NCN LAX/BASKETBALL BLOG

Fun filled day over at Suffern Middle School.

Lots o’ lax.

CLASS A

Town 9, LP 6

CLASS B

JJ 15, Somers 4

Class C

Rye 6, PV 3

There will be vid highlights for each and every game — keep checking back for updates.

Class C

#1 Rye (13-7) vs. #2 Putnam Valley (7-12)

Last time: Rye defeated Putnam valley 5-3 in on 4/17. Garnets goalie Colin Hart was the difference maker, recording a season high 20 saves. Marshall Rogers led Rye with two goals.

Key Players: Peter Morgan (PV), Tom Kelly (PV), Cory Ender (PV), Colin Hart (R), T.J. Smith (R), Kevin Gordon (R)

Outlook: This is a familiar scenario for both the Tigers and the Garnets, as they have met in the Sectional finals the last three years — with Rye winning 2/3.

I think it comes down to two players in this game — both being the last line of defense for their respective squads — Ender and Hart.

Hart played like a man possessed the last time the two teams took to the turf at PV, making 20 saves. Although his effort was quite commendable, the Tigers didn’t do themselves any favors, firing numerous shots directly at Hart. Peter Morgan, Tom Kelly and Jimmy Fitzsimmons need to take quality shots — not just any shot. Hart is not the type of goaltender where any shot fired at the cage has a chance of going in. He has a quick stick and large frame, which pretty much minimizes the chance of a fluke goal.

Ender, who has been hobbled by a knee injury this season, needs to be the fuel to Putnam Valley’s fire. He must lead by example — keeping the intensity level extremely high at all times. He’s quite an athletic goalie, however, he can’t make careless decisions out of the cage — because they could lead to easy scoring opportunities for the Garnets.

In order for the Tigers to win, I believe they must keep it a low scoring affair. They want Ender to have to drive the pace, picking his team up by stoning the opposition.

PV probably doesn’t have the advantage in the transition game, being smaller and not as athletic, however, they do have a stable of fearless middies willing to put it on the line.

These players — Eric Rabe, Ryan Fitzgerald and Hugh O’Gorman — have to be ground ball hogs, keeping the time of possession in favor of the Tigers. One of these players must also produce some sort of offensive production — any kind at all. Kelly, Morgan and Fitzsimmons should be able to put up 5-6 goals between each other, but they will need at least 1 or 2 goals manufactured from a role player. I’d look for one of the three aforementioned names to step up and provide it.

Prediction: PV 7, Rye 6

Upset of the tournament — Ender ‘ends’ Rye’s season, recording 20+ saves.

Well, this was certainly one of the best NCAA tournament’s in recent memory.

In my opinion, the best game was UA vs. Cornell. I was really pulling for Queener and Albany during that game. It’s a shame it went down like that.
However, here are some vid highlights from the entire tournament.

These might pump you up for our own little tourney finals on Thursday.

Final 1:22 of Cornell vs. Duke

Candid fan footage of Hopkins celebrating the title

Candid fan footage of Duke entering M&T Bank Stadium

THE FOLLOWING CLIPS ARE FROM CSTV.

You are greeted with a small intro / commercial before the actual video buffers up and begins.

1. Danowski post game conference — after loss to Hopkins.
2. Coach Pietramala gets a Gatorade bath.
3. Many more videos from the tournament and the entire season.

Class B

#1 John Jay (17-2) vs. #2 Somers (17-3)

Last time: The Indians defeated the Tuskers 15-4 at Somers. Leading only 4-2 at the half, Jay exploded for 11 second half goals, outscoring the Tuskers 11-2. Brian Douglass led the Indians with 3 goals and 3 assists. Chris Bocklet dished out 4 assists and scored 1 goal.

Key players: Chris Bocklet (JJ), Justin Schneidman (JJ), Kevin Drew (JJ), Matt Marasco (S), Joe Marasco (S), Evan Von Heyn (S)

Outlook: The Tuskers, who have had an amazing season, are unfortunately matched up with the powerhouse Indians. With the trio of All-American attackmen — Stockel, Douglass and Bocklet — Jay has one the most lethal offenses in the country. Tim Schurr, a defensive mastermind, will have his hands full in containing them. Coppolecchia, Marasco and Barzelatto will have to be other worldly. Seeing that Somers held Jay to only one goal in the opening quarter of their first match-up, it’s not inconceivable to think they have a shot at shutting them down.

However, Jay has too many weapons, including Kevin Drew. Drew is in another class athletically and should be able to create for himself in the midfield.

Tim Lewis, who plays the role of ‘the horse’ for the Tuskers, is going to have to play the game of his life in between the restraining boxes. Lewis will have to be an everyman, making all the hustle plays in order to keep the time of possession in favor of the Tuskers.

Marasco will have to create beyond his wildest dreams from attack. Von Heyn, whether playing attack or middie, must finish his opportunities. He has the ability to work from behind the cage and overpower his man above the plane of the goal to angle in for a shot. He did this splendidly the last time the two teams met up.

I believe that Somers is arguably second best team in Section I — regardless of Class A, B or C. But they got unlucky — being stuck in Class B with the buzzsaw that is John Jay.

At the end of the day, Jay has too much depth and talent.

Prediction: Jay 12, Somers 6

Thoughts? Predictions? Analysis?

Alright, here it goes …

Class A

#1 Lakeland-Panas (19-1) vs. #2 Yorktown (9-9)

Last time: L/P defeated ‘Town 10-9 in the annual Murphy Cup game. It was by far the best / most competitive game between the two schools in recent memory. The win ended a 13 year drought for the Rebels. Jack Doherty led L/P with 4 goals in the win. Rocky Bonitabitus scored 4 goals for ‘Town in defeat.

Key Players: Andrew Collins (L/P), Dan Dacosta (L/P), Jack Doherty (L/P), Mike Mackay (L/P), Rocky Bonitabitus (Y), John Froats (Y), Mike Bonitabitus (Y), Billy Kelsey (Y)

Outlook: This game looks to be is the premier match-up to take place on Thursday. It has the marquee time slot and all the hype and story lines that anyone could possibly ask for. Instead of rehashing the bountiful history between the two teams, I’m just going to focus on the present game at hand.

‘Town, who led for the majority of the Murphy Cup, clearly know they can play with the Rebels. I think watching this highlight on repeat, including the celebration, should be enough material to amp up the Huskers squad.

It is yet to be known who will take field on ‘Town’s attack. With Froats showing tons of promise in the win over Mamaroneck and then taking a step back in the win over Suffern, combined with Kevin Interlicchio’s standout (3 goals, 2 assists) performance the last time the two teams met, the Huskers’ coaching staff have a tough decision to make. Froats has the speed/mobility edge, while Interlicchio has the edge when it comes to shooting. Keeping in mind that L/P will counter with Malan, Collins and Hoch in the midfield, ‘Town might want to have Froats’ speed and skill to combat them. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Mike Mackay, the junior goalie for the Rebs, outplayed Patrick Werner last time out. If Bonitabitus, who has his starting job back and is playing with an unwavering confidence, can stuff the L/P attack from in close, ‘Town will have a better chance of pulling it out. However, Collins and Hoch have proved that they can convert on mid-long range shots, which Bonitabitus doesn’t seem to handle as well. In particular, higher shots seem to be more of a problem for him. I’d look for L/P to be shooting high as opposed to low. Warren Dill and Ethan Fox must disrupt both Collins and Hoch, staying on their hands at all times, not allowing them to get off uncontested shots.

‘Town must finish on offense, which they have struggled with at times this year. Clearly, this is a pretty cut and dry issue.

The L/P attack, consisting of Rodriguez, McCarron and Doherty, are extremely under rated. Rodriguez is quick and cagey, which allows him to make cuts close to the cage and get off a precise feed. Look for him to quarterback the attack and set up opportunities for his teammates. McCarron has the ability to dodge from behind the cage and create a shot for himself or dish off. He’s also unbelievably resilient. Doherty, who mans the crease, is a prime time finisher, scoring 55 goals thus far this year. I’d look for him to try and find the net early and often, cashing in on goals from in close.

Dacosta leads the defense, and will most likely match-up with Froats — if he plays attack. Being strong, fast and cerebral, Dacosta must set the intensity level high for the Rebs.

L/P, playing the role of the favorite in a match-up against Yorktown, is certainly a change of pace. I think it hurts the Rebels more than helps. ‘Town, who have already lost to the Rebels this year, are seeking revenge, which is a big a motivator as any. L/p — in my opinion — face the ultimate trap game. ‘Town, who dropped the Sectional title last year, lost the Murphy Cup this year, have been through a great deal as a team. I think they are the more battle tested squad — ready for redemption.

Prediction: Yorktown 11, Lakeland-Panas 9

If you made it this far — what do you guys think?

Hope everyone had a good Memorial Day weekend and enjoyed the sensational college lax that was played.

However, it is now down to the nitty gritty of the Section I lax season.

The match-ups — as I’m sure everyone already knows — are as follows.

Class A

‘Town vs. L/P

Class B

Jay vs. Somers

Class C 

Rye vs. PV

Keep checking back during the day, I’ll have a more in depth look at each match-up. Similar to the semi finals preview.

Long day — be back tomorrow with some commentary.

The Huskers defeated Suffern 7-5.

The Rebels defeated the Red Raiders 14-6.

With both teams winning, the Class A Sectional finals will undoubtedly be one for the ages.

Stay tuned for vid highlights from both the ‘Town and L/P semi final games

Other Scores …

JJ 15, Hen Hud 4

Feel free to leave scores and commentary from both PV and Somers.

Class A

#1 Lakeland – Panas (18-1) vs. #5 North Rockland (15-4)

Last time: The Rebels defeated the Red Raiders 11-5 on 5/14. Jack Doherty and Doug Hoch led Lakeland-Panas with three goals apiece.

Key Players: Andrew Collins (L/P), Dan Dacosta (L/P), Jack Doherty (L/P), Pete Demaggio (NR), Sal Perrotto (NR), Mike Caggiano (NR)

Outlook: The Rebels, who are on a torrid 17 game winning streak, shouldn’t have much trouble with the Red Raiders at home. In order to put the chance of an upset comfortably in the rear view mirror, L/P must push the tempo early on in transition. In order to do this, John Hittman must control the face-off circle. The attacking trio of Keith Rodriguez, Shane McCarron and Jack Doherty, who combined for 99 goals this season, must finish these opportunities. Andrew Collins, who finished second on the team in scoring with 35 goals, should be able to bolster the scoring by finding his shot in 6 vs. 6.

Prediction: L/P 12, North Rockland 6

#2 Yorktown (8-9) vs. #6 Suffern (10-8):

Last time: This is the first meeting of the year between the two teams.

Key Players: Colin Houlihan (Y), Brendan Kurpis (Y), Dan DeMartini (Y), Jared Harbus (SF), Scott Kellman (SF)

Outlook: Well, ‘Town came out firing on all cylinders in a win over Mamaroneck, dispelling any possible questions of whether the ‘Huskers would carry over their stale end of the regular season play into the playoffs. Suffern, who pulled off the upset over Greeley, have to be feeling like they have a chance in this match-up. However, I don’t see it happening, especially if ‘Town is able the finish the way they did against the Tigers. With Johnny Froats switching to attack, the ‘Huskers have a quarterback who is capable of dodging from behind the cage and setting up his teammates. Although well sized, Newman, Kurpis and Interlicchio aren’t suited to be primary ball handlers on an attack line. Froats brings, as Coach Marr explained to me, a ‘calming effect’ to the line. This, more than anything, stood out to me today. Along with the switch from Froats to attack — though it’s not certain if he will remain if Interlicchio is 100% healthy — was the reemergence of Michael Bonitabitus in the cage. Bonitabitus, much like Froats on the attack, serves as a calming influence for the defense. His passes are perfect and he can engineer clears, which result in fast break opportunities. He seemed to be seeing the ball a lot better today as well. The only way I can see Suffern winning this one is if they really slow down the pace of play, work in their 6 vs. 6 and treat every posession carefully. If they can stick within 4 going into the fourth, they have the possibility of pulling off the upset. However, with the way ‘Town is playing right now, I think it’s more fiction than reality.

Prediction: Yorktown 11, Suffern 6

Class B

#2 Somers (16-3) vs. # 3 Fox Lane (10-9)

Last time: Somers defeated Fox Lane 12-5 on 5/5. Joe Marasco led the Tuskers with 2 goals and 5 assists. Somers jumped out an early 8-3-halftime lead and never looked back.

Key Players: Joe Marasco (S), Matt Marasco (S), Evan Von Heyn (S), Jay Lucas (FL), Mac Beitzel (FL), Mickey Mangieri (FL).

Outlook: The Tuskers have been on fire since a 15-4 loss to John Jay. Fox Lane closed out their season with a disappointing showing against Ossining, almost blowing a 12-1 lead at the half, which they pulled out 13-12. The Foxes shouldn’t pose too much of a threat to the Tuskers, however, looking forward to a re-match with John Jay in the finals could be the kiss of death. But I don’t see that happening, as Marasco and Von Heyn will over power the overmatched Fox Lane defense. The Tuskers defense, spearheaded by Matt Marasco and Chris Coppollechia, will keep the Foxes most threatening offensive target, Jay Lucas, under wraps.

Prediction: Somers 13, Fox Lane 5

# 1 John Jay (16-2) vs. # 4 Hen Hud (10-8)

Last time: Jay defeated Hen Hud 15/4 on 5/9.

Key Players: Chris Bocklet (JJ), Kevin Drew (JJ), Ryder Bohlander (JJ) — there are a lof of them on Jay, I’m not going to list them all. Rob Bosco (HH), Chase Bernard (HH), Colin Parkhurst (HH)

Outlook: Outlook not so good for the Sailors. Unless Bosco can clone himself 8 times, I don’t see Hen Hud having much of a shot. Jay, meanwhile, can’t treat the game with less intensity than a sectional semi-final deserves. Keeping their intensity level high and continuing to progress throughout the playoffs will be nesascarry in winning their first-ever state title.

Prediction: John Jay 14, Hen Hud 5

Class C

#2 Putnam Valley (6-11) vs. #6 Ardsley (17-3)

Last time: This is the first meeting of the season between the two teams.

Key Players: Tom Kelly (PV), Peter Morgan (PV), Cory Ender (PV), Ian Pillinger (A), Steven Turell (A), Zach Winston (A)

Outlook: Ardsley pulled off a monumental win for their program by defeating Pleasantville and advancing into the semi-finals. Putnam Valley, despite their record, should still feel confident in this match-up. With Ender in the goal, Kelly at midfield and Morgan at attack, the Tigers have the edge.

Prediction: Putnam Valley 10, Ardsley 5

What are your thoughts / predictions?