Berkman, Warriors in attack mode
When Mikey Berkman first started playing high school lacrosse, he never thought he would make an attack on Florida’s all-time scoring record.
But four years and two schools later, Berkman has become the Sunshine State’s all-time scoring leader with 483 points.
He hopes to build on that record and help his team extend its perfect season when West Orange (14-0) hosts powerful Bishop Moore (15-2) in a boys lacrosse region quarterfinal tonight at 7.
“I was just excited to be playing in a new setting that was faster and more physical, so I wouldn’t say I was thinking this far ahead when I was a freshman,” Berkman said of his high school debut.
Tonight’s winner in Winter Garden advances to a region semifinal on Tuesday against the winner between Lake Highland Prep (9-8) and host Winter Park (17-1).
The other area boys lacrosse team still alive is Lake Mary (14-2), which travels to face St. Augustine (14-6) today.
Playing the attack position, Berkman started his career at nearby Dr. Phillips as a magnet-program student, but then transferred to West Orange for his final two seasons. It was a move that proved beneficial for the Warriors, who won their second consecutive district championship.
“I think the impact Mikey has had on our program is immeasurable,” said West Orange coach Bill Baker. “Not only does he provide immense individual skill to the field, but he has a profound effect on his teammates by making them better and helping them elevate their game.”
Baker said adapting to West Orange’s style of play was never a problem for Berkman, who first started playing the game as a fourth-grader when his father bought him his first stick.
“I don’t think that was ever an issue for Mikey,” Baker said. “He and most of his teammates have been playing together since youth ball, so he blended in nicely with what we do right off the bat.”
Berkman enters the playoffs on a roll with a whopping 48 goals and 50 assists (98 points) this season. He broke the state career points record in a 13-11 victory over Lake Minneola in last week’s district final.
“I think Mikey breaking the record is the perfect reward for a young man who approaches all aspects of the game the right way,” Baker said. “He puts in the time and effort both on and off the field to make himself better. Many kids aren’t willing to do that, especially these days.”
Berkman’s attack on the state record has been appreciated by many. He signed his official letter-ofintent with Syracuse during the fall signing period — a natural fit considering his upbringing with upstate New York roots.
“My dad introduced me to lacrosse and he played in college and high school in upstate New York, which is a lacrosse hotbed,” Berkman said. “He has a lot of knowledge and passion for the game [and it] really rubbed off on me from the beginning.”
Mikey has been a fast learner, breaking down defenses time and again.
“Ultimately, it’s his understanding of the game — he has a high lax IQ,” Baker said. “There’s many talented players in the state, but what separates Mikey is his vision and understanding of how the game is played and how the offense operates around him. He knows defenses will focus on him and look to shut him down, so he takes that and is able to use that against them.”
Berkman said he benefited on and off the field at West Orange.
“Besides the coaching staff improving me as a player and a person on and off the field, I’ve had the chance to play with a bunch of great teammates and good friends, so it’s been an amazing experience and I wouldn’t be the player or person I am today without this experience,” he said.
For Baker, Berkman and the rest of the Warriors, the 2018 season has been a rewarding one.
“This season has all been about having fun and removing the pressures to perform that we’ve had in the past,” Baker said. “It’s been a successful season and this group of boys are closer than any group I’ve coached in 12 years.
“Going out there and having fun and enjoying the time spent on the field with your brothers has paid off well with our first-ever undefeated district title [season]. Whatever the playoffs hold for us, we know that we’ve made this a fun experience that these players will remember.”