Quarterfinal Recaps & Semifinal Previews
Quarterfinal Recaps & Semifinal Previews
Issue 67
Good morning lacrosse fans. The Semifinals are upon us and I couldn’t be more excited for some great lacrosse next week. Once again, to the Seniors who played your last high school game, we feel you. Don’t let this be the end of your lacrosse journey. There is plenty to do in the lacrosse community to continue helping the game grow.
As always, this newsletter is brought to you by Vessel Kitchen.
Don’t forget to check out your brackets!
Bracket Links
Boys Division A
Boys Division B
Boys Division C
Girls Division A
Girls Division B
Girls Division C
Boys Division A
CC Midfielder Mason Quick, AF LSM Teichert Lisonbee - CBreeze Sports
No. 1 Corner Canyon beat No. 8 American Fork, 18-8.
For the third time this season, the Chargers beat American Fork and the second time in two weeks.
“First off, it is always hard to play a team a third time - especially a well coached team.” said Corner Canyon Head Coach Aaron Ika. “Mason Quick had a statement night. He showed everyone why he is a D-I lacrosse commit and why Utah wanted him to stay home. 7 goals and 3 assists on the night. He was a catalyst for us. It was also great to get Blaze DeGracie back on the field. He makes such a difference between the lines playing unselfish lacrosse and doing anything we ask him to do. I think last, I would remiss to not mention how live our bench was during the game. The boys were loud and brought the hype. They work so hard in practice, I have to give them a shout out. Excited to keep going and I know the boys welcome the challenge of playing a team we haven’t faced yet.”
No. 2 Park City beat No. 7 Mountain Ridge, 13-8.
Park City controlled the game and won took care of business against the Sentinels.
“Mountain Ridge is an outstanding team, well coached and tenacious,” said Park City Head Coach Michael Persky. “However it was clear from the opening faceoff that they were pretty beat up. David Wright was obviously injured yet he toughed it out. Gavin Gann worked hard to try and pick things up. Dylan Ballard was very good for them at the faceoff X, winning every faceoff in the 3rd quarter. However, our defense was tremendous through the first 3 quarters. Jake Jodmilsak had his best game of the season. Canyon Smith was strong on the ball. Our goalie, Bo Hathorne had another solid outing. Offensively, our guys continue to be tremendously unselfish, everyone is a threat and that makes them hard to game plan against. I believe we had 6 different scorers last night, 4 with two goals or more and 7 of our 13 goals were assisted. Our captains, Junior Keller Hopkins and Seniors Tyler Vendetti and Connor Monson continue to provide outstanding leadership. So now it’s on to the next round.”
No. 4 Olympus beat No. 5 Green Canyon, 13-11.
I had the opportunity to be on the broadcast with the Game Night Live Rewind (see the full game below) crew and it was a fantastic game. Both teams traded goals throughout the entire contest. It was an epic battle on the lacrosse field, but it came down to Hutton Murphy scoring two key goals in the fourth quarter to seal the win for the Titans. Olympus scored the first goal of the game off the opening faceoff. Carson Bennion took control from the X and found Murphy on the wing who stung the top right corner on a step down with time and room. Green Canyon took control of the game in the second quarter making the halftime score 7-5 in favor of the Wolves. The third frame was even, 2-2, and the Titans woke up and outscored Green Canyon 6-2 in the fourth.
“The boys found a way to get it done,” said Olympus Head Coach Nick Merrell. “Credit to Green Canyon on punching us in the mouth early but so proud of the guys for fighting back and finding a way to get it done. Looking forward to the semis.”
Ethan Hartsfield led the Titans with 2 goals and 4 assists while Murphy had 3 goals and 2 assists. Camden Rossi and Nate Schettler each had 3 goals and 1 assist.
No. 14 Brighton upset No. 6 Davis, 13-9.
The Bengals continue to pull off upsets and are playing its best lacrosse at the right time.
“It was a very physical game,” said Brighton Head Coach Chris O’Donnell. “Our focus was on clearing the ball effectively against their 10 man ride. And we handled their pressure well. It was one of our best games of the season all around. We excited to be in the final four and looking forward to playing Park City a team we have a lot of respect for.”
Semifinal Preview - Wednesday, May 26 - West Jordan High School
No. 1 Corner Canyon v. No. 4 Olympus - 5pm
The only way I see Corner Canyon losing this game is if they beat themselves. Is that likely? Probably not. I think Olympus can compete if they play a flawless game which means showing up and being in the game for all four quarters.
No. 2 Park City v. No. 14 Brighton - 7pm
On April 27, Park City bested Brighton, 18-7. It was 7-5 at halftime then Park City went on a 11-2 scoring spree in the second half. The Bengals are hoping to continue their upset tour while Park City looks to get back into the championship game after winning the 2019 UHSLL Championship. These two programs have seven combined top tier titles.
Boys Division B
No. 1 Weber beat No. 8 Northridge, 13-11.
Once again, this game was close and competitive. Ace Nichols had 2 goals and 3 assists for Weber while Karter Madsen had 4 goals 1 assist. Luke Green had 7 ground balls and a goal.
“Northridge is a very good team, they were definitely fired up and as expected it was close the whole time,” said Weber Head Coach Alex Gorton. “We played another great team game with multiple contributions on both offense and defense. Our goalie Kole Haymond made some big saves down the stretch to seal the win. I'm most happy with our mental toughness. We had to match Northridge's energy, find our way out of a bad third quarter, and keep our intensity after a 30 minute weather delay near the end of the game. I'm excited for our match up against Alta, last time we saw them was in the 2018 playoffs in a highly contested game (Alta won 12-11).”
No. 7 Westlake upset No. 2 Riverton, 11-0.
“Riverton is a ferocious, talented team,” said Westlake Head Coach Danny Horne. “Their defense played stout and aggressive and their goalie made some phenomenal saves. Their mascot fits them beautifully as they played as a pack of wolves against us. Nothing came easy tonight. They deserve so much credit for their profound respect and sportsmanship throughout the game, too. Riverton’s future is bright! Our goalie and defense were absolutely incredible. A shutout in the playoffs is no small feat and our goalie stood on his head making some incredible saves. Our offense found a good rhythm and were able to get great shots on goal.”
No. 6 Bountiful upset No. 3 Sky View, 11-10.
This game was a true see-saw of a match. Bountiful took an early 4-2 lead after the first quarter but the Bobcats fought back, scoring 5 and allowing 1 in the second quarter, making the score 7-5 at halftime. Bountiful then went on a 4-1 run in the third quarter while both teams scored 2 goals in the final frame, making the score 11-10 for the Braves.
“This was a full team win but our D stepped up in a big moment,” said Bountiful Head Coach Peter Jordan. “We were 3 men down late in the 4th and didn’t give up a goal. Cole Terry came up with 3 big takeaways in the final mins to seal the win.”
Sam Lefevre led the Braves with 4 goals and 2 assists. Hayden Hanson had 4 goals and 1 assist.
No. 4 Alta beat No. 5 Wasatch, 18-9.
The Hawks started the game with a 4-1 first quarter. Both teams scored 3 in the second but then Alta dominated the second half 5-2, 6-3 to win the game, 18-9.
“We had big games from Rogan Babka (4g, 1a),” said Alta Head Coach Brandon Horoba. “Aiden Swanson was great at the X and had 3 goals and 2 assists and Isaac Ross had 3 goals. Defensively we played solid all night with contributions from Cody Allen, Ryan Harris, Andrew Parry, Bode Rockwood and Tyler Parry made some key saves for us. Offense was clicking sharing the ball and moving well. Clearing and riding were keys to tonights win against a solid Wasatch team.”
Semifinal Preview - Wednesday, May 26 - West Jordan High School
No. 1 Weber v. No. 4 Alta - 1pm
These two teams are very similar on paper. They’re also similar in style while both rocking the red chrome Cascade S helmets and red/white/black jerseys. Alta will bring a balanced attack with Berkley Horoba, Will Waddoups, Rogan Babka, Aiden Swanson and Isaac Ross who all have 30 or more goals this season. Ace Nichols (80 goals, 51 assists) and Squish Easley (52 goals, 8 assists) lead the Warriors with support form Corbin Alvord, Ammon Brings and Karter Madsen.
No. 6 Bountiful v. No. 7 Westlake - 3pm
Both teams are coming off upset Quarterfinal wins and will look to continue to the championship game. Braves Midfielder Hayden Hanson has 62 goals and 8 assists coming into this game. Attackman Sam Lefevre has 51 goals and 27 assists. For Westlake, Hunter Hernandez has 40 goals and 34 assists.
Boys Division C
No. 1 Pleasant Grove beat No. 9 Skyridge, 15-4.
Just like the two regular-season matchups, Pleasant Grove cruised to victory. Three Vikings had had-tricks: James Livingston, Lane Berg, Brigham Burbidge.
“We showed up to this game with a solid performance by the defense and offense,” said Pleasant Grove Head Coach Brae Burbidge. “I was very pleased. It’s tough when you draw a team from your own region that you’ve already played twice. There’s always that chance on the third game that you can be upset. Skyridge has always been one of our “friend teams” a lot of kids know each other so even though it was a good win it was bitter sweet. Now we just have to tighten up our game, look forward to Syracuse and play a solid game.”
No. 2 Bear River beat No. 10 Timpanogos, 10-6.
”Braden Munns had 12 saves in goal, and Kaden Carbine dominated the face off X, helping us control possession at critical times,” said Bear River Head Coach Coj Miller. “It was a well fought battle, Timpanogos came to play and made some strong runs. Their goalie made some great stops against several of our door step opportunities. Proud of our boys for playing together and battling through to the end. Each time Timpanogos made a run, our boys responded on both ends of the field. We’ve been talking about the importance of playing together, as a team, all season long, and the Bears did just that today.”
No. 11 Viewmont upset No. 3 Bonneville, 10-5.
This was a surprising result for me considering that Bonneville beat Viewmont twice in the regular-season, 10-7 and 12-3. The Vikings took and early lead and never looked back.
“Goalie Tommy Fraser and our defense keep Bonneville to 3 points or less per half,” said Viewmont Head Coach Don Stringham. “With that locked down on Bonneville offense our scorers where able to maintain possession and find the back of the net. Our offense was able to keep the Bonneville defense moving and fatiguing. We came together and showed how teamwork and selflessness pays off in the long. Boys are riding high right now.”
No. 4 Syracuse beat No. 5 Herriman, 14-7.
The Titans led 5-2 after the first quarter and withstood a 4-2 second quarter from Herriman. The difference in this one was the second half with the Titans dominating the third quarter, 4-0 and winning the fourth quarter, 3-1.
Submitted by Syracuse
Playing the last game on their home field came out tight. For the first quarter, face offs seemed more like rugby’s scrums, Syracuse looking to physically take over which led to a multiple loose ball pushes giving Herriman more possessions. Our offense seemed rushed, causing us to turnover the ball. Herriman looked to control the pace of the game by controlling the ball with patience, almost to a stall on the offensive side. Going into half time Syracuse led 7 to 6, this gave the the Titans a chance to reset and remember that this game is meant to be fun. And they came out to play. The third quarter showed just how smothering this team can be. Led by Ayden Hall the defense held Herriman’s offense scoreless, shutting down 3 EMO. Tate Craig showed that he’s ready for the next level leading the offense and breaking down how great Herriman’s goalie was playing. Final score 14-7.
I have been reviewing the game and trying to figure out what where the keys to leading us through a difficult situation to come out successful. Extremely proud of the staff, the words and tweaks they were able to make to alter the game flow. Coach Anderson who made a few key adjustments off the original game plan that really carried us through that second half.
This really was a team effort game. We pushed our transition opportunities, took care of the ball when possessing and the defense handled their business in the second half. We have a special group of Seniors that have had to handle a lot over the last few years. Already mentioned, Hall leading our defense, Craig on the offensive side, along with midfielders Clay Haacke and Gabe Hansen show up and lead. Through actions, words and character, with these guys goes our team. They are in this together. Go Titans!
Semifinal Preview - Wednesday, May 26 - Bingham High School
No. 1 Pleasant Grove v. No. 4 Syracuse - 4pm
No. 2 Bear River v. No. 11 Viewmont - 6pm
Girls Division A
No. 1 Park City beat No. 8 Farmington, 27-0.
Pure and utter domination from the Miners. Kendall Keblish led with 5 goals and 3 assists. Amelia Livingston had 7 goals while Sophie Neff and Lilly Hunt had 4 goals each.
“Farmington came to play, but our girls dominated the draw - Kendall Keblish, Amelia Livingston, Sam Riely - and the team maintained possession of the ball for the majority of the game,” said Park City Head Coach Mikki Clayton. “We had multiple multi-goal scorers and the attack was extremely cohesive. Our defense and goalies were tough and allowed very few shots on goal. The team is excited and looking forward to the next round of playoffs.”
No. 10 Olympus upset No. 2 Mountain Ridge, 13-6.
”We didn't know what to expect going into the quarterfinals against the No. 2 team in the state who we hadn't seen all season,” said Olympus Head Coach Zana Spratling. “We knew they had beaten Brighton by 2, and we had lost to Brighton by 1 in regionals. Our gut feeling was it would be a closer game than the rankings would make you believe. And the first half reflected that, we ended 6-6. Then my girls decided to play their game. They fought for every ground ball and played the most beautiful high pressure defense I have seen out of them yet. Mountain Ridge had 9 chances to score, but our second half goalie Hope Ward shut them out. Ending 13-6 as the underdog in an incredible feeling.”
No. 11 Waterford upset No. 3 Skyridge, 16-14.
Waterford took a 10-8 lead into halftime and both teams scored 6 goals in the second half.
“Jaime Meyer and Sarah Child came up huge for us offensively,” said Waterford Head Coach Betsy Weidner. “We knew Skyridge was going to be tough, as they are all really athletic girls and they've had a great season. Our team was able to move the ball and find ways around faceguards and double, triple teams. I also could not be more proud of our defensive showing. We knew we'd need to put up a serious fight at that end of the field, and the girls delivered. Carolina Battistone, Chuck Iacobelli and Eena Yu were major players for us defensively. Our draw team fought hard and found a way—I could not be more impressed with our freshman Chuck Iacobelli. She ran the entire game and made some huge plays for us. We are so excited to be in the semifinals this Tuesday.”
No. 4 Brighton beat No. 14 Alta, 19-6.
”We played a complete, consistent, cohesive game,” said Brighton Head Coach Melissa Nash. “I am still smiling! It was the best game we’ve played all season. Our defense stepped up big time with some big stops, starting with our goalie, Sarah Hart. Hunter Doyle had the best game I’ve ever seen her play - she had 4 goals and some huge defensive stops. Our big 3: Zoe Heffernan (5 draws 2 goals), Grace Rappl (3 goals, 2 draws) and Haley Taylor (7 goals, 5 draws), were big again. But more than anything, we played as a team, including our girls on the sideline.”
Semifinal Preview - Tuesday, May 25 - Bingham High School
No. 1 Park City v. No. 4 Brighton - 5pm
Park City went wire to wire as the No. 1 team in the ULR Coaches Poll. Brighton held the No. 2 spot for 5 weeks before taking up the No. 3 spot to finish the season. At the beginning of the season, many thought this would be the championship matchup so I suspect this game will have championship game qualities.
No. 10 Olympus v. No. 11 Waterford - 7pm
The last time these two teams played was on April 9. Waterford was up 10-6 at halftime and the Titans fought back, scoring 7 and allowing 2 in the second half to win, 13-12. I suspect this game will be just as close with each team eying the opportunity to play in a championship game.
Girls Division B
No. 1 Riverton beat No. 9 Juan Diego, 19-7.
Sophie Tatum led the Riverton defense with 9 ground balls and 6 caused turnovers while Izzy Milner and Livia Sargent had 6 goals each.
“We came out with a lot of energy, knowing this would be our last home game,” said Riverton Head Coach Jocelyn Dorton. “We were aggressive on every ride and were able to turn the ball over when it mattered. Juan Diego had a lot of good picks on their attacking side which we had to adapt to quickly. Over all it was a team effort and we had a lot of good connections on the field.”
No. 2 Wasatch beat No. 10 Timpanogos, 11-3.
Grace Erker had 5 goals and 1 assist while Sophia Nielsen had 4 goals for the Wasps in the win.
“While the weather wasn't ideal both teams hustled and left it all on the field,” said Wasatch Head Coach Trish Miller. “Timpanogos is a strong team, we came into the game knowing they are a fast team. As a team we needed to control the tempo of the game by winning draws and slowing down their transitions. Timpanogos had a high pressure defense, I am extremely proud of our offensive adjustments. The girls played tough and executed. We are eager to get to work on Monday in preparation for the Semifinals on Tuesday.”
No. 11 Lone Peak upset No. 3 Box Elder, 17-4.
“The girls came out strong,” said Lone Peak Head Coach Weslie Lundell. “Right from the beginning, clear to the end, they played together as a team and it was definitely a privilege to watch. We had many key shooters who brought a handful of different shots which kept their goalie on her toes. On the defensive side, the girls were able to shut down their top scorer from the outside as well as on penalty shots. Needless to say, I am very proud of my team today.”
No. 5 American Fork upset No. 4 Timpview, 21-9.
“The game was very tight through the first half with AF leading by three,” said American Fork Head Coach Ray Langhaim. “Then we started the second half on fire and never let up. We have 4 girls that scored with Rachel Taylor, and Kat Ledkins leading the way with 6 goals a piece. We have Lilly Snowden playing great defense with 5 caused turnovers. Solid game by the team.”
Semifinal Preview - Tuesday, May 25 - Bingham High School
No. 1 Riverton v. No. 5 American Fork - 1pm
No. 2 Wasatch v. No. 11 Lone Peak - 3pm
This will be a rematch of the March 24 game where Wasatch won, 13-11. Both teams lost to Park City (23-2, 16-3) and beat Highland (13-3, 14-3).
Girls Division C
No. 1 Woods Cross beat No. 9 Payson, 11-7.
No. 7 Bingham upset No. 2 Layton, 15-11.
No. 4 Lehi beat No. 12 Viewmont, 10-5.
No. 14 Westlake upset No. 11 Copper Hills, 12-11.
Westlake was led by Elli Stevenson who had 5 goals and Paige Payne who had 4.
“Elli Stevenson had 5 goals and the most important goal,” said Westlake Head Coach Stash Dabrowski. “Copper Hills tied it up at 11 with about 4-5 minutes left. We were able to get one last shot and goal from Elli that was the difference. We put a lot of pressure on them from the start and built up a 11-6 lead at halftime. They stormed back with 5 unanswered goals. All scored by their star player, Allie Reiser. She was great.”
Semifinal Preview - Tuesday, May 25 - West Jordan High School
No. 1 Woods Cross v. No. 4 Lehi - 4pm
No. 7 Bingham v. No. 14 Westlake - 6pm
Both teams lost to Juan Diego and beat Copper Hills and Springville.
That’s it for today. I’ll send another report on Monday with championship history, an interesting look into how youth programs contribute to high school success and more!
— Tim Haslam