After exceeding expectations and developing into a contender for the county title in 2023, Winters Mill coach Darian Meador and returning player of the year Reed Postlethwait knew the team had some things to address heading into the 2024 season to keep the team among the county’s elite.
The Falcons needed a second scoring threat, new faceoff specialist and secondary distributor to fill holes and complete the lineup.
One guy excelled at all three roles: Camden Deming.
The senior wanted to win, and didn’t care what it took or how he did it, stepping up on multiple fronts for a Falcons team that fielded one of the most explosive offensive attacks in the area.
Deming posted 45 goals and 15 assists, all while holding it down for the Falcons as a faceoff specialist, defender and leader.
For his efforts, Winters Mill senior Camden Deming has been named 2024 Carroll County Times boys lacrosse Player of the Year.
“He was the best all around player by far this season,” Meador said. “Camden did so much for us. He made the sacrifices and put in the work.”
Deming instantly downplays all he did this season for one sole reason: he wanted to win.
Starting the season strong, Meador continued to instill confidence in his guy, urging him to take advantage of some great looks.
“From the time he first got to us as a sophomore I was telling him, “Dude, you have a pretty good shot, just take it,” he said. “With all the extra attention on Reed, it was his time to take advantage.”
Not only did Deming take advantage, but grew his confidence with every shot. Quickly, Deming meshed with joined Postlethwalt and the two became one of the most dangerous scoring duos in the county.
“I knew with my speed and with how much stronger I got with the offseason training that I could do well,” Deming said. “Once I gained that confidence, it kind off just took off from there.”
Even when Postlethwalt and others missed time with injuries, the Falcons’ adjustment period was made easier with Deming there to step up for his teammates. Deming scored six goals and added two assists in a win against Francis Scott Key, following that up with a five-goal performance against Atholton.
“When we lost guys or when guys went down during a game, I just wanted to step up,” he said. “I wasn’t worried about my stats or how many shots I got off. I just wanted to win.”
Perhaps nothing embodied Deming’s desire to win more than his work on faceoffs. Needing to fill the void after the transfer of last year’s specialist, Meador used a “specialist by committee” approach using Deming, Postlethwait, Andrew Owens and others.
By the end of the season, whenever the Falcons needed the ball, Meador sent Deming to fight for it.
“He came to me wanting to do it, but then we would work at it every day,” Meador said. “He saw that the team needed a guy to step up, and he put in the work and caught on pretty quickly.”
Whether it was his huge smile after scoring a goal, intense scream after winning a crucial faceoff or catching a teammate that jumped into his arms to show appreciation for an assist, Deming’s impact was second to none, leading the way for a Falcons team and cementing himself amongst the county’s best.
“It was my senior year, I just wanted to have fun,” Deming said. “I loved being out there with my guys and giving it my all. I’ll never forget this year.”
