How did the Wando girls lacrosse team secure their state championship. What factors led to the Wando boys team’s defeat in the finals. How does this impact Wando’s lacrosse program going forward.
Wando Girls’ Thrilling Victory in AAAAA State Championship
In a nail-biting finish, the Wando girls lacrosse team successfully defended their Class AAAAA state title with a 15-14 victory over J.L. Mann. The championship game, held at Irmo High School, showcased the determination and skill of both teams, with neither side able to establish a commanding lead throughout the contest.
The decisive moment came with just 28 seconds left in regulation time when Cassie Frye scored her fifth goal of the match, breaking the deadlock and securing the win for Wando. The Warriors then had to endure a tense finale, as J.L. Mann managed to get off two shots on goal in the final seven seconds, but Wando’s defense held firm.
Key Players in Wando’s Victory
- Cassie Frye: 5 goals, including the game-winner
- Chrissy Mallon: 4 goals
- Maggie Parkin: 2 goals
- Kelsey Bennett: 2 goals
- Brooke Gentry: Sophomore goalkeeper who made crucial saves in the final moments
Coach Ed Reckdenwald praised both teams for their performance, 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.”
Tactical Decisions and Game-Changing Moments
The match was characterized by strategic plays and momentum shifts. With a 12-10 lead and 18:38 remaining, Wando adopted a possession-based approach, spreading the field and running down the clock. However, J.L. Mann responded with two quick goals in a 40-second span, leveling the score at 12-12 with 14 minutes left to play.
The lead changed hands multiple times in the closing stages, with Wando ultimately executing their game plan to perfection. Coach Reckdenwald revealed, “We called a timeout and talked about playing for one and it worked out. 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.”
Emotional Significance for Seniors
For senior players like Kelsey Bennett, the victory held special meaning. Bennett expressed her joy, saying, “This has been a dream come true. It is a feeling I cannot describe. 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.”
Wando Boys Fall Short in Bid for Repeat Title
While the girls’ team celebrated their triumph, the Wando boys’ lacrosse team faced disappointment in their quest to retain the state championship. In a rematch of last year’s final, Nation Ford emerged victorious with a 13-10 win over Wando.
The boys’ match was closely contested, with Wando briefly holding a 6-5 lead midway through the second quarter. However, Nation Ford seized control, taking an 8-6 lead into halftime and maintaining their advantage throughout the second half.
Top Performers for Wando Boys
- Garrett Mayer: 4 goals
- Luke Moore: 2 goals
- Sean Carroll: 2 goals
Despite the loss, Wando boys’ coach Lance Renes remained optimistic about the team’s future prospects. He commented, “This entire season, from day one, was about growth and improvement. 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.”
The Impact of Wando’s Lacrosse Program on South Carolina High School Sports
Wando High School’s lacrosse program has established itself as a powerhouse in South Carolina high school sports. The girls’ team’s back-to-back state championships and the boys’ team’s consistent presence in the finals demonstrate the school’s commitment to excellence in lacrosse.
This success has not only elevated Wando’s profile but has also contributed to the growth of lacrosse in the state. As more schools witness the achievements of programs like Wando’s, it inspires increased participation and investment in the sport across South Carolina.
Factors Contributing to Wando’s Lacrosse Success
- Strong coaching staff led by Ed Reckdenwald (girls) and Lance Renes (boys)
- Consistent player development from youth levels through high school
- Community support and resources for the lacrosse program
- Competitive schedule that prepares teams for high-stakes matches
- Emphasis on teamwork and mental toughness
The Future of Lacrosse at Wando High School
With the girls’ team securing another state title and the boys’ team showing promise with a young roster, the future of lacrosse at Wando High School looks bright. The program’s continued success is likely to attract more talented players and potentially lead to even greater achievements in the coming years.
Coach Renes’ focus on growth and improvement for the boys’ team suggests that Wando will remain a formidable competitor in South Carolina high school lacrosse. The experience gained from this season’s championship run will be invaluable for the underclassmen as they prepare for future campaigns.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
- Maintaining high performance levels and avoiding complacency
- Developing new leaders as senior players graduate
- Adapting to evolving strategies and techniques in the sport
- Balancing academic demands with athletic commitments
- Continuing to attract and develop top lacrosse talent in the region
The Broader Landscape of High School Lacrosse in South Carolina
While Wando’s success in lacrosse is noteworthy, it’s important to consider the broader context of high school lacrosse in South Carolina. The sport has been growing in popularity across the state, with more schools fielding competitive teams and producing talented players.
The AAAAA classification, which includes Wando, represents the highest level of competition in South Carolina high school lacrosse. Other schools, such as J.L. Mann, have also established themselves as perennial contenders, creating exciting rivalries and raising the overall standard of play in the state.
Notable Developments in South Carolina High School Lacrosse
- Increasing number of schools adding lacrosse programs
- Growing participation rates among both boys and girls
- Improved facilities and resources dedicated to lacrosse
- More South Carolina players receiving college lacrosse scholarships
- Expanded media coverage and public interest in high school lacrosse
The Role of Lacrosse in Student-Athlete Development
Beyond the thrill of competition and the pursuit of championships, lacrosse plays a significant role in the overall development of student-athletes at Wando High School and across South Carolina. The sport offers numerous benefits that extend far beyond the field of play.
Benefits of Participating in High School Lacrosse
- Physical fitness and athleticism
- Teamwork and leadership skills
- Time management and discipline
- Mental toughness and resilience
- Opportunities for college recruitment and scholarships
- Building lasting friendships and social connections
- Learning to balance academics and athletics
For players like Kelsey Bennett, who expressed her emotional attachment to the team, lacrosse has clearly been a transformative experience. The bonds formed through shared triumphs and challenges on the lacrosse field often last well beyond high school, shaping the character and future paths of these young athletes.
Comparing Wando’s Lacrosse Program to National Standards
While Wando’s lacrosse teams have achieved remarkable success at the state level, it’s worth considering how they stack up against top programs from traditional lacrosse powerhouse regions like the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. This comparison can provide valuable insights into the growth of lacrosse in South Carolina and the potential for further development.
Areas of Consideration for National Comparison
- Player skill levels and technical proficiency
- Tactical sophistication and game strategy
- Strength of schedule and quality of competition
- College recruitment rates and scholarship offers
- Facilities and resources available to the program
- Coaching expertise and professional development opportunities
While South Carolina high school lacrosse may not yet be on par with some of the most established programs in the country, the rapid growth and increasing competitiveness of teams like Wando suggest that the gap is narrowing. As more resources are invested in the sport and the talent pool continues to expand, South Carolina lacrosse programs may soon be competing at a national level.
The Economic and Community Impact of Successful High School Lacrosse Programs
The success of Wando’s lacrosse teams extends beyond the playing field, generating positive economic and community impacts for the school and surrounding area. A thriving sports program can become a source of pride and unity for a community, while also providing tangible benefits to local businesses and institutions.
Potential Economic and Community Benefits
- Increased enrollment and school funding due to program reputation
- Boost to local businesses from game attendance and tournaments
- Enhanced community engagement and volunteer opportunities
- Positive media coverage and improved school image
- Attraction of sponsorships and private donations to support athletics
- Development of youth lacrosse programs and clinics
- Creation of job opportunities in coaching, officiating, and support roles
As Wando’s lacrosse program continues to excel, it may serve as a catalyst for broader community development and increased interest in the sport throughout the region. This success could lead to further investment in lacrosse infrastructure and opportunities, benefiting players, fans, and the local economy alike.
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.
