At its current rate of growth, everyone in Lake Orion might own a lacrosse stick by the year 2015.
After a successful first season last spring, the LOHS boys? team has 92 members this year, including 34 varsity players and 58 on the JV team.
The varsity team, which went 11-4 as a club-level squad last year, retains that designation in 2008, but will participate in the Oakland Activities Association and be postseason eligible.
‘We’re a little light on returning guys,? said Coach Nik Banda. ‘But we’re expecting a lot more from the returnees we do have, because they now all have a year under their belts.?
Captains include midfielder Andy Plets, attackman Johnny Costigan, goalie Spencer Murphy and defenseman Kevin Kelly. All four are seniors.
Seniors Zac Clouse and Mike Muldowney join Kelly on the defensive line, which Banda said is likely to be his team’s strength. James Miller is slated to be the primary long-stick middie, a midfield position predicated on defense.
The team held their second annual Green & White game on March 15. Costigan led the way offensively in the inter-squad showdown. Others that will be relied on for offense, according to Banda, include Taylor Barstead, Adam Chappie, Jimi Averill, Chris Rudnick and Drew Naughton, among many.
Fans can follow the team’s progress all year long on their new website at www.dragonslax.us.
‘Our goal is to get into the state playoffs and win one game,? Banda said. ‘Our bracket is brutal, with Catholic Central and U-of-D, the second and fourth ranked teams in the state.?
The coach added that he’d like to see the squad show strong in their first season of OAA II action, a league that includes West Bloomfield, Adams, Farmington, Royal Oak, Waterford and Clarkston.
The team traveled to West Bloomfield after this edition went to print, and scrimmage Oxford and host Stoney Creek this week as well.
Banda added that lots of credit for the team’s success belongs to the parents for their support of the program, which includes forming a new boosters club.