How did the top youth lacrosse clubs perform in 2018. Which teams dominated their divisions. What were the key factors influencing team rankings. Who were the standout players that led their teams to success.
Overview of the 2018 Youth Club Lacrosse Season
The 2018 youth club lacrosse season saw intense competition across divisions as top teams vied for championship titles and rankings. This comprehensive analysis examines the performance of leading clubs, standout players, and key trends that shaped the landscape of youth lacrosse in 2018.
Top-Ranked Teams in Class A Division
In the highly competitive Class A division, several powerhouse programs emerged as the cream of the crop:
- Ward Melville (Section 11) – Finished with an impressive 21-1 record
- Chaminade (CHSAA) – Posted a strong 17-3 season
- Massapequa (Section 8) – Dominated with a 17-2 record
- Half Hollow Hills East (Section 11) – Showed consistency at 16-4
- Smithtown West (Section 11) – Impressed with a 15-2 performance
What factors contributed to Ward Melville’s dominance in 2018? Their near-perfect record can be attributed to a combination of experienced coaching, a deep roster of talented players, and a well-executed game strategy that overwhelmed opponents throughout the season.
Rising Stars in Class B Competition
The Class B division showcased several programs on the rise:
- Garden City (Section 8) – Emerged as the top team with an 18-3 record
- Victor (Section 5) – Close behind at 20-2
- John Jay, Cross River (Section 1) – Impressed with a 15-5 showing
- Yorktown (Section 1) – Maintained a solid 14-4 record
- Webster Thomas (Section 5) – Surprised many with a 16-3 performance
How did Garden City manage to secure the top spot in such a competitive division? Their success stemmed from a combination of strategic recruiting, innovative training methods, and clutch performances in key matchups throughout the season.
Emerging Talent in Class B
Several players made significant impacts for their Class B teams in 2018:
- Jack Speidel (Garden City) – Led the offense with pinpoint shooting accuracy
- Camden Hay (Victor) – Dominated face-offs and controlled possession
- Bryce Ford (John Jay) – Emerged as a dual-threat midfielder
- Shane Dahlke (Yorktown) – Anchored the defense with exceptional positioning
Class C Contenders and Breakout Performances
In the Class C division, several teams made their mark:
- Islip (Section 11) – Claimed the top spot
- Pelham Memorial (Section 1) – Showcased their potential
- Jamesville-DeWitt (Section 3) – Continued their tradition of excellence
- Shoreham-Wading River (Section 11) – Proved to be a formidable opponent
- Cold Spring Harbor (Section 8) – Demonstrated consistency throughout the season
Which factors allowed Islip to rise to the top of Class C in 2018? Their success can be attributed to a combination of strong leadership from veteran players, innovative offensive schemes that kept opponents off-balance, and a relentless work ethic instilled by the coaching staff.
Key Trends Shaping Youth Lacrosse in 2018
Several notable trends emerged during the 2018 season that influenced team performances and individual player development:
- Increased emphasis on year-round training and specialization
- Growing popularity of multi-sport athletes bringing diverse skill sets
- Adoption of advanced analytics to inform strategy and player development
- Rise of specialized camps and clinics focused on position-specific skills
- Incorporation of cutting-edge technologies in training and game analysis
How did these trends impact the landscape of youth lacrosse in 2018? The focus on specialized training and analytics led to more refined skill sets and tactical awareness among players, while the emphasis on multi-sport participation brought increased athleticism and adaptability to the field.
Standout Individual Performances
Several players across divisions turned heads with exceptional performances in 2018:
- Dylan Pallonetti (Ward Melville) – Set new scoring records in Class A
- Will Cabrera (Chaminade) – Dominated face-offs and transition play
- Joey Spallina (Mount Sinai) – Emerged as a scoring phenom in Class C
- Brennan O’Neill (St. Anthony’s) – Showcased incredible versatility as a sophomore
- Andrew McAdorey (St. Anthony’s) – Controlled the midfield with exceptional two-way play
What set these players apart from their peers in 2018? Their combination of natural talent, relentless work ethic, and ability to elevate their teammates’ play in crucial moments made them true difference-makers on the field.
Impact of Coaching and Program Development
The influence of experienced coaching staffs and well-structured programs played a crucial role in team success during the 2018 season:
- Implementation of advanced offensive and defensive systems
- Focus on player development at all levels of the program
- Emphasis on team culture and mental preparation
- Utilization of video analysis and performance metrics
- Building strong feeder programs and youth development initiatives
How did top programs leverage coaching expertise to gain a competitive edge? By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, implementing data-driven training methods, and focusing on holistic player development, elite programs were able to consistently produce top-tier talent and achieve sustained success.
Notable Coaching Achievements
Several coaches made significant impacts on their programs in 2018:
- Jay Negus (Ward Melville) – Led team to near-perfect season
- Jack Moran (Garden City) – Orchestrated dominant Class B campaign
- Tim Lavelle (Islip) – Guided program to top of Class C rankings
- Mike Messere (West Genesee) – Continued legacy of excellence in final season
Regional Powerhouses and Emerging Programs
While traditional lacrosse hotbeds continued to produce top talent, several regions saw the emergence of new contenders in 2018:
- Long Island – Maintained its status as a lacrosse powerhouse
- Hudson Valley – Saw increased competitiveness across divisions
- Central New York – Continued to develop high-level programs
- Western New York – Emerged as a growing force in youth lacrosse
- Capital Region – Showed improvement and depth across multiple teams
What factors contributed to the growth of lacrosse in emerging regions? Increased youth participation, investment in facilities and coaching, and the success of local collegiate programs all played a role in elevating the level of play across new lacrosse hotbeds.
Up-and-Coming Programs to Watch
Several programs showed significant improvement and potential for future success:
- Ballston Spa (Class B) – Posted an impressive 16-2 record
- Vestal (Class B) – Emerged as a force with a 15-3 season
- East Syracuse Minoa (Class B) – Surprised many with a 16-4 showing
- Warwick Valley (Class B) – Made strides with a 14-3 performance
How are these programs positioning themselves for long-term success? By focusing on youth development, implementing modern training techniques, and fostering a winning culture, these up-and-coming programs are laying the foundation for sustained competitiveness in the years to come.
The Role of Technology and Innovation in Youth Lacrosse
The 2018 season saw an increased adoption of technology and innovative training methods across youth lacrosse programs:
- Use of wearable technology to track player performance and prevent injuries
- Implementation of virtual reality training systems for tactical awareness
- Adoption of advanced stick and equipment designs
- Utilization of drones for aerial game footage and analysis
- Integration of mobile apps for player development and team communication
How did these technological advancements impact player development and team performance? By providing more detailed performance data, enhancing training efficiency, and offering new tools for strategic analysis, technology played a crucial role in elevating the overall level of play across youth lacrosse in 2018.
Innovative Training Techniques
Several programs implemented cutting-edge training methods to gain a competitive edge:
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT) for improved endurance
- Cognitive training exercises to enhance on-field decision-making
- Position-specific agility drills using advanced equipment
- Mental conditioning techniques to improve focus and performance under pressure
What benefits did these innovative training approaches provide? By targeting specific aspects of physical and mental performance, these techniques allowed players to make significant strides in their overall game, translating to improved on-field results for their teams.
The Future of Youth Lacrosse: Trends and Predictions
As we look beyond the 2018 season, several trends are shaping the future of youth lacrosse:
- Continued growth in non-traditional lacrosse regions
- Increased emphasis on player safety and injury prevention
- Evolution of rules and gameplay to enhance excitement and skill development
- Greater integration of lacrosse into school athletic programs
- Rise of specialized recruiting services and exposure events
How will these trends impact the landscape of youth lacrosse in the coming years? As the sport continues to grow and evolve, we can expect to see increased competitiveness across regions, a focus on player well-being, and new opportunities for talented athletes to showcase their skills on larger stages.
Emerging Stars to Watch
Several young players showed immense potential in 2018 and are poised for breakout performances in the coming seasons:
- Mikey Berkman (West Genesee) – Dynamic attackman with exceptional vision
- Jake Spallina (Mount Sinai) – Versatile midfielder following in his brother’s footsteps
- Kyle Gucwa (Manhasset) – Physical defenseman with shutdown potential
- Will Helm (Fayetteville-Manlius) – Explosive attackman with a nose for the goal
What makes these players stand out as future stars? Their combination of natural athleticism, advanced skill sets, and high lacrosse IQ at a young age suggests they have the potential to make significant impacts at both the high school and collegiate levels in the coming years.
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Fairport-5 13-5
15. Ithaca-4 13-6
16. Corning-4 14-3
17. Connetquot-11 13-6
18. Buffalo St. Joseph-MMAA 17-4
19. Fordham Prep-CHSAA 12-4
20. Fayetteville-Manlius-3 11-8
21. Baldwinsville-3 12-5
22. Shenendehowa-2 13-6
23. Port Washington-8 10-7
24. West Islip-11 11-6
25. Shaker-2 12-5
Honorable mention: Archbishop Stepinac-CHSAA 14-6, Arlington 11-6, Bay
Shore 11-6, Clarence 10-7, Christopher Columbus-PSAL 10-3, Commack 11-7,
Curtis-PSAL 9-4, Frederick Douglass-PSAL 14-2, Fieldston School-AIS 16-3,
Frontier 11-7, Hackley School-AIS 15-2, Hunter College-PSAL 11-3, Iona
Prep-CHSAA 15-6, Kellenberg-CHSAA 9-9, Kingston 14-3, Lindenhurst 9-8,
Liverpool 11-7, James Madison-PSAL 8-4, Mahopac 12-6, Midwood-PSAL 12-1,
Orchard Park 11-7, Pittsford 9-9, Plainview JFK 8-7, Riverdale-AIS 12-6,
Riverhead 9-9, Sachem East 11-7, Scarsdale 10-7, St.
Dominic-CHSAA 11-7,
St. Joseph by-the-Sea-CHSAA 9-4, Suffern 11-8, Xavier-CHSAA 12-3.
Hamburg-6 13-6
Cold Spring Harbor-8 16-2
O’Neill 12-4,
Israel Lacrosse – The National Governing Body of Lacrosse in Israel
The Israel Lacrosse Association (ILA) is the national governing body of the sport of Lacrosse in Israel. Our goal is to grow the sport of Lacrosse throughout Israel with a commitment to use it to engage the Jewish Diaspora, fostering love and devotion to the state of Israel.
The Israel Lacrosse Association (ILA) is the national governing body of the sport of Lacrosse in Israel. Our goal is to grow the sport of Lacrosse throughout Israel with a commitment to use it to engage the Jewish Diaspora, fostering love and devotion to the state of Israel.
National Teams
Our men’s and women’s teams are consistently listed among the top of the world rankings and are comprised of native Israeli and North American based players.
Outreach
We offer many opportunities for Jewish youth in Israel and abroad to develop meaningful relationships with their history and culture.
Now Taking Applications for Summer Internships
Live, train, and coach lacrosse in Israel while gaining work experience in your desired field.
Learn More
Now Taking Applications for Summer Internships
Live, train, and coach lacrosse in Israel while gaining work experience in your desired field.
Learn More
The Five Pillars of Israel Lacrosse
Grow
the sport
domestically
Connect
members of the Jewish Diaspora to Israel
Compete
and win on the international stage
Showcase
Israel to the world
Create
programs to bridge divided communities in our region
reaching beyond borders
We promote lacrosse in the Jewish State by allocating resources, programming, and inspiring participation from all over the country./cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64707151/BOB_8839.0.0.jpeg)
We also focus on creating meaningful, life-changing experiences that strengthen Jewish identity, deepen commitment to Israel, and foster personal growth while having fun in the process.
Learn More about Our Mission
Our Impact
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US College Interns have lived in Israel to coach or run ILA programs since 2011
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Athletes have traveled from around the world to play in the Israel Premier Lacrosse League (IPLL)
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High School Students have traveled to Israel to tour and coach through our Service Trips
U.S. born ILA members have proudly served as Lone Soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)
“… the most notable part of my experience
has been, without a doubt, the sense of family here.
Throughout the entire country and within Israel
Lacrosse specifically, from top to bottom, we care about
each other. From the jump, I was met with open arms.
Shabbat dinners, Hebrew lessons, lending anything I
might need.
..” Read More
Sam TrojanoGap Year 2019-2020
“Israel Lacrosse is more than just another cause. It is an opportunity to dream big and do good, a platform that brings communities together connected by the same ideals: passion for lacrosse and love for Israel. Being involved with Israel Lacrosse provided us with a sense of purpose and helped Ryan gain critical skills and life lessons. We are forever grateful…” Read More
Lipton FamilyWomen’s U-19 Team
“Winning gold as a member of Team USA at the 2018 World Games in Netanya was one of the greatest experiences of my life. While competing and winning a championship was the top priority of the trip, I was amazed by the country of Israel. Our tour of Jerusalem was great for team bonding, and also incredibly educational and enriching on a personal level.” Read More
Paul RabilUSA Gold Medalist – 2018 Netanya, Israel and
Founder/President Premier Lacrosse League (PLL)
“Competing for Team Israel is one of the highest honors for me.
It has given me the opportunity to represent something bigger than myself and wear the blue and white with pride. Israel Lacrosse has not only allowed me to connect with my Judaism and the state of Israel but also create friendships that I will treasure for the rest of my life. Being a part of the Israel Lacrosse family has given me the opportunity to compete at the highest level and share my love of lacrosse and Judaism with the world.”
Rachel RosenWomen’s National Team, Gap Year ’20-’21. Penn State ‘21
“While hesitant at first, my decision to take a leave of absence from college lacrosse and join the Israel Lacrosse Gap Year Program was one of the best of my life. My time in Israel was as rewarding an experience that one can hope for. Between high-level lacrosse, becoming fully immersed in Israeli culture, and meeting dozens of new friends…my initial hesitance to go to Israel feels comical today. It is an experience I will never forget.”
Bear LockshinGap Year ’20-’21, Princeton ‘24
“I had the best days of my life with Team Israel.
It is an enormous honor to play for this country and the people of Israel. I will forever be connected to our shared culture and peoplehood. I wish it could have lasted forever.”
Isaac McgarveyBoy’s U-13 Team
“My son played on the U13 Israel World Series Team this past summer. Heading into a new school environment with significantly fewer Jewish kids, his experience with Israel Lacrosse has helped him greatly through this transition. Since he was feeling really connected to Judaism and Israel after competing with Team Israel, he went into this new environment much more proud and comfortable with his Judaism than he would have otherwise. A very positive outcome and we could not be more thankful!”
Loryn WhitmanBoys U-13 Team Parent
“Training with Israel lacrosse as part of their gap year program was one of the best decisions I ever made. Not only did I get to spend every day playing a game I love in an incredible country, but the dedicated coaching I received gave me the opportunity to walk on to my college team in the Fall.
On top of this, the trips we went on, along with the amazing people I met made the whole experience unforgettable. I know I will reminisce about those months for many years to come.”
Jasmine RandallGap Year ’20-’21, Pamona ‘25
“Being an athlete is much more than just the sport and much more than what people think. This game and the people I met changed my life and helped me through the darkest times of my life…. Thank you.” Read More
Shirin AtdigiBe’er Tuvia Lacrosse Club
“I found my peace, my power, my motivation, my passion, myself… No, it’s not just a sport! that’s my family, that’s a place that feels like home…” Read More
Yagel GevaAshkelon Lacrosse Club
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Israel’s men’s national lacrosse team, currently ranked 7th globally, is making waves on the international stage as they enter the 2023 Men’s World Lacrosse Championship, which is taking place in.
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The Florida Southern women’s lacrosse program celebrated its latest achievement after graduate student Jackie Stoller was named the 2023 Women’s Lacrosse Player of the Year by the Sunshine State Conference (SSC)….
From July 2nd to July 9th, the Israeli Women’s U21 National Lacrosse Team will compete in the European Championships in Prague, Czech Republic, showcasing their talent on an international stage….
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Youth Hockey League – Loko’s trainee Yaroslav Likhachev returned from North America and did not regret it: he breaks team records, scores lacrosse goals
The striker’s only season in the MHL turned out to be outstanding.
One of the main favorites of the MHL in recent years, Loko took fourth place in the Western Conference in the regular season and was eliminated after the second round.
This did not prevent Yaroslavl forward Yaroslav Likhachev from breaking the team’s record for points scored in the playoffs: 12+8 in just nine games. In the history of the MHL, he shares eighth place with several more forwards. 20 points in one draw of the Kharlamov Cup have not been scored since the 2016/2017 season, when Andrey Kuzmenko scored 24 (11+13) in 13 matches. In the regular season, Likhachev repeated Stepan Nikulin’s club record of 90,003 90,004 points in a year (74).
Likhachev scored a lot of beautiful goals in the MHL. Lacrosse goals in hockey are being scored more often than before, but they still require the highest skill. The Loko forward performed lacrosse twice during the season: in the regular season game with Almaz and against the Red Army in the playoffs.
“Such a performance by Likhachev is not a sensation at all. This is a player you always want to watch, he has stellar potential. In terms of speed and technical equipment, Yaroslav has always been on top. Not for nothing that from the very beginning he got into the national team for key junior tournaments, he was a prominent player there. And even though the main star among the guys in 2001 in the country is Vasily Podkolzin, it was from the point of view of skill that Likhachev was not much inferior to him. In the Lokomotiv school team, he was very productive every year, ”says Anton Vasyatin, a KHL TV commentator.
“My cousin just played hockey, played in the MHL, the Major League, and now in Sweden (Dmitry Likhachev played for the White Tigers and Khimik – ed.
). Yes, and dad is a big fan, he has many familiar hockey players. When I got on skates for the first time, I immediately told my parents that I wanted to play. From childhood he was a leader, he always played a year older. When I came in my year, it was easy for me, ”said the hockey player about his first steps in hockey.
Likhachev spent the 2017/2018 season in the NMHL, after which he left for North America. “In 2018, Yaroslav moved overseas. The first season turned out to be difficult, both in terms of adaptation and opportunities, since Gatineau had many forwards older than him. After the change of the team, things went for the better, we managed to restore the previous productivity,” said Anton Vasyatin.
When the young striker first arrived in North America, local experts rated him very highly – in several ratings, Likhachev was in the top 30 players of his year.
However, the first year in the junior league of Quebec was unsuccessful – 24 points in 57 matches. Likhachev, as one of the most technical forwards of the national team, nevertheless went to the YuChM-2019 – that team reached the final for the first time in a long time.
“Likhachev is by far one of the most technical, if not the most technical forward in the Quebec league. He has an excellent vision of the court, creates many scoring chances for his partners, can circle any opponent with his hands. His throw is ordinary, but he can use it absolutely suddenly and shock any goalkeeper, ”wrote Andy Leu, a representative of the scouting agency Future Considerations, about Likhachev..
In 2021, after three seasons in the Quebec League, Likhachev returned to his native club.
A year before, Yaroslav told why he went overseas: he was afraid that because of the many juniors in the Lokomotiv system, he would not be able to break into the KHL team. But he added: “Sooner or later I will return to Russia and I will always be happy to play and fight for my native club that raised me.” In the summer of 2021, the striker signed a trial contract with Lokomotiv, but in August head coach Andrei Skabelka announced that the striker would return to North America.
Already in October, Yaroslav took to the ice with Loko in the MHL. In the third match, he scored a hat-trick against Almaz by scoring lacrosse. “It was clear that at the level of the MHL, Likhachev would begin to truly dominate. This is where skill and experience come into play. He did not start at Loko from the first line, but with his play he deserved the role that he had in the playoffs. With all the attacking skills, Yaroslav did a great job of refining each episode – both near the boards and on someone else’s penny, ”continues Vasyatin.
In the playoffs, Likhachev did not score points in only one match – the first. Then everything went on the rise: even in the fifth game against the Red Army, as a result of which Loko flew out, the forward had a double. In the previous meeting, he scored a lacrosse hat-trick for the second time in a season, which he explained very simply: “I turned around in the corner of the site and saw that there were no opponents nearby, there was space. I tried and gave up.”
The 2021/2022 season is the last one that Yaroslav spends in youth hockey due to age restrictions.
