After missing the playoffs two straight years, the Sewanhaka Indians Boys lacrosse team will face tougher odds if it hopes to advance to postseason play in 2014.
The Indians, who start their season March 24 at Oyster Bay, will be playing out of Section 8, Nassau Conference II (Class B) this year; a bump up from their usual spot in Nassau Conference III (Class C). Typically, the schools are divided by enrollment.
“There are no gimmies in this league,” said nine-year coach Peter Burgess. “We were the last team to make this league in terms of population. They kind of drew the line below us. So we’re the smallest school in the league.”
Burgess said another obstacle for the Indians will be facing teams that they have no experience playing before.
“You become familiar with teams that you usually play, like a Beth Page, like a Lynbrook, a Great Neck North,” he said. “We would’ve preferred our other (Class C) division. But we can’t do anything about that now.”
The Indians are returning seven starters from last year’s team that finished 7-8. One of them includes senior defender Tyler Reginer, who has committed to play lacrosse at Rutgers University next year.
“He’s probably our focal point,” Burgess said. “He’s just a student of the game, loves playing, tough kid and a phenomenal defenseman.”
Senior goalie Jake Mellen will be entering his third season as starter.
“He makes some saves that no one should be making,” said Burgess. “He has the potential to carry the team one way or another.”
Other returning members include juniors Brenton Mighty, a midfielder and Peter Militano, an attackmen. Militano led the team in goals scored for the past two seasons. Also playing attack, is Reginer’s younger brother, Trevor, a sophomore, who led the team in assists a year ago.
“Once he gains more experience and confidence, sky is the limit for him,” said Burgess of Trevor. “He’s going to be a really really good player.”
Burgess said that although the starters are skilled and experienced; his team does lack depth.
“We have some holes in midfield, attack and defense,” said Burgess. “We’re going to have to put some pieces together.”
The Indians begin the league part of the schedule April 1 at home against Garden City, the two-time defending Class B state champions.
“Garden City is the probably the favorite again this year,” said Burgess. “But there are a lot of really good teams, Long Beach, Southside, Wantagh, really everyone.”
