South Side braces for close games

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Coming off an 11-win campaign that included a one-goal victory in the first round of the Nassau Class B boys’ lacrosse playoffs, South Side’s roster features a mix of veterans and newcomers.

Coach Steve DiPietro and the Cyclones, seeded No. 4 in Conference B-II, are bracing for a lot of close games similar to last season. “We brought back a lot of experienced players and also have some younger guys we’re counting on,” DiPietro said. “Everyone has a positive attitude and wants to win. We scheduled the toughest non-league opponents we could find to get us ready for the grind. Our conference is very deep.”

In March, South Side played two of the top three Class A contenders, Syosset and Port Washington, playoff hopeful Baldwin, and Class C contender Cold Spring Harbor. The Cyclones’ first win of 2015 came at home on the 24th against Baldwin, 9-4, behind senior attack Dylan Crossan’s three goals and two assists. Junior Joe Hill and sophomores Mike Leake and Ryan Langdon added two goals apiece.

“The offense is a bit of a work in progress,” DiPietro said. “We’ve had some good spurts. It’s just a matter of becoming more consistent.”

Crossan, an All-County selection and third-year member of the varsity, leads the attack. Through four games, he had five goals and five assists. “He works well behind the cage and makes smart decisions,” DiPietro said. “He’s going to draw the top defenseman and get doubled a lot, so that opens up other things.”

Leake, who found the net 19 times as a freshman, is strong off the ball and in transition, DiPietro said. Leake is a strong finisher in tight spots. Langdon, meanwhile, has emerged as a starter in his first varsity season after scoring five goals in the past two games. “He’s a blue-collar type and gaining more and more confidence with every game,” said DiPietro, who expects seniors Jason Dantona and Brandon Zenick to contribute to the attack.

In the midfield, senior Luke Scaduto is a strong two-way player who also provides leadership. Hill and fellow junior Andrew Livingstone comprise a lefty-righty offensive midfield combination, while sophomore Tim Leake plays a vital role on draws. Leake won 10 of 14 face-offs against Cold Spring Harbor. Seniors Matt Bannon, Sean Buchner, Thomas Moore, and Will Rosa, as well as junior Peter Malizia are additional middies in the rotation.

The defense took an early hit with the loss of junior starter Terence McMenamy to a torn ACL, and DiPietro is looking for juniors Brian Schaefer and Hays Rainis to pick up the slack. Senior Stephen Parker, an All-County choice and All-American finalist, is the backbone of the unit as a long pole. “Parker is our tone-setter,” DiPietro said. “He can do it all.” Senior Steven DiMare serves as the defensive glue and directs traffic, and sophomore Joe LiCalzi brings solid stick skills and quickness.

The last line of defense is senior goalie Dennis LiCalzi, who enjoyed a big 2014 and earned Honorable Mention All-County.