‘Dozo’s lax team top notch in city

By JOSEPH STASZEWSKI

Poly Prep was the year’s biggest story. The Blue Devils didn’t end the regular season particularly well, but shook that and past postseason failures aside during the postseason. With a roster filled with talented and versatile upper classmen the Brooklyn school claimed its first NYSAIS title since 2006.

That year was also the last time Fordham Prep took home a NYCHSAA Class AA crown before this season. The deep Rams steamrolled through the regular season and beat rival Iona twice on the way to the crown, before losing to Holy Trinity in the Downstate final. Over in the PSAL, Midwood reclaimed the championship after two years of finals heartbreak and sent its seniors off in style with an unbeaten league season.

All-City boys’ lacrosse Player of the Year: Ben Andreycak, Fordham Prep

The junior attack made the most of this season after learning just how important each is. The All-American selection missed most of last year with a broken collarbone and made opponents pay for his lost time. One of the city’s best creators with the ball in his stick, he scored 57 goals and tallied 38 assists. He made the Fordham Prep offense go en route to their first NYCHSAA Class AA title since 2006.

All-City boys’ lacrosse Coach of the Year: Brooks Sweet, Poly Prep

There may not be a more intense presence on the sidelines in New York City lacrosse. Sweet is always active yelling instruction, encouragement and sometimes handing out tough love. The hard work paid off this season as he claimed his first NYSAIS title in his four years at Poly Prep, which hadn’t won since 2006. After a slow regular season finish, the balanced Blue Devils dominated in the playoffs.

First Team

M Jason Chen, Benjamin Cardozo

The All-American selection has been the face of Cardozo lacrosse over his career. The shifty senior scored 38 goals and added 32 assists to lead the Judges to a third-place finish and berth in the PSAL Class A semifinals

M Kenny Coughlin, Tottenville

The junior epitomized the Pirates’ physical and aggressive style. With his bowling-ball body and rocket shot, Coughlin scored 30 goals and dished out 19 assists to the help propel Tottenville to the PSAL Class A title game.

G Chris Fiore, New Dorp

Fiore, a junior, is considered the best goalie in New York City. The All-American selection’s quick reflexes help him easily dispense of ordinary shots and make the spectacular save. He made a whooping 230 saves while allowing 68 goals.

A Matt Fox, Horace Mann

The All-Ivy selection had a target on his back and less help around him after a stellar junior season. As a senior, fighting off double and triple teams, he tallied over 45 goals to keep the Lions competitive in the talented Ivy League.

M Neil Hamamoto, Riverdale

Led by Hamamoto, Riverdale was one of the hottest teams in the city, winning nine straight before falling to Poly Prep in the NYSAIS semifinals. The senior All-American was a combination of speed and strength, scoring 46 goals and handing out 31 assists.

D Theo Kalogerakis, Poly Prep

Poly was littered with offensive stars, but Kalogerakis was the glue to its defense. The senior All-Ivy League selection used his size and agility to lock up opponent’s top offensive threat. He wasn’t afraid to sacrifice his body, even it meant stepping in front of a shot.

A Mark Philipps, Dalton

The Tigers put together their finest season and much of that had to do with the unselfish All-Ivy attack. Phillips, who is headed to Colby College, scored 54 goals and dished out 45 assists. He tallied the winning goal in Dalton’s first ever NYSAIS win.

A Greg Pietroforte, Poly Prep

On a team filled with offensive stars Pietroforte found a way to stand out. The All-Ivy selection scored 41 goals and nearly equaled that with 37 assists to show the balance in his game. The senior scored three times in the semifinals to help Poly to the NYSAIS title.

M Chris Smith, Fordham Prep

The All-American midfielder was like a Swiss Army knife for the Rams during their run to the CHSAA Class AA Downstate final. Smith tallied 58 goals and had 16 assists going to the cage and finding openings He was also one of Fordham’s best defensive middies.

D Thomas Whelan, Fordham Prep

At 6-foot-7, Whelan was one of the city’s most imposing defensive players. The All-CHSAA selection was a mixture of strength and agility. He had one of the year’s biggest checks, knocking a ball loose right before halftime to lead to a Rams goal in the NYCHSAA final.

A Artur Zych, Midwood

Zych has been the Hornets’ most dangerous threat during his career and this year was no different. Playing in pain, the All-American selection scored two of his 47 goals to go along with 17 assists to help lead Midwood to its first PSAL Class A title since 2008.

Honorable Mention

M Matt Casella, Fordham Prep

M Jonathan Cravotta, Tottenville

D Christopher Doyle, Midwood

M Hugo Francis, Poly Prep

G Conor Gowan, Fordham Prep

A Max Goupit, Poly Prep

A Will Hendrickson, Riverdale

M Prince Jackson, Christopher Columbus

A Blake Koch, Midwood

G David Lulgjuraj, Mount St. Michael

M Pat McEnaney, Mount St. Michael