Oregon High School Preview: Sunset

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sunset High School's lacrosse team enters the 2025 season with optimism, returning a solid core of players who have the potential to make a serious playoff run. After a tough 16-4 loss to Jesuit in the semi-finals of 2024, the team is determined to improve and build upon their success. Despite losing a few key players, Sunset brings back a strong group of veterans and young talent who will provide leadership and stability as they contend for a state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Key Graduations</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some strong individual performances highlighted sunset's 2024 season, but the team will need to replace key players who graduated at the end of the year. One of the most notable losses is All-State attackman Maxwell Odom, who will be heading to Westminster to continue his lacrosse career. Odom's ability to create scoring opportunities and lead the attack will be difficult to replace. Sunset will also lose All-Conference defenseman Ben Hostetler, who was a key piece of their defensive unit. Along with these two, Blake Hurley, an All-State defender, also graduates, further leaving gaps in the defense that will need to be filled.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A huge loss is Hudson Kurland, who transferred to Lake Oswego. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While these departures leave holes in the lineup, Sunset is fortunate to return a strong group of players including their All-State Goalie, [player_tooltip player_id='112553' first='Keegan' last='Puntney'], who is ready to step up and carry the team forward.</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 graduations, Sunset has several talented returners who will be crucial for their success in 2025. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On defense, Marcus Hahm returns as an All-State player, and his experience will be crucial in solidifying the team's defensive efforts. Hahm, who will also be playing as a Long Stick Middie, will provide valuable support in both transition and defense. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses and create turnovers will be pivotal in keeping Sunset competitive. Alongside Hahm, Elliot Werner, another key returning defender, will help anchor the backline and ensure that the defense remains tough and disciplined.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perhaps one of the most crucial returners for Sunset is goalkeeper [player_tooltip player_id='112553' first='Keegan' last='Puntney'], an All-Conference and All-State selection headed to Westminster. His experience and ability to make key saves will be essential in keeping the team in games. Puntney's leadership in goal, along with his ability to stop shots and communicate with his defenders, will be a major factor in Sunset's ability to defend against some of the state's best offenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In addition to the defensive and goalie strength, the midfield will be a key area for Sunset this season, with Archie Gold returning as a solid contributor. The midfield unit will need to step up to replace some of the lost offensive firepower from last year, especially in terms of generating scoring chances and controlling the tempo of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Road Ahead</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sunset enters the 2025 season with a strong foundation but faces challenges in replacing some of its graduated key players. However, with experienced returners in key positions, the team has the talent to make another deep playoff run. The key to success will be how quickly the veterans can integrate the new players into their system and get them up to speed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Puntney's stability in goal will be vital in ensuring that the team remains competitive in all phases of the game. Hahm's presence on defense, along with the contributions from Werner and Gold, will help provide a solid backbone for the team. If the new players can step up and contribute early in the season, Sunset has the potential to challenge the state's top teams and make a strong push in the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>A Playoff Contender</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although Sunset may not be the outright favorite in 2025, they are certainly a team to watch. The team is young, but loaded with potential. With a solid returning core and experienced players like Puntney, Hahm, and Gold leading the way, the team has all the tools necessary to make a playoff run. Their performance will likely depend on how quickly their youth can mature and whether they can fill the gaps left by the graduated players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The lessons learned from their semi-final loss to Jesuit in 2024 will fuel Sunset's determination as they aim to make it further in 2025. If the team can capitalize on their experience, develop team chemistry, and execute consistently, they could find themselves back in the playoffs with a shot at the state title.</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":"Marcus Hahm","_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":"175","_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":"Sunset 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-67c09980da868"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Marcus Hahm is a dynamic long-stick midfielder who excels in pressing the game in the open field. His ability to cover ground quickly allows him to disrupt the opposing offense and get the ball on the ground, making him a constant threat in transition. Marcus is aggressive with his stick checks and is always looking to create opportunities for his team. His speed and anticipation make him a valuable asset both defensively and in transition, and his ability to change the course of a game with his hustle and tenacity sets him apart as a key player for his team.</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":"[player_tooltip player_id='112553' first='Keegan' last='Puntney']","_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":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"190","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"144","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Sunset 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-67c09980da942"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='112553' first='Keegan' last='Puntney'] is a standout goalie with a tall, rangy frame that gives him a great presence in the crease. Despite his height, he has impressive quickness and exceptional ball-tracking skills, making him capable of saving low shots with ease. His ability to read the game and react quickly makes him a consistent force in the goal. Committed to Westminster, Keegan's skill set will be a tremendous asset to Joe Kerwin's team, bringing a mix of size, agility, and sharp reflexes. His goalkeeping abilities have the potential to lead Sunset deep into the playoffs and beyond.</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":"Elliot Werner","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_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":"Sunset 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-67c09980da9d5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Elliot Werner is an impressive sophomore defenseman who made an immediate impact as a freshman, earning All-Conference honors. His defensive instincts are already elite, with a strong ability to read the game and anticipate the opposition's moves. Elliot is tough in one-on-one situations, using his speed and positioning to shut down attackers effectively. He's physical when needed but also smart about when to play with discipline. As he continues to mature and gain experience, Elliot's defensive game is only going to improve. With his strong foundation, look for him to be a standout on defense for years to come.<br><br><br><br></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":"Archie Gold","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_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":"Sunset 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-67c09980daa57"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Archie Gold is a dynamic offensive player who excels both as a midfielder and attackman. He has a strong ability to both score and distribute the ball, making him a constant threat on the field. His vision is exceptional, always keeps his eyes up to find open teammates and set up plays. At the same time, he is highly capable of taking the ball to the cage and finishing himself when the opportunity arises. I expect Archie's game to truly reach a new level in 2025 as he continues to develop his skills and sharpen his offensive awareness. Whether creating for others or taking matters into his own hands, Archie's versatility makes him a key asset to any offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->