Carey looks to peak entering playoffs

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After alternating results for the first three weeks of a grueling Conference I boys’ lacrosse schedule, Carey clicked in all areas to put together its first winning streak of 2021.

The stingy Seahawks allowed a total of 7 goals in defeating South Side (11-2 on May 26) and Port Washington (8-5) over a four-day span to up their record to 5-4 with three games remaining until the Nassau Class B playoffs.

“We’ve played pretty well and we’re starting to show more energy,” Carey coach Tom Aiello said. “We had to deal with some injuries but a few guys returned recently and it’s a big boost. We’re looking to peak at the right time and get as high a playoff seed as we can.”

Goaltending and defense were the stories during the final week of May albeit the Seahawks did score 19 goals in the back-to-back wins. Senior goalies Anthony Lucsczynski (10) and Matt Mantone combined for 19 saves and were the difference, Aiello said, in the victory over Port Washington. Lucsczynski made six stops against South Side and didn’t allow a goal until midway through the third quarter.

“We’re confident in both goalies and they were tremendous against Port,” Aiello said. “Anthony has played about two-thirds of the minutes and we’ll ride him when he’s hot. Both kids work hard and cheer for each other.”

The in-close defense consisting of seniors Joseph Todaro, Nick Cowen and Branden Tello has played tough all year, Aiello said, and beginning to find a groove as of late. Carey allowed double digits in goals only once since opening day.

Todaro stepped on the varsity field as an eighth-grader and earned All-County honors as a sophomore. He’s headed to Johns Hopkins. “He’s a lockdown defender, our groundball leader and someone who sparks our transition game,” Aiello said. Cowen, bound for Delaware, has great instincts and hands, the coach noted, and has a knack for forcing turnovers. He scored in the win over Port. Tello is a strong on-ball defender who gets himself in ideal position, Aiello said.

Carey’s midfield is headed by junior Dean Metzger, who brings a combination of size and speed. He had 17 goals and 13 assists through 10 games — the Seahawks fell 14-9 at MacArthur on June 1. Seniors Anthony DeNicola (8 goals, 5 assists) and Chris Toscano (5 goals, 10 assists) are creative and strong two-way middies, while junior Joe Bonelli is holding his own on draws.

Aiello couldn’t stress enough how much the return of Penn State-bound senior Michael Faraone means to the attack and confidence of the entire squad. “He makes a huge impact,” he said. Senior Jimmy O’Connell, headed to Boston University, is the Seahawks’ leading scorer with 27 goals and 14 assists with five of those points coming against South Side. Senior Gavin Bailey has chipped in 11 goals.