Boys lacrosse: Scouting Cook and Lake County teams

St. Viator’s boys lacrosse team is one to watch again this spring.

The Lions (23-2) had a season to remember last spring, earning second place at state and capturing the East Suburban Catholic Conference championship.

The Lions, who suffered a 17-9 loss to Wheaton Academy in the state final, are filled with talented players. Junior midfielder Emerson McGrath, a High Point recruit, is the top returning scorer. Junior Michael Tauscher, also a High Point commit, was a first-team all-stater last season. Junior goalie Jack Hartman joins senior midfielder Carson Wilder as the leaders on the team.

“We return six starters from the state runner-up team last year and hope to take another run deep into the playoffs this season,” St. Viator coach Geoff Harty said. “Our guys are motivated to get back to that championship game. We have our toughest schedule in program history to help get us ready for it.”

Glenbrook South heads into the spring bringing momentum from last season’s stellar run.

A year ago, Glenbrook South finished 18-3 and won the Central Suburban League title. They return senior defender Alex Loeber, senior midfielder Bryce Marval, senior midfielder Nick Donohue and senior midfielder Geoff Maddalozzo.

“Our team is excited to get this season rolling,” Glenbrook South coach Matt Larsen said. “Each individual on this team strives to get better each day and understands what it takes to compete at a high level. Most importantly, each player knows that success isn’t given, it is earned.”

Schaumburg (12-8) is a team aiming to contend due to the return of Matthew Giometti, Angel Monaco and Brian Tancredi. The Saxons lost to St. Ignatius in the playoffs last season but are returning the majority of their team.

“We only graduated two starters from last season,, so we’re returning a lot with some big additions to help us compete for a Mid-Suburban League title,” Schaumburg coach Kyle Wagner said.

Conant (12-7) is hoping to build off the momentum from last season’s first-round sectional victory over Rolling Meadows. The Cougars, who lost to St. Viator in the sectional quarterfinals last spring, welcome back all-conference starters Alec Johnson, Harley Stary and Aden Brown.

“Each day is about getting just a little bit better,” Conant coach Nico Vega said. “We had a good season last year and are excited to hit the ground running and build off of last year.”

Buffalo Grove, coached by Jeff Vlk, is motivated to top last season’s 5-15 record. Some of the key returnees include Jason Dewald, Elliott Drazin, Nick Cozzi, Blake Baldwin, Joel Boeche and Nino Dimarco, along with Kevin Spinler, Samuel Cho, Nathan Joy, Jordan Pangle, Charlie Eidson, Marcus Neris and Trevor Catlett.

“We’re trying to become a more disciplined team and continue to build culture here at Buffalo Grove,” Vlk said.

After a spate of injuries in the past few seasons, Palatine is excited for the upcoming season. One of the main reasons is standout goalie Daniel Dorszewski. The Hofstra recruit is an elite player and an imposing figure at 6-foot-4. The senior group on offense also includes Griffin Simons, Vince Chiavetta, Jack Oswald and Brendan Escudero, while the defense brings backs senior Isaac Menning, Christian Courtney, Sam Portera, Eliel Rogel and Matthew Sistler. Also, senior Drew Drexsler is a player who will help with face-offs.

“Palatine is a program of grinders and that’s no exception this year with the mix of players in our program,” Palatine coach Chris Gantz said. “We’re excited for this season.”

Wheeling is set to play its first year as a varsity program. Last season, they fielded 17 players in a JV season, but their numbers have swelled to 28 this spring. Junior Yannick Gbekou, who had 19 goals in 13 games last season, and Johnny Uriostegi and Matt Jaworski are the top returnees.

“What our team lacks in experience, we will make up for in speed, toughness and resilience,” Wheeling coach Pete Karamitos said. “We have a great core of young players and are very excited about the growth and direction of the program.”

Grant (7-10) is sparked by the return of all-conference performers in junior Tyler Flemming and Evan Alhgren to go with seniors Pryde Mendoza, Gio Bottalico and Brayden Olson.

“We have a young group with a lot of experience together,” Grant coach Garrett Olsen said. “Some new players should contribute early. Our upperclassmen will surely continue their success. Our numbers are great and we’re excited for the season.”