Finley Boys’ Lax Boasts 7-2 Record

The J. Taylor Finley Middle School boys’ lacrosse team won seven-of-nine games this past spring, including an exciting 11-10 overtime thriller over West Islip Beach.

The team was coached by Travis Smith, Peter Novellano and Patrick Reilly. Finley defeated West Islip Udall (14-2), Northport (13-6), Lindenhurst (14-4), West Islip Beach (11-10), Stimson (15-3), Bay Shore (13-1) and East Northport (14-2). Finley fell to Commack (7-5) and Oldfield (9-6).

The top seventh graders included:

Attack: Bradley Burke, Matteo Dasaro, Connor Kuhn, Luke Shanley

Midfield: James Molina-Tax, Blake Schmale

Midfield/Defense: John Dello-Iacono, Charlie Gordon

Defense: Jason Bencivenga, David Bergmann, Ethan Martin

Goalie: Stephen Pagan

The top eighth graders included:

Attack: Harrison McIntyre, Leif Gundersen, Shane LeGrow, Jacob Ryder, Cameron Northrup

Midfield: Finn McDermott, Zackary Smith, Ryder Cicciari, Luca Garcia, Domenic Leotta, Owen McGraw

Midfield/Defense: Jack McLaughlin, Charles Mendreski, William Respass

“Our best team accomplishment was our win in overtime against Beach,” Smith said. “It was a great team win. The kids fought hard and had a gritty performance.”

Finley practiced and played its games on the athletic fields behind the building. JV coaches Anthony Troffa and Michael Corcoran paid visits to Finley to help out at a few practices. Coach Reilly also spent several weeks with the team.

The roster included a dozen seventh graders, all of whom are eligible to return next spring.