2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview
BALDWIN Bruins hope to build off success By TONY BELLISSIMO
B
aldwin boys’ lacrosse program made the most of a return-to-play season last spring, posting an 8-5 record at the varsity level while fielding a competitive JV squad. “It was really like starting from scratch,” coach Tim Clancy said of hitting the restart button after Covid forced the cancellation of the 2020 campaign. “There were a lot of challenges the kids were able to overcome such as rusty stick skills and not being on the field together for a long time,” he added. “We walked off feeling like we had success and we’ll see what we can do with a pretty similar schedule.” Clancy said the Bruins’ offense was ahead of the defense’s pace in camp, simply because of the experience factor. Baldwin does return starting goaltender Elijah Bell, a senior captain who earned All-Conference honors a year ago. “Elijah is the
heart and soul of our defense and has worked so hard to improve his skills over the years,” Clancy said. The unit in front of Bell is led by senior Xavier Foster, a returning starter and captain who brings solid fundamentals, athleticism and communication skills. Senior Christian Nieves will also
be a defensive fixture. A healthy portion of the offense will revolve around senior captain Zach Kirchner, a lefty who can put the ball in the back of the net as well as set up teammates. Last season he had 17 goals and 22 assists. “He has good vision and is very unselfish,” said Clancy, who is also counting on sophomore Brady Mahler to make noise on the scoresheet. The midfield features senior captain Kevin Wallace and sophomore Tyler McTaggart, who totaled 17 and 14 points, respectively, in 2021. Wallace is a strong two-way workhorse with speed, stamina and scoring touch. Clancy said McTaggart, who is a key on faceoffs, is a threat any time he has the ball in his stick.
Zach Kirchner
Baldwin rebuilds after mass departures After losing more than half (11) of last year’s roster to graduation, Baldwin girls’ lacrosse is undergoing a rebuilding stage. “We have talent, just not a lot of varsity experience,” coach Rebecca LaFlare said. “The biggest thing is we play a zone defense and that takes time getting used to. Everyone needs to communicate and be in the flow of the game with everyone around them, so that’s where we’re going to see some growing pains with a mostly new group.” Last season was a combination of close defeats and a laundry list of injuries, LaFlare said. This year the Lady Bruins (6-5 in 2021) are part of Conference IV with Island Trees, Roslyn, Carey, Kennedy, Hicksville, Clarke, Herricks, Jericho, Wheatley and New Hyde Park. “Once we get some games under our belt, I’ll have a better idea how we’ll stack up,” she said. Senior captain Toyin Green is an impact player in the midfield and a huge part of Baldwin’s defense, transition game and draw control. “She has great speed and is a non-stop worker,” said LaFlare, who is looking for sophomores Emma Ryan and Jasmine Tiong Smith to make significant midfield contributions after strong JV campaigns. Green’s contributions in the defensive end will be vital since the unit will take some time to jell. Senior Lakeisha Juin is a reliable defender with a good amount of experience, the coach noted. In goal, senior Maia Goveia is a returning starter who has made tremendous progress under the guidance of Kevin McGhee, an assistant under Casey on the boys’ side. “Maia stood out last season and is quick, confident and vocal,” LaFlare explained.
Toyin Green On attack, senior Amanda Antione is quick and skillful. Her crisp passes will often end up on the stick of senior Kirsten Mahler, a tall, aggressive lefty who enjoyed a breakout 2021 with 16 goals.
Conference Schedules April
BOYS
6 8 13 27 30
Great Neck South @ Kennedy Carey @ Calhoun Herricks
5:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 11:00 a.m.
3 6 11 14 17
New Hyde Park @ Baldwin @ Great Neck North @ Glen Cove @ Elmont
4:45 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m.
May
March
GIRLS
28 28
Island Trees @ Roslyn
5:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
4 7 13 25 28
@ Carey @ Kennedy Hicksville @ Clarke Herricks
5:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 4:45 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:45 p.m.
2 5 7
@ Jericho Wheatley New Hyde Park
April
May
5:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m.
Photos by Neil Miller
6 — April 14, 2022
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