By: Karlie Genevive, ’26 Summer Intern

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) is ready to crown its next Boys Lacrosse champions, as 16 teams across the East and West battle through this week’s Semifinals and Championship rounds. The action will be held on Thursday June 11 and Saturday June 14, where four state titles will be up for grabs.

“Championship week is always one of the most exciting times of the year for boys lacrosse in New York State,” stated State Coordinator Jim Amen. “Across all four classes, we have returning champions, returning contenders, and programs looking to make history, which sets the stage for an incredible weekend of competition.”

In Class A, West Genesee (Section III) returns to the state semifinals after falling in last year's championship game. The Wildcats will take on Shaker (Section 2) in the semifinal round on June 11 with opening faceoff scheduled for 7:00 PM.
The other Class A semifinal features Mamaroneck (Section I) and Massapequa (Section VIII). Those two teams will meet on June 11 at Middletown High School, with face-offs set for 7:00 PM as they compete for a spot in the state championship game.

In the Class B bracket, Niskayuna (Section 2), which competed in Class A a season ago, made a statement in the regional round with a thrilling 14-13 victory over Fayetteville-Manlius (Section III). They will now face Victor (Section V) in the state semifinals on June 11 with faceoff scheduled for 4:00 p.m.

Like Niskayuna, Manhasset (Section VIII) earned its spot in the semifinals with a narrow 11-10 win over Smithtown East (Section XI) in the regional round. They will look to continue their postseason run as they compete for a berth in the state championship game.

In Class C, defending state champion Jamesville-DeWitt (Section III) returns with its sights set on another state title. Standing in its way is Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake (Section 2), a familiar postseason foe that fell to the Red Rams in last year's state semifinal. Now, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake will have an opportunity for redemption as the two teams meet once again in the state semifinals on June 11 at SUNY Cortland, with faceoff scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

The second-Class C semifinal features another returning contender in Wantagh (Section VIII), which narrowly secured its spot in the state semifinals with a dramatic 12-11 victory over Sayville (Section XI) in the regional round. The Warriors will take on Rye (Section I) on June 11 at Middletown High School, with faceoff scheduled for 4:30 p.m. as both teams battle for a place in the state championship game.

Meanwhile, in Class D, all four semifinalists are returning participants from last year's state tournament: Marcellus (Section III), Schuylerville (Section 2), Bronxville (Section I), and Cold Spring Harbor (Section VIII).

One of the most intriguing storylines in the bracket is the rematch between Bronxville (Section I) and Cold Spring Harbor (Section VIII). The two programs met in last year's state tournament, with Cold Spring Harbor emerging victoriously. This season, Bronxville (Section I) will have an opportunity for redemption as both teams battle for a spot in the state championship game.

On the other side of the bracket, Marcellus (Section III) and Schuylerville (Section 2) will square off in a matchup featuring two teams eager to take the next step after their postseason runs ended in the regional round a year ago. Now, both programs are just one win away from advancing to the state final.

The East Semifinals will be held at Middletown HS on Thursday, June 11. Class B will begin at 4:00 PM, followed by Class C at 4:30 PM, Class D at 6:30 PM, and Class A at 7:00 PM. Class C and A will play on the turf Field while Class D and B play on Faller Field.

SUNY Cortland will host the West Semifinals for the four classes also on Thursday, June 11. Class B will begin at 4:00 PM, followed by Class C at 4:30 PM, Class D at 6:30 PM, and Class A at 7:00 PM. Class C and A will play on Grady Field as Class B and D will play on White Field.

On Saturday, June 14, all class finalists will compete at Hobart & William Smith Colleges. Class B will face off at 10:00 AM, followed by Class C at 12:30 PM, Class D at 3:00 PM and Class A at 5:30 PM.

Tickets for this event are $13.60 and can only be purchased at gofan.com. More information and a complete schedule of events can be found at nysphsaa.org.