The Express-Times 2011 All-Area Boys Lacrosse Team

FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES

Christian Prince
Goalie, Voorhees, Sr.

Voorhees' senior goalie, who logged 702 minutes in the cage, was the vocal leader of a Vikings defense that was filled with underclassmen. "He did a great job working with a really young defense," Voorhees coach Jason Carlstrom said. Prince made 172 saves while allowing 8.7 goals per game. He averaged 11.4 saves per game and made double-digit saves in 10 games, including a season-high 20 in a loss to North Hunterdon on May 13.

Matt Broderick headshotView full sizeMatt Broderick
Matt Broderick
Defender, Nazareth, Sr.

The senior defender was asked to lead a young Nazareth defense and consistently drew the assignment of marking the opposing team's most explosive player. "I can't think of one game where he didn't do a good job," Nazareth coach Kevin Fogerty said. Employing his experience, Broderick provided a steady anchor for what Fogerty considers the best defense in school history. The Blue Eagles surrendered an average of 7.2 goals per game on their way to a District 11 final.

Jay Gilligan headshotView full sizeJay Gilligan
Jay Gilligan
Defender, Delaware Valley, Sr.

With Chris Fennell struggling with injuries at certain points throughout Delaware Valley's season, Gilligan had to elevate his performance to compensate for the decreased production of a former Express-Times first-teamer. As it turns out, the senior Delaware Valley defender put together a campaign that placed him on the first team in his own right. Gilligan vacuumed up a team-high 97 groundballs and even added a goal and an assist for the Terriers in a loss to New Providence on May 10.
Pierce Hyldahl headshotView full sizePierce Hyldahl

Pierce Hyldahl
Midfielder, North Hunterdon, Jr.

If a faceoff needs to be won in The Express-Times region, the North Hunterdon junior midfielder is the player for the job. Hyldahl had a 78-percent success rate in the faceoff circle for the Lions. "He just has a natural ability to control the faceoffs," North coach Rory McPeek said. "Every time he goes out there he's got a whole bag of tricks." Hyldahl totaled 53 points (37 goals, 16 assists) despite missing time due to injury. He is committed to attend Fairfield University in the fall of 2012.

boys lacrosse player of year Justin mug.jpgView full sizeJustin Brown
Justin Brown
Midfielder, Nazareth, Sr.

The Express-Times Player of the Year was an integral component of the most successful season in Nazareth boys lacrosse history. The senior midfielder contributed a team-high 73 points (48 goals, 25 assists) as the Blue Eagles reached the District 11 final for the first time. Coach Kevin Fogerty referred to him as the "backbone" of the program's growth and praised his dedication to improving. Brown, a team captain, only failed to register a point in one of 22 games. He will continue his career at Albright College.

mike rogers.jpgView full sizeMike Rogers
Mike Rogers
Attackman, Delaware Valley, Sr.

Proving to be as dangerous around the cage as he was on the wrestling mat, the Delaware Valley senior attackman provided the Terriers with their most consistent scoring threat. Rogers scored 31 goals and added seven assists for Del Val. He tallied a season-high five scores against Newton and put in four goals against Hun, Governor Livingston and Blair Academy. Rogers also scooped up 58 groundballs, which was the highest total on the team for a non-defender.
Nick Bologno headshotView full sizeNick Bologno


Nick Bologno
Attackman, North Hunterdon, Sr.

As North Hunterdon's go-to player, the senior attackman showed impressive balance with 35 goals and 33 assists. "He was the guy that held our offense together this year," North coach Rory McPeek said. "He knows how to create for himself and create for his teammates. He does a lot of things that you can't coach." His strongest performance was against Wallkill Valley on May 11 when he tallied nine points (four goals, five assists). He will attend Richard Stockton College in the fall.

Bryan Shields headshotView full sizeBryan Shields
Bryan Shields
Attackman, Nazareth, Jr.

Thanks in part to a tremendous amount of offseason work, the Nazareth junior attackman was one of the most improved players in The Express-Times region and went on a scoring tear early in the season. Shields amassed 69 points on 31 goals and 38 assists. He recorded two eight-point performances, against Moravian Academy and Lansdale Catholic, and fashioned a seven-point display in a win over Easton. "He came a long way from last year to this year. He really improved his game," Nazareth coach Kevin Fogerty said.
Zack RaposoView full sizeZack Raposo
Zack Raposo
Midfielder, Voorhees, Jr.

Zack, along with twin brother Anthony, logged a lot of time on the field for Voorhees. "I told them at the beginning of the season I don't want you guys to complain about being tired," said Voorhees coach Jason Carlstrom. The junior midfielders responded by showing admirable endurance. Zack finished with 45 points (24 goals, 21 assists) and led the team with 89 groundballs. In seven games he produced at least four points, including a four-goal outburst in a win over North Hunterdon on May 3.

Anthony Raposo headshotView full sizeAnthony Raposo
Anthony Raposo
Midfielder, Voorhees, Jr.

The Voorhees junior midfielder makes another appearance on The Express-Times All-Area first team. Anthony and his twin brother Zack provided the spark for the Vikings' offense this season. "They never left the field," Voorhees coach Jason Carlstrom said. "They basically took it upon themselves; they were our offense." Raposo finished with 37 goals and 14 assists to bring his career totals to 103 goals and 53 assists. He scored a season-high six goals against Delaware Valley on April 12.

SECOND TEAM:

A: Nolan Robertson, North Warren, So.

A: Josh Janssen, Delaware Valley, Jr.

A: Jeremy Swick, Easton, Jr.

M: Richard Tonnies, Nazareth, Sr.

M: Ryan Weiss, Easton, Sr.

M: Steve Duffey, Delaware Valley, Sr.

M: Grant Searfoss, Nazareth, So.

D: Lucas Kiernan, North Warren, So.

D: John Ramalho, North Hunterdon, Sr.

G: Matt Ferrari, Nazareth, Jr.
HONORABLE MENTION
Attack -- Pat Kowalski, Saucon Valley, Sr.; Patrick Barnett, North Hunterdon, Sr.
Midfield -- Kyle Pollard, North Warren, Sr.; Adam Blair, Moravian Academy, Sr.
Defense -- Chris Fennell, Delaware Valley, Jr.; Mason Ryzoff, North Warren, So.; Brandon Bussiere, Easton, Sr.; Chris Laudenbach, Nazareth, So.; Tanner Dixon, Delaware Valley, Fr.; Ryan Short, Voorhees, So.
Goalie -- Andy Fleming, North Hunterdon, Sr.

WHO'S ELIGIBLE?
Athletes from schools in The Express-Times circulation area where the newspaper is home-delivered are eligible for our All-Area teams. They include Delaware Valley, Easton, Moravian Academy, Nazareth, North Hunterdon, North Warren, Saucon Valley and Voorhees.