The Phantoms boys lacrosse team will have their work cut out for them if they are to make a similar run as last year's team, who eventually lost in the Suffolk County finals to John Glenn.
Bayport-Blue Point will start the season with three tough games, including a rematch with John Glenn on April 5. There are very few easy games in League II, and the Phantoms will need to rely on returning starters Mike DeBlasio, Brian White and Frank Gluchoski to provide leadership if the team is to be successful once again.
Record last year: 13-3
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Head coach: Mike Luce (5th season)
Top players:
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- Mike DeBlasio, attack
- Brian White, attack
- Frank Gluchoski, defense
Key losses: The Phantoms graduated goaltender Ryan Hughes, who is now playing at Fairfield University. Replacing Hughes between the pipes will not be easy and his absence could prove costly for the Phantoms in some close games.
Expectations: Regardless of the loss of Hughes, the Phantoms still project as one of the top teams in League II. But coach Luce wouldn't just be happy with a league title.
"We want to go to the county finals," he said. "We’d be disappointed with anything less.
Big games: The Phantoms' schedule wastes no time getting difficult quickly, with three important early-season matchups.
"Our first three games are huge," said Luce. "We’ve got Sayville, then John Glenn, then Shoreham-Wading River. That’s how we start the season."
They've got a bit of a break before they see Mount Sinai on May 11, a game which could have big playoff implications.
