LI Lacrosse Journal
No. 4 Ranked Manhasset Indians Team Preview
As we now get inside the top five teams in the LILJ top 24 preseason rankings, landing at number four are the Manhasset Indians of Nassau Class B. The last three years Manhasset has found themselves at the very least playing in the Long Island Championship game, and this season they hope to make it four straight years in the LIC.
No. 5 Ranked Manhasset Indians Team Preview
At number five in the LILJ top 24 preseason rankings we have the back-to-back Class C New York State Champion Manhasset Indians. As one of the most renown lacrosse programs in the country, Manhasset has done a lot of winning the last few seasons, and last year on their way to a second consecutive state title, they lost only one game the entire season, going 21-1. This year as they chase a third straight state championship, they will look a lot different with the number of players they graduated in the class of 2023. They also make the move back Class B for the first time since 2019 which means they will likely encounter some familiar foes in the playoffs on their quest to three-peat.
No. 5 Ranked Ward Melville Patriots Team Preview
Winding down the LILJ top 24 preseason rankings, we get to the top five and at number five it’s the Ward Melville Patriots. In Suffolk Class A the Patriots have been in contention to win the counties the last two seasons under Head Coach Stephanie Peragallo who now enters year three at the helm. Last year Ward Melville earned the one seed going into the playoffs and won in the quarterfinals before being defeated in the semifinals against Smithtown East. This year with much of their team returning, the Patriots have another great shot to capture the county and Long Island Championship they’ve been chasing.
No. 6 Ranked Ward Melville Patriots Team Preview
One of Long Islands programs with a rich lacrosse history the Ward Melville Patriots come into the LILJ top 24 preseason rankings at number six. The Patriots are looking to get their way back to the county finals after being defeated in the semis the last two seasons. Led by Head Coach Jay Negus, Ward Melville returns with a large group of juniors and seniors that are fresh off of playing in the LILJ HSWL as they get set to hit the ground running this spring.
No. 6 Ranked Cold Spring Harbor Seahawks Team Preview
Now up to number six in the LILJ top 24 preseason rankings, it’s the Cold Spring Harbor Seahawks of Nassau Class D. This program has been the team to beat on the island in Class D, winning the Long Island Championship the last three seasons. Last year they made the trip to Cortland but were defeated in the state semifinals by a goal against Skaneateles after a rally that came up just short. This year the mission remains the same which is to get back to Cortland and finish the job with a state championship. Leading the charge in her 18th season is Head Coach Danielle Castellane who shared her thoughts on her team going into the season.
No. 7 Ranked Northport Tigers Team Preview
Staying in Suffolk Class A for number seven in the LILJ top 24 preseason rankings, it’s the Northport Tigers who have found themselves in the Long Island Championship the past three seasons. Last year they were defeated in the LIC in a narrow 5-3 loss against Farmingdale, but are looking to once again stake their claim as the best team in Suffolk Class A and play for a shot at another LIC and possibly a state championship. The Tigers did graduate a number of players in the class of 2023, but still have plenty of key returning players and are now led by new Head Coach Billy Cordts.
No. 7 Ranked Sacred Heart Spartans Team Preview
Landing at number seven in the LILJ top 24 preseason rankings are the Sacred Heart Spartans who are a perennial Parochial contender. The Spartans were in battle up until the very end last year in the CHSAA Championship against St. Anthony’s were they were narrowly defeated in an 8-7 game. This season they are back with almost their entire team, led by Head Coach Danielle Etrasco as they look to win a lot of games with a very competitive schedule against some of Nassau County’s top public schools, as well as their annual matchups against nationally ranked St. Anthony’s. Coach Etrasco expressed the excitement going into the season with their returning core.
No. 8 Half Hollow Hills Thunderbirds Team Preview
Hailing from Suffolk Class A at number eight in the top 24 preseason rankings are the Half Hollow Hills Thunderbirds. This team is squarely in contender status to potentially come out of Suffolk County with a lot of their talent having grown and developed the past few seasons on varsity and now return as upperclassmen. Last year they were defeated by Northport in the quarterfinals but return ready for a deep run in 2024. Led by Head Coach Connor Hagans, Hills has plenty to be excited about this season, and coach Hagans shared what the keys to their success will be.
No. 8 Ranked Northport Tigers Team Preview
