2022 Final South Jersey High School Boys Lacrosse Top 10
It was a breakthrough year for South Jersey high school boys lacrosse. Three area teams played for state titles, two more played in a South sectional championship game.
One team stood ahead of all others, just as they had all season.
The St. Augustine Hermits began the season as South Jersey’s top team and ended it as just the second area team to win a state championship, joining Moorestown which has won six Group titles since 2001.
The Hermits featured a balanced offense keyed by the 1-2 punch of Matt Vanaman (39 goal) and Ryan Demato (36). Five other players scored at least 18 goals: Luke Hendricks (26), Gennaro Petrongolo (24), Luke Scarpello (24), Noah P (20) and Billy Hughes (18).
St. Augustine wasn’t just about offense. Goalie Aidan Peters back-stopped an offense that was perfect against all seven South Jersey teams it faced, including six that appear in the Year-end Top 10. The Hermits reeled off a 14-game win streak before falling to eventual Tournament of Champions winner Mountain Lakes. It’s run through the Non-Public A tournament included wins against St. Joseph of Montvale, an overtime road win at Seton Hall Prep and a one-goal win in the state final against Delbarton.
Here is the final South Jersey High School Boys Lacrosse Top 10.
1. St. Augustine (final record: 16-2, end regular season: 1)
2. Haddonfield (14-4, 2)
The Haddons advanced to the NJSIAA Group 1 championship game before falling to eventual Tournament of Champion winner Mountain Lakes. Finn Morgan led the way with a dominant 49 goal, 30 assist season as one of South Jersey’s best triggermen.
3. Shawnee (16-5, 4)
The Renegades won the South Group 3 title before falling to Scotch Plains-Fanwood in the state final. Nate Sears (57 goals) and Ethan Krauss (55) combined for 112 goals to lead the Shawnee attack.
4. Lenape (9-9, Not ranked)
Lenape was a surprise South Group 4 finalist after playing its best lacrosse of the season at the very best time. Sean Shelko (28 goals) and Luke Birney (27) keyed a balanced offense that got stronger as the year progressed.
5. Clearview (13-5, 9)
The Pioneers pushed Shawnee to the very limit before falling in the South Group 3 championship. With 85 goals, Mario Leone led all of South Jersey in goals.
6. Eastern (13-3, 5)
The Vikings opened the season with nine straight wins to help re-establish their spot among South Jersey’s top teams. Luke Riley keyed the offense with 58 goals.
7. Cherokee (10-6, 6)
Cherokee saw its season end with a one-goal loss to Howell. Led by Miguel Lontok with 35 goals this season, Cherokee had a balanced offense and a stingy defense while facing a top-notch schedule.
8. Ocean City (12-8, 3)
The Cape-Atlantic League Tournament champions saw its Group 3 playoff run end with a loss at Clearview. Sophomore Pat Grimley was the focal point of the offense with 54 goals and 33 assists.
9. Holy Spirit (12-4, 7)
The Spartans played in the Cape-Atlantic final before falling to Red Bank Catholic in the Non-Public B tournament. Stanley Marczyk was Spirit’s top sniper with 51 goals.
10. Moorestown (8-10, NR)
A rare rebuilding year for the Quakers ended with an overtime loss at Shawnee — a reminder of just how strong this program has been over the years. Cole Pitcher was the team’s leading scorer with 42 goals.
This article originally appeared on Burlington County Times: 2022 Final South Jersey High School Boys Lacrosse Top 10
