West Islip will be one of the major forces in high school lacrosse not only in the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut region this coming season, but in the nation.

That’s not exactly a bold statement.

After all, the Lions beat Ithaca 12-7 in the New York State Class A title game on June 9 in Middletown for their fifth state title in the last seven years.

So, as we launch our “Preseason player’s perspective” feature for the fourth straight year, what better school to start with?

For a breakdown of the Lions, we turn to AJ Ilchert.

The 6-foot, 180-pound Ilchert, who has committed to St. Joseph’s University, is also a football standout for WI.

Now, here are AJ’s perspectives on the 2013 season.

What have you been doing to get ready for the season?
I’ve been going to the school weight room everyday after school and working hard with most of my teammates.

As a team, we have been playing box lacrosse in our gym Monday nights and we’ve been playing in a winter league at Bay Shore High School Sunday mornings.

How does West Islip’s schedule look, what games are you looking forward to most, and who are some of your scrimmages against?
Our schedule is tough as always. Almost all of our games are against notable opponents.

The two games I am most looking forward to are Ward Melville and Smithtown West. But I think what I am looking forward to the most is our scrimmage against (defending Class B state champion) Garden City.

What player or players on your team do you think will surprise some people this season?
I think three players who are going to have big years are Michael Moynihan (midfield/attack), Trevor Bovich (attack) and Kyle Ziegler (midfield). They are all juniors and have a lot of talent.

What do you think the strength of your team will be?
Our versatility. We have a lot of different players who can play multiple positions.

How do you view the race in your league and who do you think some of the contending teams will be?
I think that in our league the three names you always have to talk about are Ward Melville, Smithtown West, and of course us. Other teams that we should watch out for are Northport, Sachem North, Bay Shore and Smithtown East.

If you’re a player from the NY/NJ/CT tristate region and would like to share your perspectives on the 2012 season, send an email to info@laxlessons.com. 

* LaxLessons.com story on AJ’s commitment to St. Joseph’s

* For more info on AJ, check out his player profile by clicking here

Player’s perspective archive

You can check out the more than 100 stories by clicking here.

Have a recruiting commitment to report? Email us at info@laxlessons.com.

LAXLESSONS Links

Recruiting coverage

* 2012 Fall Signing Week story/photo archive

* Updated tristate recruiting review and commitment rundown (for classes of 2013, ’14 and ’15)

* Class of 2012 commitment rundown

* Recruit profile archive

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Posted In: Player's perspective, Section 11

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8 Responses to “Player’s perspective: AJ Ilchert, West Islip (NY) defenseman”

  1. 11 Heaven says:

    Im saying WI vs WM in Sect 11 final. Should be a war.

  2. 495 Lax says:

    WI is an amazing program to build it to this point and maintain this kind of excellence.

  3. LI Guy says:

    Love these! Can’t wait to hear from players from Set, WM, SMithtown West, etc

  4. IslandLaxpert says:

    Sounds like the beat goes on at West Islip.

  5. Lax on the Beach says:

    Suffolk A is gonna be so crazy

  6. Lions Den says:

    Great analysis and insights AJ. Looking forward to 2013!

  7. Laxx t says:

    Yeh AJ

  8. Out East says:

    Should be another interesting race in Suffolk A.

Leave a Reply to Laxx t