Scouting the boys lacrosse season: Glenbard West, Warren among teams to watch this spring

The Wheaton Academy boys lacrosse team has a top-10 preseason ranking, and they're just a season removed from a state championship in 2023.

So needless to say, the Warriors will be a strong contender in this season's journey. Coach Geof Wiesenborn says that his squad will be playing a "tough schedule that includes some of the top teams in the state," a lineup that includes Lake Forest, New Trier and Loyola.

Weisenborn adds that he'll be pinning his hopes on a quartet of players; Charlie Foley, a senior and a "quick, skilled attackman"; sophomore Grant Adams, a "tall, athletic attackman who can shoot the ball well and win his matchups; classmate Jett Yaros, a "big, strong dodger who can shoot, and sees the field"; and Zach Moravec, another senior and two way midfielder who "can impact the game in all areas.

Glenbard West boys was state runner-up in 2024, and now this season they’re looking for more.

Hilltoppers coach Eric Nuss says that his team is a little young, but solid and working hard to achieve its goals.

They boast three four-year starters who should be the core of the team; Sam Clark, Cooper Kinney, and Cole Glascott.

“Sam is a great shooter and feeder listed as one of the top players in the state,” said Nuss, “Cooper is very athletic and can play both offense and defense, and Cole primarily plays defense as well as faces off, and he’s one of our leaders on and off the field.”

Nuss will also be depending on stalwarts Jacob Qunto (junior, defense) and Drew Crosby (senior, goalie).

“We feel,” added Nuss, “that we’re one of the top teams in the state.”

Warren will field a squad in 2025 that will have “new players stepping into new roles,” according to coach Gregory Janczak.

Janczak added, however, that the goals and expectations for the Blue Devils never waiver.

Those objectivs are a conference championship and a state championship.

On attack this year will be senior Chad Steffans, who Janczak says “can pass, dodge and shoot, and is a triple threat for our offense.”

Manning the defense for Warren will be a trio of players that earned a lot of minutes last season and played a vital role in the team’s success: Evan Novak, Landon Seebacker and Zack Brueck.

“Our kids will battle until the end,” said Janczak. “We’re excited about our chances this year.”

Benet will have a young squad in 2025, but the players are ready, according to coach Brandon Singleton, “to step into their roles.”

“We’ve got an all new coaching staff this year,” said Singleton, “but the boys have bought in and are working hard to learn a new system. Some things have changed but the goal of continuing to push the program forward remains.”

Paving the way for the Redwings will be senior attacker Tommy Bartenhagen, junior goalie Zach Gorman, who the coach says “gives us the ability to go out and be aggressive defensively because we have so much confidence in his ability to make the big save", and junior attacker Patrick Carr.

Neuqua Valley’s chances may rest on the shoulders of a pair of outstanding competitors, seniors Jonah Frank and Owen Barth.

Per Wildcats coach Jordan Bobbo: “Jonah understands the game and is coachable. He can score and feed, but he is (also) great with ground balls. And Owen loves every aspect of the game. He’s a great teammate and loves getting better every day.”

York coach Thomas Coyne says that his faceoff unit is one of the best in the sport. It’s anchored by Fintam Helm and Simon Kodowasky, and supported by the wing play of Evan Gaugan and Drew Richardson.

The Dukes should be a rugged squad this year, as all four of the abovementioned starters were members of York’s state finalist football team.

Coyne mentioned as well that his team plays one of the most difficult schedules in the state - nine of its 18 games are versus top 10 teams - and he’ll also be counting on Adam Crum, Cole Bartlett, Braeden Bartlett and Aaron Park, along with goalie Gavan Chavez.

Many coaches in addition mention Barrington, Grant, and Lake Zurich as schools that are ready to make their mark in boys lacrosse.

Additional contenders this year should include Lake Forest (2024 state titleists), St. Viator, Huntley and Fremd.

Prairie Ridge is focusing on the growth of its program in the 2025 campaign. The Wolves know they’ll get an outstanding effort from senior goalie Quinn Zamet.

“He’s been a big part of our team’s success,” says Prairie Ridge coach Dana Nielsen. “He’s a ‘get it done guy’, and leads the team to get better every day.

“And Mason Schmit (a senior attacker) brings the experience to the team and helps with the development of the new guys.

“The kids are working hard to be competitive. We’re learning the game in ways that will help our players on and off the field. We look forward to the season and want to make it fun for the guys.”

For Antioch, it’s all about letting the good times roll.

The Sequoits are coming off the most successful stretch in program history. They’ve won back-to-back conference championships and made a sweet 16 appearance last year.

However, after graduating eight of 10 starters, coach Pat Swanson knows it might be a rebuilding season.

Key players for Swanson include senior Quinn Plucinnik, known for his versatility and leadership, and Evan Wickert, a dynamic attackman and faceoff specialist who will be crucial in setting the offensive tempo.

“With a young squad,” said Swanson, “we’re looking to build on recent success, while also development new talent and lean on experienced leaders to pave the way forward.

“This season presents an exciting challenge and a chance to lay the groundwork for the future.”

Also in the mix will be Libertyville. Coach Brady Sullivan indicated that although the Wildcats graduated a large group of players from last year, they're looking for additional players to step up to continue its progress into the supersectionals.

Laying the foundation for Sullivan will include sophomore Connor Luxon, who looks to build on an excellent freshman campaign and continue to be the leader of the offense; Tommy Watson, and Jack Gimbert.

"We have high expectations," said Sullivan "with the players looking to build on last year's success."