Boys Lacrosse – Top Defensemen/LSMs to Watch for 2017
Players listed alphabetically
Joe Belko, Sr., Wall
Committed to Monmouth University, Belko picked up a team-high 74 ground balls to lead the Crimson Knights' defense in 2016. He was a first-team Class B South and second-team All-Shore selection.
Richie Bianchi, Jr., Ocean
A versatile player for the Spartans who can play LSM or defense, while also being a weapon off the wing on face-offs, Bianchi picked up 85 ground balls and also tallied nine points on four goals and five assists last season. He was a first-team Class B North and third-team All-Shore selection last season, and is committed to Siena College.
Ean Delehanty, Sr., Shore
A ground ball ace for the Blue Devils, Delehanty picked up 90 loose balls last season and also contributed on the offensive end with 10 goals and 10 assists.
Sean Duggan, Jr., Jackson Memorial
A first-team Class A South selection last season, Duggan had 32 ground balls and 15 takeaways as a sophomore and looks to be one of the division's best defenders.
Stephen Edler, Jr., Rumson-Fair Haven
A Richmond University recruit, Edler helps comprise one of the best defensive units in the Shore Conference. He picked up 18 ground balls and had 10 takeaways last season for a defense that allowed just four goals per game.
MORE: Top Goalies to Watch
Jack Fabean, So., Manasquan
Part of the Warriors' standout sophomore class, Fabean started as a freshman and helped Manasquan reach the SCT final and the NJSIAA Group II final.
Chase Fairbanks, Jr., Neptune
A standout LSM for the Scarlet Fliers, Fairbanks tied for third in the Shore Conference last season with 134 ground balls and also registered seven points on four goals and three assists.
Emmett Jennings, Sr., Rumson-Fair Haven
Jennings had 38 takeaways and 29 ground balls last season for a Rumson team that allowed just four goals per game and won the Shore Conference Tournament while reaching the NJSIAA South Jersey Group II sectional final. A returning first-team All-Shore selection, Jennings is committed to Providence College.
Jack Koury, Sr., CBA
A three-year starter, Koury will lead the Colts' defense in 2017.
Kyle LeBlanc, Sr., Manasquan
Committed to Loyola, LeBlanc enters his senior season as a returning first-team All-Shore selection who helped Manasquan reach the Group II title game last year. He picked up 63 ground balls and led a defense that allowed just 5.3 goals per game.
Bobby Mahon, Jr., St. Rose
A second-team Class B South pick last year, Mahon picked up 60 ground balls last year and will lead the Purple Roses' defense in 2017.
Jack Mallett, Sr., Manasquan
Mallett scooped up 42 ground balls and was a sturdy presence for the Warriors defense last season, helping them reach the SCT final and the NJSIAA Group II final. He was a first-team Class B South selection last season and was also a star linebacker for Manasquan's state championship football team.
Dan Maloney, Sr., Rumson-Fair Haven
Another standout in the back end for the Bulldogs, Maloney forced 23 turnovers and picked up 24 ground balls for a defense that yielded just four goals per game in 2016. He was a first-team Class B North selection and a second-team All-Shore pick. Maloney is committed Siena College.
Hunter Narozniak, Sr., Barnegat
Committed to New Jersey Institute of Technology, Narozniak is the Bengals top returning defender.
Jack Noone, Sr., Howell
A 6-foot-4, 220-pound standout for the Rebels, Noone had 21 ground balls and six takeaways while also scoring a goal last season. He was a first-team Class A North selection last year.
Kevin Paz, Sr., Red Bank
A Wagner College recruit, Paz returns to led the Bucs defense after picking up 20 ground balls last season.
Shawn Poole, Sr., Freehold Township
Poole was second on the team with 48 ground balls last season while also scoring a goal. He is a standout LSM and also plays as a true defenseman for the Patriots. He was a first-team Class A North selection last season.
Hunter Vojtko, Sr., Brick Memorial
Vojtko picked up 80 ground balls and also scored a goal last season, and returns after earning second-team Class A South honors last season.
Managing editor Bob Badders can be reached at bob.badders@townsquaremedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Bob_Badders. Like Shore Sports Network on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel for all the latest video highlights.