In the heart of New Jersey's Shore Conference, a brother-sister duo is rewriting the record books and carrying on a family tradition that runs deeper than a perfectly placed pass. Meet Finnegan and Ryann Buchan of Holmdel High School — two lacrosse stars who aren't just leading their teams in scoring; they're carrying a legacy that stretches across generations and college commitments.
Finnegan, a senior attacker and Stevens Institute of Technology commit, made history this April when he became the boys program's all-time leading goal scorer. Through May 4, he's tallied an impressive 170 goals and 80 assists. This season alone, for the 11-3 Hornets, he's posted 35 goals and 30 assists — numbers that scream both precision and playmaking.
On the girls side, sophomore midfielder Ryann Buchan is making her own mark. She's the leading scorer for the 9-3 Hornets, who remain unbeaten in their division. With 39 goals and 29 assists this season — following a 40-goal freshman campaign — she's proving that the Buchan name is synonymous with offensive firepower.
The siblings' connection to the sport started early. "We've been playing in the backyard since we were 3 years old," Finnegan said. "We all had our first sticks when we were 2. We've just been playing in the backyard forever." That backyard bond has translated into on-field chemistry, with each sibling pushing the other to new heights.
"My whole family, we all play lacrosse, and Finn's been a really big part," Ryann added. "Just like playing, I want to follow in his footsteps, and just seeing him work makes me work harder. My younger siblings play, and a few of my cousins — they play at Rutgers, so it runs in the family."
Indeed, the family tree branches deep into college lacrosse. Cousins Brady and Colin Kurdyla suit up for Rutgers, while another cousin, Declan Kurdyla of Bridgewater-Raritan, is committed to the Scarlet Knights. Cameron Kurdyla plays at NJIT. When Holmdel's boys faced Bridgewater-Raritan earlier this season, it was a family affair — though the Hornets fell short, the Buchan-Kurdyla legacy only grew stronger.
While boys and girls lacrosse differ in rules — boys allow body checking and require full pads, while girls emphasize finesse and no-contact play — the Buchans have mastered their respective games. Whether it's Finn's pinpoint assists or Ryann's relentless scoring, this sibling duo is proving that the best lacrosse is often played with family by your side.