Blue Devil Boys' JV Lax Unbeatable
The Huntington High School boys' junior varsity lacrosse team was simply unbeatable this past spring, compiling a 14-0 record in a most impressive fashion. The Blue Devils sported a high octane offense, dominating midfield play and an aggressive and suffocating defense.
The Blue Devils were coached by Anthony Troffa, Julian Watts, Jerome Merkerson and Hutch Vanderschuyt. The team was captained by Jeremy Gelb, Will Shivers, Tommy Plant and John Shea. "Our coaching staff has been very proud of the leadership from our captains," Troffa said.
Shea (30 goals), Matt Whitcher (26g), Christian Fiordelisi (22g), Gelb (19g) and Plant (15g) led the Blue Devils in goals scored. Shivers and Keegan Reilly picked up the most ground balls. Brian Murchison compiled the most face-off wins. Justin Weigold recorded the most saves in goal.
"This season the coaches were proud of the efforts of every player," Troffa said. "Our starters did an outstanding job getting some good leads on other teams, which allowed the entire team to play. There were many instances where every single kid on the team got a decent amount of playing team. That always makes us happy."
In a nod to the future and to the high interest and talent at Huntington High School, the coaching staff decided to keep a large roster this past spring. "We carried over 30 players and each one stuck it out to the end," Troffa said. "The team set many goals other than winning. Discipline and personal growth were among the two most important. Every player grew and improved and took pride in their hard work.
Huntington's top midfield players included Gelb, Whitcher, Murchison, Spencer Young, Kyle O'Bryan, Brian Peer, Ryan Casale, Charles Bast, Kenny McCarthy and Justyn Tesoriero. The attack was led by Plant, Shea, Fiordilisi and Nick Castelli. Shivers, Tim Beck, Matt Pavelka and Henry Rogan anchored the defense. Weigold, Nick Stern and John Russo performed admirably in goal.
Coaches Praise Top Players
The coaching staff was effusive in its praise of the top Blue Devils. "Jeremy Gelb is going to be a huge asset to the varsity program," Troffa said. Merkerson saluted Whitcher, who was second on the team in goals scored. "He is aggressive and fast and is already ready to play," the assistant coach said.
Troffa complimented Fiordelisi's "excellent field sense" and playmaking abilities and said Shea is "an excellent shooter, feeder and cutter. He has placed himself in all the right places offensively. He netted some beautiful goals this season."
Merkerson can't say enough about Plant. "He has a rifle of an outside shot and has put some shots in the net at varsity speeds." Watts cited Henry Rogan, saying the sophomore "has played excellent defense for us this season."
Watts wasn't quite done calling out some very good players for a bow. "Mathew Pavelka played very aggressive defense," the coach said. "His contributions have shut down many offensive players. He played very smart and made great decisions on the field."
"Will Shivers possesses excellent stick skills for a defenseman," added Watts. "He has been a huge asset to the team in terms of clearing the ball and picking up ground balls. His efforts have been very consistent in shutting down some of the best ball handlers on the teams we faced this season. Will was the anchor to a very solid defense."
Reilly, a long pole midfielder "is a ground ball machine," Troffa said. "He has consistently helped our team come up with ground balls and he has stripped the ball from many opponents."
"Spencer Young, Kyle O'Bryan and Ryan Casale have consistently done great things for our offense," Merkerson said.
"Brian Murchison and Jeremy Gelb have done an excellent job on face-offs and consistently beat most of their opponents," Troffa said. "Their aggressiveness allowed our team to gain some key possessions."
Many Season Highlights
The perfect season had many highlights sprinkled throughout the spring. While a scheduled non-league game with rugged Cold Spring Harbor was changed to a scrimmage, the result was still satisfying. "We came out hard and played to win and we did," Troffa said. "It is always great to get the best of hometown rival Cold Spring Harbor."
Huntington enjoyed a fabulous victory over tough Sayville. "It was a great match-up," Troffa said. "They played very hard, but we won." The Blue Devils again rose to the occasion against Hampton Bays in their final game of the season. Huntington jumped out to an early lead in what turned out to be a very physical game. "Our team kept its cool and played in control and we were proud," Troffa said.
Many of the team's top players will be climbing the ladder to the next level next spring. "We look forward to seeing our sophomores move on to varsity to help out the program and we are excited about what next year will bring to the JV and what kind of talent will be on its way up from Finley," Troffa said.
The Blue Devils are already eying continued success next spring. "We are expecting all of our returning players to carry the torch," Troffa said. "All of them have been involved, played a lot and gained experience as freshmen. They should all be familiar with our offensive and defensive sets and we expect them to return in the spring in shape and stick skills in tip top shape."
No Worries About 2013
Huntington's coaches have no worries about the 2013 season. "We have confidence in every one of our returning players and it is always interesting to see who has worked hard and improved over the summer, fall and winter," Troffa said.
It certainly does appear that the Blue Devils will again be loaded when the season rolls around next March. "We expect great things from this year's starting attackman Christian Fiordelisi and whether he returns to JV or goes to varsity, he will be a huge asset to the Huntington program," Troffa said. "Nick Castelli has also done good things for us at lefty attackman. We look forward do his return and skills to help us next year. Justyn Tesoriero, Dylan Stieve, Kenny McCarthy, Chris Bergman and Dan McCartney will do a great job for us at midfield. We expect Justin Weigold to continue his excellent job in the goal."
Troffa said the coaching staff also "expects good things" in 2013 from Garrett Filippini, Craig Biernacki, Dylan Wheeler and Stephen Shivers. "Asher King will be a pillar for our defense," Troffa said. "We will be expecting good things from defensemen Jon Stern and Eli Goldman.
Next season is still a long way off. So for now, Troffa and his assistants will continue to savor a splendid year that ended on a perfect note. "We worked extremely hard every day that we had practice," he said. "The team got accustomed to giving 100 percent all the time and we were always ready for our competition."