For the second straight year, the champion boys’ lacrosse team in New Jersey comes from one of the state’s smallest high schools.  But few could express any surprise that Mountain Lakes took this year’s Tournament of Champions title.

Perhaps the only thing unexpected was the ease with which the Lakers knocked off archrival Delbarton in the state final.  Mountain Lakes scored six straight goals in the second half to blow the game open en route to a 12-6 win.

Sean Kirwan and Brian Kasel scored three goals apiece to lead the offensive attack, while goalie Ian Bolland made 16 saves.  Bolland and his defense managed to keep Delbarton scoreless in the second quarter even though the Green Wave had possession for much of the period.

Bolland, a senior in just his first season as the starter in goal for the Lakers, earned most valuable player honors.

The Lakers led just 4-2 at the half until defenseman Dillon Hamill triggered the big run with a remarkable solo effort.  After a Delbarton shot hit the goalpost, Hamill scooped up the loose ball and took it into the offensive end.  When the defense sagged, expecting a pass, Hamill went to the net and scored a rare goal for a long-stick player.

That seemed to open the floodgates, as Mountain Lakes pumped in the next five goals to effectively put the game away.

Mountain Lakes finishes the season at 22-1, its only loss coming in an early-season meeting with Delbarton.  The Lakers gained revenge when the two teams met again in the Morris County lacrosse tournament final, and proved who was truly #1 in this final game.  Delbarton ends up at 18-4.

This is the seventh state title overall for Mountain Lakes. -- Jersey Sports Now