Suffolk Slant: Boys Lacrosse

Ward Melville’s convincing 11-2 victory over rival West Islip, whose dynasty has included nine straight Suffolk titles and five of the last state Class A championships, makes the Patriots the favorites to dethrone the Lions when the playoffs begin next week. Ward Melville remains Inside Lacrosse’s No. 2-ranked team in the country.

Among the key games this week:

Chaminade at St. Anthony’s, Thursday, 6 p.m.
Comsewogue at Miller Place, Thursday, 4 p.m.
Eastport-South Manor at Huntington, Thursday, 4:30 p.m.
Smithtown West at Smithtown East, Friday, 4:30 p.m.
Northport at Sachem North, Friday, 4:30 p.m.
Shoreham-Wading River at Garden City, Saturday, 2 p.m.

Suffolk Boys Lacrosse Top 10

1. Ward Melville (13-0)
2. St. Anthony’s (10-2)
3. Smithtown East (11-1)
4. Northport (10-2)
5. Shoreham-Wading River (12-0)
6. Smithtown West (11-2)
7. Comsewogue (12-1)
8. West Islip (9-4)
9. Huntington (10-3)
10. Bayport-Blue Point (10-3)

Suffolk Boys Lacrosse Players of the Week:

Brian Cannon, Northport. The junior scored seven goals with three assists in the Tigers' 15-11 victory over Riverhead.

T.J. deLyra, Bay Shore. The senior scored a career-high eight goals and added an assist in the Marauders' 15-11 victory over Half Hollow Hills East.