Thursday, October 1, 2026
East Meadow boys’ lacrosse came up just short of a trip to the Nassau Class A playoffs last year, compiling a 9-7 record without anything more to show for it. The Jets could have moved on from a postseason defeat, but being left out is sure to linger.
“It’s a motivating piece for us this year,” coach Joe Cataldo said. “It didn't end completely the way we wanted to, but now we know what we have to work for in the offseason, just making sure guys are completely buying into the image and the vision we have here for the lacrosse program. Just continuing to grow and build every year.”
If anyone remembers the sting of the playoff miss, it will be senior long-stick midfielder Ben Barbara, a three-year varsity returner stepping into a leadership role. Cataldo described him and junior Noah Garner (42 goals, 8 assists in 2025) as central figures in a core of midfielders that could be on the younger side.
Alongside those two leading scorers, Cataldo said he expects production at midfield from sophomore Grady Blind and freshman Justin Primrose. Justin’s older brother, senior Thomas Primrose (23 goals), is one of East Meadow’s seasoned attackers, along with junior Brad Lukasik.
“I do think as long as we get the opportunities and finish on the doorstep, we'll have more than enough chances to proof who we are in this conference this year,” Cataldo said.
The Jets are blessed with a friendly competition for starting goaltender, as senior Jack Alvy and sophomore Matt Laico are expected to vie for the position early on. Both are expected to find time, with the ultimate goal being that Laico eventually prepares to take over for good in seasons to come.
To shore up his defense, Cataldo and assistant Keith Lizzi have worked to transition senior Steven Ricotta from a midfielder to a defenseman, where he will join senior Antonio Ribeiro, a fierce leader on that front.
To read more about East Meadow Jets' 2026 girls lacrosse team, click here. To see more of the Herald’s 2026 Lacrosse Preview, click here.
