Boys lacrosse returns five players

The boys lacrosse team returns five players to their squad this season, including David Keeton, Ethan Morgan, Samson Magnus, Casey Warburton and Damien Wills.

Keeton is the lone senior that returns to the team, and is an outstanding defensive player.

Coach Eric Wentzel said, "David has a passion to see those around him succeed. He is a natural leader on the team, and the younger players look up to him. He is one of the players that connects the lacrosse legacy back to Bill Rexford."

Morgan, Magnus, Warburton and Wills are all sophomores.

Morgan was also voted a team captain and will play at attack. Ethan spent significant time in the off-season to be prepared for this year.

"Ethan shows a passion for the sport of lacrosse that is infectious with his teammates," said Wentzel.

Magnus and Wills will both play at the midfield position.

"Samson is a player with no fear and is willing to be aggressive in his pursuit to score goals. He will be a clear player in the success of our offense scheme. Damien is the player that the rest of the team has wondered what he did in the off-season. He's a player that is finding himself at the right place at the right time on the field. The coaching team is expecting a breakout season from him."

Warburton rounds out the returning players and Wentzel told The Nugget that Casey is a goalie that improves with every practice and is always willing to try new techniques.

"It's great to have someone in this position that loves the role of goalie," said Wentzel.

Five players will step up from JV to join the varsity team. Players include senior Chase Lawrence (midfield), and sophomores Sam Mitchell, Drew Hendrickson, and Ethan Kennedy, who will all play defense, and sophomore Gabe Patton, who will play attack.

Ten new players will also be added to the squad: sophomore Tyler Friend (midfield), sophomore Chayce Sproat (attack), freshmen Spencer Bordonaro and Bennett Lewis (attack), freshmen Trey Stadeli, Jude Carhart, Willie Stewart, Kincaid Smelzer, and Keeton Green, who will all play midfield, and freshman Matt Harris, who will play defense.

Of the new players, Wentzel said, "Many of these new players have been playing together in Sisters Lacrosse League for a number of years. There is a genuine chemistry between them and the returning players.

"We're a young team, which will present some challenges as we face High Desert opponents such as Bend and Summit, but this will only benefit in the years to come as we mature. The coaching staff, which includes Paul Patton and Doug Hull, are excited to be working with such a great group of young men. It is the highlight of my day."