#3 Manhasset Indians Season Preview

In 2019, the Manhasset Indians have their arrows pointed over the hump that is the Nassau Class B County Championship. After three straight losses in the Nassau County Championship Game, the Indians are determined to bring Manhasset lacrosse back to where it once was, on the top. There’s no doubt that the 2019 Indians have the talent to do it. They are very skilled, and have been extremely busy and focused during this offseason. There have been skill development sessions, and the captains have held team bonding sessions and practices, all of which could pay dividends and help pave the way for another deep postseason run.

On defense, the Indians are happy to bring back All-American, Ed Arnold (UPenn). To no one’s surprise, Arnold led the team in caused turnovers, but that’s not the only thing he does well on the field. He is tough as nails, consistently slowing down each opponents top offensive threat. Despite the many accolades Arnold has earned, he remains a hard working grinder, with a no nonsense style of play. Also returning to bolster the Indians defense, is All Conference, Senior, Jack Orlando. Orlando is a highly skilled defender who is a beast on ground balls. Don’t sleep on short stick defensive midfielder, John Whelan. Whelan is as steady as they come and has tremendous lacrosse IQ. Manhasset brings back two rising stars on defense as well. The first up and comer is Timmy Barrett, Junior LSM committed to BU. Barrett is sensational off the ground and will be a great wing face-off player for the Indians. You might even see Barrett playing some close defense in 2019. The other is sophomore pole, Jake Tolentino. Jake is a special athlete who has an uncanny ability to take the ball away. His arsenal of checks are uncharacteristic for someone who is just a sophomore.

It won’t be easy for opposing defenses this spring, as the Indians return a ton of talent. Manhasset’s Senior leader and quaterback, Louis Perfetto, has spent the off-season leading Manhasset’s basketball team to a County Final. This multi-sport athlete, is sharpening his competitive juices so he can bring that edge into lacrosse season this Spring. Perfetto is a highlight reel of a player, and one of the most fun players to watch in Nassau County. His change of direction, two-handedness, and vision makes him a point guard on the lacrosse field and lethal attacker. This team has even more fire power on offense including, Honorable Mention All-American, Sophomore, Midfielder Aidan Mulholland (Michigan), All County, Senior, Midfielder, Chris Glynn (Georgetown University), and Attackman/Midfielder Pete LaPina (Bucknell). Let’s start with leading returning goal scorer Mulholland. He is a complete package. A strong two way Midfielder with the vision to find the open man, the ability to put the ball in the net, a high lacrosse IQ, who hustles for ground balls and is a great teammate. Only a Sophomore, it’s safe to say that Mulholland is mature beyond his years. Chris Glynn is a steady player, who does a fantastic job between the lines for Manhasset. LaPina is a force with the ball and can snipe twine with that left hand. Junior midfielder, Marc Psyllos, will be a huge help for Manhasset. Psyllos is in the upper tier of face-off specialists in the county. He also has the ability to score in early offense situations.

With so many talented and experienced players returning to a team that has been in the County Final three consecutive times, the Indians will definitely be in the mix for a Title again in 2019. If they can stay healthy, play for each other and as one unit, there is no telling how far this Manhasset team can go.

Key Losses

Grant Petracca (2018 GK)

James Amorosana (2018 D/LSM, Marquette)

Logan Hyde (2018 A, Vassar)

Devin Kennedy (2018 A)

Key Returners

Ed Arnold (2019 D, UPenn)

Aidan Mulholland (2021 M, Michigan)

Louis Perfetto (2019 A, Boston University)

Peter LaPina (2020 A/M, Bucknell)

Marc Psyllos (2020 M/Face-off Specialist)

Jack Orlando (2019 D, Washington & Lee)