West Hempstead closes with win

Posted

A tough season on the lacrosse field at West Hempstead ended on a high note as the Rams got off to a fast start and went on to beat Malverne/East Rockaway, 14-2, in the final game of 2015 for both teams on May 7. Junior Brendan Sheeler scored four goals and added three assists to lead West Hempstead.

Earlier in the week, the Rams were eliminated from playoff contention when they went on the road and lost to a 9-7 heartbreaker to Clarke. West Hempstead held a 5-3 lead at the half, but Clarke came out like gangbusters in the third quarter and took control of the game. Bertram Scroggins led the Rams with three goals.

West Hempstead coach Mike Paul was happy to be fighting for a spot in the postseason, but was disappointed for his seniors. “They were really bummed to lose that game,” Paul said. “We played really well in the first half, but tightened up when they made their run in the third quarter. It was great to be playing in an atmosphere that was like a playoff game. That doesn’t happen a lot at West Hempstead. The boys realized they had a chance to do something special, and came out and gave a great effort.”

Sheeler, who missed all of his sophomore season with an injury, had an excellent year for the Rams, finishing with a team-high 16 goals. Paul expects Sheeler to be the team’s go-to player in 2016. Sheeler earned All-Conference recognition.

Scroggins, who also found the back of the net three times in a loss to Mineola, finished with 12 goals. Paul will have a difficult task making up for the speed and athleticism that Scroggins brought to the field. The senior attacker was also named an All-Conference honoree. Michael Staines also earned All-Conference honors for the Rams.

If West Hempstead had an unsung player, it was Rob Grogan, a senior face-off specialist. Grogan was terrific on face-offs all season long, and did a great job on ground balls, and while in man-down situations. He was nearly perfect on draws in the win over Malverne/East Rockaway, which earned two victories during the year over Island Trees and Wheatley.

Jason Zaharioudakis was tested often in net. The senior goalie had a career-high 21 saves in a losing effort against Locust Valley. Zaharioudakis was credited with 10 saves in a 5-2 victory over Island Trees.

With Sheeler and a decent core of juniors returning in 2016, Paul is hopeful that the West Hempstead program is on the right track. “I feel like we made some good strides and had some nice accomplishments,” Paul said. “We have a bunch of holes to fill up and down the field and in net, but with the guys we have coming back, with another season of varsity experience under their belts, I think we should be able to compete for a playoff spot.”