Long Island Class A boys’ championship: No. 1 Ward Melville rolls past Massapequa

By Jaclynkelli Kronemberg
TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 6/2/13

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – Daniel Bucaro had four goals and one assist and Daniel Nemirov made 11 saves as Ward Melville cruised to a commanding 12-3 victory over Massapequa Saturday at Hofstra University for its first Class A Long Island Championship since 2000.

The Patriots (20-0), ranked No. 1 by TopLaxRecruits.com, will play Section 2 champion Shenendehowa in the state semifinals Wednesday at Marist College at 8 p.m.

“This is unbelievable; we won the Long Island Championship and went undefeated,” said Bucaro. “You have got to give a lot of credit to our defense and the goalie (Nemirov). This win just brings us closer together and more like a family.”

Ward Melville dominated from the start, taking a 5-0 halftime lead and stretching it to 8-0 until late in the third quarter. The Patriots’ defense stifled Massapequa all day and Nemirov was a standout.

Jake Kepes tallied two goals and two assists and Jack Bruckner had one goal and two assists for Ward Melville.

“I thought this was the best game we played this year,” said Ward Melville coach Mike Hoppey. “The first few minutes were a little unsettled, we gave them a few chances and Dan made some great saves to stop them from scoring.

“Once we settled down we played a complete game. Our defense was spectacular and the goaltending was tremendous. If we keep playing like this we are going to be in good shape.”

Wyatt Russo made 10 saves and Griffin Barnathon, Craig Berge and Tyler Dowd scored one goal each for Massapequa.

“Ward Melville is a great team,” said Massapequa coach Tim Radomski. “Their goalie was hot and made some great saves. My kids played well, they were Nassau County Champions and I’m proud of them. They didn’t give up all year.”

Ward Melville 12, Massapequa 3

WM: 2-3-4-3-12
M: 0-0-1-2-3

Ward Melville: Daniel Bucaro 4G, 1A; Jake Kepes 2G, 2A; Jack Bruckner 1G, 2A; Patrick Roarty 1G; Christian Mazzone 1G; Brendan Dooley 1G; Brendan Hegarty 1G; Jake McCulloch 1G; Michael Cusmano 1A

Massapequa: Craig Berge 1G; Griffin Barnathon 1G; Tyler Dowd 1G; Paul Bentz 1A

Saves: Daniel Nemirov (WM) 12; David Gibbs (WM) 2; Wyatt Russo (M) 10 Conor Coughlan (M) 1