Lynbrook comes off trip to finals

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Lynbrook raised its level of play when it mattered most last season and finished Nassau Class C runner-up to juggernaut Cold Spring Harbor, which went on to capture its third straight boys’ lacrosse state championship.

The Owls, who avenged regular-season defeats to Floral Park and Locust Valley by winning the playoff matchups, will look for another double-digit win season after going 10-8. They’re ranked fifth in Class C.

“We were happy to get to the finals,” coach Bill Leighley said. “We peaked at the end of the year and lost to a stacked Cold Spring Harbor team. 

“This year we have a mix of seniors and juniors, along with a few sophomores, and we’re trying to find ourselves and establish an identity,” he added. “For whatever reason, we’re traditionally slow starters. But I’ve got complete confidence the guys will keep working hard and getting better.”

Lynbrook split its first two games and will have three more to help it prepare for the conference opener under the lights at Bethpage on April 17. Senior Mike Bouhall had five points (three goals, two assists) and junior Jesse Candel added three goals in a 10-7 season-opening victory over Oceanside on March 24. An 8-3 loss to upstart Hewlett came four days later.

Bouhall had 18 goals and 31 assists in 2017 on the way to being named Honorable Mention All-County. He’s a lefty playmaker from behind the cage and directs the offense. “We want the ball in his stick,” Leighley said. “He’s quick and tough.”

Candel is another lefty who’s stepped into a prominent role on attack this spring after getting a taste of the varsity level a year ago. Senior Matt Renz, an All-Conference selection who netted 14 goals, is a talented three-sport athlete who can make things happen in the crease and “hustles like crazy,” Leighley said.

Though primarily midfielders, senior Garrett Handel and junior Jack Fagan may also spend time up front. Handel had 15 goals last season and can be a matchup problem for opponents. Fagan, who had 18 assists and scored eight times, is just rounding into top form following an injury suffered football season. “Jack is capable of big things,” said Leighley, who will rely on junior Jake Dibenedetto and sophomore David Becker in the faceoff circle. Senior Tom O’Brien and junior Sean Barrett are additional key pieces in the midfield. 

Senior Tom Urena anchors Lynbrook’s defense and serves as a physical presence. He was Honorable Mention All-County and is another topnotch three-sport athlete. Junior Jeff DeMonte has all the tools, the coach said, and is off to a fine start, and junior John Dibenedetto brings a quality set of wheels from the midfield. Senior Spencer Sundeberg is also in the mix to contribute.

In goal, last year’s backup, senior Erick Faust, and last year’s JV starter, junior Kevin Loonie, are competing for the job. It could prove to be a shared position for the long haul, Leighley noted.