Photo courtesy of Andrew Welty | Members of the varsity lacrosse team pose for a picture at the Blackjack Classic in Las Vegas, Nevada

The ROUNDUP

By Kaidan Linse’20

Though falling short in the state championship final last season to Notre Dame Prep, the 2019 Brophy lacrosse team racked up a number of impressive accomplishments, most notably earning the ranking as the No. 1 high school division one lacrosse team in the state as well as finishing the season with an impressive record of 13-3-0.

Under coach Mr. Zach Widbin, who was chosen as the Coach of the Year by “The Arizona Republic” last season, the Broncos have been perennial state championship contenders since Mr. Widbin took the head coaching role in 2017. Last season, nine of his players were selected to compete in the 2019 Arizona Lacrosse League Division I All-Star game.

With nine seniors departing, this upcoming season presents new opportunities and challenges for the team who has been led by a strong, young core of Xander Welty ’21, Drew Shyman ’21, Andrew Kort ’21 and Cole Rassas ’22, all of which were commended as 2nd team all-state last year.

With a talented young cast and experienced seniors now leading the way, the team’s goals remain the same as before: win the championship.

“It was hard for all of us to swallow,” said Alex Buccino ’20 when asked about the team’s championship loss last year.

“As disappointed as we were, it was a moment where the team really came together and bonded,” Buccino said.

From that moment forward, the team looks to leave the past in the past and move towards a brighter future.

“It was a wake-up call for us to work even harder than we have worked previously,” Buccino adds.

Buccino’s words have been put into fruition by a strong offseason.

Returning senior defensemen, Sam Scanlon ’20 commented on the team’s work ethic and success this offseason.

“We have won various tournaments against quality teams in California and Las Vegas,” said Scanlon.

“As a team, we have worked harder than ever before this offseason and it showed in the way we have played,” Scanlon said.

Senior attackman, Ian Maher ’20, says the seniors must step up this season if they want to continue to find success this year.

“Last year, we had a great group of seniors,” said Maher.

“With them all leaving for college, it is now time for us new seniors to step up and take their place,” Maher said.

With the season fast approaching, the varsity lacrosse team kicks off their first game of the season at home against Mountain Ridge on Friday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.