Saturday, June 14, 2025
There are high standards for North Shore boys’ lacrosse now that John Savage runs the program.
The former Nassau Community College coach is in his second season along the banks of Hempstead Harbor. He has won two national championships and knows what it takes.
The Vikings are unbeaten at 7-0 in conference play, but what gnaws at Savage is an 0-5 non-league clip against elite programs after Monday’s 12-5 loss to Oceanside.
North Shore (7-5 overall) has absorbed close losses to Bethpage by 2 goals and sustained 4-goal defeats to Plainedge and Seaford.
“I’m surprised at some of the losses,’’ Savage said. “Even though they are to power league teams schools, we set the bar high. We feel they’re winnable games. We left some stuff on the table The North Shore community wants to increase the rigor of the program. We’re going in to beat those teams.’’
The Vikings stood a chance because of acrobatic goalie play of senior Griffin Pinter, the unsung netminder weaving a premier season with a 71-percent save percentage.
“Our goalie has been unbelievable,’’ Savage said. “I’m saying to myself, “If a Division I school watches us over the next few weeks and he continues to play the way he does, there’s a chance they’d take a risk on him. That’s how good I feel he’s been playing. He’s standing on his head, keeping us n every game. Definitely our most valuable player.’’
The Maroon’s most valuable scorer is lefty attackman, junior Angelo Anobile (48 points, 35 goals). He’s committed to Salisbury. “He shoots very well with his left hand and has very good hands,’’ Savage said. “He’s hard and tough, runs through a lot contact. He’s the focal point for the other team and still has 48 points.’’
The key underclassman - and there’s a bunch – is sophomore midfielder Anthony Cimino (21-16-37.) “He’s got great hands and wrists – a good shooter,’’ Savage said. “He shoots it at all different levels and with high velocity and he’s very tough dodger, not scared to take on contact, lower his shoulder. He sells his soul for the team’s best interests.’’
The scouting report on another sophomore standout, attacker James Clancy is his passing ability and vision against the zone. Nineteen of his 31 points are assists.
The Vikings were dealt an offensive blow after a broken leg suffered two weeks ago to senior Luca Korte, an All-County honorable mention committed to Muhlenberg.
But North Shore is getting a superb season from freshman faceoff man Tyler Kaufman, converting 69 percent of his draws and also scoring 7 goals. In a recent game versus Bethpage, Kaufman won 60 percent of the faceoffs against a Siena commit. “It speaks volumes about his future,’’ Savage said.
Senior defender Lorenzo Recine, committed to Muhlenberg, is leader of the backline. He’s joined there by sophomore John Peck and senior Charlie Godfrey. Sophomore do-it-all guy Tommy Curran is short-stick defensive midfielder.
With three games left, North Shore wants to obtain the 5-seed in the playoffs to increase its first-round chances. Last year, North Shore lost in Round 1. “The best thing is our youth is good’’ Savage said.
