Building Something: First-Year Coach Reflects on a Season of Growth for Gov. Livingston Boys Lacrosse

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, N.J. — The record may not tell the full story.Sitting at 3-11 with four games remaining, the Governor Livingston boys lacrosse team has had its share of struggles this spring. But first-year head coach Anthony Porter sees something more important taking shape — a culture built on accountability, effort and the kind of growth that does not always show up in the standings."We're proud of the progress we made, but we're not satisfied," Porter said. "The expectation is to continue raising the standard of the program, and I'm excited about the future and the direction we're headed."Along the way, two Highlanders have quietly reached individual milestones worth celebrating.McRae Eyes HistorySenior Scott McRae has been one of the most productive offensive players in the area throughout his Highlander career, and this season he reached 100 career points — a mark that put his name in the program's record books.He currently stands at 86 career goals and 54 career assists, with five games remaining on the schedule, including Wednesday's matchup against Newark Academy. The math is not lost on those following the program — 14 goals from a banner in the Governor Livingston gymnasium. Porter has not made it an issue in the locker room, preferring to let McRae's game do the talking.That has not been a problem. Even as opposing defenses have keyed in on him all season, McRae has continued to produce."Scott has had a target on his back every game as the focal point of opposing defenses, but he's still delivered consistent performances while doing a great job facilitating the offense and creating opportunities for others," Porter said.Nasto Records 200th SaveSophomore goalkeeper Kevin Nasto hit a milestone of his own this week, recording his 200th career save in the Highlanders' loss to Delaware Valley. He stopped 17 shots in that game alone — a performance that highlighted what Nasto has meant to the GL defense all season.For a player with limited varsity experience coming into the year, the achievement is a testament to how quickly he has developed."Kevin has had a phenomenal season for us and has been a major part of keeping our defense steady all year," Porter said. "There have been plenty of moments where he's bailed us out with big saves and key plays in critical situations."Porter points to Nasto's preparation as the driving force behind his growth. The sophomore studies opposing shooters during film sessions and brings a consistency to the position that Porter says belies his experience level."What's impressed me most is how fundamentally sound and composed he's been," Porter said. "At this point, he's playing with the poise and awareness of a veteran goalie, not someone still adjusting to the varsity level."Culture BuildingPorter has been candid about the challenges of his first season on the sideline, but equally clear about what he has seen from this group when adversity has hit.The Highlanders lost defenseman Mason Barker, midfielder Alec Novotny and lefty attackman Ryan Cottam to injuries at various points this spring — a significant blow to a team still finding its footing."Losing players of that caliber is never easy, but I thought the team responded well and continued to compete," Porter said.Despite the record, Porter said the Highlanders have been in nearly every game they have played — a fact that speaks to the competitive standard he has tried to set from day one."We've been in a lot of games this year, but we're also learning that in lacrosse, even small lapses in attention can determine the outcome," he said. "That's part of the growth process for a young team, and our standard moving forward is to raise the bar in those moments."Senior Leadership, Young TalentThe senior class has provided a steady foundation throughout the season. Alongside McRae, Porter praised Cyr Ryan III for his relentless work ethic and Will Sicoli for his development as a playmaker."Cyr Ryan III has been an absolute workhorse for us, doing all the little things and consistently earning chances offensively through his effort," Porter said. "Will Sicoli has really developed strong field vision and has done an excellent job finding teammates in scoring positions."But it is the younger core that has Porter most excited about what comes next. Junior Owen Maguire has been a standout on defense, regularly drawing the assignment of guarding the opposing team's top attackmen. In the midfield, sophomores Andrew Werner and Josh Kim have continued to improve, with Kim winning battles at the faceoff X. Sophomore Michael Redente has been solid as the starting long-stick midfielder."We have a talented young group, and I'm looking forward to continuing to grow this program with them moving forward," Porter said.Looking AheadWith four games left, Porter's message to the Highlanders is straightforward — competing is the foundation, but the next step is learning to finish."More than anything, this season reinforced the importance of culture, accountability and attention to detail," he said. "Maximum effort is something we'll continue to emphasize throughout the offseason — in the weight room, during training and by encouraging our players to continue developing their stick skills year-round."For a program still in its early stages under new leadership, the milestones, the character and the foundation laid this spring may matter more than any final record.The Highlanders have plenty to play for over the final stretch of the season.The Highlanders host DePaul on Saturday with a noon start. The following Wednesday, May 13, Governor Livingston will honor its senior class before a 7 p.m. home game against Dayton. Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. — a night worth marking on the calendar.