Seaford boys lacrosse's Daniel Barone leads balanced scoring attack in win over Friends Academy
Daniel Barone of Seaford moves around the Friends Academy defense during a Nassau boys lacrosse game on Friday, May 3, 2024 in Locust Valley. Credit: Dawn McCormick
Everyone on the Seaford boys lacrosse team calls Daniel Barone “Bubba.” The senior earned the nickname before he was born, decided by his father over dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp.
It only makes sense that Barone has become one of the best feeders in Nassau, putting those skills on display by serving up a five-assist game in the Vikings’ 15-7 road win over Friends Academy in Nassau Conference C/D Friday evening.
Barone also scored two goals as he dominated behind the net, sending perfect passes to myriad cutting attackers in front of the cage. Six Seaford players had at least two goals and seven found the scoresheet.
“As I’m dodging, I’m just looking for where that slide is coming from,” Barone said. “Every day in practice I tell the guys, ‘I’ll find you if you’re open.’ And that’s what the boys did today; they got open.”
That includes Barone’s younger brother, Peter, who had two goals and two assists. The senior had a proud big-brother moment when the sophomore took a hit in front of the goal and still managed to sling the ball in for a score as he hit the ground.
“It’s just a great feeling seeing my brother succeed out here,” Barone said. “After he scored that goal, I was hyped.”
Seaford’s Jake Anzelone seemed to be everywhere on Friday, scoring three goals and causing three turnovers. He also won 10 of 15 faceoffs and collected nine ground balls.
Between Anzelone and defender George Casha, who caused four turnovers himself, Seaford held Friends Academy to three goals before the final five minutes.
“We push each other in practice to be the best we can,” Anzelone said of himself and Casha. “We know that when one of us has the ball in our sticks, good things are going to happen.”
Vikings goalie Jonathan Lent had eight saves, including a terrific stop against an undefended attacker at the end of the third quarter.
Campbell Florence led Friends Academy (8-5, 7-4) with five goals.
Seaford (10-4, 10-0) earned a much-needed win after tough losses to Nassau leaders Wantagh and Massapequa. Anzelone said the Vikings are ready for what the playoffs will bring.
“Our team has come together so much throughout the season,” he said. “I think we’re going to go pretty far this year.”
