State boys lacrosse playoff capsules

CLASS A SEMIFINALS

West Islip (19-1) vs. Lakeland Panas (17-3), 8 p.m.

West Islip, the defending state champion, has been dominant in winning the Suffolk and Long Island championships.

Ward Melville played the Lions tough in the first half before being overwhelmed, 16-9, in the county final. Farmingdale never got close as West Islip rolled, 13-1, and came very close to posting the first shutout in the history of the LIC.

The West Islip defense often gets overlooked because of the potent offense of Nicky Galasso and Andrew Hodgson.

"Defense has always been a key to our success," coach Scott Craig said. "We started the season with an inexperienced defense, but we're a different team now."

The man-to-man unit that has contributed to the team's 19-game winning streak is led by Eddie Ryan, who held the Dalers' Sal Tuttle scoreless on Tuesday, and also features Kyle Kerrigan and Kyle Carrick.

SEE PHOTOSHigh school sports -- June

Lakeland Panas from Section I got here by edging Shenendehowa, 10-9, and routing Warwick, 18-6..

CLASS B SEMIFINALS

Garden City (17-3). vs. Niskayuna (17-4). 3:30 p.m.

Garden City last won the state title in 2000 and ended a four-year losing streak in the LIC with Tuesday's riveting double-overtime victory over Comsewogue.

"I thought the third time was supposed to be the charm, not the fifth," joked Trojans coach Steve Finnell.

Garden City's underclassmen have excelled in the postseason. Junior Tom Gordon scored the winning goal against Comsewogue, one of his four, and sophomore Devin Dwyer assisted, one of his five. Harvard-bound junior defensemen Brian Fischer and Steve Jahelka have been standouts all season.

"You can't ask for more out of your defense," Finnell said. "All our guys showed a lot of heart." The Trojans overcame a two-goal deficit late in the fourth quarter.

Niskayuna from Section II is a lacrosse power that moves up to Class A next year. It upset nationally ranked John Jay-Cross River, 7-6, in its state quarterfinal game and crushed Saugerties, 17-1, in its regional final..

CLASS C SEMIFINALS

Manhasset (18-0). vs. Putnam Valley (18-4). 5:30 p.m.

Defending state champion Manhasset had a tough time with Cold Spring Harbor in the county final, a 7-5 decision with Drew Belinsky scoring three goals and an assist. Belinsky, the Indians' top scorer, had another hat trick in Tuesday's 11-7 LIC victory over Glenn with help from Pat Moroney, who scored five goals.

"We're unselfish and whether we're playing well or not, we play hard," coach Bill Cherry said.

Usually Manhasset plays well, as evidenced by its current state-best 34-game winning streak. Last year, the offense revolved around Connor English and his 81 goals. This year, it's hardly a one-man gang.

"Last year, we had a couple of guys who we'd go to," Cherry said. "This year, you never know who's going to step up and be that guy for that game."

Putnam Valley from Section I had two easy victories to get here, beating Glens Falls, 12-3, and Red Hook, 15-2.