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As a member of Suffolk County (NY) Division 1, Half Hollow Hills West sometimes gets mentioned among the “best of the rest,” after such nationally renowned programs as Ward Melville, Smithtown East, Smithtown West, West Islip and Sachem North.
But when it comes to Class of 2015 commitments, Hills West takes a backseat to no one in Division 1.
Hills West just saw its eighth — come ’em, eighth — senior verbal when faceoff midfielder Joey Caputo committed to the University of Tampa, a decision first reported by Joe Lombardi on LaxLessons.com’s Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section.
The 6-foot, 155-pound Caputo is a hard-nosed player who anticipates well and who has good agility and elusiveness.
Caputo is Hills West’s eighth 2015 commit, joining the following: Matt Benincasa, attack, Stevenson; Justin Cerniello, attack, Sacred Heart; Joe Cipoletti, defense, Sacred Heart; Malcolm Flynn, St. John’s, defense/longstick midfield; Mike McCarthy, Siena, midfield; Ryan Ozsvath, Stony Brook, attack; and Jeremiah Sullivan, midfield, NYIT.
Caputo’s cousin, defender Vince Caputo of W.T. Clarke High School (NY), decided on SUNY Oneonta.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Joey on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
The education and lacrosse potential. Tampa has a great criminal justice program and the city of Tampa has some great internships available to my major.
The lacrosse program is great and I am excited to compete for a national championship every year.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
Sacred Heart, Vermont, Fairleigh Dickinson and Vassar.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
My high lacrosse IQ and my ability to read situations on the field and react quickly.
My style of play is a fast, transition pace.
What travel team do you play on what showcase events did you participate in?
I play for Team 91 Orange 2015. I attended Long Island Under Armor tryouts, Long Island Laxfest, and some other big recruiting tournaments.
Any final thoughts?
I would like to thank my family. My parents were always supporting me as well as my siblings which was very helpful. I’d also like to thank my Team 91 coaches for helping me through the recruiting process.
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Posted In: Long Island lacrosse, Recruiting Rundown, Section 11
