CHSAA, private schools boys lacrosse preview
St. Anthony's midfielder Jared Nugent shoots on Chaminade goalie Jack Zullo in a boys lacrosse game on Thursday, May 7, 2015. Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
CHSAA
CHAMINADE FLYERS
Coach: Jack Moran
2015 record: 15-3
Key players
Jack Zullo, G, Sr.
Liam Connors, A, Sr.
Alex Alacqua, M, Sr.
Joe Carney, M, Sr.
Frank Tangredi, M, Jr.
Outlook: Deeply talented team is looking to repeat as NYSCHSAA Class AAA champions behind Notre Dame-bound Zullo, Connors (USMMA) and Alacqua (West Point). Tangredi and Matt Chmil are young standouts.
ST. ANTHONY’S FRIARS
Coach: Keith Wieczorek
2015 record: 12-4
Key players
Jared Nugent, M, Sr.
T.J. Heagerty, A, Sr.
Chris Adamo, M, Sr.
Larry Galizia, M, Sr.
Logan Danenza, D, Sr.
Outlook: Nugent, a Villanova commit, is an elite two-way player. He and Heagerty, a Michigan commit, lead a solid offense. The Friars will be more defensive-minded this year, said Wieczorek.
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST COUGARS
Coach: Tom Gilmartin
2015 record: 12-8
Key players
Corey McMahon, A, Sr.
Jack White, G, Jr.
Peter Scavone, A, Jr.
Kyle Portera, M, Sr.
Steven Becker, A, Jr.
Outlook: The first-year coach has a strong attack led by McMahon (72 points), who is bound for Cortland next season. White has a familiar starting defense in front of him.
ST. DOMINIC BAYHAWKS
Coach: Matthew O’Brien
2015 record: 10-7
Key players
Grant Galligan, A, Sr.
Patrick Kiernan, D, Sr.
Brad Baker, M, Jr.
J.J. Alicea, A, Jr.
Ryan Poole, D, Jr.
Outlook: With many returning players, the Bayhawks are thinking championship. Fairfield-bound Liam McAuliffe returns from ACL surgery.
KELLENBERG FIREBIRDS
Coach: Mike Schwalje
2015 record: 8-12
Key players
Tim Hoarty, M, Sr.
Jack Mullen, A, Sr.
A.J. Sandorfi, A, Sr.
Kevin Rice, G, Sr.
Kieran Fallon, M, Sr.
Outlook: Rice, a 6-1, 190-pounder, is committed to Adelphi. The athletic group has an experienced offense and strong fundamentals.
HOLY TRINITY TITANS
Coach: Gene Isnardi
2015 record: 5-13
Key players
Dylan Villari, M/G, Sr.
Nick Pascucci, D, Sr.
Andrew Devlin, M, Sr.
Pat Kilduff, A, Sr.
Dan Loppenger, M, Sr.
Outlook: The team hopes to take a step forward after a rebuilding year. Villari had 38 points last year and added 75 saves.
ST. MARY’S GAELS
Coach: Matt Panetta
2015 record: 5-13
Key players
Vinny Vaccaro, M, Sr.
Peter Fischetti, D, Jr.
Brian Gallagher, A, Sr.
Kevin Gorman, G, Jr.
Lucas Delvasto, M, Soph.
Outlook: Vaccaro, who had 52 points last year, leads a young team alongside Fischetti.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
LONG ISLAND LUTHERAN CRUSADERS
Coach: Mike Riccardi, first season
2015 record: 13-6
Key players
Rob Cardali, M/FO, Sr.
Luke Malpica, D, Sr.
Justin Malpica, A, Jr.
Steven Faux, M, Sr.
Harrison Fairhurst, G, Jr.
Outlook: The reigning PSAA champions have a new coach, but could repeat with one of the most talented teams in recent history. Justin leads the attack and could get a boost from newcomer Mike O’Connell.
PORTLEDGE PANTHERS
Coach: Larry O’Leary
2015 record: 9-6
Key players
Jason Frezza, G, Sr.
Alec Sheeline, M, Sr.
Nick Smith, A, Jr.
Mike Early, M, Jr.
Mat Murphy, D, Jr.
Outlook: The team is young, but has potential with a strong midfield and solid goalie.
CEO shot ... Diocese settlement ... New cannabis shops ... Manorville Christmas Tree farm
CEO shot ... Diocese settlement ... New cannabis shops ... Manorville Christmas Tree farm
