Suffolk boys lacrosse team previews

SUFFOLK I

WARD MELVILLE PATRIOTS

Coach: Jay Negus

2014 record: 12-5

Key players

Dan Bucaro A Sr.

Jake McCulloch A Sr.

Thomas Reilly D Sr.

Mike Cirrone D Sr.

Jimmy Kickel M Sr.

Outlook: Bucaro is one of the country's top high school players and helps make the Patriots a favorite to appear in the county final. Help offensively comes from McCulloch.

SACHEM NORTH FLAMING ARROWS

Coach: Jay Mauro

2014 record: 14-3

Key players

Jacob Giacalone G Jr.

Sean O'Brien M Sr.

Ian Junge D Sr.

Tom Haun A Jr.

James Avanzato A So.

Outlook: In his first year starting, Giacalone was named Suffolk Goalie of the Year. Avanzato, who is verbally committed to Maryland, could have a breakout season.

NORTHPORT TIGERS

Coach: George Searing

2014 record: 9-9

Key players

Rocco Sutherland A Sr.

Austin Henningsen M Sr.

Nick Roros M Sr.

Mike Trainor M Sr.

Scott Hatch G Sr.

Outlook: Henningsen is a faceoff ace. The possessions often lead to goals from Sutherland, who had 22 goals and 25 assists last year and is headed to Michigan.

SACHEM EASTBRAVES

Coach: Rob Murphy

2014 record: 9-8

Key players

Joe Licata A Sr.

Tyler Alvarez M Sr.

Mike Bollinger G Jr.

Mike DiRienzo D Sr.

Steve Panno A Sr.

Outlook: The senior-heavy team could make the playoffs again behind Licata, who was named All-County.

COMMACK COUGARS

Coach: James Montana

2014 record: 11-5

Key players

Kevin Snyder M So.

Tom Dugan M Jr.

Mike Ambrosino A Sr.

Matt McClain D Sr.

CJ Trenkle D Jr.

Outlook: Snyder, who is committed to Maryland, is a versatile player who won 77 percent of faceoffs he took and also had 19 goals and 10 assists last year.

PATCHOGUE-MEDFORD RAIDERS

Coach: Frank

Padolecchia

2014 record: 5-10

Key players

Kyle Arcuri A Sr.

Matt Barry G Sr.

Marc Negrin D Sr.

Patrick Cleary D Sr.

Timmy Wright M Sr.

Outlook: Goal is to make the playoffs behind a strong defensive unit that returned most of its starters, including Barry.

LINDENHURST BULLDOGS

Coach: Thomas McCandless

2014 record: 6-10

Key players

Brian Steiger A Sr.

Joe Palmeri M Jr.

Matt Murphy A So.

Steven Ramirez M So.

Justin English M Sr.

Outlook: Steiger led the team in scoring with 32 goals and 12 assists. Dan Byrnes will be counted on to defend opposing teams' top scorers.

BAY SHOREMARAUDERS

Coach: Tim Cox

2014 record: 10-7

Key players

Andrew Darcy M Sr.

Thomas Glynn A Sr.

Matt Ilchuk A So.

Steve Button D Sr.

Philip Glynn M Jr.

Outlook: Ilchuk is a threat with both hands who verbally committed to Lehigh. Glynn is an up-and-coming solid player who could have a breakout season, much like a few others on this team.

BRENTWOOD INDIANS

Coach: Sean Crean

2014 record: 3-13

Key players

Rodrigo Aguirre G Jr.

Frank Yodice D Sr.

Eric Bustillo M Jr.

Michael Torres A Jr.

Borman Vasquez G Jr.

Outlook: Aguirre is a steady presence in the net and Yodice provides decent experience for the rebuilding team.

CONNETQUOTTHUNDERBIRDS

Coach: Brett Jeffares

2014 record: 6-11

Key players

Austin Pinto D Sr.

Matt Oehl A Jr.

Tyler Ponzio A Sr.

George Wichelns A Fr.

Jack Richardson M Jr.

Outlook: Oehl and Ponzio form a strong attack while Pinto provides leadership in the back.

FLOYD COLONIALS

Coach: Desmond Megna

2014 record: 8-8

Key players

AJ Alban A Sr.

Matt Murphy A Jr.

Brandon Desmond D Jr.

Sebastian Cacioppo M Sr.

AJ Yulfo M Sr.

Outlook: Alban had 41 goals and 21 assists last season. Murphy could have a big season while running the offense.

LONGWOOD LIONS

Coach: Evan Philcox

2014 record: 3-13

Key players

Joe Brennan A/M Sr.

John Stanek A/M Sr.

Tyler Messina D Sr.

Chris Harders D Sr.

Adam Sivon G Sr.

Outlook: The team will rely heavily on its senior leadership. Sivon made 88 saves and had three games with double-figure saves last season.

MIDDLE COUNTRY

Coach: Ken Budd

2014 record: 2-14

Key players

Zach Harned A, Sr.

Brian Stemke D Jr.

Kyle Stemke M Jr.

Cole DeMaille A Jr.

Matt Tobias A Sr.

Outlook: Harned could have a big year on offense as the team looks to get back to a winning season.

SUFFOLK II

SMITHTOWN EAST BULLS

Coach: Jason Lambert

2014 record: 16-4

Key players

Gerard Arceri FO/M Jr.

John Daniggelis M Sr.

Brian Willetts A Sr.

James Sarrocco D Sr.

Connor Desimone A So.

Outlook:Willetts, Arceri and Daniggelis return after receiving All-Long Island honors and leading the Bulls to the Suffolk Class A title. Dan Rooney could also have another big season for the team many say is LI's best.

SMITHTOWN WEST BULLS

Coach: Bobby

Moltisanti Jr.

2014 record: 16-2

Key players

Danny Varello FO/M Jr.

Brandon Felice D Sr.

Chris Weider M Sr.

Jimmy Caddigan A So.

Garrett Brunsvold M Sr.

Outlook: Caddigan will look to continue his growth as a viable scorer after notching 18 goals as a freshman. Varello, who is committed to Syracuse, excels at the faceoff X.

HALF HOLLOW HILLS WESTCOLTS

Coach: Nils Haugen

2014 record: 11-6

Key players

Cam Mule A So.

Ryan Ozsvath A Sr.

Riley Forte M Jr.

Justin Cerniello A Sr.

Joe Cipoletti D Sr.

Outlook: The attack unit could be one of the best on Long Island. Mule had 33 goals and 31 assists as a freshman. Top-notch defender Malcolm Flynn could return later in season after recovering from an injury.

HALF HOLLOW HILLS EASTTHUNDERBIRDS

Coach: Gordie Hodgson

2014 record: 12-6

Key players

Nick DiPietro D Jr.

Joe Tesoriero A Jr.

Jordan Eicholz G Sr.

Zach Kleinbaum D Sr.

Derek Merkling M Sr.

Outlook: Many coaches believe this group can make a deep playoff run behind DiPietro, a four-year starter who is committed to Syracuse.

RIVERHEAD BLUE WAVES

Coach: Vic Guadagnino

2014 record: 7-9

Key players

Blake Carrara M Jr.

Mark Andrejack M Sr.

Austin Fitzpatrick M Jr.

John Ehlers M So.

Jacob Coleman G So.

Outlook: Carrara is a three-year starter who is committed to Maryland. Coleman, who is committed to Hofstra, enters his second season as a starter. Team could surprise and make deep playoff run.

COPIAGUE EAGLES

Coach: George

Zembrycki

2014 record: 3-13

Key players

Justin Wright A Sr.

Matthew O'Mahony M Sr.

Justin Meguin G Sr.

Justin Foley D Sr.

Charles Haynes M Jr.

Outlook: Wright led the team with 60 points. Midfielder Mordecai Burt could have a breakout season.

WHITMAN WILDCATS

Coach: Bob Howell

2014 record: 13-5

Key players

Shane Brennan G Jr.

Jaron Batts M Sr.

Matt Stockfeder M Jr.

Scott Manning A Jr.

Spencer DeRosa M Jr.

Outlook: Brennan solidified himself as one of the county's steadiest between the pipes. Team could make deep postseason run.

WEST ISLIP LIONS

Coach: Scott Craig

2014 record: 13-7

Key players

Conor Smith A Jr.

Sean Seaberg D Sr.

JJ Downey D Sr.

Greg Ponce G Sr.

Trevor Wills M Jr.

Outlook: A very strong defensive team led by Ponce, who saved 58 percent of shots against him, Craig said.

NORTH BABYLON BULLDOGS

Coach: Stephen Costello

2014 record: 7-9

Key players

Michael Hart M Sr.

Nick Grassa M Jr.

Tim McCarthy M Jr.

Jack Shires G Jr.

Anthony Peters D So.

Outlook: Hart is an all-around talent. McCarthy is expected to lead the team offensively, Costello said. The goal is to make the playoffs.

WEST BABYLON EAGLES

Coach: Kevin Hennessy

2014 record: 7-9

Key players

Joe Kolano M Sr.

Jake Satterley A Jr.

Dylan Ott A So.

John Salamone D Sr.

John McMahon M Jr.

Outlook: An explosive offensive group led by Kolano (28 goals) and Satterley (25 goals) will look to take the next step and qualify for the playoffs under the new coach.

BELLPORT CLIPPERS

Coach: Jamie Fabian

2014 record: 7-9

Key players

Ryan Schaeffer A Jr.

James Morrell M So.

Nikolas Fountis M Sr.

Brian Reid A So.

Outlook: Reid could have a major impact after transferring back from St. John the Baptist. Schaeffer, a talented shooter, will guide the attack.

EAST ISLIP REDMEN

Coach: Chad Spruyt

2014 record: 8-8

Key players

Sean Sconone G Sr.

Jack Hannigan A Jr.

Brian Hannigan M So.

Brian Philbin D Sr.

Harley Spinks M Sr.

Outlook: Sconone is a strong stopper who is emerging as one of Long Island's best.

DEER PARK FALCONS

Coach: Mike McLaughlin

2014 record: 1-15

Key players

Jarett Bonser D So.

Joe Rendino G Jr.

Nick Rendino D Jr.

Outlook: Bonser is a three-year starter on varsity and a second-year captain.

SUFFOLK III

MILLER PLACE PANTHERS

Coach: Keith Lizzi

2014 record: 13-6

Key players

Jake Buonaiuto A Sr.

Thomas Liantonio M Sr.

Kevin Gersbeck M So.

Jacob Bloom D Sr.

Joe Bartolotto D So.

Outlook: Buonaiuto, who racked up 42 goals last season, leads the potent attack, which also could get a lift from faceoff specialist Christian Stalter. The perennial contender could be in the mix for another county title.

ROCKY POINT EAGLES

Coach: Mike Bowler

2014 record: 18-2

Key players

Alex Borja M Sr.

Jack Sullivan M Sr.

Chris Vaden A Sr.

Sean Orlando M Sr.

Brendan Cain A Sr.

Outlook: The defending county champions feature a strong offense led by Borja, who scored 40 goals. Sullivan is a versatile player who won an impressive 69 percent of draws at the faceoff X.

SHOREHAM-WADING RIVER WILDCATS

Coach: Mike Taylor

2014 record: 9-8

Key players

Ryan Bray M Sr.

Danny Hughes M Sr.

Chris Gray A So.

John Constant A Jr.

Danny Cassidy D So.

Outlook: Bray (42 goals) and Hughes (26 goals) could lead the team to the county final under first-year head coach Taylor.

HAUPPAUGE EAGLES

Coach: Jim Konen

2014 record: 11-6

Key players

Danny Murphy A Sr.

Kyle Silverstien A Sr.

Ryan Nawrocki M Jr.

Steve Frank M Sr.

Jimmy Connelly M Jr.

Outlook: Goal is to make the playoffs after moving from Class A. With good mix of veterans and young talent, the attack unit could score plenty.

KINGS PARKKINGSMEN

Coach: James Simpson

2014 record: 9-7

Key players

Liam Winwood A Sr.

Jac Cutillo M So.

Jimmy Gadaleta M Jr.

Kevin Reichardt D Jr.

Harrison Bower G Sr.

Outlook: A playoff spot is possible for the team that returns six starters.

ISLIPBUCCANEERSCoach: Keith Scheidel

2014 record: 10-7

Key players

Joe Pannariello M Sr.

James Rao M Jr.

Sean McDonough D Jr.

Will Killeen M Sr.

Chris Grando A Jr.

Outlook: Possessing the ball will be key for the group that features several multisport athletes. Rao won 68 percent of draws, according to Scheidel.

WESTHAMPTONHURRICANES

Coach: Drew Peters

2014 record: 11-5

Key players

Pat Dean G Sr.

Henry Moreta M Sr.

Dylan Laube A Fr.

Zak Jones M Jr.

Kyle Rignola D Sr.

Outlook: Moreta emerged as a playmaker last season, totaling 21 goals and 34 assists. Dean helped win some games by using his ability to stop shots from close range. A playoff spot is possible.

MOUNT SINAIMUSTANGS

Coach: Harold Drumm

2014 record: 9-7

Key players

Dan Bullis A Sr.

Lucas Capobianco-Hogan D So.

Anthony Cesario D Sr.

Charlie Faughnan G Sr.

Tony Dimonte M Sr.

Outlook: The athletic defense could put a lot of pressure on opposing offenses. A playoff spot could be snagged.BAYPORT-BLUE POINTPHANTOMS

Coach: Mike Luce

2014 record: 10-8

Key players

Jake Weinman A Jr.

Vin Lombardi D Jr.

Jack White A Jr.

George Ringer M Sr.

Robert Johnson D Jr.

Outlook: Moved to Class B after reaching the county final in Class C for five straight seasons. Lombardi and Johnson each racked up more than 60 ground balls last season.

SAYVILLEGOLDEN FLASHES

Coach: Christian Doller

2014 record: 12-6

Key players

Matt Selts M Sr.

Jack Coan M So.

Chris Rupp D Sr.

Joey Sichenzia G Jr.

Dan Murphy D Sr.

Outlook: Selts and Coan provide the Golden Flashes with a tough, athletic and unselfish duo at midfield. Team could be poised for another good season.

COMSEWOGUEWARRIORS

Coach: Pete Mitchell

2014 record: 10-8

Key players

Will Snelders A So.

Matt Spahr D Jr.

Steven Reed D Jr.

Jake McGregor G Jr.

Tyler Williams D Jr.

Outlook: The defense is one of the best in the league. Faceoff specialist Zack Deutsch will play a vital role.

HUNTINGTONBLUE DEVILS

Coach: Kevin Travis

2014 record:11-5Key players

Tim Mattiace D Sr.

Christian Fiordelisi A Sr.

Keegan Reilly D Sr.

Garrett Moya A So.

Austin Reda M So.

Outlook: Mattiace is a four-year starter and two-time All-County player who is a vocal leader. Moya and Reda are young, but both are expected to be big contributors, Travis said.

EAST HAMPTON/BRIDGEHAMPTON/PIERSON BONACKERS

Coach: Mike Vitulli

2014 record: 5-11

Key players

Jack Schliecher M Jr.

Jack Lesser M Sr.

Regis O'Neil A Jr.

Jack Brierley A Jr.

Sean Toole G Sr.

Outlook: O'Neil excelled last year with 23 goals and nine assists, and Toole racked up 160 saves. With another year of experience, team could improve.

EASTPORT-SOUTH MANORSHARKS

Coach: Kevin Huff

2014 record: 6-10

Key players

Justin Pugal D Sr.

Zach Clemente A Jr.

Dan Dowsett A Sr.

Nick Damaro M Sr.

Branden Stiles M So.

Outlook: Clemente will lead the offense after scoring 15 goals last season. Sophomore Hunter Mason could make an impact defensively.

HARBORFIELDSTORNADOES

Coach: Glenn Lavey

2014 record: 11-5

Key players

Terrence Haggerty A Sr.

Connor Bennardo A Sr.

Cameron LaPorta A Sr.

Jack Crowley D Sr.

Kyle Lumpe G Sr.

Outlook: Lefthanded Haggerty is the leader of the formidable offense after scoring 38 goals last season. The attack could be explosive again.

GLENN KNIGHTS

Coach Kevin Lavey

2014 record: 10-7

Key players

T.J. Tiernan M Sr.

Robert Valdez M Sr.

Wayne White M Jr.

Outlook: The midfield unit is expected to be a strength.

SUFFOLK IVBABYLON PANTHERS

Coach: John Greaney

2014 record: 11-8

Key players

Brian Boehm M Jr.

Sean Quigley D Jr.

Adam Gumbardo D Jr.

John Botto D Sr,

Zach Amelia M So.

Outlook: The defending Long Island Class C champions have some question marks, Greaney said, including who will emerge as goalie and who will take faceoffs. Boehm (18 goals, 11 assists) will be relied on as the quarterback of the offense.

MATTITUCK/SOUTHOLD/GREENPORT TUCKERS

Coach: John Amato

2014 record: 4-13

Key players

Jack DiGregorio M Sr.

Dylan Holmes D Sr.

Chris Mauceri D Sr.

Tim Schmidt A Jr.

Dylan Marlborough FO Jr.

Outlook: The team made the playoffs for the first time since the program was established four years ago, Amato said. With five returning seniors. this could be the Tuckers' season.

CENTER MORICHES RED DEVILS

Coach: Kevin Scott

2014 record: 4-11

Key players

Andrew Zito M Jr.

Keegan Maxwell A So.

Kyle Parks D Sr.

Rob Davis M Sr.

Shane Parks A Sr.

Outlook: Zito (27 goals, 20 assists) and Maxwell (19 goals) were the team's leading scorers. Goal is to make the playoffs for the first time.

SOUTHAMPTON/ROSS MARINERS

Coach: Matt Babb

2014 record: N/A

Key players

Marcus Clark M Sr.

Nick Bontempo A Jr.

Ryan McMahon M Fr.

Bayron Alvares D So.

Freddy Ritz M Fr.

Outlook: The varsity program returns after two years of having only a JV team. With a young group, the goal is to be .500.

PORT JEFFERSON ROYALS

Coach: Taylor Forstell

2014 record: N/A

Key players

Chandler Sciara M So.

Max Scandale M Jr.

Marco Scarda A Jr.

Nicholas Caltagirone D Jr.

Brian Mark A So.

Outlook: The new program looks forward to competing.

HAMPTON BAYS BAYMEN

Coach: John Grosse

2014 record: 1-14

Key players

Sean Grismir A S r.

Robert Yates D Sr.

Johnny Nolan M So.

Outlook: The team is still young so another rebuilding year could be in the works.

MERCY MONARCHS

Coach: Thomas Palasek

2014 record: 0-14