Building on Successes

As the 2025 lacrosse season approaches, East United-Eastridge is gearing up for another competitive year. Coming off an 11-6 record last year, the team, last year's Head Coach, London Booker, has moved up to become an Athletic Director and the team will be coached by long-time coach Jim Tillotson who helped to restart the lacrosse program at East and has served as an assistant or Head Coach since 2018.

Looking Back at 2024

In 2024, the team faced both wins and losses. They secured 11 wins while experiencing 6 losses. Out of the 17 games played, 9 were close contests, with the team winning four by a margin of 5 goals or more and losing another four by similar margins. The lacrosse squad scored a total of 130 goals and had 51 assists, averaging 7.6 goals per game while conceding an average of 7.9.
Notably, last year marked the first winning season for the combined team since its inception in 2021, showing significant progress which Coach Tillotson hopes to continue.

A New Core of Leadership

The team bids farewell to 14 graduating seniors who left a significant impact on and off the field. Notable names such as Nkodia Ndongala, who led the team in grounds balls (114) as a face-off specialist (149 wins=60%), and Ronald Dietz (116 saves = 56% last year and a four-year total of 547 saves) will be missed, but they've laid a strong foundation for the next wave of leaders.

Standout Performers

Last season, two freshmen made a remarkable impact: Jahyden Maiorani and Briyceton Thomas. Maiorani led the team with an impressive 45 goals and 10 assists, showcasing his scoring competence. On the defensive end, Thomas led the team in takeaways with 27, demonstrating his ability to disrupt opponents' plays effectively. Unfortunately, neither will be returning this season. Maiorani now attends Pittsford and Thomas transferred to a local charter school. These two young talents will be greatly missed.

Rising Stars and Returning Talent

Despite the departures, East United-Eastridge is set to return with thirteen rising seniors, four juniors, and four sophomores who are expected to step up and fill the void. 59% of the team's goals (59 out of 130) and 43% of assists (22 out of 51) from last year will be returning, suggesting a base for the offensive lineup. Coach Tillotson will be looking for seniors Jeremiah Tucker (13g-6a) and Josh Verna (11g-4a) along with junior Latoine Brown (15g-5a) to step up.

Games to Watch

Last season's schedule highlights included thrilling victories against Brockport and Gates Chili, alongside close losses to Greece Storm and City Honors. This season, fans are keenly anticipating rematches and new rivalries as the team seeks redemption and aims for the top.

The Road Ahead

Coach Tillotson, now returns for his fourth season as a Head Coach with East High students and is eager to lead a motivated group of athletes.
On his way out the door, Coach Booker said, "Our program is taking a huge hit this year, losing not only myself but also our top scorer, defender, goalie, and faceoff athlete all in the same season. Despite these challenges, the foundation and improvements made in recent years will continue under Jim's leadership and guidance."
The East United-Eastridge boys lacrosse team is focused and ready to take on 2025. Fans and supporters can look forward to watching a dynamic and spirited team aiming to make their mark in Section V Lacrosse.

Preseason stories are based on information from SportsFive.NET databases and coaches.

Stories are planned for each of the teams in Section V and will be released, a few at a time, between now and the start of the playing season. The stories will remain on the front page for about one week and then will be available in the NEWS archive. There will be links for all the published stories HERE and a link will also be available on each TEAM PAGE.