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With the start of the new year upon us, and the start of the 2011 season inching closer and closer each day, it’s time once again to get the perspectives of some of the area’s leading players.

We introduced this feature last year, with more than 40 players checking in with their thoughts.

If you’re interested in sharing your thoughts, drop us an e-mail at info@laxlessons.com.

Leading off is one of the nation’s top seniors, St. Anthony’s midfielder Joe LoCascio.

After splitting with rival Chaminade during the regular season last year, the speedy and athletic LoCascio helped the Friars outlast the Flyers 9-8 in overtime to win the CHSAA title.

So it should come as no surprise, the University of Maryland-bound LoCascio expects the title chase to come down to St. Anthony’s and Chaminade once again.

Here’s Joe’s perspective on the upcoming season:

What have you been doing to get ready for the season?
I have been hitting the gym very hard to give myself the edge in being stronger and faster than my opponent. Also, I have been playing a lot of pick-up basketball games to stay in shape and keep my cardio strong. Basketball is a 5-on-5 version of lacrosse. When the weather allows, I take many shots on cage in the backyard, but also find a lot of extra time in our school’s student center to perfect my shot. As a team captain, “Captains’ practices” are being held to get the rest of the squad ready for our tough schedule.

How does your schedule look, including scrimmages, and what games are you looking forward to?
Our schedule is looking tough as usual. We’re always looking forward to playing our Long Island rival, Chaminade. This year we have picked up games against Connecticut power Darien, New Jersey’s Delbarton School and upstate’s Yorktown. Every year, these teams contend for the No. 1 spot in the country, making this upcoming season more anticipated.

What players on your team do you think will surprise some people this season?
We don’t seem to have any surprises but we are blessed with a lot of soon-to-be Division I players in:Brian Sherlock to UNC, Kieran Burke to UNC, Charlie Raffa to Maryland, Greg Danseglio to Virginia, Myself to Maryland, Tim Stackpole to Army, Matt Delea to Binghamton, Christian Bennardo to Nova and Brian Kensil to Jacksonville as well as highly recruited Matt Chanenchuk and Sean McDonagh.

What do you think the strength of your team will be this year?
The strength of our team this year will be our chemistry. Most of us played together on the football team where we won the championship, giving us the ability to already know how to win together, as a family. We all are very close and have played together not just on St.Anthony’s but on the Long Island Under Armour team and/or the Long Island Express.

How do you view the race in the CHSAA and who do you think the contending teams will be?
The race this year is going to come down to St. Anthony’s and Chaminade. Rumor has it that Holy Trinity will be stronger than usual but it’s going to come down to the the Friars and the Flyers.

* For background info on Joe, click here.

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