West Islip Lions Lacrosse Preview

Such prominent members of the West Islip Lions lacrosse team playing in their senior year would like nothing more than to end their high school careers with yet another state championship. Seniors Nicky Galasso, Matt Gebhart, Andrew Hodgson and Rob Moore and co. will get a chance to continue their quest tomorrow night against Farmingdale at Hofstra University. The winner will be considered the Long Island champion and go on to compete for a state championship, something that is familiar to the Lions, who have won the state title in 2006, 2007 and 2009.

Lions on Fire

There is no double that the West Islip Lions are the kings of the jungle when it comes to lacrosse. The defending state championships have won an incredible 18 straight games in claiming the Suffolk Class A championship. 

The Lions have also showed that they can be patient before overtaking their opponents. Consider the county finals against Ward Melville. The Lions were trailing 2-0 in the opening 18 seconds of the game and then 4-3 at the end of the first quarter. They didn't take their first lead until 2:58 left in the first half, before overwhelming the Patriots in the second half, outscoring them 5-0 in the third quarter.

Just How Good Is West Islip?

They are very good, considering the last two games. Head coach Scott Craig has been honest about his team's play. In the county semifinal win against Connetquot, Craig wasn't thrilled about the team's defensive effort. Against Ward Melville in the county finals, he thought his team played "soft" in the first half. Yet, the Lions won both games fairly easily. It was in the second half against Ward Melville when the Lions outscored the Patriots 8-2 that Craig felt his team played the way it was capable of playing.

Dangerous From Multiple Fronts

The Lions are led by All-American Nicky Galasso. He has not only met but probably exceeded expectations this year and his play the county finals has only affirmed that his presence gives the Lions an edge other teams lack. But the Lions are by no means a one-man team. West Islip gets scoring  from Hodgson, who had an outstanding third quarter against Ward Melville, junior Mike Sagl, who has seven goals in the last two games, Moore, who had two goals and six assists against Connetquot, and junior Drew Federico, who had three goals against Ward Melville.

About Farmingdale

Like West Islip, the Farmingdale Dalers are on a hot streak, having won 14 straight games. They defeated Massapequa 9-8 on June 3 to claim the Nassau County Class A title. Players to keep an eye on for Farmingdale include Sal Tuttle, Dan Rogers, Brian Prendergast and Korey Hendrickson. 

Last Year

Last year, West Islip defeated Hicksville 14-7 to win the Long Island championship and advance to the state semifinals.