Thursday, October 1, 2026
Back-to-back runs to the Nassau Class B boys’ lacrosse Final Four has South Side hungry for more in 2017.
The Cyclones, locked and loaded on offense, are looking to kick the door down and challenge perennial powerhouses Garden City and Manhasset for the county title. Last spring, South Side recorded 11 wins including playoff triumphs over New Hyde Park and Carey.
“We know it’s a long road and what it’s going to take,” Cyclones head coach Steve DiPietro said. “We’ve got a strong senior class leading the way. We like our chemistry and we’d love to get a taste of being in the championship game.”
While South Side’s rebuilding defense rounds into shape behind the leadership of senior All-American Joe LiCalzi, the offense stormed out of the gate quickly with 14-goal outbursts in two of the first three games.
“We’re more experienced and moving the ball a lot quicker on offense,” DiPietro said.
Senior attack Mike Leake is a four-year starter and climbing up the program’s all-time scoring list into the top 20. The accurate-shooting lefty with a fast release scored seven goals over the first three games. He was Honorable Mention All-County in 2016. Senior Ryan Langdon, bound for Air Force, earned All-County honors last season and often runs the show from the back of the cage. “He’s quick and shifty,” DiPietro said. Senior Joe Marasco makes his presence felt in the crease and possesses a strong shot.
The starting offensive midfield played lights-out in wins over Port Washington (14-8 on March 21) and Baldwin (14-3 on March 28.) Senior Tim Leake is one of the key pieces to the puzzle as a four-year standout on draws, where DiPietro is stressing consistency given the Cyclones’ unwavering schedule.
Senior Jonny Pickett, an All-Conference selection, is a do-it-all midfielder who wreaks havoc at both ends, senior Dan Nallay (5 goals, 3 assists) brings a nice combination of size and stick skills, and junior Jack Kimmel (7 goals) has all the tools and outstanding vision, the coach noted.
Unlike recent years, South Side’s defense is inexperienced. LiCalzi, the Nassau Defensive Player of the Year last spring, will play at the next level at Georgetown. He’s a two-time All-County long pole with the ability to dominate games in the middle of the field. Joe’s freshman brother, Nick LiCalzi, is already making a significant impact in a similar long pole defensive role. Junior Chris Coico is off to an impressive start following a strong JV campaign, while senior Trevor McNally, juniors Casey Long and Bobby Meindl, and freshman Ezaview Brewster have all played well in the back.
Junior J.T. McCarthy tops the depth chart at goalie after serving as last year’s backup. “He’s calm and confident,” said DiPietro, who has the luxury of depth at the position with sophomore Dylan Harloff and freshman Colin Hamilton.
Highlighting the 15-game schedule is a visit from Garden City on April 21 at 7 p.m.
