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By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
For the last decade, Medfield High School boys lacrosse has been the cream of the crop in Division II Central/East. The 2018 Medfield senior class has done nothing but win on the lacrosse field, as the seniors currently rostered have taken home the Central/East sectional crown each of the last three years. They will look to complete the four-year sweep later on this June.
Unlike most years, however, when Medfield has entered the tournament as one of the top seeds in Division II Central/East, the Warriors face a tough road ahead as the No. 8 seed following an 11-7 season. As the No. 8 seed, Medfield will host rival and No. 9 Hopkinton on June 5 in the first round for the right to play No. 1 Wayland later this week.
When asked about the road ahead, Medfield coach John Isaf said that in order to make a deep run, the Warriors must stick to the basics of lacrosse.
“Fundamentals, fundamentals, fundamentals,” said Isaf. “If we do the little things right, win those little difference-making plays through championship effort and toughness… that often means winning extra possessions which is really the difference between winning and losing in the postseason. Another key is to play together and unselfishly, as that will give us the best chance to go on a run. We’ve done it before in 2011 when we entered the postseason as a nine seed with the same record. So, we’ve been there before and know what it takes.”
As far as the competition they will be facing, Isaf agreed with the assessment that this might just be the deepest and most talented bracket to ever be assembled during this sectional’s history.
“D2 Central/East is ridiculously loaded this year,” said Isaf. “A really good team like Hopkinton with a difference-making player like [Will] Abbott as a 9 seed? Are you kidding me? Where else would you see an 8v9 game like this one with the caliber of teams and players? Not sure it’s ever happened. That’s how tough this section is going to be.”
In terms of expectations, Isaf said that there is only one goal in mind for his team this June. Isaf also stated that the Warriors are on the hunt, and not on the defensive.
“We aren’t defending anything,” said Isaf when asked about the pressures that come with being the defending sectional champ. “We are in pursuit. Only pressure on us is what we put on ourselves to meet our own standard. Certainly, no one is picking us to go very far. Every year, the team is different than the previous one. We’ve already won the TVL, so it’s already a successful season. But for every Med-lax team and this team, there is only one goal we would be satisfied with.”
For funny and incisive sports analysis, follow Mike Flanagan on his personal Twitter at @fLAno0, or read his blog at www.flannylive.wordpress.com.
