Mars' Ben Bowser (1) finished his career 11th all-time in the program in points and led the Planets to four more WPIAL titles, earning this year’s Butler Eagle Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year. Ralph LoVuolo/Special to the Eagle

It’s become a common refrain.

Mars’ boys lacrosse team was tops in its class in the WPIAL this season, winning the district title for the ninth season in a row. Head coach Bob Marcoux’s Planets made a state tournament push that ended in the quarterfinals, but the program’s run of dominance in the area remains.

Mars’ nine total WPIAL crowns are the most ever, ahead of Mt. Lebanon’s seven. The Planets finished with an impressive plus-209 goal differential and, at one point during the season, went nearly a month and a half without suffering a loss.

One of the team’s losses came against eventual WPIAL Class 3A champion Mt. Lebanon. Another was on the doorstep of the PIAA semifinals. During the course of the season, the Planets won games by scores of 24-2, 30-2, 22-1 and 22-0.

With its deep pool of talent, Mars is also well represented on the Butler Eagle’s 2025 All-Star team, which also includes a trio of Seneca Valley standouts and a few guys that stood out for Butler, as well.

Here are the Butler County boys lacrosse all-stars, in alphabetical order, including player of the year, first team and honorable mention:

Ben Bowser, sr., M, Mars

An all-around athlete for the dynastic Planets, Bowser contributed on offense — with 27 goals (third on the team), 32 assists (first) and 59 points (third) — and defense, with 63 ground balls. His efforts earned him All-WPIAL Class 2A and All-Section and team MVP honors. The Maryville University (Miss.) became just the 12th player in program history with 150 career points, finishing with 161 to place him 11th all-time.

Seneca Valley's Grant Adams (16) led the county’s all-stars with 64 goals this season. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle

Grant Adams, sr., A, Seneca Valley

Adams scored the most goals (64) on this all-star team in 2025. But he also gave the Raiders more than that, adding 15 assists and forcing 15 turnovers on the defensive end.

Ethan Bulvin, jr., D, Seneca Valley

Bulvin was among the tops in Butler County in causing turnovers (32) and scooping up ground balls (36) for a team that went 8-6 and just missed the playoffs.

Butler’s Brock Collins (14) was an expert with ground balls, recording 90 on the season, and earned all-section honors. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle

Brock Collins, sr., M, Butler

The long stick midfielder who was a ground ball specialist, with 90 on the season. Named to the All-Section 2-3A team, also caused 25 turnovers while contributing offensively with 18 goals and six assists. He’ll play at Grove City next year.

Mars' Ian Coulter (3) finishes his career with the sixth most points in Planets history with 275. Ralph LoVuolo/Special to the Eagle

Ian Coulter, sr., A, Mars

Second on the team in points (63) and goals (39) to finish with 275 career points (sixth most in program history, 191 career goals), Coulter was a big part of a more balanced attacking Planets team that again defended its WPIAL throne. Coulter finished All-WPIAL Class 2A and All-Section. He’ll play next season at Vassar College.

Seneca Valley’s Colton Garner (6) scored a whopping 300 points in his career, second in program history. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle

Colton Garner, sr., A, Seneca Valley

The WPIAL All-Section honoree was among Butler County’s top point producers, finishing with 60 goals and and 34 assists and moved into second in SV history with 300 career points. But the Ohio Wesleyan commit could contribute in other ways, with 29 ground balls.

Colton Mellish

Colton Mellish, jr., D, Freeport

Mellish has been named the Yellowjackets’ defensive MVP two years running and is a three-year starter. He’s credited with 52 ground balls, 22 takeaways, two goals and five assists, according to MaxPreps.

Mars' Jack Mueller (2) was another key senior member for a Planets team that won four WPIAL titles while he was in high school (and nine straight overall). Ralph LoVuolo/Special to the Eagle

Jack Mueller, sr., D, Mars

Mueller, an All-WPIAL Class 2A and All-Section selection, led the Planets with 25 forced turnovers (he’s third all-time with 58) and pulled in 38 ground balls and was routinely tasked with sticking to the opponents’ best attacker. He’s committed to John Carroll University.

Preston Simko, jr., D, Butler

Simko is credited with 50 forced turnovers this season and was named the Golden Tornado’s defensive player of the year.

Mars' Luke Spreng started all four years in the cage for the Planets, finishing with the most saves in program history. Ralph LoVuolo/Special to the Eagle

Luke Spreng, sr., G, Mars

The anchor of the defense since his freshman season, Spreng’s graduation will be felt next season. The Muskingum University commit could consistently cover for a defensive mistake in front of him and finished with 72 saves and 72 goals allowed. His 267 career saves are most in program history.

Mars’ Jack Tirch (22) led the Planets in points (70) and goals (57) as a junior. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle

Jack Tirch, jr., A, Mars

One of the best goal-scorers in the WPIAL and Butler County, Tirch finished with 70 points and 57 goals, both tops for the Planets this season. His 13 assists were fourth. He looks to be an ascending player on a roster after already reaching 100 career goals and earning All-WPIAL Class 2A and All-Section honors.

Kale Baker, so., M, Seneca Valley; Mike Duffy, jr., D/M, Mars; Reed Fuller, so., D, Mars; Dylan Greer, so., A, Seneca Valley; Jake Jones, so., A, Knoch; Andrew Loebig, jr., M, Seneca Valley; Brayden Riddell, so., M, Freeport; Henry Saver, jr., M, Mars; Max Weiland, jr., G, Butler

Eagle staff writer Brendan Howe contributed to this story.