Numbers keep going up for the boys? varsity lacrosse team, and that’s a pretty good thing, says Coach Nik Banda.
Number of wins, number of quality players, number of years the budding varsity sport had been around ? all higher than ever before, allowing the Dragon coach to set his sights on a deeper run in the post season.
‘This is the first he first time ever we’ve won all our games after spring break and we’re undefeated in the league so far this season,? said Banda. He added that players are starting to come up through the junior varsity program, adding valuable experience to a team that’s only existed a few years.
‘We could have 150 kids on the team if we didn’t cut anybody,? he said.
He also said, ‘Because of the athletes in the high school we could beat anyone. We could be as good as any public school in state.?
Banda says the team’s overall goal every year is to make it one round deeper into the playoffs.
‘We lost in the second round last year, so this year, let’s get to the third round,? he said, noting this year’s run should be a little easier than before. ‘We put together more realistic schedule, this year. Last year we had the fifth toughest schedule in the state; we were 6-11 and was tough to get that.?
Seniors John Hill, David Hosang and Matt Gattinger head up the team as captains. Banda said junior goal Nick Kinsler is a ‘wicked athlete.? Junior Nick DiPonio is the team’s leading scorer and will help out offensively alongside sophomore Brad Bogus. Rounding out defense will be junior Tyler Misiak, senior Matt Kuehl and junior Collin Simmons.
The boys took on North Farmington, April 15 and ground out a 5-3 win.
Kinsler made 15 saves to keep the opponent at bay.
?[North Farmington’s] coach came over and said, ‘Tell me your goalie is a senior,?? said Banda, who laughed when he answered Kinsler is a junior this year. ?’You mean I have to play him next year?? the coach said.?
During the game, the team took eight penalties, ‘which made the game interesting but stressful for the coaches,? noted Banda.