Dulaney's boys lacrosse team has more balance, talent and experience than in past seasons. The Lions bring back nine starters from a 14-4 squad.
"We are returning the most talent and experience that I've ever had," Dulaney fifth-year coach Kyle Fiat said. "I think the strength of our team is balance across all positions. We have pieces to put together as far as some intangibles. Leadership, accountability. But that is part of the process."
Fiat said his team is on a mission to return to a Class 4A/3A state tournament after losing in the semifinal round to Howard, 8-4, last-May.
"We talk about that goal daily," Flat said. "You go to the state semifinals and you get that burning inside of you. It was a huge motivation for this offseason a great motivation. We did a ton of offseason training. They understood why the commitment needed to be made."
Returning senior starting defenders Dominic Dachille and Ben Stevens and junior Paul Junkin give the Lions experience in the back.
Both Dachille and Junkin earned all-county honors last year while the 6-foot-5, 240-pound Stevens, a St. Mary's College recruit, one of the is the Lions' most physical player.
Senior Eli Oliver will support the starters and backup senior goalie Burke McManus (Roanoke).
McManus, a three-year starter and all-county player, is strong in the goal.
"He is a special goalie," Fiat said. "He is a very good ball-stopper and he is very good with his stick. His outlet passes are phenomenal. He is a big leader on the field. For a guy to anchor our defense for three years, it's so powerful."
Seniors Cameron Carter (Air Force Academy) and Garrett Michel will lead the attack. Carter had 21 goals and 29 assists last year while Michel totaled 16 goals and 10 assists.
"He is the quickest kid I have ever coached," Fiat said of Carter.
Senior James Bonnor, junior Cameron Shipley and sophomore Zach Swanson provide depth at attack.
Senior all-county midfielder Connor Benhoff (Mount St. Mary's ) will be called up to complement the offense as a starter.
Senior running mates Alex Wood, an all-county performer last year, Javon Smith, Jake Bellinger and Jeff Goss (Shenandoah) return from solid seasons.
Fiat thinks the depth at midfield will be also be a key with significant contributions expected from senior Thomas Walsh, juniors Shane Grogan and Matt Williams and sophomores Caid Dickens and Dawson Porter.