Expectations high for Hampton boys lacrosse

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, April 5, 2018 | 11:00 PM

Sometimes talent isn't enough, but that doesn't mean Hampton boys lacrosse doesn't have plenty of it.

Two seasons removed from a WPIAL championship appearance, and three years since winning the district title in 2015, the Talbots took a step back last year. But a step back to the Class AA semifinals is hardly anything to complain about — except for maybe a top-notch program with four WPIAL championships.

Last year, the team had speed on offense that could get around the defense. This year, coach Jim Vollberg is taking a different approach.

“Smart play overall is what we're shooting for,” he said. “Last year, we had guys that could get by with athleticism and put it in the cage. It'd work for them most of the time.

“This year, we're trying to make our guys a little bit more aware of the sport and where they're supposed to be.”

One player who needs little help in that regard is Tampa recruit Richy Myros, who has been wreaking havoc on opposing goalkeepers for three years. Last year, he was team captain as a junior, earned All-American honors and was named the WPIAL Class AA Player of the Year.

Despite the loss of senior talent on the front lines, Vollberg said Myros is unflappable when it comes to pressure and getting his college choice squared away before the season is a plus.

“He's kind of a guy who gets out on the field and he's home,” Vollberg said. “That's where he's most comfortable. (Pressure) never really seems to bother him. He knows he's going to draw the other team's long stick, he knows people know who he is. There's some guys out there to help him.”

Chief among them is senior captain Ross Andersson, a returning starter in the midfield who committed to play football at Johns Hopkins. Vollberg values his built-in leadership. Andersson was a three-year starting quarterback and two-year team captain for the football team.

Vollberg highlighted the importance of multisport athletes, including soccer player Harper Cook, hockey players Will Meglio, Jake Schwarzbach and Andrew Coholich and football players Max Obenrader and Brandon Stephany.

Twin sophomores Ian and Josh Andersson, Ross' brothers, are back. Though Ian is recovering from shoulder surgery, he's expected back in the coming weeks.

The backline might be what drives the Talbots forward this season. The entire core is intact and flush with experience, including Josh Andersson, Vassar (N.Y.) recruit Isaac Gallogly and Shelby Hildebrandt.

Robby Voinchet, a four-year starter headed to Wittenberg (Ohio) in the fall, returns in net.

“Those guys are all seniors and have played significant time there since they were sophomores,” Vollberg said. “We have a strong senior class. There's not a lot of those guys, but it's a strong class.”

Devon Moore is a freelance writer.

Tags: Hampton