Spring Preview: Scarsdale Boys Lacrosse

Westchester area lacrosse teams have had a special challenge lately – the inclement weather has made it nearly impossible to practice. But Scarsdale, a team returning 70 percent of its roster from last season, is probably better equipped to handle the limited practice time than others.

"There's a lot of teaching we don't have to do as coaches this year because the guys know what to expect on defense and offense," said Sean O'Rourke, who will be coaching the Raiders for the sixth year.

"In a lot of ways we're lucky to have that much experience returning. Experience is probably the best thing we bring to the table."

The Raiders have three captains this year — Jeff Kosofsky, Matt Oliverio and Will Henderson. Kosofsky, who stands 6-foot-3, is a true leader and excellent motivator. Oliverio, who started as a sophomore, is a phenomenal athlete who was an all-section hockey player over the winter. And Henderson, who was also a football captain, is a starting defenseman who does some of his best work off the ball.

Another asset for Scarsdale is assistant Jeremy Guski, who was a player on Mahopac's 1996 state championship team.

Offensively the team doesn't have a standout player, but it does have a lot of quality depth with players like Oliverio, Brian Bauersfeld, Mike Hirson, Jon Fialla and Matt Jacobs.

There is also some veteran players in midfield and defense like Kosofsky, Henderson, Logan Sedelmaier, Richard Jamesley and Gavin Kehoe.

The one area where the Raiders lack experience is in net, where junior Josh Sperber and sophomore Connor Wolfe — who is also a hockey goalie — are in battling for the starting spot.

After going 3-14 against a power-league schedule filled with opponents like Lakeland/Panas and Rye, Scarsdale has moved into a geography-based league this season. The Raiders will play mostly teams from Central and Southern Westchester like Ardsley, Irvington and Pelham.

"The way our year went last year, we're probably where we belong," O'Rourke said. "It's a building year and a year to have some success."

Another reason to expect success is the players' newfound dedication to the sport. Instead of stopping at the end of lat season, most of the Raiders have been playing lacrosse through the summer, fall and winter.

"It's a part of their life, which is something I haven't had in the past," O'Rourke said. "I have a really dedicated group which should help."