Nassau boys lacrosse team previews

Massapequa goalkeeper Matt Valdini and midfielder Nick Yevoli react as... — Massapequa goalkeeper Matt Valdini and midfielder Nick Yevoli react as time runs out against Smithtown East in the Class A Long Island boys lacrosse championship game on Saturday, May 31, 2014. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke

By WILL SAMMONwill.sammon@newsday.comMarch 24, 2015

NASSAU CONFERENCE A

SYOSSET BRAVES

Coach: John Calabria

2014 record: 13-5

Key players:

Alex Concannon, A, Sr.

Mac O'Keefe, A, Jr.

SEE PHOTOSNassau boys lax players to watch

Michael Hatzopoulos, M, Sr.

Lucas Cotler, M, Jr.

Michael Elardo, M, So.

Outlook: The preseason favorite to win the county title has entered its second year of a newly designed pass-and-pick style offense behind steady scorers Concannon and O'Keefe.

MASSAPEQUA CHIEFS

Coach: Tim Radomski

2014 record: 19-2

Key players:

Paul Dilena, A, Sr.

Nick Yevoli, M, Sr.

Griffin Barnathan, M, Sr.

Ryan Tierney, M, Jr.

Carter Hawthorne, A, Sr.

Outlook: The defending state champions have an edge against most teams with Phil Brady taking faceoffs. Yevoli, Barnathan and Tierney comprise one of the Island's top midfield units.

PORT WASHINGTON VIKINGS

Coach: Tom Rooney

2014 record: 9-8

Key players:

Joey Froccaro, M, Sr.

Luke Cummings, M, Sr.

Nick Ferrero, G, Jr.

Charlie Scharf, D, Sr.

John Neil, D, Sr.

Outlook: Froccaro is an ace at faceoffs and can score goals. Neil is a 6-5 menace on defense and has returned after an injury-riddled season.

OCEANSIDE SAILORS

Coach: Jim Gillis

2014 record: 12-4

Key players:

Shane Clark, A, Sr.

Kevin O'Keefe, M, Jr.

Dakota Swanson, M, Jr.

Brennan Segelkin, A, Sr.

Blake Igoe, D, Sr.

Outlook: Clark could have a big season after scoring 22 goals and adding 13 assists.

FARMINGDALE DALERS

Coach: Bob Hartranft

2014 record: 11-6

Key players:

Matt DeLuca, G, Jr.

Tom McPartland, M, Jr.

Joe Cambria, D, Sr.

Dylan Fitzgerald, A, Jr.

Mike Scheuerer, M, Sr.

Outlook: DeLuca, who saved 67 percent of shots against him last year, according to Hartranft, leads the perennial playoff team on defense.

MACARTHUR GENERALS

Coach: Chris Bergersen

2014 record: 9-7

Key players:

Dean Peluso, M, Sr.

Mike Papach, A, Sr.

Gerard DelGrosso, M, Sr.

Chris Hawkins, M, Sr.

Outlook: Look for Papach to finish in transition when the Generals unleash their up-tempo style of play, led by midfielders Peluso, DelGrosso and Hawkins.

BALDWIN BRUINS

Coach: Rich Garguilo

2014 record: 6-9

Key players:

Thomas York, G, Sr.

Jared Warner, M, Sr.

Noel Smith, D, Sr.

Nick Deluca, D, Sr.

Sam Fergerson, A, Sr.

Outlook: After missing the playoffs last year, returning seniors York and Warner will attempt to get the Bruins back to the postseason.

HICKSVILLE COMETS

Coach: Michael Skudin

2014 record: 9-8

Key players:

Brian Lang, M, Sr.

Matt Arnone, M, Sr.

Michael Osmundsen, A, Sr.

Peter Bell, M, Sr.

Rob Schmidt, D, Sr.

Outlook: Lang, who is committed to Ohio State, University, is one of the county's top scoring threats. The senior-laden team could surprise.

PLAINVIEW JFK HAWKS

Coach: Chris Rogler

2014 record: 7-9

Key players:

Brian Cameron, M, Sr.

Ryan Schenck, D, Sr.

Kyle Coleman, M, Sr.

Kevin Pastier, A, Jr.

C.J. Mazzocchi, M, Jr.

Outlook: Cameron is the focal point of the offense and Schenck will lead the defense. The Hawks will look to push the ball.

EAST MEADOW JETS

Coach: Steve D'Argenio

2014 record: 6-9

Key players:

Joe Barbato, A, Sr.

Robbie Burt, A, Jr.

Quinn Laskowski, D, Jr.

John Whitenack, G, Jr.

James Howell, M, So.

Outlook: Young squad will look to improve under first-year coach.

FREEPORT RED DEVILS

Coach: Harry Mohrmann

2014 record: 4-11

Key players:

Mike Leccese, A, Sr.

Jordan Curtis, M, Sr.

George Magloire, A, Sr.

Marquis Williams, D, Sr.

Corey Spivey, M, Sr.

Outlook: Team will endure a rebuilding year behind Leccese, a capable scorer.

UNIONDALE KNIGHTS

Coach: Hugo Charles

2014 record: 9-6

Key players:

Rob Sanchez, A, Sr.

Willy Mayorga, A, Sr.

Charlie Canales, G, Sr.

Outlook: The third-year program greatly improved with its first winning season and is looking to take the next step.

VALLEY STREAM EAGLES

Coach: Dan Kraemer

2014 record: 4-11

Key players:

Rory Carey, A, Jr.

Rob Nardella, A, Sr.

Ollie St. Louisluis, S, Jr.

Joe Kempton, D, Sr.

Giovanni Coppola, M, Sr.

Outlook: Carey scored 17 goals last season for rebuilding team.

HEMPSTEAD TIGERS

Coach: Bill Cherry

2014 record: 0-15

Key players:

Chris Jara, D, Jr.

Jaylen Evans, D, So.

Jade Shields, A, So.

Jonathan Mingo, G, Sr.

Durrell Williams, A, Jr.

Outlook: Mingo, who made more than 100 saves, leads the young team that will look to learn from the challenges it faced last season.

NASSAU CONFERENCE B-II

LYNBROOK OWLS

Coach: Bill Leighley

2014 record: 19-2

Key players:

Eddie Bouhall, D, Sr.

Gordon Purdie, A, Sr.

Brendan McDougal, G, Sr.

Owen Daly, M, Sr.

Zach Barrett, D, Jr.

Outlook: Bouhall and Barrett, one of the Island's toughest defensive duos, lead the defending county champion. Purdie, who had 51 goals last year, provides the scoring.

MANHASSET INDIANS

Coach: Bill Cherry

2014 record: 11-8

Key players:

Matt Gavin, A, Jr.

Jack Keogh, A, So.

Thomas Duran, A, Sr.

Tyler Dunn, M, Sr.

John Graziano, D, Sr.

Outlook: Keogh, Gavin and Dunn are three of the county's most skillful playmakers and they each handle the ball very unselfishly.

BETHPAGE EAGLES

Coach: Roddy McCoy

2014 record: 13-5

Key players:

Joe Tierney, A, Jr.

Michael Sforza, FO, Sr.

Bobby Chillianis, A, Sr.

Nick Carlino, D, Jr.

Nick Biasi, D, Sr.

Outlook: Tierney had 46 assists last season and could add a few more because the team returns plenty of depth.

SOUTH SIDE CYCLONES

Coach: Steve DiPietro

2014 record: 11-6

Key players:

Stephen Parker, D, Sr.

Dylan Crossan, A, Sr.

Steve DiMare, D, Sr.

Luke Scaduto, M, Sr.

Dennis LiCalzi, G, Sr.

Outlook: Parker, who picked up 70 ground balls last year, can shut down the opposition's best scorer. LiCalzi is very steady in the cage. Team could make deep postseason run.

NORTH SHORE VIKINGS

Coach: Aaron Kozlowski

2014 record: 4-12

Key players:

Ryland Frost, G, Sr.

Jack Goettelmann, D, Sr.

Ryan Aughavin, M, So.

Mike Dileo, M, Sr.

Chris McGinley, A, Sr.

Outlook: Goettelmann is in his fifth season as a starter. He picked up 113 ground balls last year. Could be a very improved group.

FRIENDS ACADEMY QUAKERS

Coach: Bill Garry

2014 record: 12-4

Key players:

Struan Coleman, A, Sr.

Pierce Dellafera, M, Sr.

Tyler Sehring, M, Sr.

Will Shea, M, Jr.

Gavin Tam, G, Jr.

Outlook: After being a perennial powerhouse in Class C, the Quakers move up to a new conference. The defense is young, but Tam is a capable goalie. Midfield is a strength.

HEWLETT BULLDOGS

Coach: Steven DeNapoli

2014 record: 7-9

Key players:

Malcolm Kahn, D, Sr.

Jeremy Leguillow, M, Sr.

Jeff Rizzo, M, Sr.

Jon Frankel, D, Sr.

Ethan Lee, D, Sr.

Outlook: Gritty group will play an up-tempo style. Kahn is an aggressive defender who racks up ground balls.

PLAINEDGE RED DEVILS

Coach: Joseph Baccarella

2014 record: 7-9

Key players:

Matt Miles, A, Sr.

Peter Hardt, A, Sr.

John Gullo, M, Sr.

Keith Cakoyanis, G, Sr.

Matt Amato, A, Sr.

Outlook: The senior-laden group will look to improve under the first-year coach.

LAWRENCE GOLDEN TORNADOES

Coach: Joe Martillotti

2014 record: 7-7

Key players:

Sean Moran, M, Sr.

Sam Locascio, A, Sr.

Tom Terino, A, Sr.

Melik Mavruk, G, Sr.

Jordan Fredericks, M, Sr.

Outlook: One of the most improved teams last season will look to take the next step and grab a playoff spot.

ROSLYN BULLDOGS

Coach: Jesse Sorenson

2014 record: 7-8

Key players:

Griffin Goldberg, G, Sr.

Jordan Steinfast, A, Sr.

Hunter Askenase, D, Sr.

Michael Rapone, M, Sr.

Brett Hollander, A, Sr.

Outlook: Goldberg earned All-County honors and anchors the defense with Askenase.

FLORAL PARK KNIGHTS

Coach: Ryan Obloj

2014 record: 6-10

Key players:

Cole Horan, D, So.

Mike DelGiorno, A, Sr.

Jay Ferone, A, Jr.

Michael Corteo, M, Sr.

Nick Jounakos, D, Sr.

Outlook: Horan is a top-notch defender. Brothers Mike and Nick DelGiorno could have big scoring seasons.

DIVISION BLUE DRAGONS

Coach: Pat Nolan

2014 record: 6-10

Key players:

Frank Kirk, A, Sr.

Trevor Muller, M, Sr.

Steven Riley, M, So.

Brodie Nuzzi, D, Sr.

Mike Oleary, M, Sr.

Outlook: Kirk returns to lead the offense after scoring 61 points last season. Riley could provide help offensively.

GLEN COVE BIG RED

Coach: Steven Tripp

2014 record: 5-10

Key players:

Sean Peet, D, Sr.

Phil Grella, G, Sr.

Brandon Leon, D, Jr.

Sean Morrissey, M, Sr.

Michael Payton, M, Sr.

Outlook: Peet is a four-year starter. Team returned eight starters.

ROOSEVELT ROUGH RIDERS

Coach: Andrew Gutierrez

2014 record: 0-12

Key players:

Dorkim Simeona, M, Sr.

Tawan Haynes, M, Sr.

Hakeem Noel, D, Sr.

Moner McDonald, G, Sr.

Alex Osorio, M, Sr.

Outlook: Malik Leid and Quran Simmons, both juniors, each scored 16 points last season and return as the leading scorers.

NASSAU CONFERENCE B-I

GARDEN CITY TROJANS

Coach: Steve Finnell

2014 record: 15-3

Key players:

James Sullivan, M, Sr.

Thomas Wright, D, Sr.

Matt Borges, D, Sr.

JP Basile, A, So.

Luke McDaid, A, Jr.

Outlook: Wright and Borges provide the Trojans a formidable righty-lefty duo defensively. Sullivan, a faceoff savant, will have a major role offensively for second straight season.

CAREY SEAHAWKS

Coach: Tom Aiello

2014 record: 11-6

Key players:

Nick Spillane A, Sr.

Mike De Leo, M, Sr.

Tom Gallant, D, Sr.

Jorge Cerquera, D, Sr.

Brett Campos, M, Sr.

Outlook: Spillane, who is headed to Penn State, is one of Long Island's top scorers. Gallant leads a senior-laden group on defense.

WANTAGH WARRIORS

Coach: John Cuiffo

2014 record: 12-5

Key players:

Ralph Sommer, D, Sr.

Dylan Beckwith, A, Jr.

Vinny Vasheo, M, Sr.

Kyle Sliwak, M, Jr.

Casey Murphy, A, So.

Outlook: Usually in the mix for a playoff spot, the young team could receive big offensive seasons from three-year starters Beckwith and Vasheo.

LONG BEACH MARINES

Coach: Jim Kaspar

2014 record: 9-8

Key players:

Matt Varian, A, Sr.

Chris Parler, M, Sr.

Nick Nigro, D, Sr.

Kyle Christie, D, Jr.

Tom Sculley, M, Sr.

Outlook: Varian and Parler each scored more than 30 goals last season. Team returned more depth than usual.

CALHOUN COLTS

Coach: Jim Femminella

2014 record: 9-7

Key players:

Griffin Miller, G, Sr.

Spencer Kaufman, M, Sr.

Jack Thomann, D, Sr.

Kevin Dolan, A, Sr.

Anthony Fitzsimmons,

D, Sr.

Outlook: Miller is adept at clearing in the net, and Kaufman and Dolan could be prime for big scoring seasons.

MEPHAM PIRATES

Coach: James Koester

2014 record: 7-8

Key players:

Yianni Hilas, M, Sr.

Mike Gilroy, M, S.

Peter Motley, D, Sr.

Jon Olson, M, So.

Colin Vandewater, D, Jr.

Outlook: Goal is to make the playoffs. John Rooney and Tom O'Connor are two capable goalies who will share playing time.

BELLMORE JFK COUGARS

Coach: Tom Mazeika

2014 record: 7-8

Key players:

Nico Racalbuto, A, Jr.

Dom Albi, D, Sr.

Logan Zoppel, D, Sr.

Devon Phillips, A, Sr.

Danny Faella, M, Sr.

Outlook: The defense and attack units are experienced. Racalbuto led the team in scoring last year.

GREAT NECK SOUTH REBELS

Coach: Jim Morrow

2014 record: 8-7

Key players:

Dan Doreste, M, Sr.

Jared Greben, M, Sr.

David Kimmel, A, Jr.

Hayden Edelson, D, Sr.

Andrew Cohen, D, Sr.

Outlook: Doreste and Greben give the Rebels a strong midfield. Jeremy Maybaum, a senior midfielder, will take the majority of the faceoffs.

JERICHO JAYHAWKS

Coach: Joe Vissichelli

2014 record: 7-9

Key players:

Chris Rodgers, M, Jr.

Ben Wachtel, M, Jr.

Mike Calisto, A, Sr.

Jon Ellis, D, Sr.

Asad Jilani, G, Jr.

Outlook: Rodgers and Calisto are expected to provide much of the scoring, Vissichelli said.

NEW HYDE PARK GLADIATORS

Coach: Michael Milio

2014 record: 3-12

Key players:

Joe Gardella, M, Jr.

Isaac Pincay, A, Jr.

James Brooks, A, Jr.

Charles Chiarello, D, So.

Brian Hoerter, M, So.

Outlook: Behind Chiarello, who racked up 75 ground balls as a freshman, and Gardella, the team's offensive leader, they'll be in the mix for a final playoff spot.

SEWANHAKA INDIANS

Coach: Peter Burgess

2014 record: 6-9

Key players:

Brenton Mighty, M, Sr.

Peter Militano, A, Sr.

Trevor Regnier, M, Jr.

Elijah Tracey, D, Jr.

Sotiris Kalangis, G, Sr.

Outlook: Militano (40 goals) and Mighty (20 goals) provide some scoring punch.

HERRICKS HIGHLANDERS

Coach: Mike Chin

2014 record: 6-9

Key players:

Mark Marciano, M, Sr.

Sal Cipriano, A, Jr.

Gavin Dowd, D, Sr.

Jake Conners, D, Sr.

Greg Capelle, D, Fr.

Outlook: With three Division I-commits (Marciano, Cipriano and Capelle), the team is on the rise and is one to watch out for.

ELMONT SPARTANS

Coach: Justin Casano

2014 record: 2-12

Key players:

Nigel Redhead, A, Sr.

Matt Penelvert, A, Jr.

Trevor Desire, D, Jr.

Malcolm Walker, M, Sr.

Marc Cruz, D, Sr.

Outlook: With some experienced players back, the goal is to finish .500.

GREAT NECK NORTH BLAZERS

Coach: Wally Cook

2014 record: 5-9

Key players:

Jon Monahemi, M, Sr.

Michael Torres, M, Sr.

David Moshensyov, A, Jr.

Dylan Campbell, A, Jr.

Nie Alishahian, M, Sr.

Outlook: Will likely be a rebuilding year.

NASSAU CONFERENCE C

COLD SPRING HARBOR SEAHAWKS

Coach: Dennis Bonn

2014 record: 12-5

Key players:

Ian Laviano, A, So.

John Shea, D, Sr.

Ryan Winkoff, A, Sr.

Colin Burke, A, Sr.

Riley Cox, M, Jr.

Outlook: The preseason favorite to win the county title has a new addition on defense: longstick midfielder Matt DeGennaro transferred from Chaminade. He could help an aggressive group. Taylor Strough could have a big season offensively.

LOCUST VALLEY FALCONS

Coach: Matt McFarland

2014 record: 13-5

Key players:

Mike Madsen, A, Jr.

Joe Madsen, A, Jr.

Owen Trepeta, M, Jr.

Cole Barnard, M, So.

Tyler Liantonio, A, Jr.

Outlook: The Madsen twins, who have verbally committed to St. John's, lead the defending county champion. Mike Madsen had 43 goals and 28 assists last year and Joe Madsen had 40 goals and 27 assists.

MINEOLA MUSTANGS

Coach: Glenn Cocoman

2014 record: 11-5

Key players:

James Gerstner, M, Sr.

John Clancy, G, Sr.

Brian Smith, A, Sr.

Kyle Dunleavy, M, Sr.

Pete McCormack, M, Sr.

Outlook: One of Nassau's most improved teams will look to take the next step and could appear in the county final. Gerstner (41 goals) is a solid scoring threat.

SEAFORD VIKINGS

Coach: Mike Corcoran

2014 record: 9-7

Key players:

Bobby Buell, M, Sr.

Ryan Gibbons, G, Sr.

Jimmy Ragland, M, Sr.

Matt Simone, A, Sr.

John Schaller, D, Sr.

Outlook: Could make some noise in new conference. Buell is a vocal leader. Danny Connell could rack up goals after earning a starting role as a sophomore last year.

OYSTER BAY BAYMEN

Coach: Brian Soper

2014 record: 8-6

Key players:

Nick Orlowski, D, Sr.

Tom Carchietta, M, Sr.

Ryan Hauser, M, Sr.

Brian Schindler, G, So.

Jack Puccio, A, Sr.

Outlook: Schindler made 118 saves as a freshman. Carchietta is a solid passer (33 assists) who could lead the Baymen back to the playoffs.

WHEATLEY/CARLE PLACE WILDCATS

Coach: Rich Donovan