To be sure, the Skaneateles boys lacrosse team would prefer sitting atop the state Class D rankings in June, when a first-ever state championship was in its secure possession.
For now, though, the Lakers would have to settle for holding that top state ranking and the top seed for the Section III playoffs, which was significant enough.
Skaneateles closed its regular season against LaFayette Tuesday, a celebration that included, among other things, the revealing of a state championship banner for the 2018-19 Skaneateles boys ice hockey team.
It was also Ron Doctor’s last regular-season home game before his coaching retirement against a long-time rival, and the Lakers marked the occasion by defeating the Lancers 14-7.
LaFayette started out well, but its early 2-1 lead vanished when Skaneateles dominated the middle two quarters, outscoring the Lancers 6-1 in each of those frames.
Nick Wamp scored four times, adding a pair of assists. Pat Hackler had three goals and two assists, with Evan Brunelle also scoring three times. John Danforth got two goals as Brendan Powers earned a goal and two assists. Grayson Brunelle had the other goal.
West Genesee would enter the sectional Class A playoffs on a good note following Tuesday’s game at Liverpool, where a big third quarter made the difference in a 13-9 victory over the Warriors.
An early 3-1 lead vanished when Liverpool zoomed out in front, 5-4, by halftime, but the Wildcats answered by outscoring them 7-3 in the third period, enough to secure a regular-season sweep.
Anthony Dattellas broke out with a season-best six goals, helped by Brad Cunnigham, who netted three goals and three assists. Max Rosa and Alex Rosa both scored twice as Ryan Sheehan, Jimmy Bergan and Vince Calabria earned assists. Luke Staudt stopped 13 of the 22 shots he faced.
Jordan-Elbridge honored its seniors prior to Tuesday’s game against Tully, but the Eagles were unable to produce a victory as it fell to the Black Knights 17-10.
Most of the game was played on even terms, but that was only after Tully raced out to an 8-2 edge by the end of the first quarter, led by Will Hardy (five goals), Tyler Edinger and Ian Byrne (four goals each).
Fighting to the end, J-E saw Wade Brunelle score five times, adding an assist. Griffin LaFleur and Jeremiah Sparks had two goals apiece, with Luke Pinckney adding a goal. Deacon Hill managed two assists and Steve Tripp made 14 saves.
