South Side leans on defense

South Side will rely on its experience on defense and between the pipes to make another run to the Nassau Class B boys’ lacrosse semifinals after doing so in each of the past three seasons.

In last spring’s playoffs, the Cyclones defeated MacArthur and Wantagh on the way to another appearance in the county Final Four at Hofstra. They went 10-8 overall but graduated most of their offensive weapons.

“We have a lot of younger guys, especially on attack and in the midfield,” coach Steve DiPietro said. “It’s going to take some time for the offense to jell and develop chemistry, but we have an experienced defense to lean on while that’s happening.”

The season opener was encouraging at both ends of the field, DiPietro said, as South Side posted its first shutout since 2000 and scored nine assisted goals in a 14-0 win over rebuilding East Meadow. Two new starting attackmen, junior Brian Albertsen (two goals, two assists) and senior Jackson Modico (two goals, one assist), along with third-year starting midfielder Jack Kimmel (two goals, one assist), got the campaign going on a positive note.

Kimmel comes off a productive year and is carrying the torch for an otherwise unproven offense. The Towson-bound Kimmel has excellent lacrosse IQ, stick skills and sees the field well, DiPietro said. “He knows he’s going to draw a lot of defensive attention and we’ll ask him to do a little bit of everything,” the coach noted.

Senior Cameron Dunn brings varsity experience at midfield, while sophomore Tim Mann is ready for the big stage after a solid JV campaign in 2017. Sophomores Rich Petrone and Aidan Kelly are both getting reps in the faceoff X.

Up front, Modico enjoyed a strong camp, DiPietro said, and will work on the right side. “He’s moving well off the ball and playing with confidence,” DiPietro said. Albertsen’s vision makes him a nice fit for behind the cage, while sophomore William Pickett (two assists in opener) has ideal size on the left side. Additional contributors on attack include shifty junior Connor Langdon (two goals in opener) and sophomore Griffin O’Shea.

“The offense has a lot of potential, but we know it might take a while to click,” DiPietro said.

Many of the key pieces in the defensive zone returned, including Honorable Mention All-County long pole sophomore Nick LiCalzi. “He’s going to get the toughest defensive assignment every game,” DiPietro said. “He’s big, strong and fast and an All-America candidate.” Sophomore Ezavier Brewster has a combination of athleticism, speed and skill, and leads the defensive group of middies. In close, senior All-Conference selection Chris Coico is a physical presence and senior Bobby Meindl is rock-steady. Both are returning starters. Joining them is senior Casey Long, who saw time as a reserve a year ago.

The Cyclones, seeded fourth in Class B behind Garden City, Manhasset and Hewlett, have senior goalie J.T. McCarthy as their last line of defense. “He’s a vocal leader who stands tall in the cage and ignites our clearing game,” DiPietro said.