2004 Division I Preview:

TEAM: Mercer Island Islanders

COLORS: Maroon and White

2003 RECORD: 10-4

KEY PLAYERS LOST: Luke Larson , Attack (59 G/19A), Jerame Raqepau, Goal (.575% Saves)

PLAYERS TO WATCH: (statistics from �03)

Brad Gillis, Senior, Midfield (47G/25A), Alan Chirls, Senior, Attack (40G/8A), Chris Taylor, Junior, Midfield (8G/6A) Andrew Vincent, Senior, Defense (25 GB), Ben Wickizer, Junior, Defense (18 GB)

2004 OUTLOOK: The Islanders are heavy favorites in the Mountain Conference as they look to make a return trip to the state finals. Mercer has talent at every position. Alan Chirls is one of the league�s best attackman. Brad Gillis returns at midfield after a tremendous 2003 season in which he became the 2^nd player in state history to earn All-American honors as an underclassman. Also a fullback on the football team, Chris Taylor might replace former Bainbridge midfielder Spencer Evans as the league�s best all-around athlete. The defense took a slight hit losing their starting netminder and one close defenseman. However, 2003 1^st Team All-State, LSM Ben Wickizer should have no trouble moving down to close defense. Combined with seniors, Vincent and Nathan Porter the trio might actually be more well rounded then a year ago. It remains to be seen though if converted midfielder, Paul Swanson, can succeed in between the pipes. Regardless, look for MI to be back in Seahawk Stadium come May.

TEAM: Maple Valley Vandals

COLORS: Black, Blue and Yellow

2003 RECORD: 5-7

KEY PLAYERS LOST: Ryan Johnson, Attack (27G/7A), Josh Rochowiak, Midfield (13G/6A),

Dan Aas, Defense (39 GB)

PLAYERS TO WATCH: (statistics from �03)

Christian Lindemann, Senior, Attack/Midfield (21G/3A), DJ Cassell, Senior, Defense (32 GB)

Kyle Stec, Senior, Attack (14G/2A), Kyle Larson, Senior, Attack (8G/7A)

2004 OUTLOOK:

After just missing the playoffs a year ago, the Vandals have a great shot to make it back in 2004. Christian Lindemann has a nose for the goal and will be counted on heavily on the offensive end. An All-State, All-SPSL selection at defensive end in football, DJ Cassell is tenacious as they come. Maple Valley should find themselves in tight race for second with Eastside all year long. Despite losing to the Ravens a year ago, look for the Vandals experience in Division I to them an edge and pull out 2^nd place.

TEAM: Eastside Ravens

COLORS: Black, Red and White

2003 RECORD: 12-1 (in Division II)

KEY PLAYERS LOST: Jayme McLean, Defense, (27 GB)

PLAYERS TO WATCH: (statistics from �03 in DII)

Jack Andrews, Senior, Attack (51G/22A), Greg Bearson, Sophomore, Midfield (10G/10A), Doug Rowe, Junior, Midfield (16G/6A), Kellen Gallacher, Junior, Defense (43 GB), Erik Yaap, Senior, Goal (.725 SV %)

2004 OUTLOOK:

After capturing the DII title in �03 almost everyone returns for the Ravens as they look to terrorize the DI ranks. McLean would have returned as well had he not moved. Eastside actually knocked off new conference opponents Bellevue and Maple Valley a year ago, so the Ravens know they can play at this level. It remains to be seen if they produce for an entire 13 game schedule? If they can, look for them to slide into the second spot in the Mountain. "The Eastside Lacrosse Club is very excited about moving up to D1. The big loss of captain Jayme McLean is looking to be filled by junior Kellen Gallacher. Jack Andrews looks to lead the way on attack again. The midfield looks very strong with nearly everyone coming back. The Rowe twins (Steve and Doug) bring the size, sophomore Greg Bearson brings speed and James Anderson brings the moves and stick skill." -Coach Byrd

TEAM: Bellevue Wolverines

COLORS: Blue, Yellow and White

2003 RECORD: 4-8

KEY PLAYERS LOST: John Choi, Attack (24G/3A), Dylan Larrivee, Defense (37 GB),

Travis Burnett, Goal (.604 % Saves)

PLAYERS TO WATCH: (statistics from �03)

Joel Weber, Senior, Attack (14G/8A), Kevin Carter, Senior, Midfield (8G/6A), Griffin Bennett, Junior, Defense (17GB)

2004 OUTLOOK:

Despite losing their leading scorer from a year ago, the Wolverines do have some offensive punch. Joel Weber can be explosive and has potential to be one of the league�s best attackmen. Carter is a good all-around athlete and will have to step up and lead from the midfield this year. Bellevue took a big hit on the defensive end losing their only all-league player in Larrivee. It might be tough for Bellevue to reach the #2 spot in the Mountain, but not impossible. If they can win the games they should and steal a victory here and there look for them to be in the hunt the second half of the season.

TEAM: Curtis Vikings

COLORS: Royal Blue and Black

2003 RECORD: 12-1 (in Division II)

KEY PLAYERS LOST: Billy Nigh, Midfield (17G/15A), Tom Gibbon, Attack (39G/21A),

Nick Konopick, Goal (.764% Saves)

PLAYERS TO WATCH: (statistics from �03 in DII)

Jacob Deuval, Senior, Attack (24G/9A), Mike Martin, Senior, Midfield (16G17A)

2004 OUTLOOK:

Coaching question marks, new division, new schedule and loss of points leader for the past two seasons (Gibbon) will make it tough for Vikings to repeat the 12-1 record of a year ago. "It�s a whole new program in a new division for Curtis HS. The last of the core of players that led the Vikings to undefeated regular seasons in �02 and �03 have graduated and moved on. A new group of talented young men are working hard and improving fast to take Curtis to that next level in Division 1 lacrosse." -Coach Phipps

TEAM: Bainbridge Spartans
COLORS: Blue, Gold and White
2003 RECORD: 15-0

KEY PLAYERS LOST: Spencer Evans, Midfield (32G/9A), Scott Burkland, Midfield (16G/11A),

Byron Masi, Defense

PLAYERS TO WATCH: (statistics from �03)

David VanderHoek, Junior, Attack (25G/26A), Sam Cameron, Senior, Midfield (32G/15A),

Dylan Preble, Senior, Defense , Joe Picha, Senior, Attack (18G/16A), Alex Jacques, Senior, Goal (.728 SV%)

2004 OUTLOOK: Bainbridge hit a speed bump back in �01 when they were derailed by the other island going crew from Mercer. But Bainbridge has now posted back-to-back titles and is a strong favorite to be back in the title game with a shot at a three-peat. True the Spartans may have lost more talent than Mercer, but they return just as much. Bainbridge returns 6 players that earned all-league honors a year ago including four 1^st team All-State picks in VanderHoek, Cameron, Preble and Jacques. Spartans are stacked on attack and defense and have unquestionably the best in goal, but may prove to be a little thin in the midfield. Bainbridge always finds a way though. Some one will step up and fill in. Spartans should capture the Sound and be back in the title game,

TEAM: Nathan Hale Raiders

COLORS: Scarlet Red, Navy Blue and White

2003 RECORD: 8-7

KEY PLAYERS LOST: Armand Gottlieb, Midfield (13G/4A)

PLAYERS TO WATCH: (statistics from �03)

Dan Holt, Senior, Defense (29GB), Matt Haines, Senior, Attack (23G/8A), Faisal Mased, Senior, Midfield (10G/3A)

Patrick Sund, Junior, Midfield (13G/4A), Henry Sulzbacher, Junior, Defense (34 GB)

2004 OUTLOOK:

Wins over Lakeside, Seattle Prep and Bellevue in the second half of the 2003 season have the Raiders confident that they can be competitive in every game in 2004. After perennial favorite Bainbridge, the race for 2^nd in the Sound Conference should be tight. Raiders return a solid core on defense in Holt, Sulzbacher, Doug Heinekey and netminder Boyd Brown. All three poles have good stick skills, but must improve their overall defense. Matt Haines is a crafty attackman and earned Honarable Mention all-league in �03. He will support at attack from fellow senior, Kevin Weitz. If Hale can find their rhythm at both ends of the field look for a continually improving Raider team to grab that 2^nd playoff spot. "Our team has been improving since a rough 2001 start, our first year in Division 1. We�ve improved from 2-12 in 2002 to 8-7 in 2003. Our players have gained experience in Varsity and JV games; they�ve been attending camps; playing lacrosse and other sports in the summer and fall. We�ve been working toward building a solid foundation for the future, instilling fundamentals and discipline to our game; while having fun along the way. It�s time to evaluate our progress." -Coach Long

TEAM: Seattle Prep Panthers

COLORS: Blue, White and Black

2003 RECORD: 7-6

KEY PLAYERS LOST: Michael Peabody, Midfield (6G/9A)

PLAYERS TO WATCH: (statistics from �03)

Adam Sangeorzan, Senior, Midfield (27G/25A), Alex Aiger, Senior, Midfield (11G/27A),

Andrew Parietti, Sophomore, Attack (39G/4A)

2004 OUTLOOK:

The Panthers snuck into the playoffs in �03 (their first in Division I) before bowing out to Mercer Island. Prep has a great shot to make it back, but will battle Hale and Lakeside for the 2^nd spot. Panthers should be strong on offense returning 2 of the leagues better midfielders. Sangeorzan is an all-around good athlete and is tenacious on groundballs. Sophomore Andrew Parietti leads at attack after becoming the first player in recent memory to earn 1^st team All-State Honors as a FRESHMAN! The key to their season might be how well they can gel on the defensive end. Panthers won�t sneak up on anyone this year. Look for them to be in the mix.

TEAM:  Lakeside Lions

COLORS:  Maroon, Yellow/Gold and White

2003 RECORD: 9-6

KEY PLAYERS LOST: Kyle Lane, Attack (28G/12A), Nick Crowson, Goal (.658% Saves)

PLAYERS TO WATCH: (statistics from �03)

Sean Whitsitt, Junior, Defense (70 GB), Thomas Cho, Senior, Midfield (7G/5A), Brooke Van Dusen, Junior, Defense

2004 OUTLOOK: 

Lions should be strong on the defensive end. Sean Whitsitt might well be the best defensive player in the state after earning 1^st Team All-State honors as a sophomore and impressing at a summer camp in Sonoma. Van Dusen earned Honarable Mention and will also help solidy the Lions defense. Lakeside will have to find some offensive punch in order to make a run at the playoffs. Thomas Cho earned Honarable Mention a year ago and will have to be the leader on offense. "Great group of seniors should lead the way to a good season. Doug Rooke, Thomas Cho, Chris Smith, John Thompson and Tyler Shields are all great competitors." -Coach Olney

TEAM: Port Angeles Roughriders

COLORS: Forest Green and White

2003 RECORD: 0-11

KEY PLAYERS LOST: Chris Johnson, Attack (16G/2A), Ryan Anderson, Attack (7G10A),

Kyler Brumbaugh, Midfield (10G/2A)

PLAYERS TO WATCH: (statistics from �03)

Adam Williams, Attack (16G/21A in Cascade League Play), Kyle Wheeler, Midfield (7G/0A in Cascade League Play)

2004 OUTLOOK:

The Riders return less than half-dozen players from a year ago. �04 should be a rebuilding year. "2004 starts out with games against BI, Hale and MI. Remains to be seen if last years Cascade league finalists can step WAY up to be competitive. Loss of Coach Baumstark means program will be under a new regime. (We) are hopeful but realistic." -Coach Serriane

2004 Preseason All-Division I