Carey boys lacrosse's James McGrath scores 7 goals in win over Mepham
James McGrath of Carey celebrates after scoring a goal against host Mepham during a boys lacrosse game on Friday, May 1, 2026. Credit: Errol Anderson
Carey had just fallen at South Side and tumbled under .500 after seven games. It was April 9 and Seahawks coach Tom Aiello said afterward that it was the stage of this boys lacrosse season where “we just want to get better.”
After finishing off a 15-5 victory Friday at Mepham, the Seahawks had won five of their last six since that April loss, moving to 8-5 with three games left on the regular-season agenda.
Yes, they have improved.
“We still have a lot to work on, but today was probably our best performance,” Aiello said when asked about his previous comment. “We definitely have taken strides to get a lot better.”
Carey made it to Hofstra in 2025, exiting in the Class B semis. The Seahawks want to see Shuart Stadium again.
“The goal is to get to Hofstra and show what we can do,” attackman James McGrath said.
McGrath again showed what he can do. The Pirates focused on him, and he still delivered seven goals and two assists. So the Adelphi-bound senior is up to 46 goals after scoring 19 last year.
“Last year, I wasn’t the main guy,” McGrath said. “I think this year I am the main guy. I’ve been getting the No. 1 matchup, and I think I’ve just been showing what I’m capable of.”
This game went from 2-0 Carey after one quarter to 8-1 after two. McGrath, who scored once in the first, erupted with three goals and two assists in the second.
Then he posted two more goals in the third and one in the fourth.
“His strides from his junior to senior year in everything athletically has been incredible,” Aiello said. “He’s unbelievable, incredible athlete.”
Michael Carollo added three goals and two assists and Vince Vicari had three goals and one assist. But the Seahawks were in sync at both ends.
The Pirates trailed 13-4 after three. Coach Ryan Walsh was surprised it wasn’t a closer game.
“Defensively, we weren’t where we were supposed to be and offensively we didn’t really do much,” he said. “We didn’t test the goalie enough offensively. But they’re a good team.”
The Seahawks dropped Mepham to 6-7. Braeden Kehoe stood out at the faceoff X and scored once for the Pirates.
“We’ll be in the playoffs,” Walsh said. “I think we’ll get better. We’ll probably get a good first-round matchup, hopefully make the quarters and then see from there.”
