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PLL Golden Stick Award tracker: Asher Nolting, Matt Moore in first

By Phil Shore | Feb 13, 2025

All four Premier Lacrosse League teams have played their first games at the 2025 Lexus Championship Series, which means we have our first true look at the front-runners for the Golden Stick Award, given to the player with the most scoring points throughout the tournament. 

The top of the leaderboard is crowded, but what is most interesting is the variety of styles represented. Some are sharpshooters who used two-pointers to boost their totals, while others have used their physicality to muscle their opponents and wear them down.

Asher Nolting, Boston Cannons, 7 Scoring Points

Asher Nolting got off to a slow start against the Utah Archers, but he picked it up in the second half, tallying five of his seven scoring points in the second half. He admitted it took some time to get his feet underneath him, and that the few practices the team had before the first game wouldn’t be able to replicate the speed of real-game Sixes.

“They did a good job of speeding us up,” Nolting said of the Archers defense. “Once we got to that second half, we took our time, slowed it down, and started getting quality looks.”

In 2024, Nolting led the Cannons in assists. After Wednesday’s game, he said the team was unable to bury some quality looks early on, and he also said they struggled to get good two-point looks, which he said was important in Sixes. Already at the top of the Golden Stick leaderboard, if Nolting is going to finish a few more opportunities and continue to throw in some two-pointers – he scored one against the Archers – it might be tough to outpace him, especially if teams defend him like the Archers did, locking him in one-on-one battles and turning him into more of a shooter than a passer.

Matt Moore, Utah Archers, 7 Scoring Points

Matt Moore had a tough summer. Injuries hampered him and kept him inactive for three games, he had a four-game stretch in the middle of the year where he didn’t score a single goal, and he finished the regular season with only six scoring points. 

Moore outdid himself in one game in the Lexus Championship Series, however. He was a key piece to the Archers’ fast start, tallying four of his scoring points, including one two-pointer, in the first quarter. He and Archers teammate Ryan Aughavin are also tied for the league lead in two-point goals made (two).

Mac O’Keefe, Utah Archers, 6 Scoring Points

The sharpshooter was an early favorite for the Golden Stick Award. Mac O'Keefe showcased why, pinging the goal with multiple long-range snipes. His Sixes debut was highly anticipated and hyped up, which he admitted he doesn’t like and tries to stay away from. He said he just relied on his teammates to do the best he can.

“I try to take it day by day,” he said.

Dylan Molloy, New York Atlas, 6 Scoring Points

Atlas acting head coach Steven Brooks raved about Dylan Molloy’s effort and willingness to excel on the defensive end of the field, but also he made an impact on the offensive end. The 2016 Tewaaraton Award winner had five total goals, including one two-pointer, to go with two assists.

Molloy used his size and his physicality to his advantage, wearing down the Whipsnakes in the second half, when he scored four of his goals, including his one two-pointer.

‘“We knew later in the periods he could start using his body and getting to his strength,” Brooks said. “One thing I credit him for is he was extremely patient. He waited until later in the third quarter and the fourth quarter. He got into his rhythm, getting going, pressing the envelope. With his patience and his execution attacking at the right times, he was excellent.”

In the hunt: Ryan Aughavin (5), Ryan Conrad (5), Bryan Costabile (5), Xander Dickson (5), Marcus Holman (5)

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