How did the Wando girls lacrosse team secure their state championship. What challenges did the Wando boys lacrosse team face in their title match. Which other local teams achieved success in the AAAA lacrosse championships.
Wando Girls’ Thrilling AAAAA State Lacrosse Championship Victory
The Wando girls lacrosse team etched their name in the history books with a nail-biting 15-14 victory over J.L. Mann in the Class AAAAA state championship game. The match, held at Irmo High School on a Saturday night, was a testament to the skill and determination of both teams.
Cassie Frye emerged as the hero for Wando, scoring her fifth goal of the night with just 28 seconds left in regulation time. This clutch performance sealed the deal for the Warriors, allowing them to successfully defend their state title.
Key Highlights of the Girls’ Championship Game
- The game was incredibly close, with neither team leading by more than two goals at any point.
- Wando survived a frantic finish, as J.L. Mann managed two shots on goal in the final seven seconds.
- Chrissy Mallon contributed four goals to Wando’s tally.
- Kelsey Bennett and Maggie Parkin each added two goals for the Warriors.
Coach Ed Reckdenwald praised both teams, stating, “This is exactly what you want a championship game to be, back and forth, to the end. Two excellent teams just battling it out. Great job by J.L. Mann. But we showed great composure at the end. It took everything that we had to win.”
Wando Boys’ Valiant Effort in AAAAA State Championship
While the Wando girls celebrated their victory, the boys’ team faced a different outcome in their bid to repeat as state champions. In a rematch of last year’s final, Nation Ford emerged victorious with a 13-10 win over Wando.
Notable Aspects of the Boys’ Championship Game
- Wando briefly held a 6-5 lead midway through the second quarter.
- Nation Ford took control with an 8-6 lead by halftime and never relinquished it.
- Garrett Mayer led Wando’s scoring efforts with four goals.
- Luke Moore and Sean Carroll each contributed two goals for the Warriors.
Despite the loss, Wando’s coach Lance Renes remained optimistic about the team’s future. He emphasized the growth and improvement shown throughout the season, particularly given the number of underclassmen on the squad.
Other Lowcountry Lacrosse Triumphs
The day of championship lacrosse at Irmo High School also saw success for other Lowcountry teams in the AAAA division:
- Oceanside Collegiate secured the state AAAA girls championship.
- Lucy Beckham claimed the state AAAA boys title.
These victories further solidify the Lowcountry’s reputation as a powerhouse region for high school lacrosse in South Carolina.
The Impact of Championship Experience on Young Athletes
Participating in high-stakes games like state championships can have a profound effect on young athletes. How does this experience shape their development both on and off the field.
For players like Wando’s sophomore goalie Brooke Gentry, the pressure of a championship game can be a transformative experience. Gentry, a first-year starter, displayed remarkable composure in the face of J.L. Mann’s late offensive push. She attributed her performance to a winning mindset, stating, “I just had a mindset that I was going to get a ring. I wasn’t going to be the reason that we lost state.”
This kind of high-pressure situation can help young athletes develop:
- Mental toughness and resilience
- Ability to perform under pressure
- Leadership skills
- Team cohesion and trust
- Goal-setting and achievement orientation
These qualities often translate beyond the playing field, benefiting students in their academic and personal lives as well.
The Role of Coaching in Championship Victories
Behind every successful team stands a dedicated coaching staff. How do coaches like Ed Reckdenwald and Lance Renes contribute to their teams’ success.
Effective high school lacrosse coaches often embody several key characteristics:
- Strategic thinking: Ability to analyze opponents and adjust game plans accordingly
- Player development: Focus on improving individual skills and team dynamics
- Emotional intelligence: Understanding how to motivate and support young athletes
- Adaptability: Willingness to change tactics based on the flow of the game
- Long-term vision: Building programs that sustain success over multiple seasons
Coach Reckdenwald’s decision to slow the pace and play for a final shot in the girls’ championship game demonstrates the importance of in-game strategy. Similarly, Coach Renes’ focus on growth and improvement throughout the season, even in the face of a championship loss, highlights the long-term approach necessary for sustained success.
The Growing Popularity of Lacrosse in South Carolina
The intense competition and high level of play displayed in these championship games reflect the growing popularity and quality of lacrosse in South Carolina. What factors have contributed to the sport’s rise in the state.
Several elements have played a role in lacrosse’s expansion in South Carolina:
- Increased youth programs and clinics introducing the sport to younger players
- Greater media coverage of high school and college lacrosse
- Success of local teams at the state and national level
- Investment in facilities and equipment by schools and communities
- Attraction of college recruiters to South Carolina talent
As more students are exposed to lacrosse at younger ages, the overall quality of play continues to improve. This creates a positive feedback loop, with higher-level competition attracting more talented athletes to the sport.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Wando Lacrosse
With the girls’ team securing back-to-back state titles and the boys’ team reaching the championship game, Wando High School has established itself as a lacrosse powerhouse. What does the future hold for these programs.
For the girls’ team, the challenge will be maintaining their championship form and potentially pursuing a three-peat. Key factors in their continued success may include:
- Developing younger players to fill the roles of graduating seniors
- Maintaining team chemistry and a winning culture
- Adapting to new strategies from opposing teams gunning for the champions
The boys’ team, with its core of underclassmen, has a strong foundation for future success. Coach Renes’ emphasis on growth and improvement bodes well for their prospects. Areas of focus may include:
- Building on the experience gained in this year’s championship run
- Strengthening team depth and versatility
- Developing mental toughness to overcome close losses
Both programs will likely continue to attract top talent from the Lowcountry, further solidifying Wando’s reputation as a lacrosse powerhouse.
The Broader Impact of High School Sports Success
Championship victories and strong athletic programs can have far-reaching effects beyond the playing field. How do these successes impact the school and wider community.
Successful high school sports programs often lead to:
- Increased school spirit and student engagement
- Positive publicity for the school and district
- Greater community involvement and support
- Improved fundraising opportunities for athletic and academic programs
- Enhanced college recruitment prospects for student-athletes
For Wando High School, the success of its lacrosse programs may inspire more students to try the sport, potentially leading to even stronger teams in the future. Additionally, the school’s reputation for athletic excellence could attract families to the area, contributing to broader community growth.
As these championship games demonstrate, high school sports have the power to bring communities together, inspire young athletes, and create lasting memories for all involved. The thrilling victories and hard-fought battles on the lacrosse field serve as a testament to the dedication, skill, and sportsmanship of South Carolina’s student-athletes.
Wando girls win state AAAAA lacrosse title; Wando boys fall short | Prep Zone
IRMO – Wando’s girls lacrosse team found a way to repeat as the Class AAAAA state champions, but it wasn’t easy.
A goal by Cassie Frye, her fifth of the contest, with 28 seconds left in regulation lifted the Warriors to a 15-14 win over J.L. Mann in the title matchup at Irmo High School on Saturday night.
Wando then survived a hectic finish that saw Mann get off two shots on goal in the final seven seconds to record the win. The final score was indicative of the contest throughout as neither team held more than a two goal advantage in the game.
Prep Zone
Oceanside girls, Lucy Beckham boys win Class AAAA state lacrosse titles
- By David Shelton
Special to The Post and Courier
“This is exactly what you want a championship game to be, back and forth, to the end,” Wando coach Ed Reckdenwald said. “Two excellent teams just battling it out. Great job by J.L. Mann. But we showed great composure at the end. It took everything that we had to win.”
Holding a 12-10 lead after Kelsey Bennett’s goal with 18:38 remaining in the game, Wando spread the field and ran several minutes off the clock. But J.L. Mann scored two goals in a :40 second span to knot the score at 12 with 14 minutes remaining.
The Patriots took a 13-12 lead two minutes later by Wando responded with a goal by Chrissy Mallon to tie it at 13. After Mann grabbed another one goal advantage, Mallon tied it again with 9:12 remaining. From there, Wando slowed the pace again and the plan worked.
“We called a timeout and talked about playing for one and it worked out,” he said. “It was back and forth and two great teams should be that way. It’s great to see things turn out the way we had hoped.”
Sports
All-Lowcountry girls basketball player of the year: Alaina Nettles
- By David Shelton
Special to The Post and Courier
Mallon finished with four goals while Cassie Frye scored five times for the Warriors.
Maggie Parkin and Bennett each scored twice.
“This has been a dream come true. It is a feeling I cannot describe, Bennett said. “It’s my senior year, my last year. I am so excited, so happy. These girls are so hard-working. I am going to miss this team so much.”
Sophomore goalie Brooke Gentry, a first-year starter, survived the late pressure by Mann.
“I just had a mindset that I was going to get a ring. I wasn’t going to be the reason that we lost state,” she said.
Wando’s boys team at Irmo Saturday night also was seeking a repeat championship against a Nation Ford program they beat in last year’s finals. This time around, a more experienced Nation Ford squad was the victor, winning a closely contested matchup, 13-10.
Wando led only briefly in the contest, 6-5, midway through the second quarter. Nation Ford grabbed an 8-6 lead by halftime and never trailed again. Garrett Mayer scored four goals to pace Wando. Luke Moore and Sean Carroll each tallied two scores.
“This entire season, from day one, was about growth and improvement,” said Wando coach Lance Renes, who has led Wando to seven state titles. “Getting to this point, to the finals, was a big part of that growth. We have a lot of underclassmen on this team so the growth we experienced this season will help us in the future. Hopefully we can make another run next year. That’s always the goal.”
Earlier Saturday at Irmo, Oceanside Collegiate won the state AAAA girls championship and Lucy Beckham won the state AAAA boys title.
High school playoff schedules
Baseball playoffs
AAAAA (May 2)
Ashley Ridge at Wando
Sumter at West Ashley
Stratford at River Bluff
Fort Dorchester at Berkeley
Conway at Summerville
Cane Bay at St. James
AAAA (May 1)
Irmo at James Island
Colleton County at Richland NE
AAA (May 2)
Orangeburg-Wilkinson at Hanahan
Philip Simmons at Dreher
AA (May 2)
Lee Central at Bishop England
Academic Magnet at Wade Hampton
Kingstree at Oceanside Collegiate
Timberland at Woodland
A (May 2)
Charleston Math & Science at Bamberg-Ehrhardt
Hemingway at St.
John’s
SCISA
May 1
Porter-Gaud at Laurence Manning
First Baptist at Trinity-Collegiate
St. John’s Christian at Patrick Henry
May 2
Pinewood Prep at Cardinal Newman
Softball playoffs
AAAAA (May 3)
Fort Dorchester at Wando
Carolina Forest at Ashley Ridge
Stratford at Chapin
West Ashley at Berkeley
River Bluff at Summerville
Cane Bay at Sumter
AAAA (May 2)
Ridge View at James Island
Lucy Beckham at Westwood
AAA (May 3)
Dreher at Hanahan
Philip Simmons at Gilbert
AA (May 3)
Kingstree at Timberland
Lee Central at Oceanside Collegiate
A (May 3)
Charleston Math & Science at Johnsonville
St. John’s at East Clarendon
Hemingway at Palmetto Scholars
Boys Tennis (May 1)
AAAAA
Summerville at Wando
AAAA
Lucy Beckham at Hilton Head
James Island at Myrtle Beach
AAA
Dreher at Philip Simmons
AA
Mid-Carolina at Oceanside Collegiate
Governors School at Academic Magnet
Bishop England at Christ Church
Boys Soccer (May 1)
AAAAA
Fort Dorchester at Carolina Forest
West Ashley at Stratford
St.
James at Stall
Cane Bay at Chapin
Summerville at Wando
White Knoll at Ashley Ridge
Berkeley at Sumter
AAAA
Lucy Beckham at North Myrtle Beach
AAA
Gilbert at Philip Simmons
Hanahan at Brookland-Cayce
AA
Timberland at Ridgeland-Hardeeville
Barnwell at Woodland
Girls Soccer (May 2)
AAAAA
Fort Dorchester at Cane Bay
Conway at Ashley Ridge
Stratford at River Bluff
Summerville at Wando
Dutch Fork at West Ashley
Goose Creek at Carolina Forest
AAA
Hanahan at Dreher
TBA at Philip Simmons
AA/A
Woodland at Mid-Carolina
Bridges Prep at Academic Magnet
High School Report – Wando
High School Report – Wando
Jeff Mayer
Highlighting Wando High School
5A SCHSL
Wando Boys Team
21-4 Record Last Year.
5A State Champions
Wando enters the 2019 season as defending champions from a year ago. Lance Renes is entering his 9th year as the programs head coach. The Warriors return most of their defensive starters but with a new goalie. Wando will utilize the returning offensive starters to control the pace of each game.
“Our strength on defense will be our experience, our strength on offense will be our chemistry, and our strength on the midfield will be our speed and athleticism. Cohesion will be the strength of the Warriors for the 2019 season.”
-Coach Lance Renes
Coach Lance Renes
Wando’s head coach, Lance Renes, will be entering his 9th year as head coach. Renes’ current record at Wando is 101-16 and has won 6 State Championships in the past 7 years. In the past 9 years, Wando has produced 18 All-Americans with 2 athletes earning the accolade twice, produced 43 All-State accolades, and had 12 athletes sign NCAA letters of intent. Lance Renes played DII lacrosse at Mars Hill University where he was a 3 year captain.
Coach Renes helps the next generation of lacrosse players as the director of youth camps for Lowcountry and Top Left Lacrosse.
Players To Watch
Jack Shipman – Midfield – Senior – 2018 All Lower State. Committed to play college lacrosse at Hampden Sydney College.
Nathan Fasanaro – Attack – Junior – Started every game in 2018. Recently committed to play Division 1 lacrosse at Colgate University.
Sawyer Thompson – Midfield – Junior – 2018 All Lower State
Ramsey Turnage – Defensive Midfield – Senior
Micah Green – Midfield – Senior (Lander commit)
Braxton Smith – Goalie – Senior (Lander commit)
Logan Dunaway – Midfield – Senior
Murphy Howell – Attack – Junior
Mason Lyles – Midfield – Junior
Will Leonard – Defense – Sophomore
2019 Schedule
Highlighted games in 2019:
Christ School March 4th at Wando High School
Memphis University School
Norfolk Academy
Wando Girls Team
11-5 Record last year.
Lost in Semi-finals to JL Mann
Wando enters the 2019 season having lost eleven players, including eight to graduation and three non-returners. They will have to build up a new midfield after losing Morgan Mitchell, former Lacrosse Player of the Year and leading scorer Karly Ripple. They also lost Bethany Holden who was essential at the draw and Kelsey Lempke, 1st Team All Lower State Attack. Other key players lost from the previous year are Ashlin Noonan, Lower State Defender of the year and Wheaton Shipman, 1st Team All State Attack. The team will be mixed with several returners as well as a lot of new, young players all looking to help build on the program’s success.
“We are excited by the number of girls looking to join the program – every year there seems to be more enthusiasm for the sport and it’s amazing to see it grow in the Low Country! This season alone we had over 20 freshmen trying out and over 60 looking to be a part of the Wando lacrosse family.”
-Coach Brooke Black
Coach Brooke Black
Brooke Black will be starting her third year as Head coach for Wando.
