Lack of Consistency Slowed Indians, who Close Spring at 11-7

MAHOPAC—Despite the offensive talent on the team, the Mahopac High boys lacrosse team struggled to find consistency this season. The Indians outscored nearly every opponent in the second half, but slow starts put the team (11-7, 3-2) in a tough halftime spot too often to overcome.

John Brandofino SKIP PEARLMAN After a fairly convincing win over White Plains in the opening round in the playoffs, the fifth-seeded Indians were beaten by top-seeded Lakeland-Panas.

“We had three or four one-goal losses,” coach Mike Haddeland said. “Overall, the effort was there, but I just wish we had a little more consistency. It was the third straight year we made it to the second round, we need to get over that hump.”

One consistent throughout the year was senior John Brandofino, who led the Indians with 59 goals, and 77 points. He was one of nine players from the section to be named All-American, as well as All-Section and All-League.

TJ Foley SKIP PEARLMAN “He became a very mature person this year,” Haddeland said. “Previous years he didn't accept coaching as much, but this year was a total 180. After the East Islip game we challenged him to take the reins and be the leader, and he did it. From there on he was an All-American. He led the team, he talked to them, was a good captain."

Chase Thompson and Okie Bernabo were both named All-Section and All-League.

"How Chase and Okie went, or team went," Haddeland said. "They're our midfielders, both of those guys controlled the tempo of our game. If those guys didn't play well we didn't win, those guys were the cogs that made us go."

Senior goalie Johnny McGuigan started every game in net, and was one of three Indians to be named All- Section Honorable Mention.

"He had young guys in front of him, and it took them a while to get the concept," Haddeland said. "But he played well, and got the team into the playoffs."

Kevin Carey finished third on the team in scoring with 48 points, including a team-high 28 assists to earn All-Section Honorable Mention.

"He split time at third attack last year," Haddeland said. "It really paid dividends this year, he had a very good season. He's a lefty attack-man, which is hard to find, he can shoot, he's just got to get his feet moving a little bit better, he's going to have a really good season next year."

TJ Foley was named the team's third All-Section Honorable Mention selection, and his 30 goals tied him for second on the team.

"He did a great job for us, if you look at all the big games we had this year, he had great games," Haddeland said. "We were very impressed with him this year, he's a hard working kid, kind of a take your lunch pail to work kind of guy."

Midfielder Jon Bota matched Foley's 30 goals, including seven in the sectionals.

"If we had more spots he would have been Honorable Mention as well," Haddeland said. "He had a very good season, we were very pleased with his play."

The Indians will lose seven seniors to graduation, including four starters.

"We should pretty solid next year," Haddeland said. "I have high expectations again, we're going to keep our expectations high and demand those kids to meet expectations. We want to get the program back to where it was, we've taken steps in the right direction the past couple of years. We're pointed in the right direction, we just need to get over that hump in the semifinal."

CW from Near Right: Okie Bernabo • Chase Thompson • Johnny McGuigan • Kevin Carey. Photos by Skip Pearlman