Sports
Boys Lacrosse: Syosset 2011 Preview
The Braves look to avenge last year's semi-finals elimination by the hands of Farmingdale.
Head Coach: John Calabria (12th Season)
Last Season: 10-6, lost to Farmingdale in the Nassau County Semi-Finals.
Key Returnees:
Find out what's happening in Syossetwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
- Alirio DeMeireles, senior, defense (Captain)
- Ryan Hunter, junior, attack
- Nick Bruno, senior, attack
- John Diaz, sophomore, attack/midfield
- Kyle Haber, sophomore, defense
- Robert Storrie, senior, midfield
- Ryan Feit, sophomore, goalie
Key Newcomers:
- Frank Buffalino, junior, midfield
- Andrew Keith, sophomore, midfield
Key Losses: , Jon Cohen.
Find out what's happening in Syossetwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Expectations: The battle cry for this year’s Syosset Braves boy’s lacrosse team is simple. In fact, it can be summed up in one word - togetherness. The concept of team unity is central to Calabria’s teachings.
“The biggest asset to a Syosset player is the two guys that are next to him,” Calabria said.
That camaraderie will need to form quickly if the Braves want to achieve their highly set goals. Afterlast season, the team figures to find themselves back in the running for a title.
“The coaching staff expects this team to play for a county championship and beyond,” Calabria said.
The talent on the returning roster is enough to support the lofty expectations. Four key players - DeMeireles, Storrie, and - have already committed to play college lacrosse.
But that doesn't mean a championship is guaranteed.
Despite the veteran contingent, the beginning of the season won’t be without its questions. One of the staples of the Braves last decade of success is now a question mark.
“The biggest adjustment will be wing-play and face offs,” Calabria said. “We have had a kid that has dominated the last ten years. This year we will need the whole team to get more possessions.”
Syosset will play a tough schedule this year. Defending county champion Farmingdale returns all of its key contributors. The Dalers figure to be Syosset’s top competition within the conference.
Outside of conference, Syosset will face Garden City and Cold Spring Harbor. Both are considered to be among the top ten teams in the nation.
Key Games:
- March 22 – Garden City @ Syosset, 4:30pm
- April 6 - Port Washington @ Syosset, 4:45pm
- May 4- Syosset @ Farmingdale, 4:30pm
- May 6 - Cold Spring Harbor @ Syosset, 4:30pm
- May 17 - Oceanside @ Syosset, 5pm
