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.

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.

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 Downs Team Superstars 11-3

July 8, 2010

Floyd's Luke Miller scored twice as Long Island lacrosse beat Team Superstars, 11-3. Photo by David Savoie

Stony Brook, N.Y. — It was a game the Long Island boys lacrosse Empire State Games team dominated from start to finish, but a performance uneven enough to leave the coaching staff flustered.

Long Island faced Team Superstars, based in Katonah, N.Y., and boasting a roster of Connecticut and Westchester seniors and juniors.

Long Island built an 8-1 first half lead en route to an 11-3 win on Thursday night under the lights at LaValle Stadium at Stony Brook University.

Floyd senior midfielder Luke Miller scored twice and set up a Joey Leonard (Hicksville) goal just before halftime.

Duke commitment Myles Jones, a senior midfielder from Whitman, also raised eyebrows with a vicious hit and a second-quarter goal in a show of power and finesse.

Connetquot’s Zach Oliveri and Northport’s Thomas Cordts each played a half and looked good in goal, with an aggressive defense adding a near impenetrable layer.

Ryan Brunet (Comsewogue), Jake Froccaro (Port Washington), Brandon Gamblin (Hicksville), Thomas Gordon (Garden City), James Pannell (Smithtown West), Nick Sherry (Oceanside) and Kevin Wendel (East Islip) each scored for Long Island.

Division senior attack Thomas Nuckel was on the sideline 48 hours after suffering a left knee injury. Wearing a brace and in good spirits, Nuckel will miss the Empire State Games despite being selected as part of the 20-man travel team.

Long Island will play four games at the Tri-State Tournament on Saturday at Mercer County Community College in West Windsor, N.J.

Long Island Wins Hero Tourney

July 3, 2010

Division senior attack Thomas Nuckel (21) scored twice to help the Long Island's Empire State Games boys lacrosse team go 4-0 at the Hero Tournament. Photo by David Savoie
Division senior attack Thomas Nuckel (21) scored twice to help the Long Island’s Empire State Games boys lacrosse team go 4-0 at the Hero Tournament. Photo by David Savoie

Haverford, Penn. — Long Island’s Empire State Games boys lacrosse team outscored its opponents 37-10 and went 4-0 on Saturday to win Hogan’s Lacrosse Hero Tournament at the Haverford School.

LI rolled to the championship game of the 25-team tournament, beating Rockfish Silver, a travel team from Anne Arundel, Md., 8-0. Hicksville’s Brandon Gamblin scored twice against Rockfish.

Nassau Wins Top 50 Game

June 24, 2010

East Northport , N.Y. — Call it first contact. The boys lacrosse players who will make up Long Island’s entry into the 2010 Empire State Games faced off on Thursday night on the field turf at Veterans Park.

After five grueling days of tryouts, 712 players had been culled to the top 25 in Nassau and Suffolk. And from this group, the best performers in the Top 50 game would earn a spot on the 30-man Empire roster announced the next afternoon at Hofstra’s Margiotta Hall.

Suffolk shined early, but the Nassau all-stars pulled away in the fourth quarter to earn a 12-10 victory. Sachem North rising senior attack Michael Andreassi had five goals while Hicksville senior midfielder Brandon Gamblin and Division senior attack Thomas Nuckel each added three goals.

It was a see-saw battle entering the fourth quarter. That’s when Port Washington junior midfielder Jake Froccaro tipped the balance in Nassau’s favor thanks to his faceoff skills.

Andreassi scored Suffolk’s first two goals – sandwiched between Farmingdale senior attack Salvatore Tuttle’s goal – for a 2-1 edge.

Oceanside senior midfielder Nick Sherry tied it at 2. That’s how it remained into the third quarter when Smithtown West junior attack James Pannell put Suffolk back in front 3-2. In the second half, Pannell received a cut between the eyes which required a hospital visit, but he stayed in the game.

Hicksville senior attack Joey Leonard scored for Nassau and Andreassi answered immediately to make it 4-3.

Division’s Nuckel tied it at 4 and Hicksville’s Gamblin scored back-to-back goals to put Nassau in front for the first time, 6-4.

Andreassi continued to dominate, closing the gap to 6-5. East Islip senior attack Tyler Begley tied it at 6 with a hard shot.

Gamblin opened a manic fourth quarter with a goal. Comsewogue senior attack Ryan Brunet scored to tie things at 7. What had been a physical, defense-oriented game to this point now shifted into a track meet.

Each of the three goalies Nassau and Suffolk carried into the game had played one quarter to this point. Connetquot’s Zach Oliveri, Northport’s Thomas Cordts, Syosset’s Ryan Feit and Manhasset’s Frank Morelli made brilliant saves. Now all the goalies rotated through in the final period.

Jericho senior midfielder Jesse Chazen made it 8-7 Nassau. Smithtown West senior attack Kyle Keenan tied it for Suffolk.

But when South Side senior midfielder Bryan Gerrato, wearing No. 179, scored, it marked the eighth lead change and put Nassau ahead for good at 9-8. Goals by Farmingdale senior midfielder Korey Hendrickson and Nuckel extended the lead to 11-8.

Shoreham-Wading River senior midfielder Trevor Brosco answered for Suffolk to make it 11-9. Then Andreassi scored for the fifth time to make it a one-goal game.

But Nuckel put the finishing touches on an impressive night for Nassau with a goal just before the final whistle.

The tryout process was finally history. Yet the coaching staff still had a long night ahead. They needed to finalize the top 30 Empire players and send congratulatory emails overnight. The 20 who didn’t make the cut? They earned spots on the Long Island Showcase.