OT winner to net state title for St. Anthony's? Just how he drew it up

This was the exact hypothetical scenario Jackson Greene had practiced countless times throughout his childhood in the backyard.

Overtime of the CHSAA boys lacrosse state championship match between St. Anthony’s and Chaminade. One goal to win it all and cement his place in program history.

Even more than a month after living out his dream with the game-winning goal in a 10-9 St. Anthony’s victory over Chaminade in the CHSAA 'AAA' state championship game on May 17, Greene’s exhilaration continued.

“I grew up practicing that shot in the backyard, overtime versus Chaminade,” the junior said. “Actually doing it with everyone out there that I’ve worked so hard with, there’s no thrill like scoring that winning goal. I’ve been dreaming about it since I was 4 years old.”

The part that Greene never envisioned, however, made the moment even more surreal. After straining his hip with about 10 minutes remaining in regulation, it appeared that his season may have ended abruptly.

Despite the ongoing pain and an initial fear of going back into the game, Greene worked his way onto the field for the extra period. Once receiving the ball on the opening possession, any doubt immediately vanished.

“It was pretty nerve-wracking,” Greene said. “I came into overtime cold and it was the second time I had touched the ball in like 15 minutes. The adrenaline kicked in, I caught the ball and blocked everything out. I knew I could make the shot and was just in the moment.”

St. Anthony’s coach Keith Wieczorek said Greene’s response to the crucial moment was symbolic of how he played throughout the season.

“Jackson had an excellent season for us,” Wieczorek said. “He wasn’t afraid to take the big shot. He had big goals all year. He didn’t hesitate and knew that once the ball came to him that he was going to let it fly.”

Making matters even more impressive was this: in the storied rivalry between the two marquee programs, only one season series before this year had ever resulted in a three-game sweep by the Friars (14-2), according to Wieczorek.

“It’s so hard to beat anyone three times in one season,” Wieczorek said. “So I think that winning that second one definitely put more pressure on us.”

Mike Leo, who added one goal, said accomplishing the rare feat is hard to fathom.

“It’s really crazy when you think about it and how many great teams St. Anthony’s has had,” Leo said. “It just shows how much hard work we put in and how much the coaches pushed us.”

Owen Duffy and Jack Speidell led the way with three goals and one assist apiece in the state final. 

“It was such a great feeling,” Duffy said. “That game is always one of the best rivalries in all of lacrosse.”

Once Greene received the ball, Duffy had no doubt that jubilation would shortly ensue.

“I’ve been playing with Jackson for a while, both in school and in travel ball,” Duffy said. “I had all the confidence in the world once he got it there.”

As Greene continued to put his dream goal into perspective, one final realization came to mind:

“It’s going to stay with me forever."