By Jimmy Allinder
The future success of the East Brunswick High School boys lacrosse program will depend heavily on the development of its young players.
At the midway juncture of the season, the Bears are 4-6 overall and 1-3 in the Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC). But with time, underclassmen will be what propel the team to a better record.
“Every year, our goal is to compete for a conference championship and earn a high seed in the [NJSIAA] state tournament,” head coach Rory Murray said. “We are off to a rough start, but our team shows promise, and we expect to improve the rest of the season.”
According to Laxpower.com, East Brunswick is ranked 14th in New Jersey Group 4 South as of April 25. The state tournament begins May 21 with first-round matches at sites of higher-seeded teams. If the Bears maintain or improve their current position by the May 18 cutoff for qualification, they will be included in the sectional.
Because of the Bears’ youth movement, progress has been sluggish, and it may take time for players to adjust to the pace and physicality of varsity lacrosse. However, the roster is filled with players ready to contribute, Murray said, and the expectation is his team will become more competitive.
East Brunswick is led on attack by senior Mike Burns (26 goals, five assists), and juniors Thomas Bahmer (18 goals, 21 assists) and Mike Thomas (15 goals, four assists). The midfield consists of senior Tom Fitzgerald, sophomores Tim Smith and Jack Solimini and freshman Sean Kelliher, who has been impressive in his debut with 12 goals and 10 assists.
The defense is led by senior Alex Gilespie, sophomore Rob Duncan and freshman Tim Gudzak. Senior Omar Elshalakany has made 116 saves in goal.
Other members on the roster include Pat Fitzgerald, Brian McDonald, Christian Perrine and Joseph Sanservino.
East Brunswick Township is home to the Blackhawks, which sponsors a number of age-based teams and has produced multiple players ready to contribute. Murray said his team has not always reaped the benefits of what the program produces because some move on to other high school programs.
“The Blackhawks continue to show growth through their numbers, and that’s a great sign,” Murray said. “Though we lose a player or two every year to private high schools like [Saint Joseph High School of Metuchen and Immaculata High School of Somerville], we have a solid group coming in at every age group.”
Murray said he believes the GMC has never been a hotbed for lacrosse but, on the whole, the popularity of the sport is growing each year.
East Brunswick’s remaining regular-season schedule included a home match with Jackson Memorial High School April 26 that will be followed by another home game two days later with Edison High School. The Bears visit West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South April 30, host North Brunswick Township High School May 3 and conclude the regular season at Howell High School May 5.