Seven Hills boys lacrosse has shot to go all the way

MADISONVILLE – Mariemont boys lacrosse coach Steve Peterson knew what he was talking about when asked about Seven Hills having the best chance to usurp his team’s hold on the state title.

“Everyone’s talking about how good they can be,” he said prior to the season. “They’re talented and very well-coached.”

After 14 consecutive wins, including an 8-7 win against the Warriors, Seven Hills is proving Peterson’s assertions. The Stingers graduated only two players from last year and returned most of the core that’s helped build the program, including 18 seniors.

Team chemistry has been a key cog in their success.

“We have a class of seniors propelling us forward,” coach Nick Greiwe said. “They watch out for each other. That’s great for them and great for the coaches.”

Seven Hills also features an offense that scores better than 11 goals per game. As of May 6, junior attacker Georgie Fovel paced the offensive onslaught with 45 goals.

Fovel is helped on the front line by Andrew Head, Jackson Callow and Leo Fried. The trio has combined to score 57 goals.

“We’ve got a lot of unselfish guys on offense,” Greiwe said. “In years past, we’ve leaned on one or two guys to take care of the scoring. Now, any time our offense has possession, we feel we have six guys who can score.”

On the back end, the Stingers have defensemen like Jack Sizer and Ike Lanier, who have been starters for four years. Greiwe also said his midfielders have made the commitment to coming back and helping out on defense.

Seven Hills’ veteran goaltender George Karamanoukian patrols the cage and has been stout all season long.

The defense has allowed less than five goals a game.

“It’s a testament to their hard work,” Greiwe said. “A high-powered offense is great, but if you want to go far, you need defense. We have a nice blend.”

The Stingers squared off with Sycamore May 9 and play on the road against Elder May 13 to cap their regular season.

Following those two contests is the seeding meeting to determine the Stingers’ road this postseason.

“We have a shot to take it all the way. But, we’re focused on winning every day,” the coach said. “The journey is more important.”