Former standout guiding Hewlett

Hewlett graduate and former lacrosse All-America Steven DeNapoli couldn’t have scripted a better start to his rookie season as coach of its varsity boys’ program. The Bulldogs broke out of the gate with three consecutive victories, including a 9-3 decision over Oceanside in his debut at the helm.

“It’s pretty exciting,” said DeNapoli, a 2007 Hewlett grad entering his fifth season as a professional player, and second with the New York Lizards. “We have a pretty good mixture of seniors and younger guys playing a lot,” he added. “I’m not concerned too much about the scoreboard. I’m more concerned with the kids doing what they’re coached to do and taking care of business off the field as well.”

It all starts with defense for the Bulldogs, who allowed a total of 13 goals through three games. Seniors Malcolm Kahn, Jon Frankel, Ethan Lee and Dante Sibbiles form an experienced group in front of new goaltender Noah Cohen. “We’ve got an experienced defense, and they’re basically playing in the same system as last year,” DeNapoli said. “They’re comfortable and confident.”

Kahn, an All-County long pole headed to the University of Vermont, is physical and aggressive. Frankel brings tremendous stick skills and can scoop up grounders with the best of them, DeNapoli said, while Lee is always in the right position. Sibbiles, the fastest player on the roster, is rangy and athletic and tough to get by.

Between the pipes, Cohen, a junior, has already proven capable of bailing out the defense in the rare case there’s a missed assignment, DeNapoli said. Cohen had 25 saves combined in the three March wins. “We’re looking for Noah to make the saves he’s supposed to make,” DeNapoli said. “He’s stepped up and playing well.”

Offensively, the coach is counting on balance, patience, and unselfishness to lead the Bulldogs to consistent production. “We want to be fundamentally strong on offense and value possessions,” he said. “At times, we’ve gotten away from what we’ve wanted to do. But I think we’re on the right road.”

Hewlett’s mix of veterans and underclassmen is prominent up front. Senior Jeff Rizzo, who will also see time in the midfield, brings a great deal of athleticism and poise to the attack. He had a hat trick in last Saturday’s 11-4 home victory against Kennedy. Sophomore Ethan Grossman, a strong finisher in the crease, also found the net three times. Talented freshman Alex Vardaro continued to turn heads with a goal and four assists, giving him a team-leading 16 points (eight goals, eight assists) so far. “Alex is a real playmaker,” DeNapoli said.

Senior Jeremy Leguillow and sophomore Jake Levitz lead the midfield. Leguillow, a tenacious defender and one of the team’s leaders, has been asked to ignite the transition offense this spring. Levitz has been a beast on draws, winning 16 of 19 against Kennedy and 15 of 17 versus Plainedge.

DeNapoli said the Bulldogs, who lost to Wantagh in the opening round of the Nassau Class B playoffs in 2014, are aiming to get back to the postseason and take the next step.