Season Preview: Archbishop Spalding boys’ lax are hopeful for a big season in 2018

The Archbishop Spalding boys lacrosse team has recipe for success this season in the MIAA-A conference. To be successful in this league you needs strong leadership and experience to guide your team. And to have a coaching staff that’s dedicated and will do whatever it takes to be successful. That’s what coach Brian Phipps has been trying to do during his tenure at Archbishop Spalding.

The past few seasons the Cavaliers have struggled to keep key players healthy and or have been in the middle of a rebuilding process.

Phipps has managed to make his teams competitive and a program you want to see thrive in one of the toughest high school lacrosse conferences in the country.

The key for the Cavaliers this season is to play well in the out of conference schedule and remain healthy. The offense will be a strong suit with seniors, Dan Shay at Attack and Niklas McFarland at midfield, both are capable of putting points on the scoreboard.

“We have a strong group of seniors that have been on the team since their freshman year and have been with Coach Phipps’ first year.” Said senior defenseman Kian Olexo, who is committed to University of Virginia. “So we really connect with him and have a good relationship with Coach Phipps.”The Cavaliers get a bad rap from the Baltimore area folks, for being the Anne Arundel county bottom

feeders of the A-conference. But if you’ve paid attention to what’s going on with this program you’d know they’ve been brewing something special and this years team may shock some people.

The Cavaliers open their season this Friday on the road against Friends School.

“Team chemistry is good, everybody is clicking in practice and it’s fast paced, said McFarland who is committed to Boston University.

Key Returners:

Kian Olexo, D, Virginia, Sr

Niklas McFarland, M, Boston, Sr

‪Dan Shay, A, Marquette, Sr‬

Will Sherwood, M, Loyola, Jr

JQ Stramanak, D, Cornell, Sr (IR w/ ACL)

Looking to rely on key returners to take on the leadership roles. Key offensive guys are back to help, and looking for new comers to help on the defensive side. Excited to take on the challenge of the tough schedule.

Out of conference:

Dallas Jesuit @ Univ. Of Md ‪3/10‬ after Albany MD

DeMatha

Georgetown Prep

St. Thomas Aquinas, FL

Severna Park HS

Annapolis HS

Glenelg Country Day

Friends

• Archbishop Spalding will face Anne Arundel county rivals Severn in this years PNC Invitational on March 24 at Loyola University’s Ridley Athletic Complex.