Yorktown long pole Jose Boyer is a hyperactive defender who ignites a strong transition game.
The @lohudlacrosse watch list
Davis Allen, Pelham: He’s a little bigger, a little stronger this season. The 6-foot-6 junior is a handful on attack, but he’s going to be a real matchup problem when he’s playing midfielder. Allen has committed to Notre Dame.
Ara Atayan, Bronxville: It’s time for the imaginative playmaker and scorer to play a bigger role. The junior attackman/midfielder has a knack for getting open in tight spaces and can finish with either hand. Atayan has committed to North Carolina.
Jose Boyer, Yorktown: The rangy junior defenseman is a constant thorn in the side of the region’s top scorers. He is wider and stronger than a year ago and rarely needs help. Boyer has committed to Notre Dame.
Jack Drillock, Pleasantville: Shake hands with this senior long pole and you’ll know everything you need to know about the returning All-American. He anchored a defense that gave up less than five goals a game last year. Drillock signed with Siena.
Liam Donnelly, Yorktown: The voice you hear when the Huskers are playing belongs to the senior goalie, whose been on the varsity since the eighth grade. He is an extremely athletic last line of defense. Donnelly has signed with Rutgers.
Jared Hershman, Hen Hud: There’s one way to keep the Sailors from stringing a number of goals together – beat this kid at the faceoff X. Good luck. He’s on the ball in a blink and keeps a prolific offense rolling. Hershman signed with Marquette.
Aidan Hynes, Mahopac: Imagine a red-headed Tasmanian with a lacrosse stick. The senior long stick midfielder is an intimidator whose intensity creates fast-break chances for the Indians. Hynes is committed to Yale.
Will Hynson, Rye: The lanky junior midfielder likely burns a ridiculous number of calories. He is constantly in motion. The go-to move is a spin into the alley that usually sets up a lefty finish. Hynson has committed to High Point.
Zach Kryza, Iona Prep: Opponents have to hurry when the senior long pole zeros in. He’s a hyper-aggressive defender who creates turnovers, scoops ground balls and gets the Gaels out in transition. Kryza has signed with Villanova.
Cullen Morgan, Fox Lane: Do not let the overpowering senior midfielder roll to the right. The returning All-American is deadly when he gets a step. He’s got a 66-percent success rate on faceoffs, too. Morgan signed with Georgetown.
Kevin Prunty, Lakeland/Panas: The Rebels struggled last spring and it was easier for opposing defenses to key on the senior who plays attack or midfield, depending on the game plan. He’s a physical offensive player who can finish with either hand. Prunty has signed with Siena.
Thomas Tenney, Fox Lane: How do you stop a kid who knows the importance of changing speed and changing direction? An extra gear is helpful when the junior attackman needs a burst. Tenney has committed to Denver.
Yorktown goalie Liam Donnelly anchors an athletic Huskers defensive unit, which is a primary reason why the defending Section 1 Class B champs are starting atop the power rankings.
The next 12
Braden Burke, John Jay, So., D (Duke)
Kyle Casey, Yorktown, Jr., A/MF (Albany)
Justin Cavallo, Yorktown, Jr., A (Albany)
Eric Greenberg, Mamaroneck, Sr., MF (Lehigh)
Shahe Katchadurian, John Jay, So., G (John Jay)
Hunter Keech, John Jay, Sr., MF (Fairfield)
Matt Lupinacci, John Jay, Sr., A (Colgate)
Matt Magnan, Fox Lane, So., MF (Syracuse)
Kyle Michella, North Rockland, Sr. A (uncommitted)
Max Persico, Iona Prep, So., D (Bryant)
Will Ramos, Nyack, Jr., G (Albany)
Gibson Smith, Pelham, Jr., LSM (Georgetown)
Mamaroneck will need a lot of goals from midfielder Eric Greenberg while the new faces in the lineup get used to playing bigger roles.
Preseason lohud boys lacrosse power rankings
1. Yorktown: Graduation rarely proves to be a major setback for the Huskers, who come back with eight players committed to Division I programs.
2. Fox Lane: Last season did not end well for the Foxes, but sometimes it’s good to have something to prove.
3. John Jay: This group did a lot of growing up last spring and gave rival Yorktown a legitimate scare in the Class B final.
4. Iona Prep: Defense remains a strength, but the Gaels do have scoring punch and will be very deep when the new underclassmen get some minutes.
5. Rye: There are not a lot of stars in the lineup, but the Garnets have more than enough talented players and confident athletes.
6. Bronxville: The roster is not as deep as it once was, but the Broncos continue to produce talent and will again contend for a sectional title.
7. Mamaroneck: A number of holes in the lineup have to be ably filled by newcomers if the Tigers are going to repeat in Class A.
8. Hen Hud: If the Sailors can manufacture a consistent effort on the defensive end, they might be the favorite in Class C.
9. Pleasantville: Go ahead, hint that last season was a fluke, but know it will only give these kids a little added motivation.
10. Mahopac: It’s a good team that will climb quickly if the health of standout midfielder Dan Foley begins to improve.
Class A
1. Fox Lane
2. Mamaroneck
3. Mahopac
4. North Rockland
5. Lakeland/Panas
Class B
1. Yorktown
2. John Jay
3. Rye
4. Pelham
5. Somers
Class C
1. Bronxville
2. Hen Hud
3. Pleasantville
4. Nanuet
5. Irvington
