MCCC Freshman Brandon Guios Named NJCAA Player of the Week
3/12/20
Sophomore Brandon Guios
Hometown: East Windsor, N.J.
High School: Hightstown
West Windsor, N.J. – Just two games into his college lacrosse career, Mercer County Community College (MCCC) freshman midfielder Brandon Guios was named National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Player of the Week on Wednesday, March 11.
The honor comes after Guios won 74 percent of his face offs (43-of-58), placing him third in the NJCAA.
"I feel very grateful to be player of the week. I couldn’t have done it without my teammates and coach who are my biggest motivators," Guios said.
For perspective, in Mercer Lacrosse’s inaugural 2019 season, then-sophomore Dylan Ritchkoff won 114 face offs through 11 games. At Guios’ pace of 21.5 face off wins per game, he’ll pass Ritchkoff’s record four games from now.
Guios is also serving as the team’s resident ground ball specialist. He has recovered a team-high 29 ground balls, 13 more than the Vikings’ second place leader, sophomore Nate Raccagno.
During the fall practice season, MCCC Lacrosse Head Coach Rob Siris named Guios to his shortlist of players to watch in 2020.
“Brandon is a great team leader and always has a positive attitude that he shares with his teammates,” said Siris.
Guios came to Mercer locally, hailing from Hightstown High School in East Windsor. As a senior, he took control during 60 percent of his face offs (182-301). His best performance came in a 15-3 victory over Steinert High School, in which he won 19 of his 21 face offs.
“He gets hundreds of face off reps in each week - many of them happen before and after practice,” Siris said. “Brandon has exceeded our expectations. His work ethic is what really sets him apart.”
"When it comes to a game I take one faceoff at a time and look at it as a new opportunity to give the team a possession," Guios said. "I put my best effort into every faceoff I take whether it is in practice or in a game."
Brandon Guios poses during the team's media day on Monday, Feb. 24.