Oregon High School Preview: Summit

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Summit High School's lacrosse team enters the 2025 season with a strong sense of optimism despite coming up short in the semi-finals to Lakeridge in 2024, losing 7-5 in a hard-fought game. While Summit is poised to be a formidable force in Oregon lacrosse this season, the team faces a significant challenge with the graduation of key players, particularly in goal and defense. However, with a solid core of returning players, Summit will look to build on last year's success and take another shot at a state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Key Graduations</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Summit had several key contributors graduate after the 2024 season, and their absence will certainly be felt. In goal, All-State goalie Carson Nashem was a stalwart between the pipes and played a critical role in keeping Summit competitive throughout the season. His leadership and shot-stopping ability were invaluable, and replacing him will be one of the team's most pressing concerns. Along with Nashem, the team also loses All-State defender Cort Williams, who was a key figure in Summit's defensive unit. His ability to shut down opposing attackers and play physical on the backline will leave a gap that needs to be filled.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In addition to Nashem and Williams, Summit also loses several other key players, including All-Conference attackmen Reed Morton and Luke Conneely, who were crucial to the team's offensive success. Midfielders Sam Stephens, Tate Pulliam, and Liam Littrell (All-Conference) also graduated, leaving holes to fill in the midfield. These departures, while significant, won't overshadow the wealth of talent Summit brings back for the 2025 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Key Returning Players</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite the losses, Summit returns a core group of players that will be crucial in their pursuit of a state title. One of the top returners is All-Conference attackman Ari Villano, committed to Colorado Mesa. Villano is poised for a big year after being one of the focal points of Summit's offense in 2024. His scoring ability and vision on the field will be critical as Summit looks to replace the offensive production of Morton and Conneely. Villano has the talent to elevate his game and take on a leadership role, and he will be a key player to watch this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Summit also returns a solid midfield group, led by Braeden Robbins, who will look to step up and play a more prominent role in the middle of the field. Robbins will be counted on to provide stability and versatility in the midfield. The addition of Keegan Bodenlos as a short-stick defensive midfielder will bolster the team's defense, and his ability to disrupt opposing offenses will be essential in helping Summit control the tempo of games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Faceoff specialist Alex Nevarov is another crucial returner for Summit. Nevarov will play a pivotal role in winning possession battles and providing the offense with more opportunities. With a new goalie in the fold, Nevarov's ability to win faceoffs and create possessions will be especially important in taking some pressure off the defensive and goalie units.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the defensive side of the ball, Summit returns solid contributors like Henry Cottrell, Pierce Gordon, and Konrad Klee. Klee, a long-stick midfielder, will be an integral part of the defense and will be called upon to create turnovers and push the ball in transition. Cottrell and Gordon will help anchor the defense, ensuring that Summit remains tough and disciplined in their defensive schemes. The returning defenders will need to step up, especially as the team integrates a new goalie into the mix.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Replacing the Goalie</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the biggest questions heading into the 2025 season for Summit is who will step into the goalie position after the graduation of Carson Nashem. Late in the 2024 season, Nashem suffered an injury, and his backup was able to step in and perform admirably. That experience will be crucial for the new starting goalie in 2025, as they will need to fill some big shoes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Road Ahead</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If the team can get solid play from their new goalie, control faceoffs with Nevarov, and have breakout seasons from key returners, Summit could very well find themselves back in the state championship picture. With a core group of players and the right blend of experience and talent, Summit has the potential to compete with the best in the state and make another deep playoff run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>A Championship Mindset</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Summit's 2024 playoff run was impressive, but falling short in the semi-finals has undoubtedly left the team hungry for more. With a determined group of returners and a focused mindset, Summit will be gunning for a state title in 2025. While they may face challenges in replacing key players, the foundation of this team is strong, and they are more than capable of taking that next step in their quest for a championship. Expect Summit to be one of the top contenders in Oregon this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ari Villano","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"142","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Summit High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67be351306765"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An effective dodger from x. Can score with either hand. His speed and quickness are a real asset. Also has the ability to distribute the ball to get others involved. Committed to Colorado Mesa.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Braeden Robbins","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"180","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"143","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Summit High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67be35130682f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Good size and hard to stop once he gets going. Shows up for the big moments in big games. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Alex Nevarov","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"210","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"147","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Summit High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67be3513068cc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the top faceoff men in the state of Oregon. An absolute beast that also has speed and quickness. Not just a one trick pony, once Alex has won possession, expect him to take advantage of his massive size and make smaller defenders pay when he drives hard for his right hand shot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Henry Cottrell","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"146","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Summit High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67be351306969"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A solid defender ready to help off ball and keep his man from getting top side. More info coming soon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Cutler Hobin","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"143","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Summit High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67be351306a0d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A freak athlete who is committed to playing football at Middlebury. His raw athleticism will help anchor a defense that will have a new goalie between the pipes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Konrad Klee","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"180","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"148","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Summit High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67be351306aa4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fast up and down the field. His size and reach helps him disrupt whomever he is playing. In 2024 showed he can be a threat in transition with a couple unsettled goals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Pierce Gordon","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"180","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"146","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Summit High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67be351306b4d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fundamentally sound and likes to get his stick on attackmen's hands. Good size and weight mean offensive players will have a hard time getting leverage on Pierce. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->