BY MIKE WHITE
Staff Writer
PLUMSTED – Greg Sonday and Shane Angus played an integral role in the New Egypt High School boys lacrosse team in putting together its best season in school history.
The Warriors finished with an overall record of 12-6, which included a berth into the state tournament.
Sonday and Angus led the offense. Equipped with good speed, strength and savvy stick skills, the two combined for 115 goals and 60 assists.
Without their offensive contributions, New Egypt may have been just another ordinary lacrosse program.
“Both guys had big years for us,” New Egypt coach Jay Corby said. “They were instrumental in us achieving the success we had this year. When we needed a clutch goal or a key defensive stop, we knew we could rely on one of them to deliver it for us.”
Sonday finished with 54 goals and 18 assists, while Angus had 61 goals and 42 assists. So, it was no surprise when both players were selected to play for the C Division State League team, which squared off against the Shore Olympic Conference team last week in the Gibbs All-Star Game at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison.
“Sometimes players from smaller programs like ours don’t get the respect they deserve,” Corby said. “It was nice to see these two guys be recognized for all they did this past year. They are talented kids who had great years and who deserved to be members of that squad.”
Sonday and Angus each scored a goal, but it wasn’t enough as Shore Olympic registered a resounding 13-5 victory over C Division State League.
The game was close for a while. Shore Olympic jumped to an early 3-0 lead before C Division could get on the board. Trailing 3-1 in the second quarter, Angus’ goal cut the deficit to 3-2.
Angus found some open area around the goal and scored when the defense
collapsed around the ball carrier. Angus received the pass and stuffed a shot past the Shore Olympic goaltender for his squad’s second goal of the game.
Sonday’s goal came in the third period. Sonday scooped a loose ball in front of the goal and jammed it home.
“We’re going to miss both of these guys next year,” Corby said.
“Offensively, they led us, and replacing that much firepower isn’t going to be easy.”
While Angus and Sonday may be departing, a good portion of next year’s squad is competing in the Five Star Lacrosse program this summer at West Windsor Community Park.
Eight New Egypt players are combined on one team and will be playing a 12-game schedule in an effort to sharpen and develop skills.
“I think it is great that they are competing in this league,” Corby said. “They’re showing me how dedicated they are to the sport and to improving as players.”
Lance Sutton, Shane Scherholz, Andrew Konop, Sam Hillburn, Mike Shanko, Alex Ramos, Tim Dickert and Tom Carr are members of the same team.
“I like the fact they’re all on the same squad,” Corby said. “Now they’ll have additional time playing together. It is only going to help us for next year.”