News Summary

The high school lacrosse season in southwest Ohio kicks off this Friday with teams excited to showcase their skills. Preseason rankings reveal St. Xavier leading Division 1, while Mariemont tops Division 2. Anticipation builds for key matchups and standout players, with last year’s impressive performances setting the stage for another thrilling season.

Southwest Ohio Lacrosse Season Kicks Off with Excitement

Greetings, southwest Ohio! As the long-awaited high school lacrosse season is set to start this Friday, anticipation is in the air. Coaches have been working hard during the offseason, preparing their teams for what promises to be an action-packed season filled with thrilling matches and standout performances. Teams across the region have been gearing up, and the preseason rankings are out, revealing who to watch this year.

Division 1 Rankings Are In!

In Division 1, the preseason coaches poll puts St. Xavier at the top, and it’s easy to see why. After an impressive run last year that saw them finish as state runners-up—losing just narrowly to Olentangy Liberty—this team is determined to clinch their second title, the first being in 2018. The standout player to watch for St. Xavier is senior Khalif Hocker. With remarkable skills, he not only made headlines as an Ohio State signee but also etched his name in the record books by scoring six goals in a state final.

Following St. Xavier in the rankings are Mason, Moeller, Centerville, Springboro, and Milford, rounding out the top six. Mason had a strong showing last season with a 14-4 record, making them a formidable opponent, especially with key player Peter Marietta, who tallied an impressive 28 goals and 9 assists. Moeller is another contender, with head coach Stefan Schroder leading a promising squad featuring talents like Jackson Morris and Michael Samoya.

Who’s in the Mix for Playoffs?

Ahead of the curve as well is Lakota East. They bring back senior goalie Max Wilcox, along with senior Cohen Reip, who is a force on defense. Other key players include Nick Tserng and Jackson Uhl, contributing significantly to the team’s offense. Loveland, Sycamore, and Kings also find themselves in the rankings, with Kings looking to recapture glory with Marin Bode, who scored a stellar 72 goals last season.

Division 2 Showcases Talent

Fenwick will also be looking to bounce back despite the loss of their leading scorer, Matthew Swisher, who left behind an impressive legacy of 73 goals and 31 assists. The upcoming game between Mariemont and Fenwick on April 2 is one to mark on the calendar—expect some fireworks!

Key Players to Keep an Eye On

There are numerous talented players to keep an eye on this season. Just mention a few, Leland Beerman from Edgewood with an impressive record of 76 goals and 29 assists, and Parker Beuerlein from Fenwick, who ranked as second-team all-state last year with 69 goals and 23 assists. Other players worth mentioning include Garret Brenkert from Sycamore, who was a vital component in gaining control of ground balls, and Joe Farlaino from Fenwick, who received an honorable mention all-state recognition.

Exciting Times Ahead

Last year was marked by historic performances with Kings, Walnut Hills, and Indian Hill attaining significant milestones in the playoffs. While Walnut Hills faces challenges with the loss of 12 seniors, they still have a solid core returning for this season. Several Division II teams, including Indian Hill and Mariemont, are facing turnover as well but retain key scorers to hold their ground.

As the season kicks off, fans and players alike are buzzing with excitement. With rivalry games brewing and star players ready to shine, it’s safe to say that lacrosse season in southwest Ohio is going to be nothing short of thrilling. Grab your gear and get ready for what’s shaping up to be a fantastic season!

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