Are You Ready to Play?

Season previews, picking the best stick, new coaches and more.

Gameplay is less than a month away for high school teams across the state, and college teams are already hitting the field for their earliest games. We hope you are getting your bodies and minds ready to play, as 2025 is shaping up to be a great season.

The Utah Lacrosse Report is going to be introducing some new features this season, but we will need your help!

• Player highlights We want to know who is doing great things and spotlight them in the report! Let us know who we should consider!

• Events and clinics If you have something coming up, let us know! We would like to have a full listing of events where players can meet, mingle, and hone their skills.

You can send your events and player considerations to UtahLaxReport@gmail.com. Use that address for story ideas or sponsorship consideration as well. We want to thank our first sponsor Minerstown Park City for their support. Look for their advice on keeping in shape and conditioning in coming editions of the Utah Lacrosse Report.

Boys 5A Preview

By George Eagleston

As the lacrosse season approaches, we interviewed some of last year's top teams to see how they are gearing up for the new year.

Brighton (2024 5A Champions)

Brighton will maintain most of its key players from last year, including Gabe Carerra, Jaxson Webster, Austin Taylor, and Andrew Salinas. The team is also eager to see the impact of new additions Carson Hanks and Luke Cole. Brighton’s goals for the season remain unchanged: be competitive in every game, win the region, and win the state championship.

Head Coach Christopher O'Donnell is most proud of the team’s style of play. He emphasizes that Brighton aims to be big, strong, and fast, making it clear that any team facing them knows they are in for a battle.

Park City

Park City's head coach, Michael Persky, views this year as a rebuilding season after losing many key players, especially on defense. Despite this, the team will still have a strong lineup, with key returners like Sam Gould, Wade Birch, midfielders Reece Smith and Tommy Davis, dynamic offensive player Ian Marsland, and faceoff specialist Becker Ruzak. Persky is also excited about new players such as freshman defenseman Reid McCurdy and junior LSM Wyatt Williamson.

Park City plans to take the season one game at a time, with a strong off-season behind them. Persky is especially proud of the character of his players, noting that they care about each other and the program.

Their mantra: Every day is a great day to play lacrosse.

Olympus

Olympus will field a much younger team this year after graduating 17 seniors. Although they will have 8 seniors, there will be significant contributions from underclassmen stepping into larger roles.

Coach Nick Merrell highlights several strong aspects of the team, including defensemen Dimitri Savas, Thomas Parker, Thomas Ockey, Alex Pugh, and James Schlendorf. On offense, Kevin Clinger, Talmage Beynon, and James Cannon at attack have been developing into a fantastic unit. Midfielders Gabe Gordon, Brigham Thompson, Cameron Johnson, Jacob Buxton, Kai Rossi, Drake Woolley, and Chase Taylor will also be crucial. Newcomers such as Kai Rossi (A/M), Xander Phillips (D), Nate Thompson (LSM), and Andrew Borden (G) are expected to make an impact.

Olympus’s goals remain the same: start strong, win Region 6, make the playoffs, and push for a championship. Coach Merrell is most proud of the team’s family culture, which he believes is integral to the team's success.

Their mantra: "One Team, One Family" (abbreviated as OTOF)

Roy

Roy will experience significant changes this year. Due to the opening of a new high school in Weber County, there has been substantial turnover. Only four starters and seven players in total are returning from last year’s squad, resulting in a new team dynamic.

Key returning players include goalie Hank Mullen, defenders Wes Barker and Alfie Hurtado, attack Tyler Dickson, and midfielder Kenai Sudyka. New additions such as defenders Beau Brown, Raidyn Clippinger, and Luke Farr, midfielders Bryton Ketcham and Riley Boudreau, and attacker Carden Scheib are expected to contribute heavily.

Coach James Dickson sees this as a rebuilding year but is excited about the leadership and growth of his senior players.

Their mantra: Nothing will be easy; everything will be earned.

Alta

Alta is not expecting major changes this year, as they are returning a lot of experienced players. Key returners include Braxton Horoba, Colton Tueller, and Cole Lyman, along with some younger players looking to make a bigger impact.

Coach Brandon Horoba is most proud of the team’s chemistry and camaraderie, as the players truly enjoy being together. Alta’s goal this year is to compete in every game and give their best effort.

Their mantra: Be the One.

Boys 6A Preview

By Tiger Parkin

As the 2025 lacrosse season approaches, teams across the state are gearing up for another exciting year of competition. Last year’s Utah 6A high school state championship games showcased incredible talent, thrilling finishes, and the emergence of new stars. With key players returning and experienced coaches leading the way, the battle for this year’s title is expected to be just as intense.

On the boys' side of 6A, there are six new coaches among the 18 teams. Additionally, both coaches from last year’s state championship game have stepped down. Aaron Ika, who coached Corner Canyon for seven years, has moved out of state, and assistant coach Jeff King has taken over the position. King brings a wealth of experience, having coached previously in New York and Pennsylvania, and boasts a career record of 150 wins. At Davis High School, Coach Dillion Yocom stepped down after four seasons, handing the reins back to his father, Trevor. The elder Yocom is part of an elite group of Utah coaches who have won 100 or more games and comes out of retirement to add to his 117 career victories.

Corner Canyon and Park City are the only boys' teams to appear in the championship game every year since the Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) sanctioned lacrosse starting in the 2019-2020 season. (Note: that season had no championships due to COVID.) Corner Canyon has won all four of its 6A championships, while Park City holds a 2-2 record in 5A. It will be interesting to see if both teams can maintain their championship streaks.

Boys’ 6A Championship Recap

The 2024 6A boys’ lacrosse state championship was nothing short of unforgettable. Corner Canyon, led by head coach Aaron Ika, edged out Davis High in a double-overtime thriller, securing a 12-11 victory and the state title. Corner Canyon had blown a 4-goal lead in the fourth quarter as Davis forced overtime with five minutes left in the game. Davis, known for its strong defensive core, pushed Corner Canyon to the limit, proving they are a top contender in the classification. The Davis team is recognized for its athleticism, physical defense, stellar goaltending, and scrappy, high-energy offense.

As the 2025 season begins, both programs are expected to be among the favorites once again. Corner Canyon will look to defend its title, aiming to extend its championship streak to five and remain the face of Utah lacrosse. Meanwhile, Davis will seek redemption. With several returning standouts on both rosters, another deep playoff run is highly likely for these two powerhouse programs. Corner Canyon will face the challenge of replacing its two leading scorers, who graduated or transferred, and will need to rely on defense, goaltending, and young players to step up offensively. On the other hand, Davis returns its top two scorers and three of its top four, along with solid defensemen. The main question for them is in goal and how they will replace All-American Hunter Keller.

Rewatch the game here:

How to Pick Your Perfect Stick

By Kaia Anderson

Feeling overwhelmed finding the perfect stick for you? Whether it’s your first time picking up a stick, or your hundredth, a good stick can change the game for you. There are many resources here in Utah to help you find the best stick for you. We asked Fish Bartlett at Tribal West Lacrosse to give us his picks for the best sticks for every position.

Remember that your position impacts what stick is the best for you. No matter what stick you choose, remember that it’s the player, not the stick! Check for warranties and try before you buy if possible.

Women’s Sticks

Choosing the best stick for you can depend on multiple factors such as your position and personal preferences. Find a stick with a good built-in pocket to avoid the hassle of breaking in a new stick.

Attackers: Look for a lightweight stick with a good pocket for sharp passes and accurate, but powerful shots.

• Gait Apex – The Gait Apex is the perfect stick for Attackers and Midfielders because of its versatility. The flex mesh pocket has perfect hold and control over every part of the head, which is ideal for sharp passes and accurate shots. The shape of the head is designed for quick groundball pickups.

• STX Aria Pro with Lock Pocket—The Aria Pro is made for attackers. Its lightweight shaft allows for a quicker, controlled release. The Lock Pocket increases the durability and hold of the ball, ensuring it won’t bag out.

• Gait Whip 2 – The Gait Whip 2 has a double sidewall that creates a widened pocket, perfect for catching. The smaller shape of the head creates a “whip” in your release for faster and more precise shots.

Defenders: You need a stick that is good for scooping up ground balls and checking your opponent.

• Gait Air D – The Gait Air D is a lightweight stick that benefits the player with the quick-release scoop for groundballs and faster outlets. The shape of the head is Gait’s newest “ball dislodgement technology” that creates more accurate checks.

• STX Cruz Pro Elite – The STX Cruz Pro Elite is the perfect lightweight stick for defenders that assists in quick releases and accuracy. “STX Speed Scoop™ technology provides top string protection, as well as improved ground ball pick-up”.

• STX Fortress 700 – The STX Fortress 700 was created with defenders in mind. The shorter sidewall height provides a deeper pocket that allows a speedy scoop for groundball pickups.

Midfielders: This position has many jobs on the lacrosse field. It all starts at the first whistle off the draw. Finding a stick that creates an advantage during the draw that can carry you to the goal is critical.

• Gait Draw – The Gait Draw is the perfect draw stick for midfielders who are draw specialists. The curved pocket creates a hold on the front and backside of the stick, allowing the player to have control of the ball as soon as the whistle blows. The shape of the head is a great advantage to the player by hooking the ball into their pocket during the draw.

• Gait Apex – The Gait Apex is the most ideal stick for midfielders. The flex mesh pocket has a perfect hold and has control over every part of the head, ideal for sharp passes, accurate shots, and draw controls.

• STX Fuse – The STX Fuse is the first ever one-piece stick that eliminates rattling. The lightweight stick is perfect for midfielders allowing them to have faster passes and shots. The durability of the stick is perfect for the contact that midfielders are taking all over the field.

Goalies: This may be the most important job on the field, so goalies really need to be careful when choosing a stick. Look for pocket depth and a good quality shaft that helps with clears and one that has a comfortable reach for you.

• STX Eclipse 2 – The STX Eclipse 2 is ideal for goalies with an increased strength that isn’t too heavy for the goalie. The scoop design is perfect for quick interceptions and groundballs.

• STX Eclipse 3 – The STX Eclipse 3 is the “stiffest goalie head yet”. The stiffness allows you to stop more shots with less foldback on the top of the head. The Speed Scoop™ helps pick up groundballs faster than ever.

Men’s

Pairing the right head with the right shaft is critical in men’s lacrosse. Finding the head that works best for your position as well as a high-quality string job. Players should decide if they prefer a metal or composite shaft. Metal is more durable as it can bend and dent without much damage, while composite is lighter but less durable for damage.

Attack: Look for a shorter stick with a lower pocket for an upright cradle, in close finishing, and feeding. One that is very controlled for better agility and accuracy in passes and shots. The head and the shaft depend on the player's preferences.

Best Shafts

• ECD Carbon Pro 3.0 Power,

• Maverick Hyperlite

Best Heads

• Maverik Optik 3.0

• Maverik Tactic 3.0

• ECD Ion

O-Mid & D-Mid: O&D-Mid should look for a medium-length stick with a head that is very controlled and balanced for a good offensive play, while also dominating on the defensive end. A stiff head that is good for shooting on the run or a time and room shot. Scoops specifically for groundballs and checking. The head and the shaft depend on the players’ preferences.

Best Shafts

• STX Ci-Ti

• ECD Focus

Best Heads

• STX Surgeon 1K

• Nike Lakota 3

• STX Stallion 1K

D-Pole: A wider durable and strong D-Pole that remains light for maneuvers is the best stick for a D-Pole or LSM. The head and the shaft depend on the player's preferences.

Best Shafts

• STX Sc-Ti

• Maverick Caliber

Best Heads

• Maverick Havok 2

• STX Hammer 1K

• ECD DNA 2.0

Goalie: Look for pocket depth and a good quality shaft that helps with clears and one that has a comfortable reach for you. The head and the shaft depend on the player's preferences.

Best Shafts

• STX Sc-Ti Goalie

• Stringking Metal King Pro

Best Heads

• STX Eclipse 3

• ECD Impact Goalie

• Gait GCG Command Goalie

Faceoff: Look for a strong shaft and a flexible and durable faceoff head to dominate during the faceoff. The head and the shaft depend on the player's preferences.

Best Shafts

• STX

• Sc-Ti

Best Heads

• ECD Weapon X 2.0

• STX X-IT Flex

• Stringking Mark 3 V

Best String

• ECD Hero X Faceoff Mesh

Best Stringing:

• ECD Hero 4.0 Mesh

• Stringking Type 5s Mesh

• ECD East Coast Dyes Hero String

New Season, New Coaches

There will be some new faces on the sidelines this year! We asked them to tell us a little about themselves.

Devin Williams

My boys got me involved in lacrosse back in 2014 when my son asked me to coach an indoor team during the winter months and I coached youth boys rec and club teams for 10 years. I have served as the program director for the Davis youth boys program since 2017 and founded the Davis/Farmington youth girls program, with lots of support from the community, in 2021 coming out of COVID. My daughter, Emma, started playing lacrosse her freshman year (2020). I have been the JV girls coach at Davis the last two years and I am excited to be the new head coach at Davis.

Adam Knighton

I am the new coach for Bonneville HS. I discovered my passion for lacrosse in 8th grade, playing through the Fremont High School program and representing them until I graduated in 2013. I then played at Southern Virginia University under MCLA Hall of Fame Coach Jason Lamb, where I developed the foundation for my coaching philosophy. Since then, I’ve honed my skills coaching various junior lacrosse teams and Syracuse High School. After a brief hiatus, I’m thrilled to return to the game I love and lead a growing program.

Ramsey Henderson

My name is Ramsey Henderson, and I'm the head coach of the West High School boy's lacrosse team. This will be my second year of coaching and first year as a head coach. I have spent the past seven years in Colorado and Utah, but originally from Connecticut and that is where my passion for the game started. I have been around the sport of lacrosse all my life as a player, referee, coach and now head coach. My goal is to expose Downtown Salt Lake to the wonders of the game and build a program that honors the great tradition of lacrosse set forth by the First Nation tribes.