South-valley teams aim to continue lacrosse dominance
by Jarad Eborn, Deseret Morning News
The Utah high school lacrosse title regularly comes from a team in the south valley. In 2007, the traditional powers aim to make sure that doesn't end.
Robby McKell of Alta makes a throw ahead of Drew Roberts of Brighton High during their match at the Eighth Annual Beetdigger Lacrosse Tournament in South Jordan on March 17. (Brian Nicholson, Deseret Morning News)
Brian Nicholson, Deseret Morning News
Robby McKell of Alta makes a throw ahead of Drew Roberts of Brighton High during their match at the Eighth Annual Beetdigger Lacrosse Tournament in South Jordan on March 17.
Waterford, Alta, Bingham, Juan Diego, Jordan and Riverton all count themselves among the best lacrosse teams in the state and are each doing little to dispel that notion.
"Our expectations are to win our conference and play deep into the state tournament. We started the season slowly last year and finished up winning five of the last six through hard work and increased intensity in practice and games," Alta coach Taylor Cotterell said. "This increased our confidence and expectations coming into the 2007 season."
Meanwhile, the Silverwolves at Riverton hope to join the big-boys club and are playing well as the season enters its second month.
"I feel we will be one of the teams to beat this year. I feel we have more individual athletic talent than we have ever had," said a confident Riverton coach Jason Wiscott. "Our defense is real physical and has shown that you will pay the price if you come near the crease, which will make some teams scoring threats pass the ball rather than get hit. As always, we play clean but fight for every ball."
Bingham took its share of lumps a year ago, but coach Mark Roothoff said the Miners are a better, more experienced team this year.
"After a very disappointing season last year our boys came back to practice this year with incredible focus and resolve," Roothoff said. "If we are able to get the ball into the offensive end of the field, we should be a very good team."
Waterford gets is due share of preseason respect, of course, but Alta appears ready to challenge the Ravens for division supremacy.
"We have midfielders that can control the field, attackmen that can possess the ball and score, and defensemen that can lock people down," Cotterell said. "The challenge will be integrating the three areas of the game."
Brighton and Bingham players fight for a loose ball in their March 17 contest. (Brian Nicholson, Deseret Morning News)
Brian Nicholson, Deseret Morning News
Brighton and Bingham players fight for a loose ball in their March 17 contest.
Here's a brief look at each team in Division A South:
ALTA: The Hawks are widely considered one of the favorites to rule the southern half of Division A. Led by Josh Snyder, Landon Smith and Chandler Sehlmeier in the midfield, Alta has skill in excess. An offensive attack featuring Chris Nash, Sean Peterson and Tyson McDonald will also keep the Hawks alive in games while defender Colton Hansen and goalie Blake Bowen have Alta off to a great start for coach Taylor Cotterell.
BINGHAM: The Miners have opened the season on a hot streak behind the offense of Austin Roothoff. The junior was the leading scorer for Bingham last year and is tormenting opposing goalies again with 23 points through the first four games of the season. Seniors Jake Story and Chad Richards also return after strong years. The Miners hope to improve their defense and be in the thick of things when the playoffs roll around.
BRIGHTON: Jason Beck and Matthew Balk lead a balanced offensive attack for the Bengals. Sebastian Zimmerman leads the way in the net and Brighton will also count on contributions from Alex Chase and Jeff Steenblik.
JORDAN: Traditionally one of the stronger teams in the state, the Beetdiggers are going through a bit of change as Mike Pappas takes over the coaching duties. Still, Jordan is considered a favorite again behind the defense of Scott Goldsmith, Brad Millet and goalie Ryan Swayte. Jordan's offense is paced by Kevin Gee, Steven Wright and Chris Weinberger.
JUAN DIEGO: Another traditionally strong team, the Soaring Eagle expects to challenge for a division title and run deep into the playoffs. Coach Patrick Lambert has a talented offensive front with Josh Condas, Tyler Kunz and Alex Burckle scoring in bunches. Keeper Dallas McClellan has taken a lot of shots so far but has one of the best save percentages in the state.
Drew Roberts of Brighton High gets the ball knocked away by Brandon Nash of Alta High during their matchup. (Brian Nicholson, Deseret Morning News)
Brian Nicholson, Deseret Morning News
Drew Roberts of Brighton High gets the ball knocked away by Brandon Nash of Alta High during their matchup.
MOUNTAIN VIEW: The Bruins are enjoying a successful preseason with a handful of wins over Division B foes from Utah County. Winning against Division A teams, though, will require added focus and more defense from the likes of Tyler Riffle, Steve Boles and Phil Nielsen. Joshua Miles is the keeper while Taylor Gilbert and Curt Lindquist are being looked to for offensive punch.
MURRAY: The Spartans opened the regular season with a couple of wins and coach Jadee Talbot hopes to see that success carry deep into the season. Richard Jew leads Murray in goals while Ryan Margetts and John Timothy are also able to score when needed. Goalkeeper Thomas Wirthlin has a 0.75 save percentage so far and is tough to get a ball past.
RIVERTON: Tough defense is the name of the game for the Silverwolves. Coach Jason Wiscott led the team to a great year in 2006 and it looks like a repeat is in order this year with Benny Lock, Matt Maughan and Justin Knaras scoring well. Newcomer Josh Holland joins the offensive attack and is already paying off for Riverton.
WATERFORD: Always a threat, the Ravens return for another big run at a state championship. Senior Mark Manning may be as good a player as the state has and had 10 goals and four assists in Waterford's first two games. Sunn Kim and Roarke Jennings are also expected to contribute to the offense while Ian Wade takes over in the crease.