Entering the season as the # 6 ranked team in the pre-season National High School Power Rankings, the Friars are off to a fast start winning five of their first six games moving them up to the #3 Spot. From total domination to a last second win, this year’s team will be one to watch. Victories over Bronxville, Delbarton, Manhasset, New Fairfield and New Canaan. Despite a recent loss to Chaminade (13 – 7) the team is still off to a hot start scoring 84 goals while yielding just 52.
Opposing coaches have commented on the team’s speed and hustle as they just wear you down. The Friar’s will look to continue that style of play throughout the season as they will play an ultra-competitive schedule, highlighted by nine of the top 20 ranked teams, country wide by USA Lacrosse, such as Delbarton, New Fairfield, Chaminade and Darien.
This year’s team is loaded with talent and supported by a host of ranked players; Jake Bonomi (Michigan), Greg Campisi (Harvard), Aidan Danenza (Duke), Jack Walshe (Virginia), Jake Naso (Virginia) and Brennan O’Neill (Duke) and Connor O’Reilly Georgetown.
“Our season started off strong, but after a tough loss to Chaminade, we’ve had a shift in our mentality”, stated Captain Greg Campisi. “We know we have a lot of talent on our team but we can only maximize our potential if we all play as one unit”, said Campisi.
Jake Naso stated, “There is always room for improvement and that is the mindset at practice every day.”
Both Campisi and Naso love the competitive schedule as they get to play the best teams from all over the country which gives them an opportunity to display their talents and challenge themselves individually and as a team.
Naso stated, “The mindset is to take one game at a time and move onto the next.”
There are 10 games remaining before the rematch with Chaminade on May 15th. The Friars will be looking to avenge this season’s loss as well as last season’s crushing 14 – 13 defeat in the championship game. Campisi stated, “It’s a chance for redemption and a way to correct the mistakes we made, we have a new fire in us that we can’t wait to show.”
Friars next game will be on Tuesday April, 16th at home against St. Ignatius Academy. Come out and see the Friars play in the Geico Lacrosse Showcase on Sat. April 27th at 2:00 pm vs and April 28th at 10:00 am on Cy Donnelly ($10.00 at the gate).
By:Alex Rocco is a junior at St. Anthony’s High School, writing for his third year with the Friar Scoreboard. He hopes to have a career in Sports Management and Media one day. He is also a member NHS, SALT, Friar Faithful, Special Needs Ministry and Franciscan Youth Ministry.
