Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/11/23 – From Staff Report
Kyle Lehman has been forced to deal with a lot of defensive attention.
The Wissahickon senior and Penn State signee has gotten used to seeing double teams and top defenders for several years as one of the top-rated attackmen in the region and beyond. But Lehman continues to score goals and his team continues to win.
On Tuesday Lehman collected six goals and two assists to lead the Trojans past Springfield-Montco, 12-6, as Wissahickon claimed its third straight undefeated Suburban One American Conference championship.
The Trojans (14-1, 9-0) won all 27 league games in Lehman’s varsity career. They are ranked No. 5 in the PA State Rankings in 3A and are in the No. 6 spot in the District 1 3A seedings. They close their regular season tonight at home vs. Central Bucks West.
“It’s clear that the opposing teams’ game plan is to prevent me from getting a shot on goal,” said Lehman. “But I’ve been able to find new ways to create success on the field by reading and reacting to what’s happening during the game.
“I try not to overthink it and just play the game that I know. I see the extra defensive attention as a challenge, but one that I’m ready to face. It’s pushing me to become a better all-around player and to contribute to my team’s success in new ways. lacrosse isn’t just about scoring goals. It’s about drawing the slide and finding the open guy to create opportunities for other players to score as well.”
Andrew Slackman added three goals and one assist for Wissahickon while Kyle Doll had two goals and one assist. Charles Stehlik had a goal and an assist, while Kyle Crump made 8 saves.
Lehman said the Trojans’ camaraderie is their greatest asset.
“The chemistry of our team has been the key to our success over the past three seasons, including this one,” he said. “Our group has been together since first grade, which has given us a strong foundation and familiarity with each other’s playing styles.
“Our starting six on offense is the same six players who played together on the first-grade travel township team. This continuity has allowed us to create close relationships with each other but develop a deep understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and to trust each other on the field.
“Playing together for 12 seasons has made this year particularly special, as we have grown even closer and more cohesive as a team. We are comfortable and confident playing together, which has helped us to achieve success on the field. As we approach the end of the season, and more importantly, the end of Wissahickon lacrosse we are determined to give our all and leave no regrets behind.”
Two years ago, Lehman helped the Trojans reach the PIAA quarterfinals. What goals does he have this season for the playoffs?
“With the post-season coming up, our team has set some clear goals that we need to achieve in order to be successful,” he said. “As the captain, my role is to rally the team to stay focused and determined.
“First and foremost, we need to stay healthy. Injuries have already started to pop up around the team, so we need to take care of our bodies and be smart about how we practice and play since we have a light roster. We’re hoping that everyone can stay healthy and finish the season strong.
“In addition to staying healthy, we need to come into every practice and game with a focused mindset. We’ll be scouting the other teams and developing game plans that play to our strengths and attack our opponents’ weaknesses. This means that we need to be mentally sharp coming into the post season.
“I have faith in this team and I believe that we will work together to finish this season strong.”
Wissahickon 12, Springfield-Montco 6
WISS: 4-3-5-0= 12
STHS: 0-2-2-2= 6
Wissahickon
Kyle Lehman 6g 2a
Andrew Slackman 3g 1a
Kyle Doll 2g 1a
Charlie Stehlik 1g 1a
Nick Donofrio 1a
Kyle Crump 8 saves
Springfield (M):
Matt Capoferri- 3G/2A
Kevin Bui- 1G
Peter Schmidt- 1G
Mateo Ringgold- 1G
Jack Sharpe- 2A
Carter Weiss- 8 Saves
