Boys Lacrosse Starts Strong

With the target squarely on their backs again, the defending Suffolk County Champion West Islip boys lacrosse team started the season strong with a 16-2 win Tuesday in the season opener at the high school.

Senior attackman Brendan Smith set the tone early scoring the first of his game-high five goals 20 seconds into the contest. From there, the Lions potent offense dominated Middle Country’s defense racing out to a 7-0 first quarter lead.

In addition to Smith’s six total points in the game, fellow senior attackman Tom Moore also enjoyed a strong game with four goals and an assist.

Head coach Scott Craig said much of the offense for West Islip this season will likely come from his two senior attackmen.

“Tom is more of a carrier and shooter,” he said. “Brendan is shooter that likes to play off the midfielders.”

Throughout the first half West Islip dominated play getting to seemingly every ground ball and keeping action deep in Middle Country’s defensive zone. When Middle County’s defense was able to get possession, the Lions strong ride by its attack and midfielders caused several turnovers.

Following its dominating first quarter, West Islip added five second quarter goals and went to the half up 12-0.

Overall Craig said he was pleased with the team’s ball control efforts, but feels improvement can be made with its shooting accuracy.

“Frankly I thought we didn’t shoot the ball well,” said Craig, a four-time state champion. “We’re not mechanically sound in how we shoot the ball. I thought we hit the goalie four or five times when we should have put it away.”

If West Islip does improve the accuracy of its shots, it could be a long season for the rest of the teams in Class A.