December 11, 2024
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According to Coach Hagans, “There is no tomorrow.” The Hills Varisty Lacrosse team has been putting in a lot of work during this offseason trying to build on the success of last year. With a large number of players returning, who have multiple years of varsity experience,  this team has high expectations for this year. 

The team consists of multiple high level players including UNC bound Anthony Raio who is one of the elite players in the 2025 class, not just on the island but in the country. Between his ability to shoot the ball, his smooth offensive game, and his defensive play as a two-way midfielder, Raio possesses all the attributes needed to be one of the greats in this program. As a sophomore, he dominated the league with 60 goals and 30 assists for 90 points.

 Other impactful players include Bryant commit Zach Marco, Luke Bradley, and Ryan Chung. Marco was good for 21 points last season while Ryan Chung recorded 15 points while also having an enormous impact at the face-off X. Also at the face-off X is Air Force commit Nico Ghicas giving Hills a top tier duo of face off men which is a luxury not many public schools around the country can say they have. James Bruno is also looking to have another strong year after having 26 goals last year. It is known across Section XI that this team is going to score at will. 

This team isn’t just an offensive team as they focus on the defensive side of the ball as well. This is being led by Syracuse commit Joe Filardi who is one of the elite pure athletes on the island and is a long pole that is also a threat to score goals. Joe didn’t shy away from doing damage on the offensive side of the field last season with 15 goals and 10 assists for 25 points. Also returning key defensemen in Ben Vogt, Sal Caiazzo, and Jake Casamento. Sal Santoro will guard the net as he looks to improve on his 148 saves from last year. 

If I was you I would want to see these boys play, as they make a run for the championship