Cyclones bursting with potential

South Side had to replace its entire starting defense from last year when it reached the Nassau Class B boys’ lacrosse semifinals, but after a tough 2012 opener it started to show it has what it takes to stymie the competition.

In back-to-back non-conference victories over Syosset, the top-ranked Conference A team, and Carey, the Cyclones allowed a total of seven goals including just a pair after halftime. Junior goalie Chandler Baylis had 10 saves in a 6-4 come-from-behind win over Syosset, while junior Kieran Clark stopped six shots in a 10-3 triumph over Carey.

“Our defense is unproven, but we’re athletic and physical in the back, and our clearing game looks better so far,” South Side coach Steve DiPietro said. “All three of our starting attackers played last year and most of the midfield returned, so we’re excited.”

Senior attack Zach Scaduto, who scored twice against Syosset and added a hat trick versus Carey, is the Cyclones’ main offensive catalyst and someone opponents will have a hard time containing, DiPietro said. “He does all the dirty work and can score and set up teammates,” DiPietro said of the All-County selection. “He’s our most experienced attack and will keep our offense patient when it needs to be.”

Cole Considine, a junior, has nifty stick skills, improved strength, and makes things happen from behind the cage, and Peter Clark has a strong lefty shot and moves well without the ball. Seniors Clark and Billy Moore each scored twice against Carey.

Scaduto will also see action in the midfield, joining juniors Stephen Tita and Eric Gennari in the offensive zone when the Cyclones have possession. Tita, who was Honorable Mention All-County in 2011 while leading the team in groundballs with 70, bolstered his shot to go along with outstanding speed. 

The defensive set of midfielders is led by junior long pole Matt Berry, a “tremendous shutdown defender,” DiPietro said, and senior Nolan Kelly. Gerard Mahoney, who netted the game-winning goal against Syosset, and Jack Lucas, will also contribute, while senior Sean Kenny serves as a face-off specialist.

The in-close defense features seniors Dan Villandre and Dylan Meehan, as well as junior Dan Cecere. Villandre is a hard-working leader, DiPietro said, and someone who’s size and strength is a key. Meehan improved his stick skills and physicality, and Cecere has made a smooth transition from long pole.

In goal, Baylis and Kieran Clark give the coach two solid options. “We’re probably going to alternate them for the foreseeable future and see how it goes,” DiPietro said. “They’ve both come up big so far. Chandler was great against Syosset, and Kieran beat Carey.”

South Side, seeded No. 2 in Conference B-II, hosts La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, CA) on Monday at Skelos Sports Complex at 3 p.m. The Cyclones also have a non-conference game at Baldwin (April 12, 11 a.m.) before closing out the month against Class B foes Hewlett, Lynbrook, Manhasset, and Plainedge.