Shoreham-Wading River's Mike Delia (4) controls the ball in a game against Rocky Point.
BY JOSEPH STASZEWSKI
It's been too long since I've given a few thoughts on the boys lacrosse landscape. So here we go.
I was out at Shoreham-Wading River Thursday for the Wildcats important 6-4 win over Comsewogue, a game dominated by the defenses. Shoreham had chances to put the game out of reach, but a few bouncing shots didn't find the net and Comsewogue goalie Dominick Santangelo made 14 quality saves. Still, not finishing teams off has been a problem for Shoreham (10-4, 10-1).
"We've had that problem all year and we are hoping that by playoff time that we don't lose those opportunities to put teams away," coach Tom Rotanz said.
It had a golden opportunity to pour on goals when Comsewogue's Trevor Rose crushed Joey Lustgarten going to the net for a one minute pushing penalty, then had another 30 seconds added for arguing with the referee. The Wildcats scored a quick goal, saw Comsewogue win the ensuing faceoff and then took a penalty of their own. A 1:30 man-up situation turned into an 18 second man down one.
Still it’s not an overwhelming concern for them
"We just haven't put it all together yet," Mike Perdie said. "When we finally put it together it is going to be hard to stop us."
So far no one in Division II has stopped Rocky Point (13-1, 11-0). Its impressive, 13-6, win over Shoreham last week and a narrow, 8-5, victory over Sayville Thursday makes them the favorite to win the Suffolk Class B title. From what I have seen Rocky Point has the by far the most fire power on offense. It will be hard for teams to fine three kids to control Tom Palasek, Matt Palasek and Dan Kramer. One of them will probably have a match-up they can exploit.
CLASS A
There isn't a doubt that West Islip and Ward Melville are the class of Division I, but who is the next best team?
Lindenhurst (11-3, 8-3) appeared to be on its way to claiming that distinction before falling to Smithtown West, 12-9, on May 7. Until then its only league losses were to Ward Melville and to Floyd by a goal. Lindenhurst, lead by Nick Tandoi, is a well coached team that runs a fine passing and cutting offense, which can be tough to defend, but its regular season and playoff spot will be decided next week with games against Smithtown East (7-6, 6-4 ) and a very good Bay Shore (10-3, 8-3) team.
So now the debate turns to Smithtown West and Half Hollow Hills West (12-2, 9-2). Sure Hills West beat Smithtown West, but the Bulls just beat a Lindenhurst team that was up 5-0 and beat the Colts early in the season. Brian Smalley is a hell of a player for Smithtown West and its underclassmen seem to be maturing.
Even though the power points say different, my vote goes to Half Hollow Hills West. Sure it is the Colts first season up in Division I, but they have plenty of experienced talent led by Dan DiMaria and John Conneely. Plus their only two losses are to Lindenhurst and West Islip. What do you think?
Comments (3)
no way. You have to say that Smithtown West is the third best team in the county. With outstanding senior Brian Smalley and skilled underclassmen Madarasz, Keenan, and Panel, you have to say that Smithown West is the better team. When the bulls played the colts earlier in the year the colts had a considerable lead. Smithown showed heart and limited it to only a one goal game. Also during this comeback Head coach Sean Keenan and assistant Bob Moltisanti were ejected. Smithown West also played great games during the year against Garden City, Farmingdale, William Floyd and most recently Lindenhurst. So Overall you have to give it to Smithtown West
I am not trying to discredit what Smithtown West has accomplished. The fun part is that you can make a strong argument for either team. Smithtown West played a tougher non-league schedule than Hills West. They didn't earn a big win, but are reaping the benefits of that experience now. I am taking the Colts because they beat the Bulls recently, and were up big at one point as you mentioned, and they have more experience.
If you talk about Smithtown West lacrosse, you need to talk about defenseman, Brennan Bailey. He's having a terrific year. At 6' 3" and 200 pounds, he's a take-away machine. Going to play lacrosse at Brown University next year.
Smithtown West's strength has been their defense. They have given up only 66 goals as a team so far in league play and are behind only Ward Melville (45 goals) and West Islip (64 goals). Bailey and their goalie, Dillon Pope are the big reasons why.