White, Dublin Jerome aim for title repeat
The Dublin Jerome boys lacrosse team’s pursuit of a second consecutive Division I state title is tied to the performance of senior goalie Brady White, according to coach Andy Asmo.
White, who transferred from Watterson following his sophomore year, helped lead the Celtics to the state championship game last season, where they defeated Upper Arlington 12-11 to finish 22-2.
A second-team all-state honoree a year ago, White had 80 saves and a .580 save percentage through 13 games this season while “playing one of the toughest schedules in the Midwest,” Asmo said.
“We, fortunately, think we have the best goalie in the state,” Asmo said. “He’s one of the many examples of what we’re proud of here – academics, athletics, leadership on and off the field.”
White takes pride in Asmo’s faith in his abilities.
“I appreciate it a lot,” he said. “I try not to think about that kind of stuff. I’m just trying to be the best person I can be.”
The Celtics are 13-2, with losses to Cleveland St. Ignatius and Bloomfield Hills (Michigan) Brother Rice. They won their third consecutive league championship, finishing 5-0 in the Occ-cardinal Division.
“We’re moving the ball super well and people are buying into wanting to win,” White said. “Selflessness is huge for this team right now.”
The Celtics are fourth in the state poll, behind Hudson Western Reserve, Upper Arlington and Hudson.
“We’re starting to get into our groove,” Asmo said. “Last season we clicked really early and got our identity. We (recently) found out how good we could be. As long as we keep that motivation going, I don’t think there’s anyone that can stop us.”
Jerome is seeking its fifth state championship and second since the OHSAA began sanctioning the sport in 2017.
White will play at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
He credits Asmo and the Jerome program for helping him prepare for the next step in his life.
“There’s no funny business when it’s time to practice, time to get to work,” White said. “You’re having fun, but we have a goal. We talk about our goals all the time every day at practice. We want to win another state championship. Everyone’s looking forward at all times, making sure we meet our goals. Coach does a great job leading us, making sure we’re practicing hard and playing hard. He’s the best coach in the state.”
Through 13 games, junior attacker Marek Tzagournis led Jerome in scoring with 31 goals and 44 assists, followed by junior attacker Preston Stucke (27 goals, 12 assists) and senior midfielder Chase
Tzagournis (23 goals, 12 assists).