By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 6/1/14
Danny Norris says the Avon Grove boys’ lacrosse team turned its season around after it lost to Bishop Shanahan a month ago in a game that decided the Ches-Mont league championship.
“That loss to Shanahan hurt bad but we used it to motivate us,” said the senior All-American defenseman after the Devils toppled Wilson, 17-11, Saturday in a PIAA quarterfinal at Harriton.
Avon Grove advances to the state semifinals Tuesday (6 p.m.) against District 1 foe Radnor at Henderson.
“We wanted to show we were the best team in the district. Hopefully, we will be peaking if we get to Hersehypark on June 7.”
The Devils (19-4) have won nine straight games since the May 1 defeat (10-7) to Shanahan. They bounced back to repeat as District 1 champions and opened state play with a tough 9-8 victory over Hershey.
On Saturday they dominated from the start against Wilson (24-2), the District 3 runner-up. Avon Grove led, 5-3, after one period and 11-4 at halftime, building a lead as much as 17-7.
Stephen Cyron led the attack with five goals and two assists and Tanner Peck scored four goals while Ryan Cook had three goals and two assists. Bryce Reid scored twice and Will Schreiner made 11 saves.
Norris and Brendan McNicholas led a defense that helped hold down Wilson’s high-powered attack. Adam Close, Connor Howell and Kyle Watkins each had two goals and an assist for the Bulldogs and Ryan Terefenko scored twice. Matt Close (76 goals) was held to one goal. Jason Roland (14 saves) kept the game closer.
“Defensively, we knew No. 4 (Matt Close) was a great player,” said Norris,. “We tried to slide every time and we kept talking. We got the groundballs.
“Offensively, we knew if we could get them to make a second slide and a third, we’d have an opening. I think it all starts with coaching for us; they come up with a great game plan and if we execute it we know we’ll have success.”
Devils coach Eric Jackson was much happier with the performance than after Wednesday’s 9-8 thriller over Hershey.
“I think offensively the guys shared the ball really well today,” he said. “I think we got to take it one step at a time. It’s a great group of kids that really enjoys playing with each other and that’s special as a coach to see.”
Avon Grove 17, Wilson West Lawn 11
Avon Grove 5-6-3-3- 17
Wilson 3-1-2-5- 11
Avon Grove
Stephen Cyron 5g, 2a
Ryan Cook 3g, 2a
Tanner Peck 4g
Jon Moroz 1g
Bryce Reid 2g
Beau Kush 1a
Eric Russo 1g, 1a
Nick Cardile 1a
Jake Pousson 1g
Will Schreiner 11 saves
Wilson
Ryan Terefenko 2g
Matt Close 1g
Kyle Watkins 2g, 1a
Mitchell Phillips 1g
Ryan Connolly 1g
Connor Howell 2g, 1a
Adam Close 2g, 1a
Jason Roland 14 saves
