Elmont braces for conference foes

Elmont lost several key players from a boys’ lacrosse team that finished with an overall record of 9-6 and a 3-5 mark in conference play. The Spartans, who missed earning a playoff berth by a single power point, have been up and down, thus far, in non-league games in 2013.

After a 16-3 road win over Lawrence last Friday, Elmont’s record stands at 3-3. The Spartans got four goals apiece from Daniel Crawford and Willie Johnson, and two goals and two assists from Brandon Everett. Seven different Elmont players found the back of the net in the win. Elmont’s three losses have been by a total of four goals, including two overtime affairs.

Head coach James Carretta thinks his team will be prepared for what promises to be a difficult league schedule. “The key is for the entire team to jell,” Carretta said. “The talent is there, and we have experience. The more they play together, the better we’ll get. We need the seniors to step up to their new challenge, and for the underclassmen to progress as the season goes along.”

The Spartans compete in Nassau Conference B-II. Among the teams on the league schedule are Wantagh, Jericho, Carey, Bellmore JFK, and perennial power Garden City.

Crawford and Johnson, a pair of seniors who can play both midfield and attack, lead an offensive unit that has more weapons that it has had in the past. Both scored in each of the first six games. 

Senior Nick St. Louis suffered a knee injury as a junior and missed a good part of the season. His passing, scoring, and lacrosse IQ was sorely missed.  St. Louis has scored 10 goals, including three in a 14-4 win over Herricks, and has assisted on five others. Elmont is getting solid results in the faceoff circle. Sophomore Tony White and junior Alec Regis handle the draws. 

The Spartans have senior Alex Servin in the cage. Servin, who also minded the net for the soccer team, has excellent instincts and sees the game very well. He was credited with eight saves in an 8-5 road win over Island Trees. 

The defense became a more cohesive unit during the non-league schedule. Senior Anthony James, a converted attackman, is versatile, athletic and aggressive. He leads a group that is coming into its own. James is often asked to handle the opponent’s top scoring threat. He is joined on the backline by seniors Sheldon Clement and Udama Kalu.  

With the top eight finishers earning a post-season berth, Carretta thinks the playoffs are within reach. “We fell just a little short last season, but that’s okay,” Carretta said. “You want to start by putting together back-to-back strong years, and continue to progress. I think we’re starting to play better at the right time. The atmosphere is very positive.” 

The Spartans have their first home conference game on Friday at 4:30 p.m. when Roslyn comes to town.