Looking for Good Things after NYS Championship

As the McQuaid Jesuit Boys Lacrosse team prepares to defend their New York State Class A title, excitement fills the air. After a stellar 2024 season where they achieved a remarkable 20-2 record, the Knights are looking to continue their dominance. With Head Coach Alex Gray at the helm, entering his second season, the team aims to continue last year's success.

Key Player Losses

Despite losing 18 seniors, including key players like Vincenzo Giangreco (57 goals, 23 assists), Will Gordon (139 saves, 61.0% save percentage), John Harding (60 goals, 31 assists), and defenseman Brenton Paladino (Mercyhurst), the team remains optimistic. These graduates left a lasting legacy, with several earning prestigious awards and committing to college programs.

Returning Talent

The new roster features 18 rising seniors, 13 juniors, and several underclassmen. Among them are standout players like Will Engle (Rollins, 18 goals, 7 assists), JP Gianforti (14 goals, 6 assists), AJ Quagrello (Tampa, 46 goals, 27 assists), Will DiMarco (15 goals, 12 assists), and Domenic Giangreco (Georgetown, 14 goals, 8 assists), all of whom played key roles last season. Domenic Giangreco (174+/53-) and JP Gianforti (135+/66-) showcased their prowess in face-offs, contributing significantly to the team's success.

Focus for the Season

The Knights will focus on maintaining their offensive firepower, having scored 282 goals last season, and strengthening their defense, which allowed only 142 goals. With 41% of their goals and 45% of their assists returning, the team will find scoring big wins more difficult than last year yet is well-equipped to navigate the challenges ahead.

Defensive Challenges

The Knights will focus on maintaining their offensive firepower, having scored 282 goals last season, and strengthening their defense, which allowed only 142 goals. With 41% of their goals and 45% of their assists returning, the team will find scoring big wins more difficult than last year yet is well-equipped to navigate the challenges ahead.

Resilience and Determination

The 2024 season saw the Knights winning 14 games by 5 or more goals and experiencing only two losses, both by a single goal. This resilience and determination will be crucial as they face tough opponents in the upcoming season.

Goalie Transition

Replacing the stalwart goalie Will Gordon will be a priority and senior Jack Rawleigh (Utica) is expected to step-in as the starter this year. With Coach Gray's guidance and the team's collective talent, the Knights are poised for another successful season.

Conclusion

As the new season approaches, the Knights are ready to hit the field, armed with the lessons learned from their championship run and eager to add another title in 2025.

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.