Columbus’ Victor Arroyo (r.) is The Post’s All-City boys lacrosse Coach of the Year. (Damion Reid)
It was a year of firsts in the world of boys lacrosse, starting with Columbus.
The Sharks completed the finest season in their short history by winning the PSAL regular-season crown and Class A title for the first time in school history. For the second straight year, Midwood, the team with the most titles, had to settle for second.
The Ivy League clubs competed in a NYSAIASAA tournament for the first time. Fieldston and Riverdale both made its way to the semifinals. The CHSAA totally realigned, pitting the city’s best against the rest of the league. A young Fordham Prep came together by season’s end and made it to the Class AA semifinals.
All-City boys lacrosse Player of the Year: Matthew Fox, Horace Mann
The All-American grew in consistency and production this season while adjusting to the role as the team’s star and focal points. Fox used his superb quickness and pinpoint accuracy, from shooting on the net in his backyard, to dominate games for long stretches. He scored 60 goals and dished out 23 assists, many times being double teamed. His superb dodging skills and strength allowed him to weave through and bounce off defenders on his way to the net.
All-City boys lacrosse Coach of the Year: Victor Arroyo, Christopher Columbus
Four years ago, Arroyo started the Columbus boys lacrosse program having never coached the sport before. The school’s athletic director worked hard to learn the game and impart that knowledge to his kids. Each year the Sharks took leaps forward under his guidance and tireless effort. This season, Arroyo’s club was the PSAL’s best during the regular season and was hoisting the PSAL Class A championship trophy for the first time, after beating perennial power Midwood.
ALL-CITY FIRST TEAM
M Zander Berlinski, Riverdale
The All-Ivy League selection did whatever coach T.J. Barnett asked, whether it was attack the goal or defend. The classic two-way midfielder was always in the mix in creating scoring chances. Berlinski tallied 20 goals and 17 assists helping Riverdale to the NYSAIASAA semifinals, where he scored four times.
M Mark Bugas, Riverdale
Bugas came on strong after an injury to star attack William Hendrickson to become one of the Falcons top three goal scorers. The senior tallied 30 goals and nine assists. The All-Ivy League selection scored the winner in the team’s 8-7 double overtime win over Rye Country Day in the NYSAIASAA quarterfinals.
M Jason Chen, Cardozo
The junior midfielder was one of biggest reasons for the Judges doubling up their wins this season. The All-American selection plays the game with an endless motor and a nose for the goal. Chen can get up and down the field in a blink of an eye. He scored 32 goals and 16 assists this season.
G Chris Fiore, New Dorp
New Dorp lost the bulk of its talent from a team that won the city title a year ago, but the Cougars were right with the PSAL elite because of Fiore. The sophomore All-American selection faced the league’s most shots and had an 83 percent save percentage for the season.
M Sean Fosse, Fieldston
The senior midfielder was the motor to the Fieldston offense. Fosse was adept at attacking the cage and scoring off the bounce with a quick shot. He scored 27 goals and dished out 13 assists. Fosse found the back of the net twice in the Eagles’ NYSAISAA semifinal loss.
A Michael Guba, Fieldston
The senior moved from the team’s top crease attack to its top feeder. The Eagles’ offense ran directly through the Hamilton-bound Guba, who developed a fine chemistry with fellow stars Zack Brown and Sean Fosse. The All-Ivy League selection tallied 31 goals and 25 assists.
M Billy Nguyen, Christopher Columbus
The senior, who will try to walk on at St. John’s, was Columbus’ unquestioned leader. His speed, smarts and heart, after only picking the sport up as a sophomore, helped lead the Sharks to their first-ever PSAL Class A title. Nguyen had 28 goals and 15 assists including three and one in the final.
M John Petito, St. Joseph by the Sea
The senior developed a love for lacrosse, choosing it as his main sport over ice hockey and baseball. The All-CHSAA selection split time at midfield and attack and had the Vikings’ offense run through him. Petito scored 36 goals and 13 assists.
M Chris Smith, Fordham Prep
Coach Len DeLucia called the athletic point man the quarterback of the Rams offense. The All-CHSAA selection led the team with 41 goals and added five assists. The two-way midfielder was one of the main reasons Fordham Prep enjoyed success in the CHSAA’s top league.
M Brady Williams, Poly Prep
The Brown-bound senior combined a great knowledge of the game with one of the best left-handed shots in the city. The All-Ivy League selection tallied 42 goals and dished out 28 assists for the Blue Devils. Williams dominated games by scoring and getting his teammates involved.
A Artur Zych, Midwood
The All-American selection showed what he was worth time and time again. Zych, who tallied 31 goals and 21 assists, scored the winner to go along with two other scores in the Hornets thrilling semifinal win over Tottenville. The junior can attack the net at will when needed.
ALL-CITY HONORABLE MENTION
A Ronald Barrera, Christopher Columbus
D Michael Berstein, Fieldston
M Keane Ehsani, Horace Mann
G Conor Gowan, Fordham Prep
A Neil Hamamoto, Riverdale
A Sean Hans, Fordham Prep
M Blake Koch, Midwood
D Sal Licata, St. Francis Prep
G David Lulgjiuraj, Mount St. Michael
M Eric Reiman, Monsignor Farrell
A Jonathan Shapiro, Tottenville
G James Superka, Poly Prep
A Shamus Turner, St. Francis Prep
D Erick Ketemepi, Columbus
A Matthew Silverman, New Dorp