ESPNHS continues its weekly feature, Around the Crease, which takes a look at players, teams and high school lacrosse news from around the country.
Family Ties
Not only did the Carmel (Ind.) boy’s and girl’s lacrosse teams win their second-straight Indiana High School Lacrosse Association titles, but their celebrations were a family affair for the Coons.
Junior attacker Josh Coons tallied three assists and two goals as the Greyhounds dominated Cathedral 15-5 on May 16 to win the boys’ championship. Coached by his father, Tom Coons, Josh finished the year with 59 goals and 47 assists and helped the team to a 19-1-1 record.
A week later, Josh's younger sister and freshman attacker Allie Coons, scored once with an assist during the Greyhounds' 12-11 overtime win over Culver Academy (Culver, Ind.) on June 2 to win the girls’ championship. Sophomore midfielder Kacy Gorin scored the game-winner for the Greyhounds' girls.
"Josh walked off the field after his championship and was like, yeah, we won two, back-to-back,” said Allie Coons. “As a freshman I really wanted to win, so Josh helped me out, getting me pumped up during the day. It's been exciting for both of us."
A first-team All-State selection, Josh Coons is eying collegiate play at Division II Lindenwood College of St. Louis, Division III Nazareth College of Rochester, N.Y. and Division I Binghamton in Binghamton, N.Y.
Allie Coons is one of 19 players returning to a girls’ team that graduates seven players -- six of whom are starters.
"We're just going to continue to work hard to get better as a team and a player on the field," said Coons. "Hopefully, I can be a captain as a junior and a senior and we can win more championships."
Almost There
Although Culver Academy fell short against the Greyhounds, the Eagles (19-2-1) -- behind third-year coach Susanna Wilcox -- turned in a quality season.
Senior midfielder Maeve McHugh scored 64 goals to go with 37 assists, 52 draw controls and 28 ground balls; junior center Annie Morsches scored 60 with 49 assists and 54 draw controls; senior attacker Shawna Lesperance had 53 goals and 20 assists and junior attacker Olivia Rabbitt scored 52 times with 27 assists.
Like Father, Like Son
Father and son, Lloyd and Lantz Carter, completed excellent seasons at Northwestern (Baltimore) and Salisbury State University respectively.
Lloyd coached Northwestern through a 13-2 season that concluded with the City League title as well as a Class 2A-1A semifinal appearance in the Maryland Public Secondary Athletic Association tournament.
Senior attackman Lafonte Livingston (40 goals, 43 assists, 101 ground balls), junior attackman Kier Johnson (45, 28, 100) and junior Lamont Marable (41 goals, 19 assists) were the leaders for the Wildcats.
Meanwhile, Lantz completed his senior year at Salisbury by scoring 20 goals and assisting on seven, which included three goals and an assist in the 14-10 D-III national championship game victory over Cortland.