Rising Sun boys lacrosse preview

    The Rising Sun boys lacrosse team is relishing the opportunity to compete against some of the state's top programs.
    The Tigers captured a Susquehanna Division title last spring to earn a promotion to the Chesapeake Division which includes perennial powers Fallston, Patterson Mill, North Harford, and Bel Air.

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    "We're going to be seeing former state champions and state powers," Tigers' coach Jim Tucker said. "We're really excited. The kids are really excited and they've earned the opportunity to see what they can do."
    Tucker is optimistic Rising Sun can be competitive against top-notch competition. "We're going to see if we can do a better job as coaches and the kids can rise to the occasion," he said. "One of our goals is to stay there."
    The Tigers' motto is "I'm good. We're better."
    Rising Sun has a nice mix of 10 seniors, five juniors, nine sophomores, and a freshman.
    Senior Taylor Saubier returns in goal "He really rose to the occasion last year," Tucker said. "He looks sharp in practice." Noah Jones will serve as the backup.
    The Tigers are strong on defense with "bookends" Brandon Aro and Kyle Lammey. "They're great kids, smart kids, coachable kids," Tucker said.
    Sophomore Bryan Butler and St. Mark's transfer Ben Curran will also contribute on defense.
    Seniors Justin Hopkins and Joey Hurm will lead Rising Sun's midfield.
    Tucker also expected big contributions from Tyler Lyness and Randy Rash.
    On attack, the Tigers lost 50-goal scorer Dale Dixon to graduation, but sophomore Brad Alexander is coming off a stellar freshman campaign and classmate Connor Burkhardt will be a factor.
    Aro, Hopkins, Lammey, and Hurm are the captains.