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While much of the focus here the last few weeks has been looking toward the start of the upcoming high school season, there’s also been some recruiting news to pass along as well.

If you checked out our “Updated recruiting review and commitment rundown” yesterday, you learned of several commitments. Mamaroneck junior goaltender Jake Danehy gave a verbal commitment to Colgate, where he will join John Jay senior and fellow Prime Time U17 teammate Forrest Walter. Two other Prime Time standouts — the Hotchkiss School’s Chase Clymer (Middlebury) and Loomis Chafee’s Will DeLaMater (Trinity) — also committed. Stay tuned for more on those commitments.

Also yesterday, one of the leading offensive players on perennial Section 1 Class A contender Mahopac made his college choice official.

Jon Bota, a 5-10, 148-pound right-handed attackman with good quickness and strong stick skills, informed me he will be attending Western New England College.

Here’s a Q&A with Jon on his commitment.

What were the main factors in your decision to attend WNEC?
The main factors were the players when I stayed for my overnight (visit). They were good influences and WNEC had a great atmosphere. Also, the great business program that they offer.

What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I was also looking at Salve Regina, Sacred Heart, Elmira and Fairfield.

What adjustments do you think you will need to make to play at the next level?
The main adjustment I need to make is to get stronger and gain weight.

What are your sterngths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
My strength as a player has always been my stick. Being able to go both ways and being able to protect it. I am good inside and I can finish the ball. My dodging needs work but is coming along.

What players have you looked up to as you have moved up through the varsity ranks?
The two main players I looked up to were Matt Girsh and Tyler Perrelle. When I was young I loved watching Matt play both in high school and at Siena. Seeing him throw his fake that would make everyone look the other way was crazy. Tyler I actually had the chance to play with. As a sophomore, I was in the starting line up with Tyler. He has given me many tips and secrets he uses to be successful up at Binghamton.

When did you first realize you had the potential to play at the college level?
I realized sophomore year when I talked to my coach, Dave Haddeland. He asked me to come to workouts and play on the winter league team. He was very impressed and ended up starting me my sophomore year. He has been in my corner every year helping me improve my game. He is the main reason my game is good enough to play at the next level.

* For more info on Jon, click here.

Player’s perspective archive

* Check out the more than 75 stories from players from the nation’s No. 1 hotbed for lax, the Hudson Valley/Long Island/Connecticut region, by clicking here

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* Updated recruiting review and commitment rundown (for classes of 2011, 2012 and * new * 2013)

* November 2010 Signing Week coverage

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