New York high school boys lacrosse groundball leaders

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Manhasset's boys lacrosse program is one of the most tradition-rich and successful in the nation.

The Indians started the first varsity lacrosse team on the hotbed of Long Island back in 1932 and have won three state titles the last 12 years, most recently in 2010. Manhasset advanced to last spring's state final, where it fell to Victor.

One of the keys to success is something anyone familiar with lacrosse knows full well is a crucial ingredient to winning championships. In fact, it's what Manhasset players and coaches chant whenever they break a huddle.



"Groundballs!"

While faceoffs are critical in the possession game, there is no area in lacrosse in which possessions are decided as frequently as groundballs. A groundball occurs when a player scoops up a ball off the ground, turning a loose ball into possession – and possibility a scoring opportunity or goal -- for his team.

Here's a look at New York state players who have hit the ground running so far this season – quite literally.

Stats are current as of Monday, April 11. Know of somebody who should be on the list but isn't? Encourage their coach to add stats to MaxPreps, and if the coach needs assistance, contact support@maxpreps.com to find out how to get set up.

See the New York boys lacrosse state leaderboards

1. Owen Hill, Akron - Soph - M
48 groundballs - 16.0 per game - 3 games

2. Carlos Forde, Minisink Valley (Slate Hill) - Jr - M/A
44 - 14.7 - 3



3. Brandon Boccia, Pine Bush - Sr - M
35 - 8.8 - 4

4. Ronald Shul, Orchard Park - Sr - M
34 - 8.5 - 4

5. Griffin Loughran, Orchard Park - Sr - M
28 - 7.0 - 4

6. Josh Keitz, Long Beach - Sr - M
25 - 5.0 - 5

7. Jake Demko, Carthage - Frosh - M
24 - 6.0 - 4

8. Devin Lajoie, Carthage - Sr - M/A
24 - 6.0 - 4



9. Frankie Wise, Pine Bush - Fr - D
24 - 6.0 - 4

10. Nick Pesola, Pine Bush - Sr - D/A
21 - 5.3 - 4

11. Mason Lewis, Medina - Soph - M
21 - 5.3 - 4

12. Cain Tagliagambe, Long Beach - Sr - M
18 - 3.6 - 5

13. Kyle Christie, Long Beach - Sr - LSM
18 - 3.6 - 5

14. Dylan Highers, Carthage - Sr - M
17 - 4.3 - 4



15. Tim Schof, Pine Bush - Sr - M
17 - 4.3 - 4

16. Grayson Ground, Akron - Soph - M
16 - 5.3 - 3

17. Brian Manwaring, Roosevelt (Hyde Park) - Sr - D/LSM
16 - 4.0 - 4

18. Jack Hamel, Roosevelt (Hyde Park) - Sr - A
16 - 4.0 - 4

19. Thomas Roder, Orchard Park - Sr - LSM
16 - 3.2 - 5

20. Vincent Gonzales, Long Beach - Jr - LSM
15 - 3.8 - 4

Multimedia news and sports editor and producer Joe Lombardi is director of media initiatives and managing editor of the DailyVoice.com, as well as the primary author of the most recent edition of "Lacrosse for Dummies." Follow Joe on Twitter @Joe_Lombardi.