South Jersey boys' lacrosse players to watch

Ian Sheekey, Cherry Hill East, senior, attacker. The High Point recruit took center stage in a banner year for his program. He finished his junior season with 30 goals and 26 assists as the Cougars finished with a winning record and won their first-ever playoff game. He should take an even larger role this season.

Mike Githens, Shawnee, senior, attacker. A Lynchburg College recruit, he comes off a monster junior season in which he tallied 47 goals, 14 assists and 24 groundballs while leading his team to a South Jersey Group 3 title. More than that, Githens is stepping into a leadership role on a team that graduated South Jersey's strongest group of seniors.

Paz Gismondi, West Deptford, senior, attacker. One of South Jersey's best all-around athletes, starring in football and lacrosse, he returns this season after recording 24 goals and 14 assists as a junior, giving him 89 goals for his career.

Collin Love, Clearview, senior, attacker. A Stevenson recruit, he turned in a huge junior season, netting 66 goals despite missing time early in the season with an injury. Those numbers could improve this year after the graduation of Matt Donnelly, who netted 75 goals for the Pioneers last year.

Will Corbi, Moorestown, senior, midfielder. He is a solid all-around contributor on what should be a dynamic Moorestown offense. As a junior, Corbi paired 18 goals with 25 assists.

Conor Gaffney, Lenape, senior, midfielder. This Lehigh recruit is one of the state's most well-respected faceoff specialists. He won 79 percent of his faceoffs last season and expects to improve on that number this year. He's a team leader on a team expecting a banner year.

Billy McMenamin, St. Augustine, senior, midfielder. He is another one of the area's elite faceoff specialists. The Fairfield recruit shined last year against the Hermits' independent schedule, arguably the toughest in the state. He could be in for a special senior season on a team searching for its first state title.

RJ Wolf, Cherokee, senior, defender. With a young, inexperienced offense finding its footing, he will be critical to his team's success. He was an all-conference defender as a junior and is poised to again shine against South Jersey's best competition.

Tyler Nolan, St. Augustine, senior, defender. Against an independent schedule that features some of the region's - and the nation's - best high school lacrosse teams, his savvy will be critical to the Hermits' success.

Tyler McCormack, Seneca, senior, goalie. He is known for uncommon athleticism and acrobatic saves, allowing just five goals per game as a junior. More than that, he was one of the most clutch boys' players in South Jersey and led his team to the sectional final.

- Chris Melchiorre
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