Algonquin’s Healy Headlines CMass Lacrosse All Americans

Thursday, June 07, 2012

Joe Parello, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Algonquin senior Conor Healy.

Central Massachusetts is on its way up in the lacrosse world, and several of the region's stars have been named All Americans.

Algonquin senior Conor Healy headlines a group that includes senior Jeff Desko of St. John's, senior goalie Peter Latulippe of Tyngsborough and Grafton juniors Tyler Reilly and Bryan Rotatori.

Healy, who has played lacrosse since the 4th grade in the Northborough and Southborough youth programs, says the award is an honor for him, and every lacrosse program he has been a part of.

"It's a great honor, and it shows all of the hard work I've put in," Healy said. "But it also shows where players from Northborough and Southborough are, and where we are at Algonquin as a program."

Rich Luongo has coached Healy at Algonquin since the talented attacker first made varsity as a sophomore. Luongo says that Healy is one of the most complete players he's every coached, and perhaps the most coachable.

"He's so easy to coach, and he does all of the little things that most people don't notice that help us set the pace of the game," Luongo said. "He doesn't have to score goals to make an impact, he adjusts his game to whatever will give us the best chance to win… Everyone else on the team benefits from what he's doing."

Mutual respect

Both Healy and Luongo are all too familiar with Desko and his career at St. John's. The Syracuse-bound senior recorded a hat-trick as the Pioneers nearly upset Algonquin in Tuesday's semifinal. Algonquin ultimately held on for a 7-6 win, but Healy says watching Desko play is something special.

"He's a big time player," Healy said. "When he shoots the ball, it's unbelievable the speed and power he puts on it. He's special."

While Luongo may be excited about never having to game plan for Desko again, he says he respects Desko on and off the field.

"It's not just about the play on the field with all of these kids," Luongo said. "Conor and Jeff are two of the best and most respectful kids you will meet anywhere. They both truly represent what it means to be an All American."

Tyngsborough senior Peter Latulippe.

Central Mass' best goalie

Latulippe and his Tyngsborough teammates saw their magical season come to an end Tuesday as well. The Tigers came into the semifinals with a record of 21-0 largely on the back of the region's best defense, led by Latulippe in net. The senior led Central Mass in goals against average, and was a large part of the Tigers' transition offense as well. Latulippe will play at Castleton College next season.

Dynamic junior duo

Grafton's pair of high-scoring juniors have the Indians on the verge of a Central Mass title. Tyler Reilly (74G, 56A) and Bryan Rotatori (60G, 42A) were the district's two leading scorers this regular season, and were the only two players to surpass 100 points.

Healy knows that Algonquin's path to a repeat will go through Grafton's junior duo this Saturday, and hopes that history will repeat itself.

"They're both great players, and they do a great job of leading their team offensively," Healy said. "We've eliminated them the past two years, and we know it won't be easy, but hopefully we can do it again."

The Central Mass district championship game will be played Saturday at Worcester's Foley Stadium. Scheduled start time is 3:15 pm.