CRANBERRY TWP — The Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic boys lacrosse program has only been around for three years.

But in that time, it has already produced a star.

Alex Culbertson recently wrapped up his junior season with 72 goals and 28 assists — his second consecutive 100-point season, for a Trojans' program that is already making strides.

“Alex is a true talent,” said North Catholic coach Don Bryant. “He's one of the premier players in his class and in the WPIAL.”

Culbertson, who lived in Meridian before moving with his family to Seven Fields, has scored 176 goals to go with 76 assists in his career.

Last season, he found the net 64 times to go with 36 assists.

As a freshman, he scored 40 goals and added 12 assists.

“I'm just trying to keep growing as a player,” Culbertson said. “A lot of my teammates are in the same grade, so we have a lot of chemistry.”

That chemistry has helped North Catholic rise quickly in WPIAL Class AA lacrosse.

When Culbertson was a freshman, the Trojans went 6-10, but took a huge step forward in going 11-6 in 2016.

That set the stage for this season.

North Catholic finished 12-5 and won its first two playoff games before losing a close match to Quaker Valley, 16-14, in the district semifinals.

Culbertson said it has been a thrill to be part of a burgeoning program.

“It's been a unique experience,” Culbertson said. “When I was a freshman and the program was starting, we had some kids who had played lacrosse before and some who had never played before.”

The two groups quickly meshed with Culbertson leading the charge on offense.

The 6-foot-1, 170-pound attackman is difficult to stop.

Bryant shifted Culbertson from midfield to attack midway through Culbertson's freshman year.

“Nobody can stop him,” Bryant said. “Not only that, but he's every bit as good on defense. He's one of the best at getting groundballs that I've ever had.”

But Culbertson's niche is as a playmaker, something he does regularly.

“I have unorthodox stick skills,” Culbertson said. “I definitely try to push myself.”

Culbertson also makes it a point to play other sports.

He plays soccer in the fall and basketball in the winter. He said those sports provide him with a chance to train his body in different disciplines as well as giving his mind a break from lacrosse.

“I've always played other sports,” Culbertson said. “It really helps me get hyped up when lacrosse season rolls around.”

Culbertson plays lacrosse during the summer for a travel team.

If Culbertson and Bryant have one lament it was that Culbertson didn't make the All-American team.

He was selected all-section for the third straight season and received an All-WPIAL nod, but missed out on being name All-American.

“I was upset,” Culbertson admitted. “But I can't control that. It makes me want to go out next year and leave little doubt.”