2024 boys lacrosse area watch list
Mar. 30—PLAYERS TO WATCH
D Grant Alberts, Sr., Chagrin Falls: Led a strong defense for the Tigers a season ago with 27 takeaways and 41 ground balls. Will be asked again to carry the load defensively with the defense.
A Nico Alvarez, Sr., University: A strong No. 2 for the Preppers who finished with 32 goals and 21 assists a season ago. Also created 60 ground balls.
A Preston Blue, Sr., University: Was The News-Herald coverage area's leading goal scorer and assister with 67 and 49, respectively. Will be the leader of the attack once again for the Preppers.
D Duke Brennan, Sr., University: Led the defensive end of the field with 31 takeaways and 42 ground balls created. Brings leadership all over the field for the Preppers.
A Jack Bryner, So., Kenston: Broke onto the scene last season as a freshman as the No. 2 attack option. Finished with 32 goals and 19 assists for the Bombers.
G Vinnie DeMichele, So., Mentor: Was strong for the Cardinals between the pipes in his first season. Has a more experienced defense around him off a 224-save season.
M Tommy Garvey, Sr., Kenston: A strong force on the offensive side of the field with 37 goals and 22 assists. Can also impact the game on the defensive end with 13 takeaways and 40 ground balls.
M Charlie Johnson, Sr., NDCL: Strong from the faceoff circle as he led the area with an 83.7% win percentage a year ago. Created 134 ground balls a year ago and will have more responsibilities in the midfield.
G Jaeden Klimkowski, Sr., Riverside: Anchors a solid defensive end for the Beavers. Recorded 133 saves a season ago and has a strong start to the 2024 campaign.
LSM John Klouda, Jr., South: A young Rebels team will rely on his experience. Finished last year with 68 ground balls created.
M Wyatt Koenig, Sr., Kenston: A midfielder who puts an extra emphasis on the defensive end, led the area a season ago with 143 ground balls created. Also strong from the draw circle with a 61.6% win percentage.
M Dylan Lulow, Sr., Riverside: A strong setup player for the Beavers, finished with 27 assists a season ago. Also had 28 goals, 12 takeaways and 41 ground balls.
G Joey McCamon, Sr., Chagrin Falls: Had 117 saves a season ago for the Tigers. Will be asked to again guide the team as the offense finds its rhythm.
A Mason Miller, Sr., Riverside: Recently reached his 100th career goal, off a season with 38 goals and 19 assists. Also created 38 ground balls last season as an attacker.
D Cooper Mlakar, Sr., University: The Preppers' defensive leader controlled that third of the field a year ago. Finished last season with 41 takeaways and 84 ground balls created.
A Henry Schenk, Sr., Mentor: Made strides in the offseason to lead the Cardinals' offensive attack. Had 16 goals and 11 assists a season ago with 23 ground balls created on the attack.
M Nick Snyder, Sr., Chardon: Led the Hilltoppers a season ago on both ends of the field. Had 32 goals and 16 assists on the attack and had 10 takeaways and 54 ground balls.
A Ryan Solganik, Sr., Hawken: Will be a part of a rebranded Hawken attack after being the setup guy a season ago. Had 14 assists last year and generated 28 ground balls.
IN THE FACEOFF CIRCLE
—University advanced to the D-II state semifinals, but its high-profile offense was slowed by eventual state champion Olmsted Falls. But the Preppers return a plethora of their starters from last season's run. The Preppers are primed for another strong run this season.
—The consistent power of Region 6, Chagrin Falls, is in an interesting position this season. Defensively, the Tigers are experienced on the defensive end, led by McCamron between the pipes. But it's a young offense for the Tigers this year. It's going to be a lot of new names on the attack for the Tigers, but they seem to have found a stride with 10 goals in two games.
—Kenston aims to recover from a down season a year ago. The Bombers bring back a lot of offensive firepower and have had two strong showings to start their season before the home opener against Gilmour.
—Riverside brings in an experienced and deep group this season with seniors such as Ludlow and Miller, along with a defense led by Calvin Warner and Kyan Harrold. The Beavers could be a sleeper in D-I.
—As some teams bring in experience, teams such as Gilmour, NDCL and Mentor have a lot of youth coming into the season. They are eager to see how they develop as the season progresses.
