BHS Boys’ Lacrosse Team Aims for a Formidable Season

By KEN HAMWEY,
Bulletin Sports Writer

Steve Linehan, who’s in his eighth year as Bellingham High’s boys’ lacrosse coach, is confident that this will be the season his Blackhawks justify the hard work that has gone into building a competitive program. 

“Our goals are to finish the season with a .500 or better record and return to the state tournament,’’ Linehan said. “Injuries and suspensions derailed us from competing in the playoffs last year after qualifying in 2022 when we lost in the first round to Nantucket.’’

When Bellingham faced Nantucket, it was the Blackhawks’ second tourney berth in the 13-year history of the program.  

At the Bulletin’s deadline, Linehan’s forces were off to a good start, posting a 3-2 record.

The current Blackhawks’ contingent has the most veteran players that Linehan has had during his tenure. There are 40 players on the roster with 31 returning from last year’s varsity and jayvee teams. 

“We’re led by returning captains Josh Davis (senior) and Brady Carroll (junior), and first-year captain Ryan Austin (junior). “Carroll, a midfielder, and Austin, an attackman, shared the team lead for goals (29) last year as sophomores,’’ Linehan noted. “Carroll was a Tri Valley League all-star last year. Davis, who’s committed to play at Nichols College, is a four-year varsity midfielder who’s a strong two-way player on offense and defense.’’  

After five matches, Austin leads the team in scoring with 17 goals and 5 assists and Carroll is second with 8 goals and 6 assists.  

 Jack Baker, who has committed to play at UMass-Boston, is another four-year veteran who competes on the faceoff circle. 

“Jack has grown to be one of the top faceoff specialists in the TVL, earning honorable mention honors last year,’’ Linehan said.  “Senior goaltender Patrick Flannery made 224 saves last year, an average of 12.4 per game. We’re also counting on strong contributions on offense by seniors Nate Foley and James Cardin, and sophomore Kyle Connors.’’  

Last season’s top defensemen — junior Aiden Smith and senior Owen McGilvray — should continue to be prime assets on the Blackhawks’ back line. Max Walker, who did not play last year, is back and Linehan calls him “one of the top defensive players that our program has had.’’ Another plus for the defense, according to Linehan, are short-stick defensive midfielders Corey Perkins (senior) and Gabe Egan (junior).

“The off-season and our pre-season conditioning efforts led us to believe that we may get considerable contributions from a transfer goalie — junior Thiago Oliveira — and junior midfielders Charlie Eldridge, Carter Lelievre, and Max Henchey.’’

Linehan has some freshman who have promise and potential. They include attackman Charlie Baker, midfielder Bryson Nicholson, and defenseman Hayden Davis. “They’ve all started and are strongly contributing to our success,’’ he said. 

Linehan’s staff will include first-year jayvee coach/varsity assistant Quinton Champagne and fourth-year volunteer assistant Cade Linehan. “Quinton has extensive athletic experience, playing club-level lacrosse for many years as well as high school lacrosse and basketball at Bridgewater-Raynham before playing basketball at Bridgewater State University,’’ Linehan said.  

Linehan, who started the youth program in Bellingham in 2013 and played lacrosse at St. Michael’s College in Vermont, relies on a coaching philosophy that focuses on “building a healthy competitive atmosphere whereby student-athletes will achieve success through skill development, determination and individual accountability on the field, in the classroom and in our community.’’ 

Linehan also said that he hopes lacrosse teaches his players “the spirit of being successful each day in practice to help build towards successful game days.’’ 

“Our players must be ready to practice diligently,’’ he said. “We strive to achieve the perfect practice level each day and we know that harder work in practice will make game days more enjoyable.’’

Another objective Linehan believes can be reached is finishing near the top of the TVL’s Small Division.

“Our increased level of skill in our program, our favorable non-league schedule and the increased ‘balance of power’ in the TVL Small Division make all our goals attainable,’’ he added. “Dover-Sherborn is traditionally the top team in the Small Division with Medway, Norton and Dedham also in the division with us. We have our sights on first or second place in the Small Division this season.’