A dazzling array of talented young players catapulted the Huntington High School boys’ junior varsity lacrosse team to an outstanding spring season. The Blue Devils compiled a 13-3 record and displayed a winning attitude on and off the field.
Coached by Anthony Troffa and Timothy Witt, the roster was filled with 29 skilled players. “This season showed how much potential the Huntington lax program has for the future,” Troffa said. “There were many guys that contributed all over the field and helped out in a variety of ways.”
Huntington’s top players included:
Attack
• Michael Wright: 33 goals, 19 assists, 67 groundballs
• Sam Kimmelman: 28g, 11a
• Robert Smith: 24g, 15a, 67gb, 167 faceoff wins
Midfield
• Matt Stolfa: 17g, 34a, 72gb
• Daniel Danziger: 11g, 9a
• Ryan Baker: 7g,10a
• Aidan McNulty: 23gb, 5g
• Chris Maichin: 6g
• Joe Mead: 49gb
Defense
• Charlie O’Rourke
• Aidan Bonn: 28gb (most groundballs for close defenseman)
• Matthew Youngwall
• Charles Forte: 24gb
Goalie
• Alex Fascilla: 84 saves
Troffa gushed about his players. “Charlie O’Rourke had a standout season, routinely shutting down the opposing team’s best attackman,” the coach said. “Goalie Alex Fascilla played every minute of every game and played really well. He made a lot of game changing saves and will be a standout goalie in Suffolk when he gets to varsity.”
Troffa said the team’s success was the result of contributions from everyone on the roster. “Matt Youngwall, Joe Mead, Renato Erek, Aidan Bonn and Charlie O’Rourke were very tough on defense,” the coach said. “Robbie Smith was unbeatable on face-offs. His great face-off skills allowed us to have many fast break opportunities. Robbie also contributed to our team as a top attackman who routinely scored before he was brought up to varsity toward the end of the season. Chas Forte stepped in to be our lead face-off man after Robbie was moved to varsity. Chas did an outstanding job and greatly contributed to our success and winning season once he took over. Sam Kimmelman was the playmaker on attack who always managed to find the open man.”
The Blue Devils were a powerhouse on both ends of the field. “Joe Mead did a great job playing close defense as well as long stick middie, swooping in on face-offs and very often coming up with the ball,” Troffa said. “New to the sport, Joe O’Connell is one of the hardest workers on our team. He learned quickly and became an excellent defensive midfielder. We look forward to his return next season. Midfielder Ryan Baker was a tremendous leader and has an exceptional work ethic. Aidan McNulty provided much needed depth on defense and displayed versatility with his ability to play defense, clear the ball and contribute to the offense as well.”
Huntington enjoyed several memorable games. Against Connetquot, the team came together for all four quarters and fought hard for possession, hanging on for a well-deserved 6-2 victory. “It was one of the most solid all-around games that we played this season,” Troffa said. “Connetquot was a tough opponent and they kept pushing us. Our team never gave up and stayed ahead by working hard.”
Toppling local rival Walt Whitman, 10-5 was another highlight. “It was a lot of fun,” Troffa said. “They played tough, but we played better. Even though the players all know each other the competition was fierce.”
Looking ahead to next spring, Troffa sees another strong team. “We expect great things from all of our returning players,” he said. “Chris Maichin, Aidan McNulty and Liam Lennon were brought up as eighth graders and rose to be top offensive players. They are expected to be outstanding as freshmen. Eighth grade defensemen Ryan Porzio and Harrison Krywak did an outstanding job this season and we look forward to their return next spring. Jack Kurathowksi and Harrison Cozine will be returning as sophomores and will be expected to play very tough. Freshmen Ethan McGuiness and Jack Giamo did great things offensively when they were called upon. They will be an integral part of the offense next season.”
Some of the JV players will be returning to the same level while other players are in line for promotions to varsity next spring.
“Torin Bograd, who was injured for most of the season returned for a few games toward the end,” Troffa said. “As expected, he dominated and will be a top player for varsity next year. Noah Hopson, Logan Deegan and Steven Queen will also work hard on the off season and return ready to play. Pat Langton and Daniel Danziger did a great job on midfield and both have bright futures on varsity. Matt Youngwall, Joe Mead, Renato Erek, Aidan Bonn and Charlie O’Rourke were very tough on defense. Aidan was one of our top defenseman. He is ready for varsity and will be an important anchor to their defense. Michael Wright, Daniel Danziger, Ryan Baker and Matt Stolfa did an outstanding job this season. They are all expected to be a huge part of the varsity program next year. Paul Katigbak, who was also injured, will return as a varsity player next season. He is fast, works hard and will be an asset to the lacrosse program.”
Many of the Huntington team members are training this summer and playing on club teams.
