Nike/US Lacrosse High School Wrap SOUTH REGION TOP 10 FINAL BOYS’
LaxMagazine.com/HSBS
1. LAKE HIGHLAND PREP (FLA.) The Highlanders (20-3) won their second straight state title and third in four years. Their losses were to Jupiter, nationally-ranked McDonogh (Md.) and No. 1 Boys’ Latin (Md.) — by a combined six points. Syracuse- bound faceoff man Max Parker (78.5 win percentage) loomed large.
2. EPISCOPAL DALLAS (TEXAS) The Eagles (18-2) beat Dallas Jesuit in the state final to avenge their only in-state loss of the season. Jack Beare (Notre Dame) had a team-high 60 goals.
Boys’ Player of the Year RICHIE LOFTUS Episcopal Dallas (Texas)
By Laurel Pfahler Richie Loftus was the quarterback of a football team that had its first winning
season since 2007 and was goalie for a conference champion soccer team. So it’s no surprise he made his mark on the lacrosse field. Loftus, the Dartmouth-bound senior attackman for Episcopal Dallas in Texas, led
the Eagles to their first state title in seven years with 45 goals and 43 assists and finished his high school career as a three-time All-American. “He is the best leader I’ve ever coached,” Episcopal Dallas coach Pat Kennedy said.
“He’s a very good motivator, and he makes players around him better, but also when we needed someone to step up, we could always count on him. He talks the talk and walks the walk.” Loftus began playing lacrosse in second grade, utilizing some of the skills he learned
in hockey, which he played year-round until age 10. He also saw benefits from football and soccer. Coaches and administrators at Episcopal Dallas, his school since first grade, always encouraged him to play multiple sports. “I love competing,” Loftus said. “I love being part of a school that encourages us to
play other sports, because a lot of other schools wouldn’t let you play football, soccer and lacrosse.” After losing the 2013 state championship game in overtime, the Eagles had a clear
— and reasonable — goal of getting back to the final and winning the title. “It definitely left a bad taste in the returning players’ mouths,” Loftus said. Last fall, Loftus threw for more than 2,000 yards to help the Episcopal Dallas
football team (6-4) double its win total from 2012. During the winter soccer season, he posted a shutout in goal to preserve a win in the SPC championship game. But being a part of the first Episcopal Dallas lacrosse team to win a state title and conference championship in the same season took the cake. “It meant a lot,” Loftus said. “Going into the year, you think, ‘If I win one, it’s a good
year.’ But to win both was exceptional. It was a great experience and worth all the hard work we’ve put in since middle school.” LM
38 LACROSSE MAGAZINE August 2014>>
3. CARDINAL GIBBONS (N.C.) Gannon Morrison (Marist) had 57 goals and 71 assists as the Crusaders (22-0) won the inaugural NCHSAA 1A/2A/3A championship.
4. CHARLOTTE LATIN (N.C.) The Hawks (20-1) breezed to their third straight NCISAA state championship and beat Tennessee champ Memphis University and South Carolina champ Fort Mill.
5. MEMPHIS UNIVERSITY (TENN.) The Owls (17-3) beat McCallie for their fourth straight state title. Patrick Dimento (Furman) paced the team with 82 goals and 28 assists.
6. DALLAS JESUIT (TEXAS) The Rangers (15-3) made a fifth
straight final four and first state final since 2011. Lee Belland (Lehigh) and Gavin McClure were key.
7. PONTE VEDRA (FLA.)
The Sharks (21-3) advanced to the state semifinals for the third straight year, losing to eventual champion Lake Highland Prep.
8. NORTHVIEW (GA.) The Titans (21-1) won their first state title in program history by beating Lovett in the GHSA small- school division final.
9. BENJAMIN (FLA.) The Buccaneers (15-6) won 11 straight to advance to their first state title game. Yale-bound Jerry O’Connor led an outstanding defense.
10. ROSWELL (GA.) The Hornets (17-3) also were first-time state champs.
— L.P. A Publication of US Lacrosse
©ESD (RL); ©JOHN STROHSACKER (JO)
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