By HockomockSports.com Staff

2025 Hockomock League Boys Lacrosse Preview

Attleboro

2024 Record: 6-13
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 32
Coach: Jim Black
Attleboro’s program continues to grow and the Bombardiers took a big step by qualifying for the state tournament last spring. With a strong core of returners and a talented senior class, the Bombarders will be looking to take the next step in 2025.

Well over half of Attleboro’s roster this season is seniors — 19 of them to be exact — and the Bombardiers have all four of their top scorers back in the fold. The midfield unit is full of skill and veteran leadership this season. Senior Nathan Conroy (Nichols) is like the point guard of the offense and posted a team-high 13 assists last year, junior Landon Vieira will look to build upon a breakout season in which he posted a team-high 45 points (32 goals), senior Logan Pembroke brings a ton of speed and had 27 points last spring, and senior Brody Shaw is a threat to score from anywhere on the field and could be in line for a breakout campaign following 22 points last year. Before any of those midfielders can make a play, it all starts with senior JP Gay, the team’s returning faceoff specialist who won over 54% of his draws last year. The league is loaded with top talent at the ‘X’ so any extra possessions will be crucial.

Attleboro’s unselfish play has stood out on the offensive end throughout the preseason. On the other end of the field, the Bombardiers have a defensive group that will be the heartbeat of the team. Senior Matt Silva will anchor that unit and brings a lot of experience. Sophomore Jackson DeYesso is another candidate to make an impact for the Bombardiers. In net, senior Ethan Avellar and sophomore Beckett Stone are in a healthy competition for the starting role.

“We’re led by great captains, seniors who truly love one another, but our underclassmen are expected to play a big role in us becoming the team I believe will be this year,” said second-year Attleboro head coach Jim Black. “We’re looking to build on last year’s success (punching the ticket for the first time in program history to the MIAA playoffs) with eyes on being a Top 15 team in Division 1 while competing for a Kelley-Rex and overall Hockomock championship. Our young men understand that every game is an opportunity to impact and change our program forever. We’re focused on stacking “small” wins and climbing to be held in the same regard as the best in this conference.”

Canton

2024 Record: 12-7
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Tommy Galvin
Canton didn’t graduate the largest senior class but it was a very impactful one. There are some holes to fill in the lineup this year but head coach Tommy Galvin has a talented group eager to show what they can accomplish.

The Bulldogs graduated leading scorer Brendan Tourgee as well as starting goalie Pat Drury, and HockomockSports First Team selection Jake Marcell is on the shelf from an injury suffered during football season. Senior Max Eagles is one of Canton’s returners that will be crucial to the team’s success this year. Eagles was a HockomockSports Second Team selection last year and was one of the best top faceoff players in the Hock, winning 73% of his draws. His ability to gain Canton extra possessions will be huge as juniors Cullen O’Brien, Cam Conley, and Nolan Harney look to spearhead the attack. Senior Owen Morrissey and freshman Brayden Dickie will also play key roles on the offensive end for the Bulldogs.

Sophomore Jack Levis is taking over as the starting goalie for the Bulldogs this spring. While Levis is new to the varsity level, he will have an experienced and relentless group of defenders in front of him. Canton had one of the top defenses in the Davenport division last year and will look to be in the mix again this year. Senior Seamus Brown and juniors Nick Crowe, Brannen Morris, Oisin Brogan, and Will Doucette all have plenty of varsity experience and will look to make life tough on opposing attacks.

“I feel this is the most complete team of my tenure, we have lost talent but have depth in all three phases which is something we haven’t had in the past,” Galvin said. “I am excited to see what this group can accomplish.”

Foxboro

2024 Record: 12-9
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 3 Round of 8
Coach: Greg Keefe
There will be a bit of a youth movement in Foxboro this year after the Warriors graduated some key pieces from last year, including the team’s leading scorer and starting goalie. The good news is that amount of kids in the program has doubled in the last two years, so second-year head coach Greg Keefe has some options.

And on top of that, the Warriors were dealt a huge blow in the preseason when senior attack Jon Sacchetti, who is committed to play at Stevenson, suffered an injury that will keep him on the shelf for an extended time. That means Foxboro will face a big challenge offensively looking to replace its top three point producers from a year ago. Sophomore Jack Taft had a strong debut season with 20 goals and nine assists in the regular season and he will certainly see an expanded role on the offensive end. Senior Aidan Waller (nine goals) and freshman Bobby Hickox are two other options to help fill the void offensively in what will be a very competitive Davenport division.

While the Warriors figure out the offense end, they will be able to lean on the veteran leadership they have defensively. Seniors James Dee Gaffney and Jaiden Jean are both returning starters from last season and will look to help solidify the defensive end for Foxboro, which allowed under eight goals against per game last year. After the graduation of four-year starter Adam Addeche, Foxboro has had a strong competition this preseason in search of its new goalie. Sophomore Brayden MacKay is back to handle faceoff duties after a strong rookie year last season.

“We had 48 kids come out this year which I’m very proud of,” Keefe said. “There will be a lot of learning moments this season but the kids that I have I would play against anyone. They will leave it all on the field. The senior group has been great helping and teaching the younger guys joining the program. The future is bright.”

Franklin

2024 Record: 17-5
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 8 (Kelley-Rex champions)
Coach: Chris Baker
To say it’s a new chapter in program history might be a bit of an understatement. Longtime assistant Chris Baker is the new head coach — just the second head coach in program history after Lou Verrochi, who founded both lacrosse teams at Franklin, retired after last season.

As Baker guides the Panthers into the future, he will use the past to do so. Baker’s staff is littered with former players who have helped build the program to the top of the Hockomock League. Franklin graduated a dozen seniors from last year’s squad that went a perfect 11-0 in league action and won an 11th straight Kelley-Rex division title. That group included Franklin’s top seven scorers and over 300 points, so there is certainly some opportunity for some new players to step in and take the reins. Seniors Jack O’Connor and Jordan Gaspar will slot into the attack and try and spearhead the offense while sophomore Charlie Ballarino helps round out a dynamic attacking group. In the midfield, junior Thomas Quinn (12 points) is the team’s top returner point producer and he will be joined by senior Seamus Conlan, junior Quinn Kielty, and sophomore Nate Walsh.

Senior Andrew Fraulo and junior Rocco Lamapasona will lead the charge at the faceoff ‘X’ to try and give Franklin’s relatively inexperienced offensive group extra possessions. While the Panthers graduated one of the top goalies in the league in Matt Corvi, who is now playing at UMass Boston, senior Sam Freedman is ready to step into the starting role. Freedman, who is committed to play at Mass Maritime, will have one of the best defensive units in the area in front of him. Franklin allowed less than seven goals a game last year despite a pretty tough schedule and has two of the best poles not just in the Hock but in the state back to anchor the defense. Drew McCarthy (Saint Michael’s) was a HockomockSports First Team selection last year and Flynn Baker (Southern New Hampshire) earned second team honors and the Panthers will lean heavily on that duo to help set the tone defensively. Senior Jackson Palmieri (Keene State) is another key piece to Franklin’s defense and senior Jake Harrington and junior Alex Weber provide even more veteran leadership.

“What truly sets our team apart this year is our unity and teamwork,” said Chris Baker. “The players have shown a remarkable level of selflessness and dedication to each other, putting the team’s success above individual achievements. This cohesive spirit will undoubtedly be the key to our success this season.”

King Philip

2024 Record: 13-7
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 16
Coach: Hal Bean
Although it was an impactful group, King Philip graduated a smaller senior group after last season. That means the majority of the roster is back for a Warrior team that played in some nail-biters last year, highlighted by four one-goal losses including its Round of 16 loss to Billerica.

There are familiar faces throughout the lineup, including at some key positions. Starting in the back, junior Finn Cunningham is back in the cage after a breakout 2024 campaign. Cunningham recorded 177 saves during the regular season last year with a 0.612% save percentage and allowed less than seven goals against per game. Junior Brodie McDonald is another returner who is coming off a strong year last season and he will be counted on to anchor KP’s defensive unit in front of Cunningham.

The Warriors will need some new players to step up on the offensive end after graduating two of their top three scorers. Donovan DeVellis (81 points) is now scoring goals at Endicott and Noah Minkwitz (57 points) is now a member of the undefeated Tufts men’s lacrosse team. Junior Mason Thompson is the top returning scorer for KP after recording 67 points in the regular season last year, including a team-high 42 assists, which was third in the entire Hock. He will be joined by a familiar face in the attack in senior Pat Weiblen (43 points). Senior Tommy Kilroy returns to help lead the way in the midfield and he will once again be relied upon to make plays on both ends of the field for KP.

“We look to be competitive throughout the league and are pressing for a solid playoff run,” said King Philip head coach Hal Bean. “The Hockomock League shapes up to be very competitive with many key games ahead!”

Mansfield

2024 Record: 19-3 (Davenport champions)
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 8
Coach: Tim Frias
Coming off a terrific season a year ago, all eyes are on the Hornets to see how they follow up this season, especially with almost its entire lineup back.

HockomockSports Player of the Year and All-American Nico Smith returns to the heart of the lineup both in the midfield and at the ‘X.’ Smith, a junior who recently announced his commitment to play at UMass Lowell, made plays all over the field for the Hornets last year and finished with 62 goals, 34 assists, and 191 ground balls. He will be joined in the midfield by classmate Tommy Vallett (16 goals, 23 assists in the regular season), senior Billy Doherty, and junior Donovan Minton. The Hornets had one of the best attacks in the area last year and have most of its production back from last year. Sophomore Cole Hogencamp had a memorable debut season, earning HockomockSports Underclassman of the Year honors after scoring a league-best 65 goals in the regular season last year and he was the lone player to eclipse 100 points in the regular season. He will be joined by junior Andrew DeGirolamo, who had a team-high 45 assists in the regular season and 81 points in total.

Defensively, junior Cole Gibson is one of the best poles in the league and he will help anchor a defensive unit that will look to replicate last year’s success. Mansfield, which went 10-1 in league action and won the Davenport division, allowed less than eight goals a game last season. Gibson is joined by fellow returner senior Thomas Gormley on the defensive end. Junior Cam Goff is set to return in the cage but battling an injury to start the season. Classmate Zane Plante provides head coach Tim Frias with depth at goalie.

Milford

2024 Record: 12-8
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Austin Costa
Milford is coming off its best season since joining the Hockomock League over a decade ago and since the team didn’t graduate any seniors from a year ago, the Hawks are hoping that ascent continues this spring.

Milford’s lineup is full of familiar faces as the Hawks look to build on last year’s playoff berth and the Hawks are eager to take the next step and challenge some of the top teams in the Hock. The squad posted a winning record last year and gave sixth-seeded Billerica a good battle in the first round of the tournament. It starts with junior midfielder Henry Baldic, a league all star who emerged as one of the league’s best at the faceoff ‘X’ last year. He was also a vital part of the offense with 38 goals and 25 assists, good for third on the team with 63 points. He will be joined in the midfield by classmate Jason Stokes, a HockomockSports Second Team selection. Stokes was a factor all over the field last year and finished with a team-high 49 goals and 41 assists. Milford’s attack will feature seniors Jayden Martins (58 goals in the regular season, third most in the Hock) and Robbie DeGasperis (21 goals, 20 assists).

The offense isn’t the only part of the lineup that has a lot of familiar faces back. Junior Anthony Mastroianni is back for another season in the cage after making 225 saves during the regular season last year. After allowing just a hair over eight goals per game last year, a very veteran defensive group featuring juniors Dylan Burns and Ryan Burns and senior Thomas Sousa will look to keep the Hawks competitive against the top teams in the league. Last year was an important year in terms of gaining experience and now Milford has a strong group in the back that knows what to expect.

“With a revamped out of conference schedule, and a mature roster that has 3-4 years of varsity playing experience at this point, we are looking to take another step forward in the competitive Hockomock conference,” said Milford head coach Austin Costa. “Year after year we have shown a lot of growth and progress with this group, this year should be no different.”

North Attleboro

2024 Record: 11-7
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Mike Barresi
After graduating just four seniors from last year’s team that finished second in the Kelley-Rex division, North Attleboro boasts an experienced roster that is poised to compete for a division title — this time back in the Davenport division.

First-year head coach Mike Barresi knows what it takes to win in the Hockomock League, a former multi-sport standout at Mansfield. He has a strong core of players to work with during his first season at the helm of the Big Red and at key positions scattered around the field. The team’s three captains will be the heart of the lineup with seniors Andrew Schmidt, a HockomockSports Second Team selection, and Brady Backner anchoring the midfield and senior Luke Antonetti spearheading the attack. That trio gives North a talented foundation to build on. Senior Ethan Gustafson is another veteran that will help set the tone on both ends while junior Ryan Backner and sophomore Ryan Gustafson will look to build upon their strong 2024 campaigns.

There are some more familiar faces on the defensive half of the field. The Rocketeers are coming off a season in which they allowed fewer than seven goals per game, due in large part to goalie Conor Casey. Casey had a terrific sophomore season (157 saves in the regular season, 0.592% save percentage) and will help anchor the defense once again this year. In front of Casey, North will turn to seniors Frankie Strachan and Ryan Gomes as well as junior Nathan Rivera. Similar to North’s attacking group, its defensive unit has plenty of experience at the varsity level. Junior Matthew Reilly will step in to handle faceoff duties for the Rocketeers while freshman midfielder Nathaniel Robin could make an immediate impact in his first season.

“I think every game in the Hock is going to be a grind that the boys in Red are going to be ready for,” Barresi said. “We are ready to compete against anyone in this league and show the Hockomock what the 2025 Red Rocketeers have to bring to the table.”

Oliver Ames

2024 Record: 5-13
2024 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Pat Healey
After battling through a difficult schedule to a five-win season in 2024, the Tigers are looking to turn the corner in 2025.

Despite a sizable senior class last year, Oliver Ames featured a handful of new faces in its lineup. With the experience gained last year, OA is hoping to make some noise in the Davenport division this spring. Offensively, the team returns its leading scorer from last year in sophomore Lucas Gangi, who made an immediate impact as a rookie last year with 23 goals and 18 assists. He will be joined in the attack by the versatile Shaun Teehan, a senior captain who can contribute in a variety of ways in the offensive third. Sophomore Thomas Hern (18 goals, nine assists) is another returner who is set to build on last year and sophomore Brody Forman gives the Tigers another weapon to use up front.

Senior Bryce Deibel has been a stalwart in OA’s defensive group for the past two seasons and will anchor that group this spring. Seniors John Pedro and Rory Gallagher will join Deibel in the back to give the Tigers a strong core of veteran leaders. Sophomores Colin Howarth and Logan McAndrew both already have a good amount of varsity experience and help round out OA’s defense. Junior Ryan Bille and sophomore Jason Campanella have had a healthy competition for time in the cage this preseason, which gives first-year head coach Pat Healey some options.

Sharon

2024 Record: 13-5
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 16
Coach: Jon Shocket
Sharon boasted one of the best defenses in the Hockomock League last year and that could be the key to success again this spring.

The Eagles finished tied for second in the Davenport division last year with an 8-3 record with a pair of overtime losses to Mansfield and Canton (triple overtime) and a defensive struggle setback to Kelley-Rex champion Franklin, 5-3. Sharon is now in the Kelley-Rex division for the first time and will look to challenge the Panthers, who have won 11 straight division titles. After allowing just under six goals per game last year, Sharon returns its top two defensemen in senior Zach Bernstein, a HockomockSports First Team selection who is committed to play at Middlebury, and senior Ben Goldberg, who is committed to Haverford College.

Beyond having some familiar faces in its defensive corps, the Eagles have one of the top goalies in the Hock back in the cage this season in senior Matt Powers. Powers, another Eagle committed to play at the collegiate level at Roger Williams, led the Hock with a 0.657% save percentage last year and made 157 saves. On the offensive end, the Eagles lost the majority of its offensive production from last year. Sharon graduated its top four scorers from last year who combined for over 230 points. That means there will be plenty of opportunities for new faces to step into the lineup.

Stoughton

2024 Record: 3-15
2024 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Sean Rockwood
The Black Knights got back to the varsity level last season and now it will be year two in building the foundation for the future.

With just one senior on the team this year, Stoughton will have the youngest squad in the Hockomock League. Senior Devon Rossi will make his debut on defense and give the Knights some size in the back while Stoughton has five juniors to provide leadership both on and off the field. The roster features five more sophomores and 10 freshmen. Junior captains Jackson Arnold and Xavier Vicente are back to anchor the defense along with Rossi while junior Aiden Rideout, a stand out in both football and hoops, will look to bolster the backline for the Knights. Freshman Joe Toupin will jump right in as the starting goalie for the Knights and brings a wealth of experience from the club game that will be tested against some of the top offenses in the league.

Stoughton’s offense will feature a lot of youth so having the leadership of junior captain Sean Rockwood will be crucial. Rockwood had a strong debut season last year with 25 goals and 18 assists to lead the charge offensively. He will be joined by freshman Anthony Ferreira in the attack while sophomore Lucas Nourse will look to make plays on both ends of the field from his spot in the midfield. While young, Stoughton is hoping to have its best offensive season in program history with its ball movement and finishing ability.

“Our guys this year are physically and mentally prepared to go to work every game for 48 minutes,” said Stoughton head coach Sean Rockwood. “Respect will be earned this year. We are rebuilding and reloading our program with athletes who will compete like nobody has ever seen before. The older players know what it takes to be successful in the Hockomock League, and the younger guys are chomping at the bit to prove themselves. I see us as a team you cannot afford to take lightly as our culture is just that, tenacious and dedicated. Expect to see a day and night difference from last year, we have nothing to lose!”

Taunton

2024 Record: 5-13
2024 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Brendan Chambers
Taunton continues to build its program and took a step in the right direction last year. The Tigers had the most wins in a season in program history in their second year back at the varsity level after a hiatus that lasted between 2019 to 2022.

The Tigers, who got back into the win column in league action last year, will look to take another step in the right direction this spring. On top of a difficult league schedule, Taunton has found some competitive non-league games for the 2025 campaign. As the Tigers look to continue to build their foundation, they can lean on an experienced defensive group. Senior captain Landen Rodrigues has plenty of varsity experience and will be joined by returning junior Riley Mellin. Senior Daniel Najera will look to give the Tigers some depth on the defensive end. Junior Oren Cullins already has two years of experience as Taunton’s starting goalie and is back in the cage this year. Cullins has proven over the past two seasons his ability to make some key saves against some of the top players in the league.

Offensively, Taunton is getting a boost with the return of junior Jacob Matos, who missed all of last season with an injury. While Matos anchors the attack, the Tigers will lean on senior captain Dylan Simmons in the midfield and senior Kevin Araujo at the faceoff ‘X’ as well as in the midfield. Senior Mike Leskowski will look to make an impact in the midfield for the Tigers.

“We have a great opportunity to continue to build upon our successes,” said Taunton head coach Brendan Chambers. “This starts with a veteran returning defense and goalie, playing great team defense, and getting our offense the ball. Losing all of our scoring through graduation and transfers lays the responsibility to anchor the [offense] with senior captain Dylan Simmons and junior attacker Jacob Matos. When we are able to invoke patience and seize the scoring windows when they present themselves we will be able to compete with opponents that we may not have in the past.”