters in the class. This summer, Kellogg showcased his speed, getting enough room on a sweep or alley dodger when the defense is set and prepared, scouts said.

Quintan Kilrain, Defender, 4-star

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Kilrain possesses a strong frame for defense. Scouts say he competes hard, excels in communication and is strong off-ball. Kilrain joins Donny Scott as Syracuse’s second Class of 2023 defenseman.

John Mullen, Faceoff specialist, 4-star

Mullen joins Syracuse’s Class of 2023 recruiting class after winning this year’s Faceoff Academy National Showcase. The Norwell High School faceoff specialist’s commitment marks the third prep player on the Orange’s roster. Mullen has dominated at the X and has worked with top-tier specialists to hone his skills, according to scouts.

Jake Spallina, Midfield, 4-star

Spallina became the first player in the Class of 2023, and the second Spallina, to commit to Syracuse. Jake joins his brother, Joey, who committed to Syracuse for the Class of 2022. Inside Lacrosse said Spallina is “one of the most versatile threats in the class,” as he takes faceoffs, stays on offense and returns to play defense. In high school, Jake and Joey shared a win in the Long Island Championship together. At Syracuse, the pair is expected to play together for three seasons.

Tyler McCarthy, Midfield, unranked

McCarthy joins Syracuse as its only unranked commit thus far. McCarthy is a smart midfielder who demonstrates strong awareness and moves the ball quickly to open teammates, according to one scout. In 2018, he was a member of the Youth World Series Lacrosse Championship team and played in several box lacrosse tournaments with Long Island’s 91 Bandits, coached by Joe Spallina, Jake and Joey’s father. As a sophomore, McCarthy notched 39 goals and 28 assists and was an All-County pick out of Connetquot High School.

Published on October 17, 2021 at 10:02 pm

Contact Skyler: skrivera@syr.edu | @skylerriveraa