Oregon high school boys lacrosse: Meet the top stars of 2022 (Part 2)
By René Ferrán
SBLive Oregon is highlighting several of the top boys lacrosse players in the state. Here is Part 2 of our list. (Read Part 1 here)
All statistics are as of mid-May. Our list was created based on nominations made by Oregon high school lacrosse coaches. Many coaches did not respond. We invite fans to send us names of players they feel should be added.
Photo by Chase Allgood
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A Dylan Kranzush, Sr., Thurston
Kranzush, a first-team all-Southwest selection as a junior, kicked off his final season before heading to Division III Aurora (Ill.) University by scoring 26 goals through four games. He deadlifts more than 400 pounds, and Colts coach Ken Rodgers added that “Dylan plays and practices all year round — and I mean all year round, pretty close to 24/7.”
A Cam Lee, Sr., Canby
Lee has been the focal point of the Cougars’ attack this spring, leading the team with 31 goals and nine assists to go with 18 ground balls won. He will play for Oregon State’s club team next year. “Cam can go get a goal whenever we need him to,” coach Trey Bellmore said. “He is a big, strong lefty who draws a lot of attention. He knows when to shoot and when to make the right pass.”
D Gavin Levesque, Sr., Thurston
Levesque is better known for his play on the football field, where he was a WaFd Bank SBLive Oregon all-state placekicker for a Colts team that reached the Class 5A state final. He also shines on the lacrosse field as a first-team all-Southwest crease defender whose nickname — “Contusion” — perfectly describes his play. “A very tough defender with a great attitude,” coach Ken Rodgers said.
D Micah McGillvray, Sr., Thurston
McGillvray is an athletic 6-foot-4 wing defender and faceoff specialist who can do standing back-flips upon request. In one game this season, he won 19 of 21 faceoffs with a long pole.
D Easton Miller, Sr., Thurston
Miller returned this spring after missing his junior season due to a chipped elbow sustained while snowboarding. The wing defender helped spark the Colts to an 8-2 start this spring.
M Jake Nicholson, Sr., Century
Nicholson is a four-year starter and three-year team captain who received first-team all-Pacific recognition last spring. Jaguars coach Robert Beard called him “one of our more aggressive players” who, along with Brady Davis, “are the heart of our team.” The Grand Canyon commit is shooting at a 30% clip and has 32 ground balls recovered.
D Aidan Pedro, Sr., Canby
Pedro was a first-team all-Three Rivers selection last spring who has started for the Cougars for three seasons. The Grand Canyon commit had 24 ground balls won and 12 caused turnovers through eight games. “Aidan is a fearless leader who demands the best from his teammates,” coach Trey Bellmore said. “His lacrosse IQ is incredible. He knows where to be at all times.”
A Ryan Simmons, Jr., Newberg
The Tigers doubled their win total of a season ago by starting the season 10-2, and Simmons — a second-team all-Pacific selection last year — played a big part with 30 goals and 10 assists. “Ryan is never content with his performance,” coach Brian Wood said. “He pushes himself to get better with every rep and shot he takes.”
A Carter Sprague, So., Canby
Sprague is a versatile attacker whose value to the team can’t be assessed just on the stat sheet (10 goals, six assists, 12 ground balls won). “His ability to manage the offense and get everyone into the right position is what sets him apart,” Cougars coach Trey Bellmore said. “Carter has the ability to go both ways when dodging and puts tremendous pressure on the defense.”
A Kai Talley, Sr., Aloha-Southridge
Talley has started for the Warrior Hawks since his freshman season, playing a big part in the team’s 2021 push to the state playoffs as a second-team all-Metro selection. This spring, the Hampton University commit had 17 goals and 11 assists to go with 20 ground balls won and eight forced turnovers in the team’s first seven games. “Kai is the team’s sharpshooter, with the ability to score from attack and midfield, and typically drawing the best defenders from the opponents,” coach Paul Voas said. “His range as a shooter opens up our entire offense. His talent and athleticism let us play him at attack, midfield and even LSM (long-stick midfielder).”
G Jack Thayer, Sr., Aloha-Southridge
Thayer took over the starting job last season and earned all-Metro honorable mention as a junior. This spring, he had a 56% save percentage with 88 saves through the Warrior Hawks’ first seven games. “Jack routinely makes impressive stops from in close or far outside,” coach Jack Voas said.
M Hank Vande Brake, Jr., Newberg
Vande Brake was a second-team all-Northwest selection last spring and started this season strong for the 10-2 Tigers with 39 goals, eight assists and 40 ground balls won. “Hank is an incredibly hard-working player,” coach Brian Wood said. “He is one of the first players on the field and holds himself to the highest standards.”
M Bryson Voth, Sr., Glencoe
Voth suffered a broken collarbone that cut short his football season after three games, but the first-team all-Pacific midfielder returned this spring to help lead the Crimson Tide to a 7-7 start. He has the highest shooting percentage on the team, which coach Kaelen Stow credits to “his dedication to the fundamentals. Bryson is one of the most coachable players on the team and has earned his title as captain from such.”
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