Bruin Boys Fall In Lacrosse State Finals Return

After countless ups and downs adjusting from the expectations of last season, Broadneck’s boys lacrosse team was right where they had been the last two seasons: in the state championship game.

Solving an undefeated and highly motivated Urbana team proved to be one step too many, though.

In a back-and-forth battle, it was fine margins that decided the 4A state championship. Urbana was slightly more precise, and that proved to be the difference as the Hawks dethroned Broadneck as state champs, 7-5.

“When you’re playing the best in the state, it’s a battle the whole way,” said Broadneck coach Jeff McGuire. “It comes down to the way the ball rolls. Not our best shooting, and the goalie had his best day. For a championship game, I don’t think you could ask for a better game.”

The Bruins got goals from five players: Logan McGill, Blake Levicki, Tyler Hicks, Tyler Stewart and Braden McCassie. McGill also had an assist. Matt Tettemer had half a dozen saves, while Graham Hartman won 14 of 16 faceoffs.

But the Bruins were thwarted defensively by Urbana goalie Zach Thayer, while T.J. Harne scored five goals, including the clincher with 13 seconds left as Broadneck was frantically chasing an equalizer.

“I think it was the gas in the tank. It got down to it; when you’re playing defense, offense gets a shot saved and you have to play defense again, you’re going to get pretty tired,” McGuire said. “I thought we did a good job on (other players), and on their entire midfield. (Harne) was a difference maker, and it’s a state championship game. He can ball, so hats off to him."

Broadneck concludes the season at 15-5.