Memory lane, clutch wins spark boys lacrosse
HUNTLEY — Huntley’s nine boys lacrosse senior leaders took some time during senior night festivities and after a 13-6 win over Hampshire to go down memory lane May 11.
The Red Raiders that day were also awarded the top seed at the IHSA Grayslake North sectional and had won nine straight matches. Head coach Dominic Saccomanno has had a long coaching relationship with the Class of 2023, dating back to U12 summer tournaments.
“I remember meeting coach Saccomanno for the first time,” senior Liam Manning said. “It’s like he has been coaching us forever. We’ve been psyched up for senior night since the start of the season.”
Manning has played lacrosse for 10 years now as has classmate Connor Ardell.
“I feel we’re getting better and better,” Ardell, who is headed to Rockhurst College near Kansas City, Mo., said. “I’m looking forward to college, too, because I will be in the same conference as one of my best friends, AJ Baumley (Lewis University in Romeoville).”
Senior Justin Jacobsen recorded five goals, a career best, to lead the Red Raiders, who jumped out for an early lead that grew to 10-1 which led to a 13-6 victory.
“We’re playing pretty solid,” Jacobsen said.
Seniors honored also include Josh Witt, Wyatt Mizerk, Tyler Readinger and Ben Wiley. They have between two to 10 years experience playing lacrosse.
HHS, ranked 14th in Illinois boys lacrosse, stood at 12-3 after the win and 6-0 in the Fox Valley Conference with two league matches remaining. They downed Cary-Grove, also a contender, with a 12-7 victory May 9. League play concluded with games against Dundee-Crown and Crystal Lake South.
“We’re the first seed (at sectional) and Hampshire is the second seed but we wanted to show we are the clear first seed,” Saccomanno said. “The key was winning the face offs. Offensively we stayed with what was comfortable and it was good that not just one guy did the scoring.”
The Red Raiders’ post-season opening round is against the Grant-Crystal Lake South winner May 22.
