Carey builds off strong finish

Carey’s boys’ lacrosse season got off to a difficult start in 2018 as the Seahawks dropped their first six games. However, the team got on a bit of a roll and won a first-round playoff game against Mepham before falling to perennial power Manhasset in the Class B quarterfinals.

As always, Carey (2-3) is playing a killer schedule that includes the likes of Massapequa, Garden City, Manhasset, South Side, and Farmingdale. Despite their record, the Seahawks have improved considerably and should become an even tougher foe as the season goes along.

In a recent loss to visiting Farmingdale, Carey held a one-goal lead, but saw the Dalers rally to take home an 8-7 win. Sophomore Jimmy O’Connell scored three goals and added a pair of assists to lead the Seahawks.

Coach Tom Aiello is optimistic. “We had a very good offseason, and saw a lot of players make big improvements,” Aiello said. “The guys put a lot of time into fitness and conditioning. We’re a lot stronger than we’ve been in the past. The team is a little banged up, so we need to get healthy. We have to cut down on the unforced errors, but I like the way we’re playing.”

Junior attackman Connor Murray is big and physical, and shoots the ball well. Murray, who had seven goals and three assists in the team’s 17-11 victory over Floral Park, leads the team with 13 goals.

O’Connell can create instant offense and is masterful with his stick. He has 11 goals and 14 assists over the team’s first five games. Lefty Michael Faraone, another talented sophomore, found the back of the net four times against Floral Park.

Carey’s play at midfield is a strength. Matt Gaughan, an All-Conference honoree as a junior, has speed and creativity, and sees the entire field. Senior Tim Curtin and junior Tyler Darrell are both playing well. Juniors Jared George and Connor Estes, and freshman Ray Bedeian are handling the faceoffs.

Dean Metzger has a big future in the game. The freshman midfielder is fast, strong between the lines, and has an excellent shot. Sophomore Anthony DeNicola is a defensive-minded midde who can chip in offensively and does a nice job with ground balls. Juniors Steven Frosch and Tyler Kohn are skilled players among a very deep group of middies.

All-Conference recipient Joe Todaro is fast, physical and talented on defense. He’s joined by fellow sophomore Nick Cowen, a player who is excellent at reading plays, intercepting passes, and starting the team in transition. Senior Ben Wettstein is a heady player. Wettstein is off to a great start in 2019.

Senior Patrick McGrath is a force on defense. McGrath is a ground ball magnet who can shoot on the run with the long pole. Junior Robert Flohr replaces an All-County goalie. He had 19 saves in the season-opening loss to Massapequa.

The Seahawks travel to Calhoun for a Conference B1 matchup with the Colts on April 10 at 5 p.m.