LACROSSE PREVIEW: MOUNT HEBRON MAY GO AS DOES MARC SAXTON

by Lem Satterfield

(See videos below)

Mount Hebron is the defending Howard County League champs after having, two years ago, won the Class 3A-2A state title.

Coach Michael McCarthy enters his second season, and will rely heavily on the leadership of returning, all-around player, Marc Saxton as well as senior defender Andy McCloskey.

“It will be a different challenge for us this year. We have about 12 upperclassmen on our roster. So it’s a young team, very inexperienced on the varsity level,” said McCarthy.

“We have four freshmen on the varsity right now. I can’t remember the last time a Mount Hebron team has ever had four freshmen on the varsity,” McCarthy said. “The kids are working hard, and we’re trying to get ready for May.”

Of the newer players to the Vikings’ lineup, McCarthy said, “athletically, they’re ready to play on varsity,” but, “mentally, they’re behind. That’s just going to take a little time. Only being out here for two weeks, they’re playing catchup.”

One year after having scored 42 goals and assisted on 32 others, Saxton has the looks as perhaps the league’s premiere player.

“Right now, Marc Saxton is our senior leader. He’s a returning first-team All-County attackman and he scored 79 points, with 60 or 70 ground balls. In my opinion, he’s the best player in the county,” McCarthy said. “On defense, Andy McCloskey has really stepped up. He’s a big, strong, physical kid. He’s vocal, and he’s really developed into a nice leader.”

But Saxton will draw specialized defenses designed to stop him, meaning a substantial part of his role will be in getting the rest of his teammates involved in the offensive transition as well as the finish.

Mt. Hebron
boys lacrosse, at a glance:

League: Howard County

Coach: Michael McCarthy 2^nd
YR

Last year’s record: 12-6, Howard
County Leauge champs, Class 3A-2A regional semifinalists

Top returners: Marc Saxton, Sr., A; Addison Bond, Sr., G; Andy McCloskey, Sr., D; Bryan Kanahan, Sr., D; Kevin Meehan, Sr., M; Charles Stroble, Jr., M; Alaric Goth,
Jr., D; Joey Meyler, Sr., M.

Top Newcomers: Ricky Murphy, Soph., M; Jay Richardson, Fr., D; Cole Hunt, Fr., M; Drew Hunt, Fr., A; Tommy Schaffer, Jr., D; Cody Gould, Fr., A; Nick Trainer, Jr., A.

Season Outlook: The Vikings graduated 18, seven of whom were starters, and, in addition, face their usually difficult tough out-of-county schedule, “which should help” later in the season, said McCarthy.