West Hempstead Rams

WEST HEMPSTEAD

Rams bank on experience factor

By TONY BELLISSIMO

Numbers are slightly up for West Hempstead’s boys’ lacrosse program and coach Mike Paul is hoping so will the victory celebrations. The Rams, who fi elded a roster of 13 in 2021, had just one win with an inexperienced group. “Most of the team is returning and the skills are building,” Paul noted. “Last year we hung around in most games for a while, but we had a tough time keeping up with opponents running multiple midfi elds. I think we’ll be better with experience and have more success.” Paul said all 16 members of this year’s squad will see plenty of playing time and contribute. The Rams have returning starters in all areas of the fi eld, starting in the back with junior goaltender Dan Clark and senior defenders Jourdan Mitchell and Tory Marshall. Paul is looking for Clark to step up and be more vocal and guide the defense. “With the experience he gained last season, he should be able to handle it,” Paul said of Clark, who made 77 saves in 10 games. “He has quick hands and quick feet and I’m seeing nice growth in his game,” he added. Mitchell and Marshall, along with junior Michael Abioun, bring size, an aggressive style, and the ability to force turnovers and win groundball battles in the back, Paul said. Mitchell is a three-sport athlete who’ll slide toward the biggest opposing scoring threat in the zone defense system. Marshall is a mobile lefty who like Mitchell can ignite the transition game. Abioun just picked up the sport last spring and continues to make strides. Senior Timothy Holung spearheads a midfi eld that includes sophomores Juan Gutierrez and Gavin Lee. Holung is offensive minded, fast and hustles all over the fi eld. Gutierrez, who will handle draws, and Lee, are up from JV. The attack features juniors Brendan Close, a lefty with a heavy shot, and Walter Ruiz.

this year’s squad will see plenty

of playing time and contribute. The Rams have returning starters in all areas of the fi eld, starting in the back with junior goaltender Dan Clark and senior defenders Jourdan Mitchell and Tory Marshall. Paul is looking for Clark to step up and be more vocal and guide the defense. “With the experience he gained last season, he should be able to handle it,” Paul said of Clark, who made 77 saves in 10 games. “He has quick hands and quick feet and I’m seeing nice growth in his game,” he added. Mitchell and Marshall, along with junior Michael Abioun, bring size, an aggressive style, and the ability to force turnovers and win groundball battles in the back, Paul said. Mitchell is a three-sport athlete who’ll slide toward the biggest opposing scoring threat in the zone defense system. Marshall is a mobile lefty who like Mitchell can ignite the transition game. Abioun

West Hempstead relies on core group

West Hempstead enjoyed a winning 2021 season with a roster full of sophomores and freshmen who with a year of varsity lacrosse under their belts will look to keep the Rams pointed in the right direction. “We have a core unit that has some experience together and got a taste of success,” coach Suzanne Kenney said. “We’re young and athletic in the midfi eld and attack, and we’re learning a lot on defense because that’s where we lost some kids. “We’re playing most of the same opponents and I’m expecting close, competitive games,” she added. The Rams, who fi nished 6-5 last spring, will tangle with Elmont, Freeport, Glen Cove, Great Neck North, Great Neck South, Hempstead, Malverne/East Rockaway, Roosevelt, Sewanhaka and Valley Stream in Conference V. West Hempstead’s roster features a couple of club lacrosse players. Junior midfi elder Gianna Cardillo was unstoppable at times a year ago and fi nished with 38 goals, including 10 in a single game. And eighth-grader

Elizabeth Poirot, who’s about to embark on her fi rst varsity campaign, has stood out in camp, Kenney said, and will be paired with senior 18-goal scorer and accurate passer Mackenzie Cates “We count on Gianna to do a little bit of everything,” Kenney said. “She’s strong at both ends of the fi eld and really attacks the cage on offense.” Sophomore Ivana Jiminez is no stranger to fi nding the back of the net either. The speedy midfi elder scored 29 goals and has a similar skill set to Cardillo’s, the coach said. On the defensive side, junior goaltender Glenda Garcia is a returning starter who made more than 100 saves while playing all 11 games last season. “She’s gritty and composed and doesn’t let giving up a goal bother her,” Kenney said. Senior Katherine Andree is the most experienced defender and the vocal leader in the back. She’s joined by senior Ileen Cruz, who plays with tenacity.

Timothy Holung

under their belts will look to keep “We have a core unit that has some experience together and got a taste of success,” coach Suzanne tack, and we’re learning a lot on defense because that’s where we “We’re playing most of the same opponents and I’m expecting The Rams, who fi nished 6-5 last spring, will tangle with Elmont, Freeport, Glen Cove, Great Neck North, Great Neck South, HempStream in Conference V. West Hempstead’s roster features a couple of club lacrosse players. Junior midfi elder Gianna Cardillo was unstoppable at times a year ago and fi nished with 38 goals, including 10 in a single game. And eighth-grader

Elizabeth Poirot, who’s about to embark on her fi rst varsity campaign, has stood out in camp, Kenney said, and will be paired with senior 18-goal scorer and accurate passer Mackenzie Cates “We count on Gianna to do a little bit of everything,” Kenney said. “She’s strong at both ends of the fi eld and really attacks the cage on offense.” Sophomore Ivana Jiminez is no stranger to fi nding the back of the net either. The speedy midfi elder scored 29 goals and has a similar skill set to Cardillo’s, the coach said. On the defensive side, junior goaltender Glenda Garcia is a returning starter who made more than 100 saves while

Gianna Cardillo

Conference Schedules

BOYS

April

6 Hewlett 5:15 p.m. 8 Clarke 5:00 p.m. 12 Locust Valley 4:45 p.m. 19 Malv/East Rock. 10:00 a.m. 26 @ Mineola 5:30 p.m. 28 @ Wheatley 6:30 p.m.

May

6 @ Lawrence 5:00 p.m. 10 @ Oyster Bay 5:00 p.m. 13 @ Friends Academy 5:00 p.m. 18 Division 5:00 p.m. GIRLS

March

25 @ Great Neck North 5:00 p.m. 30 Great Neck South 5:00 p.m.

April

2 @ Sewanhaka 10:00 a.m. 5 Malv/East Rock. 4:45 p.m. 7 Roosevelt 4:45 p.m. 8 @ Hempstead 5:00 p.m. 25 @ Glen Cove 7:15 p.m. 27 Elmont 5:00 p.m.

May

2 Valley Stream 4:45 p.m. 6 @ Freeport 5:00 p.m.