Moving up the rankings we take a look at No. 14 in our preseason top 20 which leads us the Cold Spring Harbor Seahawks. They enter this season as the defending New York State Class D Champions and only lost one game all season. At helm for 24 years is Head Coach Dennis Bonn who has guided this program to a long lasting run of success with 13 county titles, five Long Island championships, and five state championships. This season coach Bonn says his team is deep at both midfield and LSM which will be the strength of their team.
The Massapequa Chiefs of Nassau Class A enter our boys top 20 preseason rankings at No. 15. They are perennial contenders in their conference and this season will be no different as they look to rebound after last season’s defeat in the semifinals against Syosset. Head Coach Michael Draper enters his second season at the helm, and described the senior class that’s returning as one that can be special. “The senior class has the potential to be special if they take pride in the process, accept individual and team accountability, have continuity in their competitive spirit and build vulnerability-based trust. Athletically and skill-wise, this is one of the most gifted groups I have been around in the nearly three decades I have been involved in lacrosse.”
As we continue our top 20 preseason rankings, coming in at No. 16 are the Golden Flashes from Sayville. They are one of the many teams in Suffolk Class C that are in contention to win the counties and appear in the LIC. Last year they had a 14-3 record, but fell short of the LIC after losing in the county semifinals to Shoreham Wading River. This year they’re looking to get right back in the postseason and win their first county title since 2014. Head Coach Adam Sznitken is excited about the combination of their youth and returning upperclassmen. “Looking forward to the youth talent mixing with the talent of our returners”, Sznitken said to the LILJ.
The reigning two-time Class D Long Island Champion Cold Spring Harbor Lady Seahawks come in at No. 18 in our preseason rankings. They have a rich history of success, winning state championships in both 2018 and 2019. After defeating Center Moriches in the LIC, their 2022 season came to an end in the state semis against Bronxville. Led by Head Coach Danielle Castellane since 2007, she shared the outlook that she has for her team this season. “Lots of youth but with experience… Losing All-American Ava Tighe will allow for a more balanced offense. It will be harder to scout us, with more opportunities for players to step up.”
As we get ready to wrap up another long Winter, girls high school lacrosse is imminent and filled with high-caliber teams and players. Long Island lacrosse is a breeding ground for some of the best players in the country and we are sure to be in for yet another great season of LI lax. As we near the new season, let’s preview some of the girls teams that are ready to take the field. Here are 10 teams to watch for this upcoming season!
In the final Saturday of the LILJ Winter 7s champions will be crowned today. In both the middle school and high school league, the brackets have been all chalk with the top two seeds advancing to the finals. In the middle school league Empire 2027 takes on FLG 2028 Navy. The high school league has two championship games with FLG 2024 playing FLG 2027 Navy in pool one, and Team Pink going against Manhasset in pool two.
In the first round of the playoffs in the High School Winter 7s the higher seeds all held serve in both playoff brackets. Today will be the semi-finals in the two pools for a chance to clinch spots in the championship games next weekend. In the first pool the four teams remaining are FLG 2027, Top Guns 2027, FLG 2024, and Liberty 2026. The remaining teams in the second pool are Manhasset, Team Pink, Shamrocks, and Sacred Heart. All teams that have been eliminated from postseason contention will still suit up and hit the rink in consolation games the next two weekends. Here’s a preview of the four semi-final games!
Its five middle school teams competing for a championship in the LILJ Junior Winter 7s Playoffs beginning Saturday February 4th. The five teams represent the club programs of FLG, Yellow Jackets, and Empire. The quarter-final and two semifinal games will be this weekend followed by the consolation and championship games Saturday February 11th. Continue Reading
With the regular season wrapped up in the LILJ High School Winter 7s League, it’s time for  the first round of the playoffs. The playoffs feature two pools with eight teams in each pool competing to win the championship. The first round begins today followed by the quarter finals next weekend and the championship games on February 11th. Some of these first round games are rematches from the regular season while others will be the first time the two teams go head-to-head. Here is a preview of each of the opening round playoff games!
The 2022-2023 LILJ Girls HSWL was filled with many top tier varsity teams on the island as well as elite level club teams and JV teams showcasing the depth that programs have. With the winter league having come to an end and a bevy of players who played at a high level, the LILJ has put together a first and second All-Winter League Team along with honorable mentions. Despite some players not being able to play in every game, in the small sample size that they were on the field, they had a tremendous impact on the game and were still eligible for either of the teams. Each team has been created based on position and graduating year between the classes of 2023-2026. Check out each All-Winter League Team down below!
