Sparta is heading back to the big stage. The top-seeded Spartans punched their ticket to the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex boys lacrosse championship after a hard-fought win over Voorhees on May 5, setting up a title showdown at Warren Hills on May 9. Sparta captured its first and only county crown in 2024, taking down crosstown rival Pope John in a memorable final.
Meanwhile, the Morris County Tournament is heating up. The second round wrapped up with mostly chalk results—except for one notable upset. Mendham, the No. 8 seed, stunned ninth-seeded Montville 9-7 on May 4, avenging a season-opening loss in the process. Senior midfielder Hudson Loures led the charge with four goals and two assists, showcasing the kind of clutch play that defines tournament lacrosse.
With the MCT quarterfinals set for Thursday at the higher seed and semifinals on Saturday, the bracket is taking shape. Morris Knolls, one of four Waterman programs in the Top 10, cruised past Morristown Beard 17-5 in the second round. But the Golden Eagles face a daunting test ahead: a quarterfinal matchup against Chatham, which handed them a 19-5 loss earlier this season. Junior Dylan Ralston, with 25 goals and 24 assists, will need to be at his best to keep Morris Knolls alive.
On the Sussex side, Sparta's path to the HWS final hasn't been smooth. The Spartans have won just three of their last six games, but they showed resilience against Voorhees. Senior Luke Spelman and sophomore Jace Stiansen each tallied four points to lead the way in a 10-6 victory. They'll need that same grit against Warren Hills.
As for Pope John, the second-seeded Lions were stunned in the HWS quarterfinals by North Hunterdon, falling 15-14. Seniors Jack Gallucci and Hunter Parrillo have been the offensive catalysts all season, but the Lions will now watch the final from the sidelines.
With county titles on the line and the postseason heating up, the Morris/Sussex Top 10 rankings are shifting. Whether your team is chasing a championship or building for next year, one thing is certain: the lacrosse action is only getting better.