ABX LAX Fiesta U10 Champions from left, Coach Jennifer Martinez, Liam Hand, Korbin Parton, David Hargather, Aubry Hand, Antonio Martinez, Ronan Parton. Back row from left, Michael Rosenow and Devlin Rosenow (elevated). Rhys Rosenow kneeling and Elijah Martinez chillaxing. Future players Amber Martinez and Isla Rosenow are also featured. Not present Conner Komathy, Brian Cardon and Steven Richardson.
By MICHAEL ROSENOW
LAYLAX Hilltoppers
After two festive games on Saturday and the Championship on Sunday, the U10 Toppers came out on top with a 30-6 spread over three games. The team incorporated two brothers, Liam and Aubry Hand, from the nascent Amarillo program, who were both first-year players but strong contributors. This provided us with 1-2 deep for substitutions. If you’d like to help with this chronic deficiency, read on!
Stand-out moments include the Ronan brothers both joining the Santa Fe team for their opening game. Having at least a couple of substitutes in the box makes for a more enjoyable game for everyone. This also leads to extra field time for the athletes and for those who know these two, there’s no shortage of gas in the tank! Our partnership with the Santa Fe team continues this weekend in Durango at both U10 and U12 levels.
First year, Brian Cardon spent his second time in the cage and between stopping nearly every shot while also cradling like a boss, he’s turning heads for the U12 coaches eyeing him for next season. Taking a stab at goalie is a big ask of the kids and returning player Rhys Rosenow quickly volunteered to do so, causing some suspicion for the coaching staff. Later seeing Rhys attempt a “coast to coast” move, where the goalie attempts to escape the cage and sling one past the opposing goalie, all suspicions were confirmed on his motive. And yes, he did sink one in!
Game three was a coach’s delight in that season standout David Hargather donned the goalie helmet and chest pad to provide regular goalie Elijah Martinez with a chance to burn off some steam and attempt a score. He did as well. Hargather did stop some great shots and much to his chagrin was unable to execute a coast to coast, due to the coach’s orders. Hopefully in Durango.
First year Conner Komathy got to spend quite a bit of time at Middie while he builds his skills and contributes to the team. Another first year Devlin Hilltoppers, received much cradle/shooting time as our youngest player. He and other early career players were critical to maintaining, as best as possible, a balanced match for the championship game against the Bears. Their rebuilding team is progressing rapidly this season, and we hope to see them hold back Durango this weekend at the Durango Duel at Fort Collins College. Details can be found here: https://www.durangorecreation.com/schedule/635507/boys-4thunder-10u
With our last tournament upon us this weekend, your Toppers will be looking to push the limits with some fake shots, no look passes, behind the back passes and maybe even another coast to coast. Your final official chance of this 2025 season to meet the team will be 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 21 in Dara Jones Field at Overlook Park in White Rock for the Lacrosse Olympics. Don’t miss it!