Josh Baker

Friends to Rivals: Mohamed Ahmed ’26 and Alex Darby ’26

May 18, 2026 by Josh Baker

During the U19 season, Mohamed Ahmed and Alex Darby have built a strong relationship both on and off the pitch. They shared experiences like training sessions, tournaments, and more. This has helped them become a key part of the U19 squad. Now that their time at Northwood is ending, they must prepare to face each other in NCAA soccer.

Ahmed is heading to Clarkson University, while Darby is committed to Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Both colleges compete in the Liberty League, meaning they will face each other many times. Two friends are soon to be rivals.

Ahmed is an exciting player with a game built around creativity and an incredible work rate. As a winger, he is exceptional at taking players on and showing flair in the wide areas of the pitch. His skills and technical ability are great, but his separator is his work rate, both defensively and offensively. Offensively, he is constantly making runs and always moves away from his defender. Defensively, he tracks back well and is strong in his duels. No matter what minute of the game it is, Mohamed is always running, making him a defender’s worst nightmare.

Darby is a completely different player. His playstyle is less about flair and more about tempo and composure. He dictates the game with his technical ability, developed through his time in football environments in both Dubai and Singapore. Darby brings international experience to the U19 Black Rock squad and a powerful sense of maturity. One thing that separates him is his set-piece ability. Darby is a master at free kicks. He scored a free kick in the Las Vegas tournament a couple of months ago that reminded people of Declan Rice from Arsenal. All these traits will help him stand out when he plays at the college level.

What makes this story interesting is that both players know each other’s games well. Having played in the same team, they know each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and habits.

This friendship-to-rival situation is common in Northwood. More examples of this include the upcoming rivalry between Hamish Riddell and Noah Moodey, and between Ashton Khory and Tziyon Morris. These examples show how unique college soccer is and how it can bring people together even if they attend different schools.

For Ahmed and Darby, the next chapter ahead is huge. It will be an opportunity for both to prove a point and show that they can compete at the college level.

Filed Under: People, Sports

Friends to Rivals: Moodey and Riddell to Join Patriot League

May 13, 2026 by Josh Baker

Soccer at Northwood School does not just develop players for team results; instead, players develop to reach even higher levels. In this case, two Northwood prodigies, Noah Moodey ’26 and Hamish Riddell ’26, are reaching that higher level, committing to Holy Cross and Bucknell University. Once friends, soon-to-be rivals compete in the Patriot League.

Photos: Instagram.

Noah Moodey is an exceptional defensive midfielder. In this position, Noah dictates the tempo of games and controls the entire field. Many people like to say his passing range is like Trent Alexander-Arnold’s, as Noah can deliver high-quality passes no matter what the distance is. His passing, linked to his Pedri-like vision, allows him to break lines and see a whole different game than his opponents do. Defensively, Noah is a brick wall. His defensive ability is comparable to Fabinho’s at Liverpool, as there is simply no way around him.

His soccer journey started when he was just four years old in Massachusetts. He developed his skills at the club level before joining Northwood to reach even higher levels. Northwood allowed Noah to meet players from around the globe, building friendships that will last forever. Constant travel and intense workouts made Noah feel like he was part of a community. That sense of community is one of the reasons Noah committed to Holy Cross. Holy Cross is an exceptional program with a smaller campus and a strong environment, much like the one he found at Northwood School.

Hamish Ridell offers a different type of threat. A gifted right winger from Hong Kong, Hamish uses his pace and technical ability to outmaneuver his opponents. His first step is extremely explosive, comparable to Jeremy Doku’s at Man City. Once Hamish gets his space, there is simply no way to stop him. He attacks with speed and is very unpredictable. A few people from the Northwood U19s like to say that Hamish is the “right-footed Lamine Yamal!”

Together at Northwood, they pushed each other daily. The duo was dynamic on gameday, leaving opponents completely stunned.

When Holy Cross and Bucknell face each other, it will be more than just a conference game. Noah will try to dictate the game while Hamish will amaze the Holy Cross defenders with his range of skill moves and his explosiveness. At the end of the day, the story shows how these young talents have developed and are ready to take the next step in their careers.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People, Sports

From Northwood Teammates to Sun Belt Rivals: Morris vs Khory

May 13, 2026 by Josh Baker

At a small place like Northwood, relationships are strong. The soccer players train together every day, eat dinner together, and travel together every weekend. Over time, these players bond and begin to understand each other better, both on and off the field. That is the case with two of the U19s: Tziyon Morris and Ashton Khory. They are both currently seniors, teammates, and part of the same Northwood soccer system. But that is about to change.

Next year, they will be competing against each other at college.

Illustration: Instagram.

Tziyon Morris, a center back, has committed to Old Dominion University, while Ashton Khory, a midfielder, has committed to James Madison University. Both are elite programs in the Sun Belt Conference, meaning Ashton and Tziyon will play against each other multiple times.

Commitment posts sent by Ashton Khory and Tziyon Morris.

Morris is not just another center back. His game intelligence is much higher than most center-backs, allowing him to play smart passes that no one else sees. Defensively, he is a player who reads the game well, stepping in at the right moments and controlling the whole backline. When you watch him play, you will immediately spot the composure and calm he brings to chaotic situations. He doesn’t just react; he predicts with his game intelligence. Many people compare him to players like Van Dijk as he brings both physical strength and mental intelligence.

Illustration: Instagram.

Khory, on the other hand, is a player who is all about flow. As a midfielder, he always has the ball, linking with players and connecting the team. He is extremely comfortable under pressure, which is not surprising given the hours he spends perfecting his craft on his own. He is a highly creative player, which makes it hard for defenders to predict his moves. He also likes to dictate the tempo of games and bring others into the game. Many people like to compare him to players like Paul Pogba because of his elite flair and size.

At Northwood, these players complement each other well, and I am sure they will miss playing on the same team.

The Morris vs Khory battle is interesting because it has developed naturally. They have spent years playing together and building such a strong relationship. Now, they will have to get used to competing against each other rather than with each other. This is a matchup to look for. They are friends who have been forced to be rivals.

Filed Under: People, Sports

The Northwood-Hong Kong Connection

April 30, 2026 by Josh Baker

Hong Kong is a lot more than just a random global city. Hong Kong is home to a surprising number of Northwood past and present students, creating a nice connection between a small school in Lake Placid and one of the most developed cities in the world. Jeremy Tsang ’23, Turner Jackson ’23, Noah Leddel ’23, Liam Doyle ’22, Leo Doyle ’25, Jett Jewett ’26, Mitchell Baker ’24, Hamish Ridell ’26, and James Martin ’26 are some of the names of people who have resided in Hong Kong before joining Northwood School.

Recently, I was lucky enough to fly back to Hong Kong and stay for a couple of days before traveling with the U20 Hong Kong National team for an overseas training camp. These few days in Hong Kong were very nostalgic for me. Having not visited Hong Kong in an exceedingly long time, this trip allowed me to see the stunning city while also reliving old memories. The breathtaking skyline, the culture, and the food all felt so personal to me and were honestly just wonderful.

Photos provided by Josh Baker ’28.

The overseas training camp was a highly professional environment with top players from all over the world. It was an honor to represent the national team, and it also reminded me how good the standard was. This explained why there are so many Northwood soccer players who grew up playing soccer in Hong Kong. Northwood Alumnus Jeremy Tsang is a fitting example of an exceptionally talented footballer from Hong Kong. He is now playing at the University of Vermont and has represented the Hong Kong National team many times. A major appearance he had was against the Manchester United Senior team, where he played against players like Bruno Fernandes and more. Similarly, Northwood’s former student, Leo Doyle, is joining UPenn next year; Hamish Ridell has committed to Bucknell University, and Mitchell Baker has been drafted to the MLS. All these stories highlight the impact these Hong Kong-raised Northwood Alumni have had.

Clockwise from top left: Jeremy Tsang ’23. Leo Doyle ’25, Hamish Riddell ’26, and Mitchell Baker ’24. Photos provided.

Besides Hong Kong’s soccer and relationship with Northwood School, Hong Kong itself is such a special place. There is world-class infrastructure, a unique culture, and incredible views. Hong Kong is a place for Northwood Students to consider visiting, as the culture and infrastructure would be unique to them, and it would allow them to witness the environment some of their classmates grew up in.

Looking back, the trip was a lot more than just a training camp. The trip acted as a reminder of how connected Hong Kong and Northwood School are. As I mentioned before, Hong Kong is a wonderful place for Northwood students to visit if they want to step out of their comfort zone and experience one of the world’s best cities.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Real World, Sports

The Tiny Airport That Connects Northwood to the World

April 29, 2026 by Josh Baker

Photo from inside a Cape Air flight from Saranac Lake to Boston by Josh Baker ’28.

Northwood has a large number of international students who take flights back and forth between the school and their homes. For these students, their journey starts or ends at one of the smallest airports they have experienced. Adirondack Regional Airport, near Saranac Lake, is small but important, as it offers flights to New York and Boston.

Cape Air operates the airport, which offers daily flights to Boston Logan International Airport and New York City’s JFK Airport. This allows students to travel conveniently during breaks, long weekends, or random trips. The Boston route runs twice a day, while the flight to New York happens once a day.

What makes the airport so unique is how different it is from the airports most students at Northwood have experienced. Most Northwood students fly from major airports with long security lines and crowded terminals. However, Adirondack Regional Airport makes travel quick and efficient. Students can arrive less than an hour before their flight and still comfortably make their flight.

The airport also has a nice cafe which serves delicious food. This cafe makes the airport feel like a community. This relates to Northwood as a community, being something special about it.

Recently, I took one of the flights from Saranac Lake to Boston. The experience was quite different from what I expected. There was only one pilot on board; the staff weighed all the bags, and we sat in specific spots to balance the aircraft.

I sat right behind the copilot’s seat, giving me a clear view of the cockpit. Throughout the plane ride, I could watch everything the pilot was doing. The whole flight was turbulent, and it felt like the plane was constantly shifting because of the wind. We landed safely as expected, but this was the scariest flight I’ve taken. The upside was that I got to see a beautiful view of the Adirondack Mountains and Boston.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Real World, Top Story

Soccer: Las Vegas Players Showcase Recap

March 20, 2026 by Josh Baker

Black Rock FC flew to Nevada last week to compete in the Las Vegas Players Showcase, a 4-game series that allows players to display their abilities in front of many college coaches. The event gathers top-level teams from around the country, which makes the standard remarkably high.

The U17 team had a rough start but finished strong. In their opening game, they scored 2 goals in the first half, making it 2-0 at halftime. However, the other team managed to score two goals extremely late in the game to tie it. The next game was an unfortunate 3-0 loss. After these two games, the team met and discussed how they would respond. They won the next two games comfortably, showing their resilience in bouncing back and finishing the showcase strong. Unfortunately, the U19s did not manage to secure a win; however, they played well, and all the players enjoyed it.

Photo by Aidan De Hartog ’27.

A challenge the program faced was a lack of recent 11v11 match experience due to game cancellations caused by the recent weather. Because of this, it took a while for the players to get back into rhythm, but after the second game, both teams found it and played better.

Off the field, the trip was a wonderful experience for the whole program. On the last day, everyone visited Red Rock Canyon, where players could climb and enjoy breathtaking views just outside Las Vegas. After this fun experience, the whole program then had dinner at a nice restaurant, where players bonded over good food. Afterwards, everyone went to see the Las Vegas Strip. The Strip was something many of the players were looking forward to off the pitch.

After returning home to Lake Placid from a tiring flight, the players needed to recover from the heavy load of the showcase. With the lake just outside Northwood School melting, it was decided that the program would do a 5-minute ice bath in the lake. It took a while for players to get into the lake, but everyone managed to complete the 5-minute task.

Photo by Coach Marvyn Dorchin.

While the results were mixed, the weekend was a fantastic opportunity for the players to display their talents in front of colleges and to get more 11v11 minutes in preparation for the Jefferson Cup, the biggest tournament of the year, happening in just two weeks.

Filed Under: Sports

Soccer: Jefferson Cup Preview

March 20, 2026 by Josh Baker

Photo: Got Sport.

As the spring season is coming up, Black Rock FC has channeled its focus towards the biggest tournament of the year: the Jefferson Cup. This tournament is known as one of the most important soccer tournaments of the year in the United States. This competition acts as both a challenge for Black Rock FC and an opportunity for the program to prove itself on a large stage.

The Black Rock Program has already started its preparation with an intense friendly match against the MLS Next side, NY Elite Alleycats. This friendly match will allow both the U17 and U19 squads to sharpen their tactics ahead of the Jefferson Cup. Because of how good the NY Elite Alleycats are, it will be like the competition they will face at the Jefferson Cup. More importantly, it allows the program to build confidence and reach the best level possible at the right time.

Photo: Aidan De Hartog ’27.

This year’s Jefferson Cup is one of the strongest years ever. The tournament features high-level teams from across the country. Many top-level college coaches have confirmed they are there. The tournament consists of multiple games in a brief time, testing teams’ endurance and squad depth. For many players, this is the best opportunity to showcase their talents in front of many college coaches.

For Black Rock FC, the tournament is extremely important, as it is a chance to bounce back after a not-so-successful Las Vegas Showcase. While the experience in Las Vegas was a wonderful opportunity for the program to learn and gain exposure, the results were not what the program aimed for. That allows the Jefferson Cup to be an opportunity for a fresh start and a successful run.

The intensity of Black Rock’s training sessions over the past few weeks has been higher, as the program knows this tournament is about more than just achieving superior results. More people have shown accountability and key values that will help the team succeed.

As the tournament approaches, Black Rock FC has a point to prove. The program will enter the competition with a winning mindset fueled by their recent struggles. No matter the results, this tournament is guaranteed to be a wonderful experience for every team competing.

Filed Under: Sports

U17 Players Anticipate Las Vegas Players Showcase

March 8, 2026 by Josh Baker

As the Las Vegas Players Showcase approaches, Black Rock FC players are ready to take on a highly competitive weekend. This tournament will be a huge opportunity for these players to display their ability in front of elite college coaches from across the country. Before the trip, The Mirror’s Co-Editor Josh Baker ’28 interviewed multiple players from the U17 Black Rock squad. The questions asked included goals they were striving to achieve, and what they were most looking forward to doing both on and off the pitch.

Paul Lahaie-Boivin ’29. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

The Mirror: Which game are you most looking forward to in the Las Vegas Players Showcase and why?

Paul Lahaie-Boivin ’29: “I am most excited to play against Las Vegas sports academy as they will be the home team, and it will be exciting to test ourselves against a quality opponent from the area.”

What goals do you have for the tournament?

“I want to consistently have a good impact on each game to benefit the team in a big showcase like this. I want to get goal contributions as well.”

What are you looking forward to most off the pitch while in Las Vegas? “I am very excited to visit the area and the strip to see Vegas for myself, as it has always been a place that intrigues me.”

Jorley do Amaral Neto ’27. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

The Mirror: Which game are you most looking forward to in the Las Vegas Players Showcase and why?

Jorley do Amaral Neto ’27: “I’m looking forward to playing against Las Vegas Sports Academy because they’re the home team.”

What goals do you have for the tournament?

“I want to play well and get four clean sheets, while showing my soccer to the coaches there.”

What are you looking forward to most off the pitch while in Las Vegas?

“Since it’s my first time there, I want to visit the main streets and see some casinos.”

Philippe Joly ’29. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

The Mirror: Which game are you most looking forward to in the Las Vegas Players Showcase and why?

Philippe Joly ’29: “I am looking forward to my first game because that is going to set the tone for the weekend and give me and the team a good mindset for the other two games.”

What goals do you have for the tournament?

“My personal goal for the tournament is to score goals and make assists, but most importantly, to help my team win. I want to give everything on the field. I want to help my teammates, and I want to have a good mindset.”

What are you looking forward to most off the pitch while in Las Vegas?

“Off the pitch, I want to create even more connections with my teammates. I want to visit the city and try some activities in Las Vegas.”

Samuel Andoh ’28. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

The Mirror: Which game are you most looking forward to in the Las Vegas Players Showcase and why?

Samuel Andoh ’28: “I am looking forward to our opening game because our performance in the first game will determine the rest of the tournament.”

What goals do you have for the tournament?

“I want to score as much as I can and also be the best player of the tournament.”

What are you looking forward to most off the pitch while in Las Vegas?

“I am looking forward to having some fun with the boys off the pitch. I am also looking forward to seeing Vegas, as I have heard a lot of good things about it.”

Ashton Turcotte ’27. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

The Mirror: Which game are you most looking forward to in the Las Vegas Players Showcase and why?

Ashton Turcotte ’27: “I am looking forward to playing Las Vegas Sports Academy as they are MLS Next and will be good competition for us.”

What goals do you have for the tournament?

“My main goal is to have a consistent tournament. Each game, I want to be consistent in passing, defending, etc.”

What are you looking forward to most off the pitch while in Las Vegas?

“I’m looking forward to seeing my mom and dad.”

As you can see, the players are excited to go to Las Vegas for the competition and experience. This showcase will be one of the most memorable experiences for Black Rock FC players this year.

Filed Under: People, Sports

Las Vegas Players College Showcase Preview

March 5, 2026 by Josh Baker

Next weekend, both the U19s and U17s at Black Rock FC will fly to Las Vegas to compete in the Players College Showcase, one of the biggest recruiting events on the West Coast. The Showcase is hosted at Bettye Wilson Soccer Complex. The showcase itself features elite teams from ECNL, MLS Next, and other top programs, with college coaches from across the country coming to watch. For all the players, this is one of the biggest opportunities they have had to get college exposure this year.

Unlike an average tournament, the showcase consists of multiple matches, guaranteeing all teams equal opportunity to display their ability. This 4-game schedule in 3 days puts teams under extreme fatigue. Black Rock FC’s schedules for both the U17s and U19s are strong and demanding, so it will be interesting to see how the program does.

The U17 group has its first game of the showcase next Friday evening against NM Rapids SC, a top ECNL side. Saturday for the U17s is then a double header, with games against CDA Slammers ECNL and Cleveland Football Academy. That will test the U17s fitness but also give them plenty of opportunity to perform. Lastly, they play Las Vegas Sports Academy of MLS Next on Sunday Morning to finish off the showcase. This matchup might be the hardest of all 4 games.

Black Rock FC’s U19 side will have 4 big games. They open the showcase with a Friday game against IMG Academy, a program that is well known across the country. They will then play against an ECNL side, an MLS NEXT side, and Hawaii Rush.

Photo from playersshowcase.com.

Off the pitch, Las Vegas will be a fantastic opportunity for the Black Rock program to come closer. A highlight off the pitch will be a team roller coaster ride with a beautiful view of Las Vegas’s nightlife. It will also be a wonderful experience flying across the country to enjoy the warm weather that we do not get here in Lake Placid.

As both Black Rock teams depart next Friday, the focus will be on representing the program as best as they can. In this intense showcase setting, every minute and action on the field will matter, and overall, it will be an experience that does not happen too often.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Humans of Northwood: Noah Moodey ’26

February 26, 2026 by Josh Baker

“I am Noah Moodey, I am a senior at Northwood School, and I’m on the soccer team. I started playing soccer when I was about 4 years old at my local public school in Massachusetts and then continued to play at both the school and club levels until I ended up here at Northwood, where, obviously, those 2 levels combine. Northwood has been quite an amazing experience for me. I have met so many people from around the world, and I have become close to people from every culture, which has greatly improved me as a person. Every day and every weekend, traveling to various showcases and playing with teammates really builds a bond much closer than if we had just gone to school together or played on the same club team, like before I was at Northwood. And it left me with a band of brothers I will not forget.

“Next year, I am going to Holy Cross to play soccer, and Northwood really played into that decision. I recognize it as similar to Northwood in that, on the college scale of things, it’s pretty small. It is just around 3000 students, and I felt like the community was important there, just like it is here at Northwood. I felt like it wouldn’t be a big change for me.

“Off the field, I would say my main hobbies are swimming, driving around, and just traveling. I have traveled a lot since I was young, and that has also really shaped who I am. It is something I really like to do, whether with my friends, family, or by myself.

“What has helped me most in my development as a person and the soccer player here at Northwood are the people and the staff. Everyone is so dedicated to your individual case, and the environment helps you improve as a person. Everyone is always focused on you, and it is just the perfect environment for someone like me to go through their teen years, and it really helped develop me as a person.”

As told to Josh Baker ’28. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge