Team of the Year

Kinnelon

A year after winning its first state title, Kinnelon had high hopes entering the 2010 campaign with a team loaded with talented seniors. That a 15-4 season which included a major tournament title could be viewed as somewhat disappointing shows just how strong this team really was.

The Colts suffered a couple of early losses, including an overtime defeat to rival Mountain Lakes. But Kinnelon got its revenge on the Lakers in another OT thriller in the Morris County tournament semifinals. The Colts then went on to beat Madison in the county final, winning their first county title in 22 years in the process.

Kinnelon wanted more, and appeared headed for a showdown with #1 Summit in the Group I state final. It never happened. A rematch with Madison in the quarterfinals led to an upset win for the revenge-minded Dodgers and brought the Colts' season to an abrupt end.

The year didn't end in glory as they had hoped, but a county title was a major achievement for these Colts, and for the second year in a row Kinnelon is our JSN Boys' Lacrosse Team of the Year.

Player of the Year

Scott McWilliams, Mountain Lakes

When you think of a lacrosse defenseman, you probably picture a big guy who uses his size to help keep attackers away from his goal. Scott McWilliams doesn't fit the stereotype. Using his top-notch speed and quick hands, McWilliams was an effective defensive force for the 15-3 Lakers, as well as one of the rare long-stick players who could be an offensive threat as well.

McWilliams has size too, to be sure, but its his athleticism that stands out. In addition to playing lacrosse, McWilliams was a ball-hawking defensive back for the football team, then took over the starting quarterback job his senior year and led the Lakers to another undefeated season.

Heading to play college lacrosse at Virginia, one of the nation's top programs, and honored by his selection to the Under Armour national all-star game, Scott McWilliams is our JSN Boys' Lacrosse Player of the Year.

Coach of the Year

Marc Jacobson, Wayne Hills

You can't miss Jacobson on the Wayne Hills sideline, especially when it's time to fire up his troops. His inspirational speeches are manic and not for the easily offended. But he showed this year that he's not just a loud voice.

Jacobson led the Patriots to a 15-3 record, their best ever and an impressive rebound from a 7-9 campaign. After a decent start, Wayne Hills really kicked things into gear, putting together a stretch of 10 straight victories. That streak included a win over rival Wayne Valley, and a triumph against DePaul in the final of the first-ever Passaic County tournament.

Wayne Hills has a good amount of talent coming back, too, so Jacobson should be have more chances in the future to deliver rousing speeches before big games.

-- Paul Mencher for Jersey Sports Now