Yorktown, Mahopac, Somers, L/P set to Challenge in Class B

Briarcliff Hopes to 4-Peat in Class D, Pleasantville Dares to Differ

By Ray Gallagher, Examiner Sports Editor @Directrays & Jonathan Martirano

Rather than open with the fact that seven-time NYS and 40-time Section 1 champion YORKTOWN High has now lost four straight Section 1 championships game dating back to 2018, it’s now time to begin our 2023 pre-season lax notebook with reigning Section 1 Class D champion BRIARCLIFF, the Bears having been crowned three years running, including last year’s jaunt to the state semis. That said, Coach Al Meola’s Bears were hit hard by graduation and could drop back to the pack some after graduating eight starters, leaving Class D in the hands of 2022 runner-up Bronxville, a five-time sectional champ since 2011. Though, don’t count out a PLEASANTVILLE outfit that is as athletic as any in Section 1, class be damned.

“Our goal is the same every year, and that is to win a sectional championship,” said P’Ville boss Chris Kear, who has been shunned from the sectional finals four years running after winning four-straight titles from 2015-18 while appearing in six championships between 2013-18.

Expect more of the same from the 17 Class D foes, who used to pale in comparison to Class A/B foes but have found a way to close the gap through year-round commitment and top-notch coaching.

However, Meola’s Bears did catch an early-season drubbing at the hands of reigning two-time Class A champion Scarsdale last week, as did Class C HEN HUD. It’ll take some time, but the old adage applies: Teams want to be playing their best lacrosse by mid-May.

“That’s what we play for,” said Meola, a former All–American at Lakeland. “Anything less would be a disappointment. We’ll play a very tough schedule to prepare us for a playoff run. We’ll see where we are compromised and where we are strong. We’ll correct our deficiencies and see where we’re strong.”

Second-year Class B Yorktown Coach Tim Schurr is hoping to end the dry spell for his alma mater after falling short in the 2022 finals to a very solid Rye club that reached the NYS semis before falling to eventual state champ Garden City. Schurr, who orchestrated two of those two championship setbacks in 2018-19 as the former John Jay CR boss, is mindful of the Huskers’ freefall, despite Yorktown appearing in 42 straight sectional title games. So, if Yorktown isn’t winning championships, they are still one of the last two teams standing each and every year, and that shouldn’t be any different in 2023 despite the new four-tiered classification system that drops Rye to Class C.

That said, Yorktown never sets out to lose in the finals #ItsChampionshipOrBust, but losing in the finals still enrages the Husker masses and has them scratching their heads at places like AJ’s Pub, a shrine to yesteryear’s glory days. The Huskers are hoping to invigorate an offense that has lacked significant scoring punch while building around a stout defense in 2023.

Class B will be a dogfight in 2023, and the pool includes many of the usual suspects, including LAKELAND/PANAS, which has replaced former longtime Coach Jim Lindsay – the central nervous system of the program and the brains behind every game plan – with Joe Macchi. The Rebels are in the midst of a youth movement, but the Rebels are nobody’s pushover and the foundation for success is imminent.

Also poolside is a hungry MAHOPAC club that has as much offensive firepower as anyone in the section and could be one of the last two teams standing if a largely inexperienced defense can hold up before senior G Tommy Jacobellis. The Indians haven’t won it all since 2011 and haven’t reached the finals since a 13-12 OT loss to Mamaroneck in 2015. But 2023 could be the year of the Indian in their final year as INDIANS. Mahopac will send three players off to Springfield College in the fall (Jake Degnan, Ryan Ahlers, Gavin Viglucci), along with Danny Koch to St. John’s.

“The expectations are set,” Mahopac Coach Jon Bota said. “The Section 1 championship is the main focus.This team is working every day to give us the best chance. We have a battle-tested schedule that should prepare us for playoffs.”

The big question about Class B is whether or not youthful SOMERS is ready to take that next step, which has been missing in recent campaigns. The Tuskers, who are certainly headed in the right direction, have failed to reach the finals now since 2011, but could/should surprise some folks in 2023 and just might be ready for prime time if the youth movement becomes effectual, as expected. History aside, it’s 2023 that matters now, and the thinking here is that Mahopac could be the team to beat, based solely on the fact that the Indians have five guys who, potentially, can score 20 or more goals. Mahopac will have to ride the hell out of its opponents to limit its defensive deficiencies, and they’ll have to figure out a way to get Yorktown out of their collective heads when push comes to shove and the league and section titles are on the line.

“We are just trying to be the best team possible this season,” Degnan said.  “We are not looking ahead to any particular team. Just pushing to make this team strong for a playoff run.   We will push each other everyday to get better.  We have great teammates on this team and we are looking forward to a strong season.”

Among the 10-team Class A field, we’ll be hard-pressed to find a team from the Examiner-area – be it CARMEL, WHITE PLAINS or OSSINING who can contend with the likes of two-time reigning champion Scarsdale, which bowed to eventual NYS champ Northport in the NYS semis last year, amd Mamaroneck, which has found its way to eight of the last nine sectional title tilts, winning five titles along the way. Mamaroneck borders White Plains, but the Tigers haven’t sniffed the finals since winning the section in 1979. Ossining hasn’t been to the big dance since a 1991 loss to Yorktown, and Carmel is still waiting.

Class C was set to be a mystery class, until Rye dropped down to join John Jay, and many expect the two perennial powers to challenge for supremacy with local clubs like HEN HUD, BREWSTER and BYRAM HILLS hoping to challenge. Hen Hud hasn’t seen the championship light since a 2012 loss to Bronxville, and Byram hasn’t appeared since a 2021 loss to Briarcliff while Brewster’s last championship appearance dates back to 2008, its one and only title coming in 1999. Byram’s championship history is richer than most know, the Bobcats losing in four title tilts since 2008 while coming up strong year after year.

No matter how you slice it; the weather is set to change, forsythias are about to pop, warmer temps will begin to surface and we’ll all be out and about as local lax greens become the forefront of the sports scene.

 

CLASS B

YORKTOWN

Coach: Tim Schurr (2nd year at Yorktown)

Last Year’s Record & Playoff Result: 10-9, lost Class B final to Rye, 14-6

Key Returning Players: Justin Meyreles, M; Chris Constantine, LSM; Ryan Vogel, M; Andrew Weissman, M; Ryan Cane, D/LSM; Jack Duncan, A; Conor Duncan, D

Key Newcomers: Hunter Mezzatesta, Fr. G; Sam Brown, So. G

Top Pole: Duncan, Cane, Constantine (all D-I)

Goals: NYS title

Coach’s Comments:

LAKELAND/PANAS

Coach: Joe Macchi (1st year as varsity head coach)

Last Year’s Record and  Playoff Result: 7-11 (Lost to Rye in class B  quarterfinals)

Top Returning Players: KC Bryan, Jr. Goalie; Justin Stabile, Sr. M; Jack Jimenez (Captain), Jr. D; Cayden Turner, Jr. D; Oban Rader, So. M; Thomas Kuney (Captain), Jr. A; Stephen Carroll (Captain), Sr. D; Riley Sand, Jr. D

Key Newcomers: Anthony Farroni, Jr. F/O; Kyle Gallagher, Jr. M; Will Moore, Jr. Attack

2022 Leading Scorers and All-Section/League accolades: Stabile top returning scorer (All- League); (All League Goalie)

Top Pole: Jimenez

League Favorite: Lakeland/Panas

Section Favorite: Yorktown

Goals: To be known around the section as a team who is going to compete for 48 straight minutes each and every game.. If we compete to the standard we have set for ourselves, the wins will take care of themselves.

Coaches Comments: With only five seniors on the roster, we are an extremely young team on paper. That being said, many of our Juniors received significant playing time last year due to a handful of season ending injuries that we sustained. We have a group of kids who are unsatisfied with the product that we put on the field last year, and they have made the commitment to return the LP standard back to the highest level.

The Rebels opened the season with a 14-4 setback to Class A powerhouse Mamaroneck.

SOMERS

Coach: Vin DeGregorio, 8th Year

Last Year’s Record & Playoff Result: 12-7, lost to Mahopac in quarters

Top Returning Players: Landon Pepe, G; Mac Sullivan, A; Miguel Iglesias, M; Nick Newman, M; Luke Kennedy, M; Ryan Brush, A

Key Newcomers: Mason Kelly, M

2022 Leading Scorers: Sullivan, Iglesias

Top Pole: Luca Ploger

Goals:  Win a section championship

Coach’s Comments: Commitment and compete level have been really impressive.  They are willing to put in the work.

FOX LANE

Coach: Craig Henley, 7th year (assistants: Charlie Rice, Bob Baker)

Last Year’s Record & Playoff Result: 8-10 last year; lost in quarterfinals to North Rockland

Top Returning Players: Jack Cicchelli, Sr. A/M (Franklin & Marshall); Ryan Nathan, Jr. LSM/D – (Lafayette); Will Oliverio, So. LSM/D

Key Newcomers: Brian Bailey, Jr. D; Declan Connors So. M; John Hamilton, So. G; Tate Morrow, Fr. A; Lukas Stelter, Fr. D

2022 Leading Scorers: Cicchelli (36G, 35A, All-Section HM)

Top Pole: Nathan, Oliverio

Goals: Make sure we are playing our best lacrosse in May.

Coach’s Comments: The Foxes are young but excited for the season to start. We know that our league will be very competitive, and we are making sure we practice with purpose each day to put ourselves in the best position possible.

HORACE GREELEY

Coach: Ben Potash, first year as Greeley Head Coach, previously OC

Last Year’s Record & Playoff Result: 9-7 beat Harrison 1st round, lost to Yorktown in 2nd

Top Returning Players: Jameson Blakeslee, M (20G, 21A, All-League); Connor Lummel, M (23G, 8A); Matthew Byrne, A (15G, 28A):

Ryan Slomsky, D

Key Newcomers: Tighe Dolan, A; Jason Kim, A/M; Luke Tavolacci, Fogo

Top Pole: Ryan Slomsky

League Favorite: Greeley

Section Favorite: Greeley

Goals: We plan to compete with every team on our schedule. Build a winning culture around hard work and accountability. Play with a 0-0 Mentality.

Coach’s Comments: We are a young team with some great core leadership who is ready to come compete from whistle to whistle. We are looking to play as a team and celebrate assists as much as goals.

 

CLASS D

BRIARCLIFF

Coach: Alfredo Meola

Top Returners: Ithaca-bound Lucas Proctor, M  (most complete player with a short stick, great dodger and feeder and scorer; Luca Meola, D (will play LSM and take draws-close defense and will push transition); Ithaca-bound G Jameson Wong; Alex Kirshenbaum, A (played every minute last season in our offense); Scaratnon-bound Shane Dean, M (solid two-way throwback middy); Lachlan Cooleen, D (steady close D with high IQ)

Coach’s Comments: Going to be a lot of new faces but still have some solid pieces returning.

PLEASANTVILLE

Coach: Chris Kear, 12th year, (143-57)

Last Year’s Record & Playoff Result: 11-7, lost in D semis to Bronxville, 11-7

Top Returning Players:  Daniel Picart, Jr. M; Emmet McDermott, Jr. M; Erik Coleman, Jr. M; Aidan Picart, Jr. D; Hank McCourtney, Jr. A; Ethan Berger, Jr. D; Michael Hundzynski, Jr., M; Nick Reich, So., A; Grant Kelly, Jr. D

Key Newcomers:  Andrew Nessel, Jr. G; Brian McPhee, So. D; Tyler Challice, So. D; Joe Sokich, So. D, David Hundzynski, Fr. M

2022 Leading Scorers:  Daniel Picart 31G, 34A (All-Section), Coleman (22G, 19A), Reich (37G, 13A), Hundzynski (22G, 12A), McCourtney (13G, 14A)

Top Pole: Aidan Picart

League Favorite: Bronxville

Section Favorite: Bronxville

Goals:  Our goal is the same every year and that is to win a sectional championship.  It has been four years since we’ve appeared in a final and we hope to be playing our best ball in May when it matters most.

Coach’s Comments:  We had a very young team overall last season and we are one year wiser with a lot of experience under our belt.  We graduated three senior defenders and an All-Section goalie from the 2022 team as well as an All-Section attackman. We return a lot of key players from our offense last year and our defense is a work in progress with a lot of new faces and underclassmen. The boys have been working very hard in the preseason and are hungry to get Pleasantville lacrosse back on top.

PUTNAM VALLEY

Coach: Tim Weir (6th season at PV, career record 203-71)

Last Year’s Record & Playoff Result: 12-6, lost in quarterfinals to Byram Hills, 10-9

Top Returning Players: Andrew Grippo, So. A; Thomas Cunningham,  Jr. A; Davin Porteus, Sr. M; Logan Porteus, Sr. D; Aiden South, Jr. D; Chris DeGiorgio (25G, 8A), Jr. M; Nick Grippo, Jr M; Evan Mounier, Jr. Mr/D

Key Newcomers: Matteo Dobra, So. D; Caden Glenn, So. M; Angelio Sirico, So. M; Dylan Tucker, So.D; Dakota Bourgie,  Fr. M; Alex Gecaj, Jr G; Stefano Paonessa, Jr. D; Trevor Wendol, So. A

Top Pole: Logan Porteus

League Favorite: Lakeland/Panas

Section Favorite: (Class D): Bronxville

Goals: To improve each day and be in a position to compete for a sectional title.

Coach’s Comments: We are extremely young and don’t have a lot of varsity game experience. It will be important to improve each day and outwork all of our opponents. We graduated 154 goals and will have to find a way to replace that production.

WESTLAKE

Coach: Mark Castellano, Assistant Joseph Streany

Last Year’s Record & Playoff Result: 4-13, lost to Croton in quarterfinals

Top Returning Players: Tyler Howard, Sr. A; Aidan Hawkins, Sr. M; Michael Griffin, Sr. D; Christopher Kalle, Jr., M; Michael Pagan, Jr. D; Stephen DiNapoli, Jr. M

Key Newcomers: Nicholas DiNapoli, Fr. M; James Miele, So. D; Brayden Lingeza, So. M

2022 Leading Scorers: Tyler Howard (41G, 19A, All- League), Griffin (All-League)

Top Pole: Griffin

League Favorite: Pleasantville

Section Favorite: Pleasantville

Goals: As a team our goal is to compete at our highest potential every second we step on the field. Relish in that Never-Quit attitude and surprise people on the way.

Coach’s Comments: We are a very athletic team that looks to push the tempo. We pride ourselves on working hard in the riding game to create offensive opportunities. As a coaching staff, we are really looking at our defensive unit to help control the game with three returning starters from last year’s team including Michael Pagan and James Miele. I’m extremely excited to see this team grow each and every day at practice to reach our full potential.

Westlake opened its season with an 11-10 win over Sleepy Hollow.

CROTON-HARMON

Coach: Dustin Schmidt, first year

Last Year’s Record & Playoff Result: 6-10, beat Westlake 21-11 in opening round, lost to Section 1 Champion Briarcliff in quarters

Top Returning Players: Noah Bovone, Sr. M; Carter Schmidt, Jr. A; Sean Grimes, Jr. M;

Bryce Laemmel Jr. A; Trevor Weisz, Jr. M; Harrison Darling, Sr. M

Key Newcomers: Robby DeLasho, So. G; Alex More, So. D; Gabriel Camillieri, Sr. LSM

2022 Leading Scorers: Bovone (All-League); Schmidt (All-League); Grimes

Top Pole: Miles Taylor

League Favorite: Croton Harmon

Section Favorite: Pleasantville

Goals: To build the program in our community, become more resilient, compete on

every possession, and win the league.

Coach’s Comments: Having a pretty young team consisting of eight freshmen, we are

reloading with kids who buy into our team culture, and willing to put in the hard work.

HALDANE

Coach: Eddie Crowe

2022 Season: Finished 2nd in league; lost to Bronxville in quarterfinals

Top Returning Players: Evan Giachinta, Attackman (45G 42A, All-League, All-Section HM);

Pj Ruggiero, D (2G, 9A, 50 takeaways, 50 GB, All League); Liam Gaugler, A (34G, 16A);

Jordon Hanke, G (55.7% save percentage)

Key Newcomers: Rhys Robbins, Nate Stickle, Thomas Tucker, Dylan Rucker, Frankie DiGiglio, Will Sniffen, Brody Coreless, Rowen Kuzminski

Team Goals: Our goal is to get better everyday and win our league and compete in the sectional tournament.

Coach’s Comments: This is a strong-willed, experienced, gritty group. I think if we can come together we can be a top six school in Class D.

CLASS C

BYRAM HILLS

Coach: Head Coach: Billy Locher (1st year); Assistants: Brian Smith, Wes Cutler

2022 Record & Playoff Result: 11-7: lost in Class C section semifinals

Top Returning Players: Gavin Javorsky, Sr. M; Sean Siegal, Sr. D; Jack Quinn, Jr. G; Zac Pero, Jr. M

Key Newcomers: Erik Cipriano, Jr. A; Leo Schechtman, Jr. D; Charlie Zimmerman, So. D;

Reid Du Toit, Fr. A

Top Pole: Siegal

League Favorite: John Jay

Section Favorite: John Jay/Rye/Pelham

Goals: To be better than we were the day before. Build a solid foundation for the future.

Coach’s Comment: This year’s team is a mix of younger and older players with about half having some varsity experience, but with an all-new coaching staff and new systems to learn, it will take a little bit of time for the players to gel and fully understand. There is also the learning

curve with buying into the new culture and expectations. By end of the season, we hope to be

hitting that right stride.

HENDRICK HUDSON

Coach: Troy Lepore (7th year 7), assistant coaches Jordan Hirsch (Year 12), Taylor Ekstrom (Year 7)

Last Year’s Record & Playoff Result: 9-6, lost to Pelham in sectional semis

Top Returning Players: Ryan Clark, Sr. M; Joey Connolly, Sr. G; Dean Hiltsley (All-League 51G, 18A), Sr. A; Thomas Popolizio (All-League, 14G, 38A), Sr. D/M; Conor Prokopiak, Jr. D

Key Newcomers: Joey Abboud, So. D; Mason Dietz, So. D; James McManus, So. A/M; Dean Pastalove, So. A/M

Top Pole: Popolizio, Prokopiak, Abboud

League Favorite: Lakeland/Panas

Section Favorite: (Class C) Rye or John Jay CR

Goals: To get better each day of practice; play a schedule that we can learn and get from to prepare us for sectionals; winning Palmisano/Senior Night

Coach’s Comments: We have a mixed bag of kids this year in terms of experience. Last year our seniors did a good job of continuing to build a good culture and hold themselves and others accountable. This is a group that needs to continue that while taking every game, practice and situation as a learning experience and use it to grow better. As we progress in the season our team has the skill to improve. It’s on us as coaches to coach ’em up and make sure it all comes together.

BREWSTER

Head Coach: Ryan Cleary

2022 Season: 6-11

Top Returning Players: Josh Walsh, Sr. M; Joe Anfuso, Sr. A; Julius Walters, Sr. D; Antonio Medina, Sr. D; Matthew Ryan, Sr. D; Andrew Tyndall, Sr. M

Key Newcomers: Chris DiBiccarri, Jr. LSM; Luke Cunningham, Fr. A; Jack McKenney, Fr. D

Team Goals: To build on some of the positive things we achieved last season to hopefully get a few more games in the win column. We need to elevate the play of our younger players through our senior leadership. We don’t like to look too far ahead. We are just looking to get better every day and be better than we were last year by the end of the season.

Coaches Comments: I feel that we have a good mix of senior experience and young guys who can step up and round out our roster.  We know we will experience some growing pains with our 9th and 10th graders, but if they keep progressing the way they have so far we will be where we want to be at the end of the season.

 

CLASS A

OSSINING

Coach: Mark Hallinan, 17^th year

 Last Year’s Record & Playoff Result:4-12

Top Returning Players: Nick Gallery, Sr.M; Jacob Miller, Sr. A; Justin Santos, Sr. D; Greg Valentino, Jr. D; Gavin Thomas-Walters, Jr. M; Lorenzo Patrissi, Sr. D; Tommy McCormack, So. M; AJ Jeffrey, Jr. D; Dylan King

Key Newcomers: Robert Terilli, Sr. M; Ian Denzer, Sr. A; Charlie Berardi, So. M; Mcklaime Matos, So. D; Robert Bynoe, Sr. A; AJ Caparelli,Sr. M

2022 Leading Scorers: Gallery, Miller, King

Top Pole: Santos

League Favorite: Arlington

Section Favorite: Mamaroneck

Goals: Compete for a league championship and advance in the Section 1 tournament.

Coach’s Comments: We have a roster full of athletes with tons of potential. We expect to get better every day developing team chemistry and improving as lacrosse players. With experienced senior leadership and some key newcomers, our goal of earning 10 wins this season is attainable.

Ossining opened its season with a 9-3 win over New Rochelle.

CARMEL

Coach: Matt Caione 7^th year

Last Year’s Record & Result: 10-7 lost in 2^nd round to Scarsdale

Top Returning Players: Jake Meissner, G; Nolan Faudar, D (All-League); Jake Ellner, D;

Jeremy Smith, D; Ryan Aabel, M; Damien Santiago, M; Matt Risley, A (All-League); Thomas Connolly, A (All-League)

Goals: To be playing our best lacrosse at the end of the year

Coach’s Comments: It’s a great group of players who love playing lax together.

The Rams opened their season with a decisive 14-4 win over Irvington.

All Examiner-area coaches were contacted for preview info.