With district playoffs looming, both of the Keys’ prep lacrosse squads own winning records as the regular season comes to a close.
Coral Shores enjoyed two big wins last week, starting with a district matchup with their closest competitors, Key West. The ’Canes took an early lead and never looked back, winning the game 8-4 and avenging an earlier season single-point loss to the Conchs. James Mitchell netted four goals for Coral Shores. Yandel Chaguaseda scored two while Reed Tudor and Christian Gonzalez accounted for the other two. Zane Martinez was credited with three assists and Xico Reynoso-Heaton helped out on another. Brock Bynum locked down the Hurricanes’ cage, saving 15 shots from scoring.
The next victim would be the Eagles of North Broward Prep two nights later. Chaguaseda scored four against the Eagles and Tudor added a hat trick and two assists. Gonzalez scored one nad had three assists; James Mitchell, Jace Jackson and SG Paul added one each to the team total. Bynum was outstanding again, saving 14. The Hurricanes enter their final week of games prior to district at a respectable 8-5, all but ensuring a winning record this season.
Key West played again on March 28, losing to Westminster Academy at home 12-9 in a hard-fought matchup, then got back to their winning ways the following night. The Conchs played North Broward Prep on neutral ground in Tavernier, giving the Eagles a break in drive time. The Conchs, now at 7-6 on the season, defeated the Eagles in an exciting 13-12 overtime victory.
Both Coral Shores and Key West now set their sights on the playoffs, which begin on Wednesday, April 9. The teams compete in FHSAA’s 1A District 16 bracket, a grouping of seven teams, making a third match between the rivals within reason.
