Long Island Wins Fifth Straight Gold

July 25, 2010

Smithtown West attack Kyle Keenan directed Long Island to its fifth straight gold at the Empire State Games. Photo by Kyle LavioletteSmithtown West attack Kyle Keenan directed Long Island to its fifth straight gold at the Empire State Games. Photo by Kyle Laviolette

BUFFALO – The Kyle Keenan to Brandon Gamblin connection was so fluid, you’d think they had been teammates for longer than one month. In the end, the relationships the Long Island scholastic boys lacrosse team built — starting with tryouts in June and continuing with 12 exhibition games in Maryland, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania – ended with a gold medal performance at the Empire State Games on Sunday at Canisius College.

Keenan, an X attack, directed the offense with precision throughout the four-day tournament. That he had an uncanny ability to find fellow Smithtown West teammate James Pannell for open shots was no surprise. That he hooked up with Gamblin, a Hicksville midfielder, again and again spoke volumes of how well this team of all-stars meshed.

Keenan fed Gamblin for three of his four goals on Sunday as Long Island (5-1) erased a 4-2 halftime deficit to take down previously unbeaten Central, 7-6, in the gold medal game. Central (5-1) stunned Long Island, 8-7, in overtime when the teams met in pool play on Friday night. With the win, Long Island became the first region to earn gold in five straight Empire State Games since boys lacrosse became a sport in 1984.

It wouldn’t have been possible without the stellar play of Connetquot goalie Zach Oliveri (10 saves), who was in every respect the defensive stopper of the tournament. FOGO Jake Froccaro, a Port Washington junior, also played an important role after missing a game with a mild concussion suffered against Central.

Even Oliveri couldn’t stop Central the entire time. Long Island was victimized for goals twice in the final 1:14 of the first half when Ithaca’s Riley Lasda spun off his defender and broke free in the box. His score was followed by Tom Grimm’s quick strike to make it 4-2 Central with 43 seconds left. Grimm, a Syracuse commitment from Carthage, had the game-winner against Long Island on Friday.

The third quarter belonged to Long Island the entire tournament. This game was no exception. Pannell scored 1:39 into the third, and after pelting the Central goal with a barrage of shots, Garden City’s Tom Gordon scored the equalizer on a feed from Keenan with 4:01 left in the third. Gamblin juked past his defender and fired home the go-ahead goal to make it 5-3 with 1:37 left.

Long Island kept up the pressure from there. Keenan found Gamblin charging toward the net and the Hicksville scorer did the rest to extend the lead to 6-4 with 10:52 to go.

Fayetteville-Manlius attack Ari Waffle scooped in a rebound past Oliveri to make it 6-5 with 7:40 left.

But the Keenan-to-Gamblin connection struck once more to keep Central at arm’s length. Gamblin, a UMass commitment, scored his 18th goal in six-game tournament – and fourth of the day – with 6:52 left.

Jamesville-Dewitt’s Alex Hatem scored his second goal of the day on a diving play at the net close the gap to 7-6 with 4:20 left.

Long Island’s defense kept Central off balance from there. And after Central’s Austin Curtis received a one-minute penalty for slashing, Keenan and Sachem North’s Michael Andreassi held the ball and ran out the clock. All there was left to do was celebrate the historic victory.

TEAMS 1 2 3 4 F
Central 2 2 0 2 6
Long Island 2 0 3 2 7

Goals – CN: Hatem 2, Waffle 2, Grimm, Lasda LI: Gamblin 4, Gordon, Keenan, Pannell. Assists – CN: Edwards LI: Keenan 4, Pannell. Saves – CN: White 16 LI: Oliveri 10.

LI Advances to Gold Medal Game

July 24, 2010

Hicksville’s Brandon Gamblin scored six goals to lead Long Island to the gold medal game. Photo by Kyle Laviolette
Hicksville’s Brandon Gamblin scored six goals to lead Long Island to the gold medal game. Photo by Kyle Laviolette

BUFFALO – The Long Island scholastic boys lacrosse team moved a big step closer to defending its gold medal by closing out play 4-1 after thumping New York City, 15-3, on Saturday at Canisius College. The start was delayed a half hour by lightning. But once the game began, Hicksville’s Brandon Gamblin was electric.

Two days after racking up five goals in a win over Hudson Valley, the rising senior midfielder poured in six more to single-handedly outscore the City (0-5). Gamblin, a UMass commitment, has 14 goals in five games at the Empire State Games. New York has never beaten Long Island, and after the Island jumped in front 5-0, it was clear it wouldn’t happen this time either.

Garden City’s Tom Gordon had two goals and two assists, Smithtown West’s James Pannell scored twice and added an assist and Smithtown teammate Kyle Keenan had a goal and three assists. Northport’s Tom Cordts recorded four saves.

Long Island will face Central for the gold medal on Sunday at 11 a.m.

TEAMS 1 2 3 4 F
New York City 0 2 1 0 3
Long Island 5 3 3 4 15

Goals – NYC: Fowler, Philipps, Pietroforte LI: Gamblin 6, Gordon 2, Pannell 2, Andreassi, Demeireles, Keenan, Sagl, Wendel. Assists – NYC: Philipps LI: Keenan 3, Gordon 2, Andreassi, Gerrato, Pannell, Sagl, Walsh. Saves – NYC: Superka 13, Fiore 6 LI: Cordts 4.

Central Stuns LI in OT, 8-7

July 23, 2010

Michael Andreassi (1) and James Pannell (14) each scored twice in the second half for Long Island. Photo by Kyle LavioletteMichael Andreassi (1) and James Pannell (14) each scored twice in the second half for Long Island. Photo by Kyle Laviolette

BUFFALO — Carthage’s Tom Grimm, a Syracuse commitment, ended an overtime thriller at the Empire State Games on his goal with 2:06 left as Central topped Long Island, 8-7, in a scholastic boys lacrosse game at Canisius College Friday night.

Central, which improved to 4-0 and locked up a berth in the gold medal game on Sunday, held Long Island scoreless in the first half and jumped out to a 5-0 lead early in the third quarter. But Long Island, the four-time defending champs, answered with a flourish.

Hicksville’s Brandon Gamblin got the Island on the board with a rip with 7:07 left in the third. Sachem North’s Michael Andreassi closed the gap to 5-2 on a point-blank shot with 5:8 left. West Islip midfielder scored on yet another behind-the-back move with 1:55 left and Smithtown West’s James Pannell closed the quarter with a goal and high step celebration to move Long Island to down 5-4.

Central responded with a pair of fourth-quarter goals sandwiched between Andreassi’s score. Then East Islip’s Kevin Wendel and Pannell struck for back-to-back goals, the latter forging a tie at 7 with 3:10 left.

That’s how it remained until Grimm beat Connetquot goalie Zach Oliveri (11 saves) backside for the sudden death score.

Long Island FOGO Jake Froccaro, who had a strong second half, was knocked out of the game with 4:14 left when he was hit from behind. He sat out the remainder of the game. But his absence was felt in the faceoff circle.

Long Island can return to the gold medal game and force a rematch with Central by beating winless New York City on Saturday at 5 p.m.

TEAMS 1 2 3 4 OT F
Central 1 3 1 2 1 8
Long Island 0 0 4 3 0 7

Goals – CN: Rice 2 Corapi, Curtis, Donahue, Edwards, Grimm, Lasda LI: Andreassi 2, Pannell 2, Gamblin, Sagl, Wendel. Assists – CN: Ferrito, Piroli LI: Jones, Keenan, Pannell. Saves – CN: White 11 LI: Oliveri 11.

LI Outlasts Adirondack, 12-4

July 23, 2010

Port Washington’s Jake Froccaro scored twice, added an assist and handled faceoffs against Adirondack. Photo by Kyle Laviolette Port Washington’s Jake Froccaro scored twice, added an assist and handled faceoffs against Adirondack. Photo by Kyle Laviolette

Buffalo – Long Island endured wind, rain and rumblings of thunder at Canisius College on Friday. The boys lacrosse team also grew frustrated with Adirondack’s zone defense and clock-eating offense. But the players became downright unhinged when Adirondack goalie Bob Wardwell raced up the field and scored.

Day 2 of the Empire State Games got off to an alarming start for the four-time defending champs.

Yet Port Washington midfielder Jake Froccaro won the opening faceoff of the second half and Smithtown West attack James Pannell scored just 8 seconds in as Long Island shook off a 3-2 halftime deficit.

It was the first of 10 second-half goals for Long Island, which improved to 3-0 with a 12-4 win. With games remaining against Central (Friday, 8 p.m.) and New York City (Saturday, 5 p.m.), Long Island has all but locked up a berth in Sunday’s gold medal game.

Froccaro, Pannell, West Islip’s Michael Sagl and East Islip’s Kevin Wendel each had two goals in the win. Northport’s Thomas Cordts started in goal and made seven saves.

Smithtown West’s Kyle Keenan, playing the role of X attack, got the offense in a groove in the second half. He found a cutting Wendel with 5:57 left in the third and the East Islip scorer converted to put Long Island on top 4-3. Keenan finished with four assists.

TEAMS 1 2 3 4 F
Adirondack 1 2 0 1 4
Long Island 1 1 4 6 12

Goals – AD: Cox, D’Amario, Sperry, Wardwell LI: Froccaro 2, Pannell 2, Sagl 2, Wendel 2, Gamblin, Gordon, Jones, Walsh. Assists – AD: Cox LI: Keenan 4, Andreassi 2, Froccaro, Gerrato. Saves – AD: Wardwell 15 LI: Cordts 7.

Gamblin Nets 5, LI Rolls 13-7

July 22, 2010

Hicksville's Brandon Gamblin (far right) gets a handshake from Hudson Valley after scoring five goals at the 2010 Empire State Games. Photo by Jason Molinet.
Hicksville’s Brandon Gamblin (far right) gets a handshake from Hudson Valley after scoring five goals at the 2010 Empire State Games. Photo by Jason Molinet.

BUFFALO — Long Island went on the attack Day 1 of the Empire State Games and emerged 2-0 after pelting the Hudson Valley goal in a 13-7 win Thursday afternoon at Canisius College. Hicksville rising senior attack Brandon Gamblin charged into the teeth of the Hudson Valley defense and scored just 1:17 into the game. It was the first of five goals for the UMass-bound scorer.

And yet Gamblin’s offensive outburst wasn’t even the most impressive highlight of a day filled with memorable moments. No, those belong to West Islip midfielder Michael Sagl. The understated senior has been a key cog in two state championship teams. Against Hudson Valley, he showed a little flair when he scored on an over-the-shoulder, behind-the-back shot — twice.

Once again, FOGO Jake Froccaro a rising junior from Port Washington, helped Long Island control the game by owning the faceoff circle. It helped the Island take a commanding 9-3 lead midway through the third quarter.

East Islip’s Kevin Wendel double pumped, sending a Hudson Valley defender flying past him to open a clear path to the net, also drew sideline raves. His score extended the lead to 10-3 with 1:25 left in the third.

Northport goalie Thomas Cordts made eight saves to earn the win.

Long Island has two more games on Friday. It faces Adirondack at 11 a.m. followed by the highly anticipated showdown versus Central under the lights at 8 p.m. With two winnable games left on the schedule – Adirondack and New York City – Long Island may have already positioned it self to reach the gold medal game.

So the prime time showdown against Central will be telling. For now, Long Island can sleep well having outplayed and outlasted host Western and always-respectable Hudson Valley. It’s a strong first day by any measure for coach Jay Mauro and Co.

TEAMS 1 2 3 4 F
Hudson Valley 0 2 2 3 7
Long Island 3 2 5 3 13

Goals – HV: Caffrey 2, Mcreddie 2, Bonaventura, Donohue, McNally LI: Gamblin 5, Sagl 2, Keenan, Jones, Miller, Pannell, Walsh, Wendel. Assists – HV: Caffrey, Dedomenico, Schurr LI: Keenan 3, Andreassi, Gamblin, Gerrato, Pannell. Saves – HV: Grace LI: Cordts 8.

LI Runs Away From Western 10-4

July 22, 2010

East Islip's Kevin Wendel outpaces the Western defense at the 2010 Empire State Games. Photo by Kyle Laviolette.
East Islip’s Kevin Wendel outpaces the Western defense at the 2010 Empire State Games. Photo by Kyle Laviolette.

Buffalo — Long Island began its quest for an unprecedented fifth straight gold medal in scholastic boys lacrosse with an early-morning wakeup call. The players and coaches had to put a marathon 24 hours behind them, starting with a 10-hour bus ride which began at Bethpage State Park at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, then the emotions of Opening Ceremonies Wednesday evening and culminating with an air condition-less night of sleep in the dorms at Canisius College.

What awaited them Thursday was a 9 a.m. date with the belle of the ball. Many hyped Western as the trendy favorite to upset Long Island, not only because the boys from Buffalo and Rochester were playing on their home turf, but because the roster was stocked with several big-name college commitments.

Yet it was clear from the opening faceoff on the turf at Canisius that Long Island brought a little something extra. Call it confidence, swagger or attitude. The offense roared to life early, scoring three quick goals and hitting the pipe several times more.

East Islip’s Kevin Wendel, a rising senior midfield committed to Navy, took a pass from Smithtown West’s Kyle Keenan lurking behind the cage and found the back of the net for a 1-0 edge just 1:48 into the game.

Keenan, the son of Smithtown West coach Sean Keenan and one of three Bulls players on the Empire squad, made it 3-0 with his drive with 3:49 left in the first. It was part of a three-goal, three-assist day for Keenan, a rising senior attack headed to Duke.

Despite a strong start, Long Island only led 3-2 at halftime. The coaching staff simply preached patience. The defense held up fine and the offense had plenty of shots on goal. Connetquot senior goalie Zach Oliveri, a vocal leader in the back and a team co-captain, registered 10 saves and directed a defense that effectively shut down Western in the second half.

FOGO specialist Jake Froccaro a Port Washington rising junior and the youngest player on the Empire team, dominated in the circle in the second half. His quick outlet to Hicksville’s Brandon Gamblin put LI in front 4-2 just 3 seconds into the third quarter. Sachem North’s Michael Andreassi collected a ground ball to set up Smithtown West attack James Pannell for a goal 31 seconds later.

The rout was on from there. Long Island scored five goals in the quarter. Long Island faces Hudson Valley at 4 p.m. while Western gets a chance to atone against traditionally-weak New York City at 8 p.m.

TEAMS 1 2 3 4 F
Western 1 1 1 1 4
Long Island 3 0 5 2 10

Goals – WN: Coholan, Dejoe, Reed, Yunker LI: Keenan 3, Andreassi, Gamblin, Geratto, Gordon, Jones, Pannell, Wendel. Assists – WN: Burke, Yunker LI: Keenan 3, Pannell 2, Gordon. Saves – WN: Govenettio 8 LI: Oliveri 10.

Opening Ceremonies Kick Off Empires

July 21, 2010

The Long Island contingent prepares to enter UB Stadium at the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Empire State Games.

Amherst, N.Y. — Never mind the 10-hour bus ride, the lack of sleep or dorm living. Long Island’s scholastic boys lacrosse team savored every moment of Wednesday’s night’s Opening Ceremonies of the 32nd Empire State Games.

It was a journey which began on crowded fields at Bay Shore and Syosset high schools in early June. The 20 players who made it to Buffalo survived a gruelling tryout process, 12 exhibition games, countless practices and finally a late-night bus ride across the state. All to reach this point.

New York’s five-day Olympic-style festival kicked off with a celebration at the University at Buffalo’s 29,000-seat UB Stadium. Each of the six competing regions paraded into the stadium to cheers and camera flashes. Parks Commissioner Carol Ash addressed the crowd and then came the athletes’ oath. The lighting of the torch was an emotional moment — as always. A rousing performance by “Third Eye Blind” followed by fireworks capped the night.

All the preparation and pomp is over. Game on. Long Island, going for an unprecedented fifth straight gold medal, faces Western at 9 a.m. Thursday at Canisius College.

WSJ: Buffalo Rescues Empire Games

July 19, 2010

Buffalo 2010 Empire State Games news
The Wall Street Journal — Last fall, John Koelmel settled into his couch after work and started flipping through the paper when an article caught his eye. The Empire State Games were in trouble again.

Started in 1978, the Games are the oldest state-run, Olympic-style competition in the country, attracting as many as 30,000 aspirants each year who compete in tryouts held across the state for about 6,000 slots.

Mike Tyson, Sarah Hughes and Patrick Kane, who scored the winning goal in this year’s Stanley Cup Finals, are among the stars who once participated in the Games, living and eating with teammates in dorm rooms that evoke an Olympic Village and participating in elaborate opening ceremonies.

Read more at WSJ.com

LI Sweeps Maryland Free State to go 12-0

July 17, 2010

Long Island wrapped up its exhibition schedule 12-0. Photo by David Savoie.

Baltimore — The Long Island scholastic boys lacrosse team heads into the Empire State Games a perfect 12-0 after taking both games of the Long Island-Maryland Challenge on Saturday at Loyola University’s Ridley Athletic Complex.

Long Island got three goals from Sachem North rising senior attack Michael Andreassi to get past the Maryland Free State A Team, 9-6. In the second game, Hicksville rising senior attack Brandon Gamblin tallied three goals in a 13-9 victory over the Maryland Free State B team.

Long Island, the four-time defending ESG gold medalists, plays Western at the Empire State Games at Canisus College in Buffalo on July 22 at 9 a.m.

LI Blows Away Connecticut Hurricanes

July 16, 2010

Sachem North rising senior attack Michael Andreassi scored three times against the Connecticut Hurricanes. Photo by David Savoie.

Hempstead, N.Y. — After a slow start, the Long Island scholastic boys lacrosse team scored 14 straight goals to power past the Connecticut Hurricanes, 20-4, under the Friday night lights at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium.

Sachem North rising senior attack Michael Andreassi (committed to UMass) scored two of his three goals early to help Long Island overcome a 1-0 hole. The Empire team raced to a 14-1 edge — 7-1 at the half — and never looked back.

Whitman rising senior midfielder Myles Jones, a Duke recruit, added three goals, each in spectacular fashion. Long Island improved to 10-0 in exhibition play and finishes its schedule at the Long Island-Maryland Challenge on Saturday at Loyola University’s Ridley Athletic Complex.

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