Whitney Pt. takes steps to repeat division title
BY MIKE MANGAN
Press & Sun-Bulletin
After going unbeaten in Division II play in the Section 4 Boys Lacrosse Conference last season, Whitney Point will be a target for many teams this season. With plenty of talent returning, though, the Golden Eagles should be more than up to the task.
Led by senior attacker Tony Ballard, Point appears to be the team to beat once again in Division II this season. Also back are senior midfielders Adam Compeau and Wes Alexander, junior midfielders Chris Hand, Kris Lethbridge and junior attacker Justin Stearns. Goalie Nick Valachovic returns as well. Coach Chris Rice is hopeful his team can sustain the same intensity as last season. "Because we had so much success last season, we decided to put some tougher teams on our schedule," said Rice, whose team plays six games against teams ranked in the state last year. "We did this in order to challenge ourselves and not become lackadaisical."
Whitney Point's primary challenger in Division II appears to be Chenango Forks. The Blue Devils figure to be potent offensively with attackers Nick Mirabito, Steve Tronovitch and Ben Larson all back. Mirabito is one of the best offensive players in Section 4. Senior Matt Juriga keys the defense. "As long as we stay focused, we have as legitimate a shot as anyone," first-year Forks coach Marc Frechette said. Owego made a surprising run to the Section 4 Class B title game last season before losing to Corning West.
The Indians will be led by fourth-year starter Anthony Cerretani in goal. Attackers Nick Spatola and Ryan Schmonsees will ignite the offense, with help from Justin Deemie. Mike Davis and Matt Luhrs lead the defense. "The biggest thing is that we're very unselfish as a team," Owego coach Chris Mahon said. "There isn't just one player that stands out."
Maine-Endwell and Johnson City look to rebound from dismal seasons. The Spartans have experience with John McGuire, Drew Disbrow and Uday Muhklis at the attacker positions, but must overcome its youth defensively. JC is bolstered by improved numbers, leading hopes for a turnaround. Defender Paul Smolinsky and goalie Erik Koch are the top returners. Also expected to contribute are midfielders Brad Lazewski, Matt Palmer and Justin Carpenter.
In Division I, after years of domination, Corning East came back to the pack just a bit last year, tying Ithaca for the division title. Coach Bob Streeten hopes to improve upon his team's 34-10 record over the last two seasons, 10 losses the most over a two-year span for East since 1984. The Trojans' top guns are attacker T.J. Lando, midfielder Dave Streeten and defender James Powell.
Ithaca, the Section 4 Class A champions are led by junior defender Craig Stevenson. Other key returners for the Little Red are midfielders Drew Evans, Matt Hedge, Graham Gillespie and attackers Kevin Keller, Gavin Bortz, and Spencer Slottje.
Binghamton's hopes for another winning season will rest in large part on senior midfielders Aemon Frys and Dan McManus. Attackers Nick Smith and Matt Vaverchak, goalie Andy Brown and long-stick Joe Weaver are also back. "I think our attitude is really good," Binghamton coach Dave Garbarino said. "These guys continue to surprise me every time out."
U-E has an experienced squad led by attackers Mark Sluzar, Sean Collins and Dan Reel. Midfielders John Kermidas and Tanner Moss are also back. Joe Morgan is the returning starter in goal.
For Vestal, Jedd Gardner and Kal Brown lead the attackers. Also among the returners for the Golden Bears are seniors Jesse Sherwood, Andy Bird and Joe Talbut in the midfield and goalie Mike Paolucci.
