As Springtime draws closer, high school coaches, players and teams across Long Island are prepping for yet another strong lacrosse season. With plenty of competition to go around, we’re highlighting teams so that you can get all caught up on everything you need to know for boys’ high school lacrosse as the 2023 season approaches. Make sure to check out part one of our boy’s preview and our girl’s preview if you haven’t already. Here is part two featuring 10 teams to look out for this spring!
Bay Shore Marauders
Let’s begin with the Bay Shore Marauders as they enter 2023 following a final record of 7-11. Head Coach, Mark Spruyt and the Marauders are not happy with the way they ended in 2022.
“The team still has a bad taste in its mouth from last year,” Spruyt said. “Although we made it to the quarterfinals, the regular season was not nearly as successful as the team had hoped. This has lit a fire within our team, especially the senior class.”
In that senior class, Max Crane (Midfielder), Nick West (Goalie), Luke Walser (Midfielder), Cole Kluepfel (Goalie), Zach Rabin (Defense) and Peter Urso (Attack) are all hungry for bigger things this season. Also, with the come-up of younger players like Nicholas Alicanti (Attack), Sam Stewart (Midfield) and Andrew Danowski (Attack), the team is ready for its next challenge.
Baldwin Bruins
Next on our list, we have the Baldwin Bruins. The team finished with a final record of 9-7 earning them a playoff berth. However, they lost in the first round to Carey. Even though the team didn’t go as far as they’d hoped in the playoffs, Head Coach Tim Clancy has high hopes for 2023.
“This team has a lot of young talent,” Clancy said. “They are hungry and are setting the bar for the future of this program.”
The team has Brady Mahler (Attack), Jake Davidson (Attack), Aaron Bell (Midfield), Logan Kirchner (Midfield), Borago Arlin (Defense/LSM) and Aaron Nieves (Defense) all coming back to be key players this season. Make sure to keep an eye out for Preston Kirchner (Attack/Midfield), Paul Clement (Attack/Midfield), Caleb Adegbenle (Defense), Chris Jimenez (Defense), Vaughdrea Johnson (Midfield) and Edwin Lopez (Midfield) as they can all see more minutes this season and make a big impact on the field.
Calhoun Colts
Transitioning to the Calhoun Colts, the team ended 2022 with an astounding 13-5 record going as far as earning a trip to the county finals for the first time since 1987. Although the team lost Alex Vieni, Jonny Lewis and Joe Sorok, they are coming back with some veteran leadership including Peter Thomann (LSM), Jake Lewis (Attack), Jayden Finkelstein (Midfield), AJ Molinari (Midfield), Matt Araneo (Defense), Mark Restivo (Goalie), Xander Megias (Defense), Harley Finkelstein (Attack) and Kyle Auty (SSDM). With 7 starters returning, its goalie and a strong defense, the Colts will have another chance to be great this season.
Clarke Rams
Up next, we have the Clarke Rams who had a disappointing season in 2022 finishing at 3-12 missing the playoffs. However, the team will have key offensive players returning this season with Gabe Cobham (Attack/Midfield) Aidan Peters (Attack/Midfield), Justin Somyak (Attack/Midfield) and Nick Iannucci (Midfield).
“Our key to success will be our ability to fill out a complete defensive unit,” Head Coach Joe Hasbrouck shared with the LILJ. “We will most likely rely on youth at that end of the field in front of our senior goalie.”
The team’s senior goalie, Joe Buffolino, is another key returner for the team in 2023 as they are looking to make some noise this year.
Great Neck South Rebels
Next on our list, we have the Great Neck South Rebels, who finished the 2022 season with a final record of 7-7 and missed the playoffs. Being two years removed from the playoffs, Head Coach Michael Passuello is excited about his group of players this season.
“We have a very good senior group coming back,” Passuello said. “They have a lot of experience and work well together as a team.”
Those returning include George Toumbekis (Midfield), Nate Gorenstein (Midfield), Edwin Serpas (Midfield), Aaron Glazer (Midfield), Conner Gould (Midfield), Peter Hlampeas (Attack), Demetri Stavrinides (Attack). Although the team lost its goalie, Robin Varughese is a junior goalie looking to turn some heads, according to Passuello. The Rebels are ready for the spring season.
Hicksville Comets
Next up, the Hicksville Comets ended 2022 at .500 with an 8-8 record earning a second consecutive playoff appearance. This year’s team will see some young players moving up into prominent roles, according to Head Coach, Thomas Kinsella. With many key returners like JT Kelly (Attack); Aidan Cromwell (Attack); Jesse Bentrewicz (Attack); Peter Argapita (Midfield); Mike Gilbert (Midfield); Brendan Dalton (Midfield); Mike Maiorella (Midfield); Mike Imbriale (Defense); Dan Ulloa (Defense); Tony Valentino (Defense); Pedro Escobar (LSM) and Freddy Giovanelli (Goalie), the team will have plenty of chemistry coming into 2023 looking to make another run.
Mepham Pirates
Here, we have the Mepham Pirates. The team ended with a final record of 7-9 in 2022, earning a playoff appearance and even winning its first playoff game since 2004. First-year Varsity Head Coach Gerard Cunningham is ready to get his team on the field.
“The coaching staff is excited for this group of players to take the field March 13th,” Cunningham said. “We return a strong defensive core and an offense that can put up points. There has been a lot of hard work put in during our winter workouts with good attendance. The players show a willingness to get better every time we get together which I think will pay off this season.”
Those returning include Owen Heller (Attack/Midfield), Kevin Perry (Defense), GianMarco Priola (LSM), Mitch Savalli (Defense) and Liam Williams (Attack).
Mineola Mustangs
Heading to Mineloa, the Mustangs enter the 2023 season hungry after finishing with a final record of 7-8.
“We’re looking to get back into the playoffs this year after missing in 2022,” Head Coach Jim Durso said. “We have a lot of talent with guys like Tommy Renner and Jack McCormack and we’re bringing back a handful of starters from last year. We’re going to lean on the experience that our upperclassmen bring and we’re excited to get contributions from new varsity players.”
Returning to the field for the Mustangs this spring is Tommy Renner (Midfield), Jack McCormack (Midfield), Peter Irish (Midfield), Luke Santaniello (Defense), Eric Rosati (Goalie ) and James Muessig. And keep an eye on these new varsity players as Rusty Carr (Midfield), Joe O’Connell (Attack) and Danny Lobo (Attack) have already caught the eyes of Coach Durso.
Roslyn Bulldogs
The Roslyn Bulldogs finished the 2022 season with a strong 10-6 record making it as far as the second round after beating Glen Cove in the first round. With high hopes for the spring season, Head Coach Jesse Sorensen is ready to get back on the field.
“We have multiple very talented players returning in key positions,” Sorensen said. “It is going to be a fun year.”
Alex Siegel (Attack/Midfield), Alex Gatto (Attack), Max Smith (Attack/Midfield), Spencer Cymbler (Attack/Midfield), Mason Wagman (Midfield), Ben Anmuth (Defense), Jack Glennon (LSM), Jacob Goldberg (Goalie) and Jacob Kaftol (Midfield) are all returning. Also, look out for Charlie Samter, Jake Kenyon and Ethan Goldberg as they’re looking to make an impact on the field. With some playoff experience and success last season, keep an eye out on the Bulldogs.
Syosset Braves
To cap off this edition of the boy’s lacrosse teams to watch on Long Island this spring, the Syosset Braves are looking to be highly competitive yet again in 2023. They finished the season at 9-8 making a run to the Nassau County Finals where they lost to Port Washington 9-8. Head Coach John Calabria sees continued success for his team this season.
“We have a great returning core of players and a hunger to get better to remain competitive in Nassau County,” Calabria said. “We expect to be right back in the big dance with hard work and dedication.”
Returning for the Braves in 2023 include Zach Finkelstein (Goalie), Adam Giovinco (Attack), AJ Zuleta (Defense), Logan Friedman (Defense) and Dylan Stadler (Midfield). Look out for the young gun, Brody Waxer (Attack), who we will see impactful minutes from this season. After making the final 4 for 17 years straight, in addition to 6 county championships and 2 Long Island Championships, the Braves are in for another strong season.
Through the 10 different teams that we looked at, all are getting ready for another big season in 2023 as some look to showcase their talent for this season and beyond. Make sure to keep up with LILJ’s coverage all season long with all the information you’ll need to stay up-to-date with these teams. Good luck to everyone as they embark on yet another great season for Long Island lacrosse!
Do westhampton in part 3