The Valley Regional boys’ lacrosse team certainly garnered some experience after its 2023 campaign. Yet after returning many of those same players to the fold for 2024, the Warriors are much wiser and hungrier to add to their win total from a year ago.

After a rough campaign last spring, the Warriors have rebounded nicely and gotten off to a 2-7 record through the season’s first half. Head Coach Colby Hawkins maintained that Valley has already picked off pivotal opponents this year towards its key objective of returning to the postseason foray.

“We’re planning to make the Shoreline Conference Tournament this season,” said Hawkins. “We beat Morgan and Cromwell already this season. We expect to be one of the top four teams of our seven [in the league] by the end of the season. We also plan to make the state playoffs by being in the top 20 for Class S.”

A tandem of stellar seniors, along with a junior veteran, anchor the squad in the captains’ helm. Senior Noah Santangelo is the heart of the defensive unit for the Warriors as netminder–making some highlight reel-worthy stops.

“Noah is our goalie who has made tremendous progress as a player for three seasons in the net. He has made some incredible saves this year using his body and stick,” said Hawkins. “He’s the commander of our defense, helping guys get in place to slide and protect the middle of the box. He plans to play for the University of South Carolina on its club team next year.”

On the opposite end of the field lies another classmate and captain in Sullivan Rock at attack. He’s an individual who keeps opposing defenders constantly guessing while showing discipline as a squad steward.

“Sullivan has been a competitive, shifty player for a few years and has a powerful shot,” said Hawkins. “He’s organized and responsible as a captain. He really rallied the guys to participate in our offseason fundraisers which were very successful. He also will join Noah at University of South Carolina and plans to play lacrosse next year.”

The junior representative as captain is Cameron Costanzo, who earned the appointment recently at the campaign’s midpoint. He certainly has the pride of Valley lacrosse in his blood and shows it on and off the turf.

“Cameron was announced as captain halfway into the season for showing leadership by speaking up to the team, working one-on-one with new players just starting to learn the game, and being a workhorse daily at practices and games,” said Hawkins. “He follows in his brother’s footsteps [Ben Costanzo, alumni and captain last year]. Cam has shown to be one of the best faceoff guys in the state for Class S. He is fast on the draw and quick to scoop ground balls. He’s coaching up three other faceoff guys on the team.”

Additional standouts across the field include other juniors in an accurate hand with attacker Kai Cokas. Facilitating the ball to Cokas and the remainder of the offense is fellow junior Michael Lelyo within the midfield.

“Kai is our leading scorer for the team. He’s really developed over the years to be a shifty offensive player with a great shot. He works well with new players and sets a positive example as a hard-working player who is devoted to the team,” Hawkins said. “Michael is another player who has progressed tremendously with his stick skills and athleticism. He also sets a positive example, is a hard worker, and has been devoted to the team throughout the offseason and regular season. He’s one of our most aggressive ground ball players.”

The Warriors’ defensemen have been working hard and showing some improved strength as a defensive unit with sophomore Kellen Graham, plus juniors Matt Cooper, Adam Schmelzer, and Chris Roscoe. Hawkins proclaimed, “they each have a passion for the game and improving greatly with the progress of the season.”

As the Warriors are certainly locked in on the stretch run of the 2024 regular season in longing to lock down dual playoff positions within the Shoreline and state, they still have a mindful eye to the future. Hawkins explained that the Valley community has embraced the youth model for the program–evident by a very well-attended clinic last fall.

“Our main goal each year is to build the program and develop players to play lacrosse at the varsity level; every year we have first timers. Fortunately, we were able to recruit and commit 26 players this year,” said Hawkins. “One strong push for upcoming players is our fall clinic for youth lacrosse, led by Nick Graham [parent of Kellen Graham].This past fall for the clinic debut, we had 54 boys and girls come out for a six-week Sunday clinic. Varsity boys and girls came out to work with youth players, from elementary school up through eighth grade. We plan to continue supporting this for our community. Many of our players play in summer and winter leagues locally. We’re regularly pushing for that during the season and out of the season to help players get to a competitive skill level, grow their passion for the game, and get a variety of learning experiences.”

The Warriors’ 2024 roster is comprised of seniors Santangelo, Christian Konstantino, Rock; juniors Chris Roscoe, Costanzo, Leylo, Gavon Ortola, John Waddle, Jacob Merola, James Hays, Cokas, Cooper, Schmelzer; sophomores Graham, Connor Dickson, Owen Ingram, Mason Fearon, Mason Fearon, Rowan Wyrebek-Brasky, Michael Spencer, Alan Rivera, Reed Schmelzer; plus freshmen James Pinski, Jackson Fritz, Brodie Whelan, John Blalock, and Cole Amato.

This is Hawkins’ third year as head coach of the Valley Regional boys’ lacrosse team. Isaiah Hickes is in his second year as assistant coach. The tandem certainly shares a great affinity for the sport and impart their expertise on their pupils at Valley.

“Coach Isaiah Hickes and I both played in college and continue to play in men’s leagues and tournaments around the country,” said Hawkins. “We regularly share our experiences with players and hope our players will build a passion for the game like we have. One of the best things about the sport is there are a number of opportunities to continue playing after high school and college.”

2024 Valley Regional Boys’ Lacrosse Regular Season Schedule and Results

April 4: North Branford 11, Valley Regional 1

April 6: Valley Regional 16, Cromwell 1

April 9: Valley Regional 15, Morgan 4

April 13: Woodstock Academy 10, Valley Regional 3

April 16: Old Saybrook 16, Valley Regional 8

April 19: Granby Memorial 16, Valley Regional 5

April 23: Haddam-Killingworth 16, Valley Regional 1

April 25: Morgan 11, Valley Regional 7

April 27: Ellington 13, Valley Regional 12

Tuesday, April 30: at Old Lyme at 4 p.m.

Thursday, May 2: vs. Cromwell at 3:45 p.m.

Tuesday, May 7: vs. Old Lyme at 3:45 p.m.

Thursday, May 9: vs. North Branford at 3:45 p.m.

Saturday, May 11: at Waterford at 11 a.m.

Monday, May 13: at Haddam-Killingworth at 4 p.m.

Thursday, May 16: vs. Old Saybrook at 3:45 p.m.