By Jake Luce
Maxpreps.com
In recent years South Carolina boys lacrosse has been dominated by a few select teams. With the influx of new programs in the Greenville and Charleston areas, the competition has stiffened. Here is a look at how the best programs in the state are doing so far this season:
Wando (6-0)
In only its second season of lacrosse, Wando High School, near Charleston, has proven that it can compete with the best teams in the state. In six games this spring, the Warriors have produced three shutouts and have an average margin of victory of more than 13 goals per game.
On March 18, the Charleston Lacrosse Club played host to Wando, only to be handed its worst loss of the season, 19-3. The Warriors head into their spring break with an impressive 6-0 record. Their ability to make it to the championship game in their first season proves that successful programs are waiting to blossom in South Carolina.
Coach Garret Rosecrans knows the team is dependent on its seniors.
“Once the new players got a little taste of the sport they ate it up. Now they are back with some experience and they feed off the seniors’ enthusiasm," Rosecrans said.
Even though the rest of the season should test their ability, the Warriors have already beaten solid competition in Hilton Head, Bluffton and White Knoll. After the break Wando has five games remaining, including three arduous contests to end the season against Bluffton, A.C. Flora and Heathwood Hall.
“We are really excited to test ourselves against those teams and once we do that we should know exactly where we stand in comparison to the competition," Rosecrans said.
Heathwood Hall (4-0)
The Columbia-area private school was the second lacrosse program established in South Carolina and despite considerable success in every season, Heathwood Hall has yet to capture the elusive SCLL championship.
The Highlanders beat Hammond School, 18-6, on March 17 and dominated Fort Mill, 14-1, the following weekend. With the early success, Heathwood has set the stage for another dominant season and has its hopes set high for the 2008 playoffs.
With a handful of returning seniors to lead the offense and a four-year starter in goal, the Highlanders are confident in their abilities.
“Our offensive players are dangerous and deep while the young defense has stepped up sooner than we expected,” assistant coach Greg Roberts said. “The run and gun has been our go-to strategy but we have no problem slowing the game down.”
Unlike many other South Carolina teams, Heathwood Hall boasts a tough out-of-state schedule, with two games against North Carolina private schools: Durham Academy and Christ School.
Like Wando, its toughest competition is scheduled toward the end of the season. The Highlanders cap their arduous schedule with games against Greenville, Hilton Head, Wando and Blythewood.
“We would rather be tested toward the end of the season to create the playoff atmosphere the week before the SCLL tournament starts," Roberts said.
Riverside (7-0)
The Warriors are one of seven Greenville County high schools to adopt lacrosse programs in 2004 and they have quickly proven their ability to compete. Riverside has been consistent throughout the season, with two wins over both Greenville and Mauldin.
Riverside coach Brett Boling feels the midfielders are the backbone of his team.
“We have five real good senior midfielders," Boling said. "We are not very big but we have solid speed and endurance.”
Its weakness lies in its strength of schedule as Riverside doesn't play any of the top teams in the state, other than Greenville. Being untested during the regular season may have a detrimental impact on the Warriors' playoff chances.
They already played three of their remaining six opponents once and have won those games with an average margin of victory of 11 goals.
“Right now we are banged up,” Boling said. “We went into our last game with nine injuries and lost a 10th against Woodmont. Hopefully this spring break will give us a chance to get back to health.”
Even though his team's record is impressive, it's not Boling’s main focus.
“I’m not worried about staying undefeated because if we drop a game it’s not the end of the world," Boling said. "Ultimately we want to compete for the state championship.”
Greenville (5-3)
The two-time defending SCLL champions Greenville Red Raiders will have to overcome some obstacles if they want to make a push for another state championship.
The relatively surprising performance of Riverside in both games earlier this season may have sparked the first lacrosse rivalry in Greenville County.
Greenville’s coach, Shane Lecroy, was complimentary to Riverside’s program.
“(Riverside’s coach) has done a fabulous job with his team this year," Lecroy said. "I am willing to take two early losses against them as long as we get another opportunity towards the end of the season.”
Last year, Greenville graduated 18 players, all of which were starters on the 2006 championship team. This year’s team is junior based, with only one of three seniors in the starting lineup.
Despite the two disappointing losses, Greenville has plenty of time to rebound and make a run in the playoffs.
“Obviously we would rather lose some games early than late,” Lecroy said. “But I’m excited about the rest of the season because we have some really good competition coming up.”
The strength of Greenville’s schedule should be a major advantage during the playoffs as the Red Raiders play Charlotte Latin and Christ School from North Carolina, followed by in-state foes Blythewood and Heathwood Hall toward the end of the season.
Hilton Head (4-2)
The Seahawks are perennial powerhouses in South Carolina and have won the SCLL championship four times already. Despite the consistent success, Hilton Head is off to a difficult start this season, with two losses in its first six games.
After being dominated by Wando, 14-7, and losing a close game against J.L. Mann Academy, 7-6, the Seahawks bounced back with a solid 14-7 win over Bluffton.
Hilton Head plays two strong North Carolina teams in Charlotte Country Day and Providence Day before finishing its season against in-state competition. Its biggest game remaining on the schedule is on April 11, when the Raiders play host to rival Heathwood Hall.
Jake Luce covers South Carolina for MaxPreps. He may be reached at lucej@mailbox.sc.edu.
