Liberty boys lacrosse adjusts to unanticipated lineup

Thursday, May 4, 2023
By Michael Rich
mrich@cbussports.com

Olentangy Liberty boys lacrosse player Luca Minniti moves with ball

Olentangy Liberty’s Luca Minniti (4) looks for space during the Patriots’ 17-4 win at Olentangy Orange in OCC-Central Division play on May 2. Photo: Michael Rich

Coach Jason Godwin struggled for a way to describe his team’s resilience. This was not the Olentangy Liberty boys lacrosse team he had envisioned coming into the season.

Injuries to key players Owen McGee (knee), Caden Minniti (knee), Grant Kenley (hernia) changed the look of the lineup.

But the Patriots, who were ranked fifth in the state as of May 4 according to LaxNumbers.com, were 11-5 overall and 3-2 in the OCC-Central Division where they finished third behind champion Upper Arlington (5-0) heading into a non-league game at 10th-ranked Worthington Kilbourne on May 9.

Minniti, an Ohio State recruit, had 12 goals, six assists and five ground balls in the first four games before being sidelined with a knee injury and McGee (Delaware commit) and Kenley (Delaware) haven’t been able to play.

“It’s been a weird one for us,” Godwin said. “We built a schedule around our high-caliber senior class where half of them are going to play scholarship lacrosse. Half of those haven’t been playing and we’re still competing with that same schedule.”

Three of the Patriots’ losses have come in overtime to ninth-ranked Cleveland St. Ignatius (11-10 on March 18), fourth-ranked Hilliard Davidson (10-9 on April 12) and sixth-ranked Mason (9-8 on April 28). The other two are to second-ranked Dublin Jerome (15-9 on April 6) and top-ranked Upper Arlington (12-8 on April 18).

Despite the setbacks, seniors Ethan Brooks (attacker), Braydon Spencer (midfielder) and Alex Haughn (defender) have stepped up both as leaders and producers.

Olentangy's Liberty Ethan Brooks runs down the field

Olentangy Liberty’s Ethan Brooks (22) looks to pass during the Patriots’ 17-4 win at Olentangy Orange in OCC-Central Division play on May 2. Photo: Michael Rich

Brooks (Cleveland State) has a team-best 48 goals to go with 20 assists and 23 ground balls, Spencer (Lindenwood) has 35 goals, 14 assists and 48 ground balls and Haughn (Florida Southern) has 42 ground balls and a team-high 29 caused turnovers. Senior goalie Preston Mullett has 125 saves and 51% save percentage.

“We’ve been playing with each other since the third grade,” Brooks said. “We know how we play and what we do. I think a lot of things are coming together right now.”

The Patriots are also getting production out of some of their younger players in juniors Auston Mallory (attacker; 27 goals, 15 assists, 24 ground balls), Luca Minniti (attacker/midfielder; 23 goals, 19 assists, 32 ground balls, 12 caused turnovers), Broc Fitzpatrick (midfielder; 68 ground balls, 151 face offs won, 63.8 face off win percentage) as well as sophomore midfielder Jake Struck (20 goals, 20 assists, 52 ground balls), freshman midfielder Luke Mulder (63 ground balls, 88 face offs won, 64.3 face off win percentage).

“Through those injuries, we’ve definitely had some key players step up and fill those roles,” Haughn said. “Our defense has been pretty strong. We lost two of our main guys (senior Wes Pohl and junior Tyler Massey). But we’ve had some guys really step up like our goalie Preston Mallett and then (junior) Camden Ridgway and (sophomore) Austin Stamp and I have been holding it down down there.”

Olentangy Liberty's Ethan Brooks with coach

Olentangy Liberty’s Ethan Brooks (22) and coach Jason Godwin have a discussion between periods during the Patriots’ 17-4 win at Olentangy Orange in OCC-Central Division play on May 2. Photo: Michael Rich

The turning point of the season came before a 15-7 win over Hudson on April 22.

“Our energy was just out of this world,” Brooks said. “We came off this win against New Albany (17-11 on April 20) and the parents noticed that our bench wasn’t as energetic after goals. After that game, we had a meeting in the locker room saying we needed more energy. We’re winning games, but we didn’t have the energy to support (it).

“We came out on fire in the Hudson game. The energy just flowed and dominated the whole game.”

There is hope that Caden Minniti and Grant Kenley could play in the tournament. But even if they can’t, Godwin thinks Liberty could make an impact during the tournament.

“It’s kind of a fun year,” Godwin said. “Kilbourne is 9-6, Ignatius is 7-6, Moeller 8-6, we’re 11-5, Davidson is doing great – they’re 13-2. Arlington and Jerome are still good. (Cincinnati St. Xavier) lost four in a row (and is 11-4). Hudson is 5-9. It’s crazy.

“There’s a little bit more parity than there’s ever been. Last year, the gap was gigantic. So, I’m not sure if more are getting better or that the top was just that good last year. It makes it interesting.”