Star goalkeeper looks to lead Lee to the top

LEE – With the ‘Cats coming off a heart-breaking loss to Smith Academy in the western mass. quarterfinals last season, head coach Matt Kollmer’s squad expects to improve on last year’s (9-7-2) record.

With that he thinks they will be kicking around at the top of the league standings with nine returning starters including all-star goalie Heamon Williams.

“One of the best keepers in the county,” said second-year coach Kollmer of Williams. “Heamon is a big strong force and very vocal at leading our defense. He’s a big part of the success we had last year.”

Last year’s success earned the Wildcats a nine seed in the Western Mass. Division 3 tournament, and a trip to the quarters where the two seed Smith Academy (Northampton) capitalized on a fortuitous goal to advance, 1-0.

Defensive experience

This year Kollmer will rely on an experienced backline, which is anchored by a pair of big and physical seniors, Will Carroll and Jake Leprovist.

“They are our corner pieces on defense,” Kollmer said.

On the outside on defense will be Jake Simon and Ryan Kollenberger, both will be expected to help Williams keep out attackers who pack the box.

Another asset for the Wildcats is the entire midfield returns, and their experience will be imperative for Lee in order to control the midfield against talented offensive teams such as Lenox, Mt. Greylock, and Monument Mountain.

Sophomore Nick Pow expects to play a key role in the midfield alongside senior Joe Winston, Jack Harding and Salvadorian freshman, Jose Mejia.

“I have strong subs who can come in and play in the mid-field,.” Kollmer said.

Kollmer prefers to play a traditional 4-4-2, with the two attackers up front being juniors Gabriel Nogueira and John Graziano.

Graziano led the team with nine goals last year, and is expected to add to his goal tally again this year.

“I think we are better than last year,” Kollmer said.

Williams is key

However, the difference maker again will be Williams in net, whose leadership skills and focus has him poised to make the All-Berkshire team.

“I don’t think he was as focus as he could have been [last year],” said Kollmer of Williams. “I think he will be even better this year.”

If the Wildcats can score enough goals they have a chance to be at the top of the south county standings.

While Lenox tries to regroup after losing 15 seniors, the Wildcats may close the historically large gap between the two schools and surprise a lot of people in the area.

Posted by Tim Davis on August 30, 2012. Filed under High School Sports,Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry