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Sports

Howell Lacrosse Looks to Continue Recent Success

Rebels boys lacrosse team will turn to veterans as program continues to improve.

Each year, it's been the same routine for the Howell Rebels boys lacrosse program.

This year, however, as ninth-year coach Derek Reichenbecher scans his roster, he can't help but smile.

Last season, the Rebels finished the season strong, upsetting fourth-seeded Jackson Memorial in the Shore Conference Tournament along with Southern Regional in the state playoffs.

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While Howell is certainly losing experienced talent, the head coach said there is no reason for his squad not to be better this time around.

"We look to be strong in both the midfield and attack," Reichenbecher said, "We have more depth in those areas than we've had in quite awhile."

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The Rebels will look to a new group of seniors in 2011, all of whom have earned experience as underclassmen. It is that experience that will help them develop as leaders.

That new group of leaders includes midfielders Rob Hart and Ryan Dambach. Both Hart and Dambach had strong all-around games in 2010, as they both played major roles in the Rebels' post-season success and finished with 26 and 19 goals, respectively.

Senior Tyler Ott, who missed all of last year with a pre-season injury, will be a huge addition to the solid midfield as well.

On attack, captain Kevin Scott and sophomore stand-out Alex Dambach -- younger brother of Ryan -- will be expected to contribute heavily offensively.

Dambach saw significant time as a freshman last year, playing along-side Scott and Howell graduate Mike Fedele, who now plays for Monmouth University.

Scott led the Rebels in goals last season with 41 and will be looked upon to do the same in 2011.

Defensively, senior Max Fontaine, along with Doug Quinn and Blase DellaValle are expected to see the most playing time in front of goalie Nick Schwarz, who is replacing long-time stand-out goalie CJ Cameron.

Sophomore Kevin Campfield will see playing time as a long-stick-midfielder, as well.

Despite Howell's success last year, Reichenbecher sees no reason why the boys in blue should not be better this time around.

"We should be stronger offensively," he said, "Most of our scorers are back and a year older. We're happy to have [Tyler Ott] back this season. The fact that he missed last year forced some of our younger midfielders to step up last year and we are hoping that experience pays off."

Clearly, the biggest question mark for Howell, who plays in one of the toughest divisions along the Shore, will be defense.

"We graduated very talented and reliable players in the defensive end," Reichenbecher said, "The players stepping in [on defense] will need to gel quickly."

While many lacrosse programs won't be recognizing Howell as a serious threat throughout the season, it is obvious that the Rebels have a chance to earn respect in the Shore Conference, as they hope to better their records from last year.

Coach Reichenbecher said the team has five goals for the year two of which revolve around the way his team plays the game. Playing in a way that he says will represent the school and the sport well are two key components to their success on the field this year.

With that success, the coach said he hopes to see the Rebels finish the year with a winning record, as the top team in the Freehold Regional High School District and as the A North champions. 

Reichenbecher also knows that two of the toughest opponents Howell will face this year come from CBA and RBC, both of which will be good measuring sticks for where the squad stands as the year goes on. 

The Rebels will have two weeks worth of regular season games before taking on the Caseys on the road on April 15. Just five days later they will welcome the squad from CBA to town in what will ultimately be a very big week for the team.

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