The road to the Division I state boys lacrosse title has gone through two schools — Pinkerton Academy and three-time defending champion Bishop Guertin — for over a decade now.
Few in New Hampshire are expecting much of an alteration in that plan this time around.
Despite losing a key group of seniors from the 2023 campaign, including Eagle-Tribune All-Star Ryan Lynch, who is now playing at Southern New Hampshire University, Pinkerton coach Steve Gaudreau knows his young team can find its way back to the state championship game.
“I am really excited to get to work with this team. We have a great group of kids who are willing to put in the work,” said Gaudreau. “This is a very deep and talented team full of guys, just waiting for their opportunity to step up.”
Pinkerton fell to Guertin, 15-6, in the title game a year ago.
The Astros return Matt Morrison and Adam Scala offensively, who scored 16 and 15 goals, respectively.
Morrison is a dynamic three-sport speed merchant, who is coming off huge seasons in football and indoor track.
On the defensive side of things, Brendan Carney and Jackson Chase look to make big jumps in their sophomore seasons.
Windham riding strong senior group
After falling to Portsmouth in the Division II state semifinals last year, Windham looks to bounce back, led by a strong senior core.
“We’re looking to make another deep playoff run, we have a team led by seniors, and some very promising freshmen who will provide instant offense and depth,” said Jaguars coach Derek St. Cyr. “This year’s middies may be our deepest in years with talent.”
Nate Crowley, a captain for the Jaguars hockey team and an Eagle-Tribune All-Star in golf and hockey, eyes 100 career varsity goals, needing 29 in his senior campaign.
Andrew Trudel, an E-T all-star on defense, Matt Desmarais, and Billy DePietro return as captains, heading up an 11-player senior class.
Pelham hungry for post
season run
Pythons coach Brian Johnson stressed to his 2023 team that they would be back in this same situation one year later, after falling in the state semifinals.
Little has changed in the 10 months since to change that.
“We have high expectations for 2024, we made it to the semifinals last season, and we learned a lot,” said Johnson. “We return all of our defense, goalie, two of the top midfielders in the state, and our attack is extremely solid. This is a really special group of seniors.”
Memphis Patterson, an all-state selection in 2023, pairing with a healthy Cam Cooke, looks to be a dangerous one-two punch for Pelham’s offensive attack.
Shivell set to anchor Owls defense
Returning E-T All-Star and captain Gary Shivell heads up a Timberlane group that is set to send five athletes to play college lacrosse.
The gritty defender will play at Division 1 Iona in the fall.
For now, he and fellow captains Jack Condon and Austin Charest hope to put the Owls in position to make a run in the Division II state playoffs this spring.
“We are all really looking forward to this upcoming season here at Timberlane, the guys have been hard at work all off-season,” said Owls coach Ken Blaszka. “We don’t have a lot of numbers for the whole program, but we will be a tough out for everybody.”
Atkins, Salem ready to make move
Blue Devils coach Colby Larsen will be the first to tell you that Salem’s 4-11 record in 2023 is not the direction the program is going towards. In fact, the future couldn’t be any brighter in Salem.
Returning eight starters, including captain Bennet Atkins, Larsen is ready to combine veteran leadership with a youthful squad, as three freshmen come into the program.
“We are looking forward to continuing to change and build the Salem lacrosse culture in a tenacious and positive manner,” said Larsen. “With hard work, and dedication, this team has the opportunity to succeed and control their own destiny.”
Follow Evan Applebaum on X at EvanApplebaum2.
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