There is a reality Suburban Council boys lacrosse teams must face up to these days. If you’re not Niskayuna or Shenendehowa, you’re playing for third place.
Shaker coach Shawn Hennessey and Colonie coach Mike Joyce both said as much when describing what the Suburban Council landscape will be in 2015.
“Obviously Niskayuna is the best, and then Shenendehowa is No. 2,” said Joyce. “After that, teams three through six … anybody can beat anybody.”
“Niskayuna is going to be very good this year, and Shen is going to be very good this year,” said Hennessey. “But looking around at what we’ve been seeing … everybody else in the Suburban Council is getting more talented.”
Colonie and Shaker each have several veterans to rely on this season, but the trick will be to get everyone playing at a high level.
“We have very good leadership, but as coaches we have to put all of the pieces together,” said Hennessey.
“This is one of the hardest working groups I’ve ever had,” said Joyce. “They want to work hard.”
Colonie’s veteran core includes attacker Joe Mineau and midfielder Liam Dollard, along with defensemen Dylan Ngu and Ryan Dongelewic. Goaltender CJ Alessandra is also back.
“We’re going to depend on our returning starters and our returning players to lead us this year,” said Joyce.
Shaker’s offense is bolstered by the return of Stephen Rehfuss and Matthew Woods. The two attackers were among the Blue Bison’s leading scorers last year, and Hennessy said he expects nothing less than that from them this year.
“I’ll take five Stephen Rehfusses and five Matt Woods, and place them into any position on the field any day of the week,” said Hennessey.
Defensively, the Blue Bison return Brendon Closs and Sean Sisto. Veteran goaltenders Andrew Leahey and Christian Schupp are battling each other for the starter’s role this year.
“Having a goaltending competition sets the tone for having a defensive competition, which sets the tone for having other competitions (on the team),” said Hennessey.
The crosstown rivals meet for the first time this season Monday, March 30, at The College of Saint Rose. Before that, Colonie travels to Section 3’s Rome Free Academy Saturday, March 28, for a non-league game.
