FLORIDA FLOURISH: Burwell, a senior midfielder and co-captain, scored five goals and dished out two assists as the Gators (2-1) picked up two wins at Disney World in Orlando, Fla. last week, defeating Albany (N.Y.) Academy, 10-4, and beating Hawken School from Ohio, 7-4, with a strong fourth-quarter comeback.

Burwell, who received All-Main Line boys' lacrosse recognition last spring, helped the Gators win their first-ever Northeast League title during his sophomore season. He also was a key member of last year's Friends Schools League champions.

Shipley boys' lacrosse head coach Mark Duncan said, "Sam has really grown as a player over the past five years. He is a leader on and off the field and we look to him to add the needed depth on offense this year to win another FSL title and hopefully a Northeast League title as well to help us get a third consecutive EPSLA playoff bid.

"His dedication to academics is among the most impressive out of any student I have come across at Shipley or any school and he brings that same dedication and intelligence to the lacrosse field each day."

LIKES MIDFIELD: Burwell started playing lacrosse at age 9 after being introduced to the sport by his father, George, who played at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. Since then, Sam has played mostly midfield, and occasionally attack.

"Playing midfield allows [me] to take part in pretty much every aspect of the game – offense, defense, clearing, riding, ground balls," said Burwell, who attended the Top 205 camp and New England Top 150 camp last summer.

"The two biggest influences in my lacrosse career have been my Dad and my coach, Mark Duncan. My Dad always gives me encouragement and advice after every game. I've known Coach Duncan since I was in seventh grade and he's been a great help to me – he's been able to teach me so much about the game."

Burwell, whose younger brother Pete is a freshman lacrosse player at West Chester East High School, would like to play lacrosse in college. His top current choices are Virginia, Colgate, Middlebury, Bowdoin, Franklin & Marshall and Kenyon. He is leaning toward majoring in history or economics.