Nate Marano enjoyed a successful sophomore campaign as a member of Foothill’s boys lacrosse team.
He scored 52 times and assisted on 25 goals to help the Knights reach the semifinals.
Marano turned his performance up another notch this season. The junior scored 87 goals and assisted on 24 scores.
His outstanding play lifted Foothill (21-1) to U.S. Lacrosse South Division and Southern Section championships, and helped Marano solidify himself as the Register’s 2014 boys lacrosse Player of the Year.
RELATED:
2013-14 All-County boys lacrosse team
Foothill’s Fox is boys lacosse coach of the year
All-County boys lacrosse: Second team
“It’s incredible, it’s a great honor,” Marano said. “It’s good to be among (past winners).”
Knights senior Warren Case was the conductor of Foothill’s well-balanced offense. When Marano scored, it’s a pretty good chance the pass came from Case, as the two displayed quite the chemistry after playing with each other the past three seasons.
“Nate is an unbelievable talent. You don’t come across guys like him every year,” Case said. “He’s a special player … it makes my job a lot easier. He’s the best player I’ve ever played with.”
In the past, Marano played basketball and had to slowly work his way into lacrosse-form the first few weeks of the season, according to Knights coach Jon Fox.
Marano’s sole focus was on lacrosse for the past year, though, and it showed. He averaged five points per game this season as opposed to 3.7 as a sophomore. His shot percentage jumped from 32 to 43.
Case said Marano made the biggest strides with his passing, and his ability to dissect defenses whenever the double team came did wonders for the team.
“It created way more options on offense. Nick (Matzek) and Kevin (Kodzis) were able to get open, and he was able to find them,” Case said. “We didn’t have to rely on Nate just (going alone) to the goal at times. We were able to work as a team a little more, and I think that’s why we were able to win.”
The effect of Marano’s passing was noticeable on the stat sheet. He led the team in goals, but Matzek scored 49, Case added 44, Kodzis had 28, Ryan Falbo contributed with 23, and Nathan Skeen poured in 21. Too many offensive weapons for one opponent to attempt to contain.
That was the case in the Knights’ 12-8 victory in the county title game against JSerra, when five Foothill players posted at least two goals.
Marano’s presence alone caused problems for opposing teams. And unfortunately for those coaches, they’ll still have to game plan for him next season.
Contact the writer: amorales@ocregister.com
