For Liberty boys lacrosse supporters, 2024 was a rollercoaster season. Already with a strong defense, it was an evolving offense that became the key for the Lions down the final stretch of the season.
After a rough start, coach Steve Fabian made some adjustments, turned up the pace and worked some young players into the mix to shake things up and overwhelm opponents with talent from all angles.
As a result, the Lions peaked at the right time, beating two county opponents in playoff rematches to take the Class 1A West Region I championship. They kept their hot streak going, reaching the program’s first state title game in over 15 years. The Lions offense scored double-digit goals in three straight playoff games during the historic run.
For his efforts, Liberty’s Steve Fabian has been named 2024 Carroll County Times boys lacrosse Coach of the Year.
“Steve and his coaching staff did an excellent job this year,” Liberty athletic director Ed DeVincent said in a statement. “The team started off slow but got better each game and were peaking at the end of the year. As AD, I want to see improvement through the year and that was accomplished and was rewarded by making it to the state championship.”
All-County first team
Brad Brown, Century, senior, attack
The leading scorer on the county champion Knights finished the year with 30 goals and nearly matched his scoring production with 29 assists.
Gavin Reid, Manchester Valley, junior, attack
Reid finished the regular season with 31 goals and 15 assists for the Mavericks, also picked up 34 ground balls.
Jack Hitchcock, Westminster, sophomore, attack
Hitchcock showed he was here to stay amongst the county’s elite for years to come, finishing with 50 points (21 goals, 29 assists) for the Owls.
Ryan Ellis, Gerstell Academy, sophomore, attack
One of the best scoring threats in the county, Ellis finished with 50 goals and seven assists in 2024. He also picked up 38 ground balls.
Chase Zepp, Westminster, sophomore, attack
Zepp was a versatile threat and consistent producer for the Owls. He finished with 31 goals and 17 assists.
Bronson Peters, Gerstell Academy, sophomore, attack
Joining Ellis on the attack for the Falcons, Peters finished with 47 goals and 28 assists.
Grant Miller, Manchester Valley, senior, midfield
Miller’s 48 total points and 38 goals both led the Mavericks in 2024. The boys soccer Player of the Year in the fall also added 10 assists and picked up 48 ground balls.
Reed Postlethwait, Winters Mill, senior, midfield
Last season’s Player of the Year had an impressive season of his own next to Cam Deming, posting 24 goals and 12 assists for the Falcons.
Andrew Owens, Winters Mill, senior, midfield
Owens put up balanced numbers this season scoring 18 goals and showcasing his passing ability with 19 assists.
Ben Lombroia, Francis Scott Key, senior, long stick midfield
A second team selection in 2023, Lomboria’s 14-goal, four-assist season for the regional finalist Eagles earned him a first team selection this year.
JT Ferguson, Century, junior, defense
A top defender all season, Ferguson’s relentless defense helped the Knights capture the county title. He stepped up big in the playoffs as the Knights smothered an explosive Winters Mill offense for a win in the regional semifinals.
Andrew Vogel, Francis Scott Key, senior, defense
Another 2023 second team selection making the jump to first team in 2024, Vogel improved all season for the Eagles, leading a tough defensive unit.
Scott Domboski, Winters Mill, senior, defense
One of the best defenders in the county, Domboski has been chosen to the first team for the second straight season.
Jackson Shekore, South Carroll, senior, defense
Shekore earns a first team selection after an impressive season as the Cavaliers’ defensive leader.
Max Johnson, Westminster, senior, faceoff
Johnson once again was ranked as the county’s top faceoff man with a 66.3% win percentage in 14 games. He was even better during county matchups, with a 68.9% win percentage.
Colin McNamara, Westminster, senior, goalie
Just like his teammate, McNamara came into the year with expectations as the county’s best and backed it up all season. McNamara finished with a 62% save percentage.
All-County second team
Gary Bavetta, Francis Scott Key, senior, attack
Connor Fique, Manchester Valley, junior, attack
Caden Petrucci , South Carroll, senior attack
Cutter Stanton, South Carroll, junior attack
Mason Ambrose, Liberty, senior, midfield
Ethan Carpenetti, Liberty, freshman, midfield
Dom Damico Century, junior, long stick midfield
Nate McLaughlin, Century, senior midfield
Jacob Speigle, Westminster, sophomore, midfield
Gannon Hackler, Manchester Valley, defense
Tyler Leppert, Westminster, senior defense
Nick Marsicano, Liberty, senior defense
Wyatt McNamara, Westminster, junior defense
Jacob Ushamirski, Century, freshman, goalie
