2011 Preview: Sachem North Boys Lacrosse

Friday’s 22-10 win against North Carolina’s Weddington High School is a clear example of what Sachem will do in 2011.

Scoring the most goals in any game in the last seven years since the split, on the road against a respectable southern team is only a glimpse of what’s to come for this group.

From veteran leaders to key role players, transfers and everything else that makes up this unique roster, Sachem North has a chance to make history.

Just in case you were wondering, the last time Sachem won a Suffolk County and Long Island title was in 1995, the same year the Arrows lost to West Genesee in the state finals. Sachem has won state crowns in 1979 and 1993 under the two previous head coaches Blayney McEneaney and Rick Mercurio.

Sachem was given the No. 4 seed in Suffolk County's Division I, a low number considering the talent on the roster. The Arrows are also ranked No. 16 in the nation by LaxPower and No. 25 by Inside Lacrosse to start the season.

Head coach: Jay Mauro, 7th season

2010 Results: 11-7, lost to Smithtown West in Suffolk County Quarterfinals

Key Loses

• Evan Bloom, Dartmouth
• Cody Ciolino, Hartwick
• Nick Loguirato, Dowling
• James Kenny, Dowling
• Andy Moran, Assumption
• Phil Schaefer, Hartwick
• Will Murphy, Manhattan College

Attack: With resident playmaker and UMass-bound Michael Andreassi leading the way and UMBC-bound Tim Lang and Dalton Crossan on either side, this will be one of the most dominant attack lines in recent Suffolk County history with the athleticism, speed and lacrosse IQ they possess. Andreassi comes into the season with 150 career points (114 goals and 36 assists) and is coming off a historic football season in the fall where he solidified himself as one of the best players in program history. Mauro said Andreassi improved on his field vision and ability to dish out one-look passes close to the net.

Adding depth at attack is Sean Murphy and Kyle Rhatigan, who can be interchangeable and used on the first attack line when necessary. Also look for junior Danny Schaefer and sophomore Shane Deboer to play on the second line.

Midfield: Jake Cabble (Robert Morris), Jack Gannon (UMBC), Cody Petillo (Rutgers) and Eric Talbot will all have key roles at midfield. The most intriguing name in the mix, however, is transfer Brandon Gamblin, who came to Sachem from Hicksville and is committed to UMass. A major part of Long Island’s gold medal run at the Empire State Games last summer, Gamblin is quick and shifty and as good as they come in the northeast.

“He’s a big strong athletic kid,” Mauro said. “We’re expecting him to do what we do as a team and if he does, it will help us. He should be a good asset. He’s working hard and buying in and trying to be part of the team and finding his role. He’s not trying to do too much.”

Gamblin’s younger brother Corey, as well as Schaefer and Angelo Armine (Molloy), a jack of all trades on the lacrosse field, will all be scene at the midfield position.

“Angelo could be our most valuable midfielder this season,” Mauro said. “He can do so much. When he hurt his shoulder last season, it hurt us. He’s important to our team. He can do a little offense and defense, man-down, clearing and face-offs.”

Cabble injured his knee during football season but is expected to play at 100 percent this spring.

Face-off: Armine and freshman Trent Crossan will be the main threats in the circle.

Defense: Fred Golini (Hartwick), Armine, Tyler Novack and Corey Gamblin will be used as defensive midfielders. At long stick, there’s Tyler Andreassi, sophomore Connor Harris and Paul Coppola. And down low there are some of the toughest players Sachem has to offer in Alex Harris (Stony Brook), George Raum (Adelphi), Jesse Scanna, and Nick Iannello (Elizabethtown). Zach Dellecave will be in the fifth defensive spot.

Goalie: Transfer Gerald Logan, who comes to Sachem from Shoreham-Wading River, is vying for time with Tim Matos, Travis Selesky, and Brendan Schade.

Stats at a glance: Here’s a look at what some of the top returning players did last season:

• Michael Andreassi: 40g, 19a, 81gb
• Angelo Armine: 4g, 7a, 39gb, 51.8 face-off %
• Jake Cabble: 20g, 6a, 14gb
• Jack Gannon: 14g, 11a, 20gb
• Cody Petillo: 18g, 13a, 26gb
• Tim Lang: 21g, 16a, 21gb 

Expectations: “We have to go out everyday and worry about ourselves,” Mauro said. “Our goal is to play for a state championship on June 11, like it is every year. It’s team over individual. We have some new additions to the program. It’s about the program and the team and not the individuals. If we can realize that, I think we will have great success.”

Key Games

• April 1 vs. Syosset, Non-league
• April 12 at West Islip
• April 27 vs. Smithtown West
• May 3 at Ward Melville